What’s your background?
My passion for this work began at an internship for Veronica’s Voice, an organization assisting women in the commercial sex industry, when I was a freshman in college. My experiences there led to a year in Prague, Czech Republic building a network of NGOs internationally, compiling best practices on helping victims of trafficking, and giving presentations and workshops on three continents. Law school felt like the best next step, especially since all individuals I worked with had legal needs. I primarily focused on public interest law topics to be better prepared for nonprofit work.
What is your role at Amara?
I’m the staff attorney for the DC area.
How long have you worked at Amara?
I’ve been working at Amara for one year.
What’s your favorite part about working at Amara?
There is no other organization doing Amara’s work in DC, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
What other causes besides people’s rights being violated during commercial sex are you passionate about?
I love animals. One of my favorite organizations is Days Inn Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, MD. Horses are brought to them through animal protection authorities from across Maryland and surrounding states. After their rehabilitation, the horses are evaluated and trained to best prepare them for adoption. They provide education and community outreach to prevent abuse and neglect. They also have a robust volunteer program where you can interact with the horses.
What’s your favorite part about working/living in DC?
I grew up in a small town in Kansas, so DC is very different! I enjoy living in a diverse neighborhood with a variety of new experiences and opportunities.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
My husband and I love road trips, so we plan a lot of day trips on the weekends. I also direct a children’s choir (Ages 3-6), and play with my dog, Daffy.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Namibia. I have only been to Ethiopia and Sudan and neither trip had the opportunity to observe wildlife. In addition to visiting the world’s oldest desert and all the wildlife, there are shipwrecks off the coast, amazing national parks (like the Giant’s Playground), and interesting German art nouveau architecture.
