Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I live in Berthoud with my husband, Brad Andrews, and our three rescue dogs, Teva, Chaco, and Zara. Brad and I met at Colorado State University on an AltBreak trip to build houses for migrant farm workers in Texas and have been married for almost seven years.

As the Marketing Manager at The Neenan Company, an integrated design-build firm headquartered in Fort Collins, I get to work with some really great people. Neenan is a big part of my life and has been for quite some time. I started working with the firm part-time in college and have been so fortunate to have opportunities to move up and grow professionally. Our projects make significant impacts for communities across the country.

I am a Larimer County native so that makes 30 years here!

What are you passionate about?

There is a Mark Twain quote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” I love experiencing new cultures and ways of life. Through travel I get to see our country and the world differently. I also work to experience a broad range of breweries - after all I would hate to miss out on a good beer!

I am also very passionate about the local food movement and taking care of those who grow and harvest our food. I am on the board for Berthoud Local, a 501(c)(3) that runs a farmers market, community garden, seed library, farm to table dinners, and agriculture community education events.

What are your hobbies?

Gardening is my main hobby - although it borders on obsession. Each year we convert more of our yard into garden space for food and wildlife habitat. It's relaxing, and it provides a major sense of accomplishment as well as food to eat! I also spend a lot of free time on the Berthoud Local Farmers Market - we started two years ago and we are creating a nice food hub in our little community.

What is your dream for Larimer County?

I grew up in Loveland and believe that Larimer County is a great place to live. I think that our communities are rooted in a pioneer spirit in which residents try to take care of each other, live a little rebelliously, and enjoy the outdoors. My dream is that Larimer County continues to embody this spirit, serves as an incubator for entrepreneurs, and takes care of those who need help.

How long have you been a member of Generation United?

Since it started! I attended the first event and was impressed with the strategies to improve high school graduation rates, so I immediately joined.

Why do you think it's important for young professionals in Larimer County to give back?

I believe that helping your community is the right thing to do. We are investing in future growth and sustainability that enables Larimer County to thrive. As a young professional, it took me a few different attempts to uncover the organizations that aligned with my priorities and personality. Once I found the right non-profits that spoke to my passions, it was easy for me to carve out time and resources to contribute. I frequently donate my graphic design skills because I can do it on my own time at home.

Why do you choose to support your community through Generation United and United Way?

United Way makes it easy for me to contribute in a meaningful way. As a member of Generation United and Women Give, I have the added benefit of learning more about its direct impact on people's lives. Generation United also offers volunteer projects and this year I helped with Pack to School. It was a fun afternoon helping kids shop for school supplies and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate.