What is your story? How did you end up in Milwaukee?

I grew up in Brookfield, Wi with a passion for sports and akin to the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I've particularly enjoyed playing golf and soccer as sports have always been my passion, and I co-founded the women's ultimate frisbee team at my alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I grew up working in my family's small business, a Greek restaurant in Waukesha, WI named Gyros West that we're thankful is still in business over 30 years later. I graduated in 2012 and moved to Milwaukee shortly thereafter to pursue a career in technology.

What keeps you in Milwaukee/What do you like best about Milwaukee?

I have a passion for genuinely getting to know others, and growing into the best version of myself. I'm thankful that my friends in Milwaukee spend their lives doing the same. This is why I have stayed here, as well as my family. I love Milwaukee's festivals and a few top tier restaurants that bring an unmatched ambiance. 

Favorite spot in the city?

Milwaukee Lakefront or Oak Leaf Trail. I love walking and biking both.

Milwaukee festival you are eager to attend each year?

Greek Fest

What drew you to Echelon?

When I attended my first event, I saw the changes immediately in people's lives. That's why I have stayed involved since 2016.

Share with us a memorable experience you have had thus far with the organization.

The first Dinner in the Alley event was focused solely on the mission over anything else, and that was what drew me to get involved in the first place. It was the summer of 2016 and I attended merely as an attendee. I enjoyed it so much that I joined Echelon a few months later in November of 2016 and I've been on almost every Dinner in the Alley Event Planning Committee since then. 

What struggles do you see our city dealing with? What can our generation do to help?

Honestly, I feel like one of the biggest issues I see our city dealing with is community. As much as I feel like I belong in this city and have my home here, I always feel like we could be doing more to make the city feel like a smaller community that people can trust and feel comfortable. With all of the recent negative events in the city, now more than ever we need to prove that we are all together in this as a whole, and putting on more events that are not only for the salvation army directly, but for the city to come together as one would be highly beneficial I believe.