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Tell us about organizations, clubs, athletic teams, or other activities you participated in during your time at Goucher?

Music performance, Kratz Writing Fellowship, some TA with creative writing classes/workshops, Applestein Sweren Book Collecting Prize

Tell us about your career path?

In my role as the founder and president of an arts and culture nonprofit, I use all the skills I gained from my years at Goucher College and from the jobs I held before I founded this organization. Since graduating, I’ve been a writer, editor, performer, community leader, classroom teacher, professor, and curriculum designer. My nonprofit exists to strengthen women artists’ capacity as creators and community leaders; this is why it’s so incredibly fitting that I was able to pursue a career as a teacher, professor, and curriculum maker, thanks to my excellent education from Goucher College.

Since graduating, I’m most proud of following my instincts every step of the way, whether it was in continuing to pursue an M.F.A. in creative writing, getting certified as a secondary public school teacher, or stepping into leadership roles in shaping curriculum. Goucher was the nurturing environment where I learned to trust those instincts; the instructors I had at Goucher recognized and made room for my personal vision, especially because I was a non-traditional student.

What originally drew you to Goucher, and what experiences were most meaningful to you?

I was encouraged to apply to Goucher by many of my professors at CCBC, where I was completing an associate's degree. My instructors there guided me in pursuing a creative field, but always through the lens of stepping into leadership. I was told that Goucher would be the environment where I wouldn’t have to compromise this side of myself, and after landing at Goucher as a student, I found this to be true.

At Goucher, my fellow students and professors embraced me and met me exactly where I was. I had the chance to apply the excellent teachings and learnings I received there into my life situation; I was already a mother and a professional. My instructors recognized that my journey through college had been a non-traditional one and thus encouraged the creativity and freedom I was pursuing in my career as well.

I had so many inspiring days on campus that it’s impossible to pick just one. But I often find myself reminiscing about poetry workshops with Edgar Kunz and screenwriting workshops with Bill U’Ren. Through both courses, I changed as a writer, and as a person. I learned to trust my creative instincts and to write with abandon. Being vulnerable and sharing my work in front of a classroom of younger students was challenging, but it was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. I gained a confidence in my own creative work that I wouldn’t have been able to get from anywhere else. I am so grateful for those workshops!

How has your Goucher education empowered you to make a difference in your community, field, or the world?

Being embraced, accepted, and celebrated, despite my different journey, was monumental in my growth as a person. As a Goucher student, I got to take part in challenging conversations and explore ideas I don’t think I would have encountered in many other educational institutions.

For the most part, I experienced Goucher’s classrooms, library, and hallways as being full of passionate young souls who think progressively about our world and see themselves as having autonomy, empathy, and an important role to play. My professors and fellow students helped me think of myself as a leader.

My dream to build up women’s creative careers actually started while I was completing my studies at Goucher. I didn’t know exactly how or when, but I knew it was on the horizon. Goucher opened the doors for me to become a writing and English teacher, a school administrator, and eventually an instructional designer. My accomplishments at Goucher opened the door for me to obtain my M.F.A., which was such a bucket list item! I went into my professional career with pride and confidence, having graduated from Goucher’s challenging and nurturing program.

Now, the pieces have finally come together for me to step fully into the work I always dreamed of doing: helping other women artists, just like myself, discover and nurture their own creative dreams. 2025 has truly been a full-circle year, five short years after my graduation from Goucher. I honestly don’t think I could have stepped into my role as a leader in the arts sector without my experience at Goucher College.

What advice would you give to prospective or current students?

I think Goucher is an easy choice for most traditional students; the campus is beautiful, the instructors are of high caliber, and the food is amazing. It’s a diverse and beautiful place to grow and learn. You can’t go wrong!
But I also want to speak to the non-traditional students like me, who have returned to their education or have started it later in life. The transition from a community college was not without its challenges, but if your path is taking you that way, Goucher’s infrastructure offers a softer landing, an informed and understanding faculty, and an open-minded student body that welcomes people from all walks of life.

I knew I had it in me to reach certain goals, professionally, personally, and creatively. I feel fortunate that Goucher provided the safe space for me to climb toward those goals at my own pace. If you’re considering Goucher, take the chance. No matter what background or situation you come from, it’s a welcoming and forward-moving community of change makers. You’ll find yourself more deeply in those rooms, through the discussions, and through the inspiring opportunities that your years at Goucher will provide.

How do you stay connected with your alma mater?

I recently attended the Goucher in the City event and loved it. I’m a proud resident and huge supporter of Baltimore, and it was wonderful to discover such a vibrant and cross-generational group of interesting people who live right here and all have Goucher as our common thread. I’d be honored to get involved more with a Goucher in the City, or similar, event.

Secondly, I hope to be able to share my writing with the Kratz Center for Writing one day as a visiting author. That’s on my bucket list!

But I guess the most obvious and exciting way I’m staying involved with my alma mater is having Goucher interns work with my nonprofit this coming year. It’s just such a full-circle moment for me because I had the opportunity to get my first editing gig through that same program, working as an intern for a literary magazine. I know the rigor and structure of that program, which is why I’m proud to take on interns for my nonprofit. I’m very excited to see how this collaboration will bolster both my organization’s mission and these excellent students’ career goals. Love that program!

Share more about yourself!

I am Finnish; I came to America as a teen. My “Finnishness” is something I’ve never lost; in fact, it seems to become more and more prominent in my music and writing the older I get. While I was at Goucher, I won a prize for my book collection on the Finnish epic myth, “The Kalevala.” Fun fact? I’m still adding to the collection after all these years! It’s kind of ridiculous. I just can’t get enough of it. And it seems other people can’t either because every year, some brilliant Finnish writer comes out with yet another commentary or retelling around that epic poetry. It’s truly a national treasure for my people, and I’m hooked for life. I’m hoping to publish my own fiction inspired by it soon.