What is your day job?
Working for KEEN Energy for the last 8 years, I’ve learned to be a cross-functional-
business-ninja. With hands-on experience in solar design, operations management,
digital tools, special projects, and now I’m primarily the marketing manager. My day job
does like to change day by day but helping clients save money and grow their business
stronger is an everyday thing!
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
My family moved up here from downstate when I was about 2 years old, and I’ve been
calling this place home ever since.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
There’s something truly magical about how the seasons shift around here. Each day
feels like stepping into a new corner of the country. One moment it’s crisp and golden,
the next it’s quiet and snow dusted. This place transforms with every season, and each
change brings its own kind of wonder.
What do you do for fun?
Each year brings new opportunities for adventure, but I consistently find myself drawn to
the hiking trails, ski hills, and the water, whether on it or near it. I make it a priority to
incorporate physical activity into my routine, whether it’s going to the gym, biking,
walking, running, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, or simply taking a moment for
meditation. There’s always something fresh and inspiring that captures my attention.
How do you get involved in the community?
As the marketing manager at KEEN, I’ve embraced a dynamic role that includes
attending networking events, sharing our company’s story, and discovering new ways to
support others in business. I’m continually learning how to build meaningful connections
with both people and the community. One of the ways we give back is by opening our
doors alongside our sister company, TC Millworks, for Friday lunches, creating a
welcoming space for local engagement and connection.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
Potter’s Bakery is easily one of my current favorites. With a lifelong sweet tooth,
stepping into the shop instantly brings back childhood memories of my mother bringing
home their brightly decorated cookies. It’s a nostalgic experience that blends comfort
with tradition.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
It wasn’t exactly strange, but definitely memorable. During my time as a hot line cook, I
worked at a restaurant that operated a small makeshift lunch bar at the Traverse City
Horse Show. In a typical kitchen, you expect noise, heat, and fast-paced movement. But
at this venue, we had to work with the quiet precision of a library. Just outside the
service window was the horse arena, and any sudden clatter of pans or utensils could
easily spook the horses. It was a unique challenge but still fun.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I hold a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, earned through years of dedicated
training at Seung-ni Martial Arts in Traverse City. From the age of 8 to 22, I immersed
myself in the discipline, and the experience remains one of the most rewarding and
formative chapters of my life.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Honestly, thinking about this question and answering the other questions, I’ve learned
more about my adult self as a reflection of where my future is headed and what my new
goals should be.
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
By being a friend and continually being AWESOME!
