Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
Role: Legislative Clerk, Minnesota Legislature
Years of legislative service: Nine
The skill or talent she’s most proud of: “If you asked me this 10 years ago, I would have said my skills on the piano, but those are long gone. So now, I’d have to say I make a crowd-pleasing cowboy cookie—oatmeal, chocolate and butterscotch chips.”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
When I started at the Chief Clerk’s Office after graduating from college, I had no idea how connected I would feel to our office’s mission. But during my first session, I saw first-hand the value of the office. Ultimately, our job isn’t just about the Mason’s Manual and the House rules. It’s really about people and providing people—members, staff, public—tools to connect with the legislative process.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
The golden rule is one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received. Treating others how you want to be treated is a constant reminder to approach life with grace, patience and empathy.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m continually inspired by the current and former employees of the Chief Clerk’s Office. Their dedication to public service is unmatched. My friend and former boss, Colleen Tollefson, inspires me to live life outside the box. She approaches life with a fun, can-do, spirited attitude and serves as a connector between people and places. She is a role model I am grateful for!
What’s one thing you love about your state?
Well, I am from Minnesota, after all, so my answer must be the lakes—all 11,842 of them! There is truly nothing better that spending time near or on the water in Minnesota. It’s a beautiful escape from the stresses of everyday life.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I recently read a few Taylor Jenkins Reid books, including “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six.” Those were great lighthearted summer reads! And if you open my Spotify account, it’s an array of genres from Mumford and Sons to The Head and the Heart to the Beatles to Eric Church. It covers almost everything!
These email responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
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