134,593
Adults in Iowa without a high school credential
84,981
Adults in Iowa who do not speak English well or at all
Adult Basic Education Matters
Adult Basic Education is not a side issue. It is a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and stronger communities.
These challenges are not unique to Iowa. Across the country, more than 36 million adults are working to build the skills needed for stability, employment, and opportunity.
As a former GED student, I know firsthand how life-changing Adult Basic Education can be. My journey shaped a deep belief that systems should serve learners with dignity, clarity, and real opportunity.
That lived experience continues to guide my work. From data management and program support to leadership in Adult Basic Education, I bring both lived experience and professional insight to the field. Today, through my role with ConnectAble and my broader work in Adult Basic Education, I support programs and partnerships across multiple states while staying rooted in the needs of adult learners and the systems that serve them.
I believe meaningful Adult Basic Education is built on more than policy and performance measures. It grows in environments where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to begin again. That perspective shapes the way I approach programs, partnerships, and the work of creating equitable second chances.
People-Centered Design
I bring the perspective of someone who has been a student and understands the real barriers adults face when accessing education. I believe programs should be designed in ways that honor the dignity, needs, and potential of every learner.
Data That Tells Stories
Data matters, but it is only part of the picture. I help programs use data to better understand student journeys, identify gaps, and clearly communicate impact to funders, partners, and stakeholders.
Second Chances
Adult education is rooted in the belief that people can grow, change, and begin again. My work focuses on helping remove barriers so adults can access the opportunities, support, and respect they deserve.
How I Can Help
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every program and every community is different, just like every student story.
My work is rooted in lived experience. I've been the student, and now I work alongside programs supporting adult learners. Because of that, I care deeply about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. I can help by:
- Sharing a student voice perspective with programs or conferences
- Supporting conversations around learner-centered program improvement
- Helping connect data, student experience, and system design
- Collaborating with Adult Basic Education partners across the Midwest
I enjoy sharing my story and experiences in ways that spark conversation, reflection, and connection. My goal is not to have all the answers, but to help people think differently, ask better questions, and remember why this work matters.
