Where did you grow up, and what first got you interested in studying theology and ministry?
I grew up in the Twin Cities, deeply embedded in the local church and a family that prioritized faith and spiritual community. Whenever the church doors were open, we were there! I naturally drifted into volunteer leadership roles as early as middle school and continued to participate in kids and youth ministry throughout college and young adulthood. I attended Wheaton College in Chicago and received a degree in English Writing. After a quick stint as a Literature teacher in Abuja, Nigeria, I settled into communications and social media roles for faith-based organizations.

What led you to pursuing theological education here at Luther Seminary?
I didn’t grow up believing women could be pastors—I was in my twenties when I first heard a woman preach on a Sunday morning. I accompanied my husband to all the Sunday morning adult education forums he led, and when he couldn’t be present due to work travel, I filled in for him. The pastoral staff at that church were deeply encouraging to me: not only was I permitted to teach, but God had given me the ability. They believed in me before I believed it was possible. All along, the Spirit was moving through the people around me, encouraging me in my vocational call to ministry.

My husband and I helped plant a church in Minneapolis called The Table, and I’ve been working in communications there since 2020. I’ve been given a number of opportunities to preach and teach, and as I’ve grown as a leader, so has my role on staff. When I decided my next right step was enrolling at Luther Seminary, my congregation prayed over me and sent me with their loving support.

What degree program are you in at Luther Seminary, and what are you hoping to do with your seminary education?
I started at Luther in the graduate certificate program for Cultivating New Christian Communities, one class at a time. I transferred into the M.Div. program last fall, still very part-time, while I continue working part-time and raising four kids full-time. I’m still unclear whether God is calling me to chaplaincy or pastoral ministry, but I’m hopeful that CPE will help me discern!

What has your student experience been like?
I’ve been so grateful for the various modalities of learning available at Luther. I’m close enough to campus that I can participate in in-person classes, chapel, Lunch Church, lectures and panels, and so on. When I can’t be in-person because I have a sick kid at home, I join class from Zoom! This flexibility—combined with the generosity of the Jubilee Scholarship—has made seminary possible for me in this season of my life, and I’m so grateful. In my brief time as part of the Luther Seminary community, I’ve made friends and colleagues in ministry, participated in a truly ecumenical community, and witnessed how Luther as an institution continues to adapt with these changing times.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I’m a licensed wedding officiant and did my first wedding in both English and Spanish.