A Year with 20 Under 40
On May 13th, 2025, I officially graduated from the Opelika Chamber 20 Under 40 2024-2025 class.
I was, unfortunately, on bedrest as I recovered from a surgery, however, my colleagues all gathered at The Curtis House to celebrate our accomplishment. For a year, we worked hard to organize, plan, an execute a plan to revive The Curtis House greenhouse and garden to their former glory, and offer more possibilities for those in our community who suffer from food insecurity. With this renovated greenhouse, the community will be able to grow their own food - providing nourishment to families in need.
Though this process I was able to not only utilize my skills in leadership and project management, I was also given another opportunity to grow in my emotional skillset - practicing patience and empathy. I also took my first official stab at grant writing - something I’ve been wanting to learn how to do for years. Our class was also able to raise $30k in cash and in-kind donations, the most out of any 20 Under 40 class.
Being a part of the 20 Under 40 class was an experience that I will always be grateful for. Each and every one of my peers is dedicated to making Opelika a better community for us all to live and grow in. I’ve also made friends that I may not have made if it wasn’t for this program. Friends that have the same values and that I can learn from while I navigate working in community development.
A huge thank you to the Opelika Chamber of Commerce for allowing me this experience, everyone at The Curtis House for entrusting us with their project, and Ward 2 Councilwoman, Erica Baker-Norris, who helped us get the word out. With the completion of this project, we are one step closer to growing a healthier, happier, and stronger Opelika.
With Ali Rauch, the President of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Mackenzie Poole (vice president), and Saffron Koppelmann, head of Marketing & Events the day that I picked up my certificates (graduation certificate and I was voted most likely to have a Ted Talk).