Role: Founder and CEO, Tribe Development. [On Spur, I’m working as a] development consultant, overseeing the placemaking and public engagement components of the project.
How are you connected to CSU Spur?
As a CSU alumna, I bleed Green and Gold. So, when the Spur team asked me to be part of this project, I couldn’t say no. I have extensive experience in helping businesses and organizations thoughtfully engage their communities with new developments, so it was a natural fit for me. This campus symbolizes the next frontier in higher education, and I’m extremely proud to be part of it.
When did you get involved with Spur and why is it important to you?
I first started working with Spur in 2019, and what a journey it’s already been. The question we posed at the onset of the project was, “How do we engage people in a higher education campus that doesn’t grant degrees?” As a first-generation college student, I understand the barriers people face when it comes to higher education. It feels out of touch and inaccessible to many in our communities. We’re figuring out ways to remedy that by building a campus that provides educational opportunities for all. Spur is designed to attract and interact with students early to introduce new ways of thinking. The exhibits are designed to show them a clear career path forward. I wish I had those kind of opportunities when I was a kid.
What outcomes have you seen or do you expect from work at Spur?
Spur is deploying a truly pioneering model to engage the surrounding communities in this project. We are essentially creating a blueprint for other university systems to follow. We want this campus to serve as a hub for the community, so the voice of the community has been an integral part of informing it – listening to what services they need and how they want to be a part of it. This ongoing community outreach has already helped shape many of the programs that will be available as well as exhibit content. We look forward to continually assessing and evaluating as needed once it opens.
What would you like others to know about Spur?
This is a place for everyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity or background. It’s a unique way to interact with broad topics and walk away with thought-provoking lessons around food, water and health. This will be an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the surrounding communities and highlight the expertise that already exists here. I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.
