Kaitlyn’s journey to higher education advocacy started out of a spirit of service. As a high schooler and in college, Kaitlyn was always busy helping at church summer camp activities, serving meals at the local food pantry, or running campus events. As a residence hall advisor, she frequently interacted with students who were struggling to afford basic supplies for class, were a semester away from dropping out over changing family circumstances, were unable to access timely mental health care, or lost financial aid without warning, even though her college was an affluent one. These situations were not accidents, but systemic problems that university or elected leaders were reticent to fix. Kaitlyn’s career as an organizer grows out of this teachable moment, politicizing potential activists over the inconveniences and injustices with clear policy solutions that they can have an impact on. 

After bouncing around the country working on voter registration and environmental campaigns, Kaitlyn moved to Washington, D.C., in 2017 to be an advocate for students on Capitol Hill. Since then, she has built a track record as a “terrifyingly efficient” organizer, finding the right spokesperson for a rapid-response event, training a new activist for a lobby meeting, delving into research to identify compelling statistics, or pitching a story to the right reporter. She loves working with national networks like CCA to leverage local success stories and build the bench of new leaders willing to tackle thorny issues facing their communities. 

 Outside of work, you’ll find Kaitlyn recharging outdoors on a long bike ride, running away to hike, or puttering around in the garden. She’ll always be tinkering on a long-term project, like perfecting her latest baking fixation or planning an adventurous vacation.