Service

The Hawkathlon is an adaptive fitness challenge for students with disabilities. It was created by my colleague Emily Zimmer, and it is the first of its kind at the University of Iowa. I was the Public Relations Director for the first two years of this now-annual event. We pair students with disabilities with buddies to complete our ten exercise stations along with 30 minutes to walk or run the track. Our goal is to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The Hawkathlon is free of cost to participants and fully funded by sponsorships. 

In our first year, Emily and I were the only event organizers. I wrote the mission statement, slogan, web content, ran our social media, and photographed the event. I also coordinated with all of our sponsors and local media to cover the event. This was a true testament to my copywriting skills. In our second year, Emily and I led an executive team of eight people. This time around, I grew in my leadership and people management skills. 

"We at the Hawkathlon aim to create inclusive opportunities to make exercise a fun and accessible activity for all. By including potential adaptations at every station, we intend to empower all of our participants. Anyone is capable of anything."

• Helped Emily put her vision for the event into words to create a mission statement and slogan, as well as reaching out to potential sponsors and partners for the event.
• Co-lead an executive team of eight people to successfully put on year two.
• Coordinated with local media and news sources to publicize the event.
• Ran our social media accounts.
• Photographed event.
• Attended local information fairs and university events to promote the event and help participants sign up.

Student Publications, Inc. (SPI) is a nonprofit corporation that oversees The Daily Iowan. I served a term as a student representative on its Board of Trustees, alongside the the director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Iowa, Melissa Tully, the publisher of The Daily Iowan, Jason Brummond, and other alumni, staff and faculty members. 

• Oversaw financial decisions and review budgeting choices for The Daily Iowan. 
• Served as the only undergraduate voice on the Board of Trustees for an undergraduate publication
• Determined criteria necessary for the Executive Editor position and conduct interviews for selection of the role.
• Assessed newsroom culture at The Daily Iowan.
• Monitored staff conduct.
  
• Considered The Daily Iowan's current range of reporting and determine which journalistic direction to move in.