Volunteer work

Volunteer reading juror, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, December 2017 - present

Every year, I volunteer to read for the Scholastic Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running, largest, and most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers. Open to all students in grades 7-12, participation in the Awards can make a tremendous impact in a young person's life. Noteworthy past recipients include Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Robert Redford, John Updike, Lena Dunham, and many more.

Writopia Lab, a nonprofit that runs creative writing workshops and camps for kids and teens, serves as the affiliate for the D.C. metro region of the Scholastic Writing Awards. Adjudication for the writing awards start in mid-December and wrap up by mid-January — and it’s super easy. You read entries and rate them, no long explanations. Best of all it can be done completely online and remote. Contact me to ask how to take part!

Member at Large, Brookville-Seminary Valley Civic Association (BSVCA), November 2019 - present

We’ve lived in our wonderful Alexandria neighborhood since 2007 and I’ve always wanted to feel more connected to our neighbors. In the fall of 2025 I ran and won a seat on the executive board on the Brookville-Seminary Valley Civic Association, serving as a member at large. I’ve contributed by helping organize events like park cleanups and writing a monthly newsletter for our members. I hope to continue volunteering on the board and making our space better each year.