After more than a decade in newspapers, I was due for a change. But I also knew that whatever work I chose to dive into next had to be mission driven.
Right away UNMC’s mission statement — to transform lives and create healthy futures — resonated with me. When I learned that I’d be working with the Munroe-Meyer Institute, too, I knew I had landed in the right place.
I was already familiar with MMI from my newspaper days. One of my first assignments at the Omaha World-Herald was covering the Walk & Roll for Disabilities at Westroads Mall in 2013.
I became even more familiar with the annual Walk & Roll event once I was hired as the full-time health and fitness reporter a few years later. I wrote up previews and recaps of the event each year, along with coverage of the OWL Ride.
In 2018, I attended a rehearsal during theater camp. I still can feel the excitement emanating from the actors ahead of their jungle-themed production. And I remember the headache that I likely gave my now-boss by requesting to talk to a parent shortly before campers went home for the day.
A month later, I talked to MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, for the first time. In that story, he cautioned people against linking autism to violence in the wake of a shooting involving an individual who was reportedly on the autism spectrum.
Now, here I am. I’m lucky to still be writing about the inspiring people who call MMI home and their impactful work.
I’m having a blast working “on the other side.” Now I’m the person who connects media with our experts. Through press releases, the occasional UNMC Today story and the MMI Monthly newsletter, I get to showcase programming, education, research and the incredible individuals who make up the MMI community.
In the last year, I’ve learned that my MMI connection goes even deeper. It turns out that Justin Bainbridge, who’s been involved with MMI for most of his life, was a regular at my high school job at a local fast-food restaurant. When I talked to Justin and his mom, Kim, for a story this spring, I could still remember his order.
I’m thrilled to keep telling your stories, whether it’s shining a light on research, detailing new programming or showcasing a client’s success story.
And I need your help to stay in the loop. Feel free to reach out to me with anything you think might warrant a story or press release. I’m always available by email or you can track me down on Wednesdays when I’m in the building.