Sam joins the network from UT Austin’s Population Research Center. There, she managed a wide-ranging portfolio of conferences, workshops, community engagement initiatives, and communications efforts. Across these experiences, her work has centered on building relationships, supporting research networks, and creating the conditions for people to do their best work.
Earlier in her career, Sam worked in Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and college access. These experiences shaped her interest in bridging research and community and helping ensure that information and resources reach the people who can benefit from them most. As a first-generation college graduate, she also brings a personal connection to LONESTARP3’s work to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for students across Texas.
Sam also brings experience in design thinking and entrepreneurship. Her work in UX design strengthened her interest in understanding people’s needs and designing programs, systems, and experiences around them. Across her work in education, research, events, and design, a common thread has been finding ways to connect people, ideas, and resources around shared goals.
At LONESTARP3, Sam leads event planning and coordination across the network while supporting communications, project management, and the development of internal systems. She is excited to help create opportunities for researchers, practitioners, and policy advocates to connect, collaborate, and turn ideas into action that benefits Texas students and communities.
A Cleveland native, Sam has made Austin home and enjoys exploring the city’s creative community, traveling, and hot yoga. She believes just about anything worth celebrating calls for a good crepe. She also previously co-owned a small 3D-printing business, taking her designs to art markets across Austin and even landing a partnership with Sunset Magazine. Sam is excited to get to know LONESTARP3 members across the state and help create the connections and experiences that move our collective work forward.
A few things to know:
- First-generation college graduate
- Background in Youth Participatory Action Research and college access
- Brings a design-thinking lens to projects, systems, and experiences
- Former creative entrepreneur and 3D-printing small-business owner
- Carries on a family tradition of celebrating life’s big moments with crepes
