About Me

I have been a member of OpenStreetMap US for five years, engaged in fostering open data and community collaboration. My first experience with OpenStreetMap was while working in emergency management in 2010 when the Haiti earthquake occurred. As someone trained in disaster response, I watched the events in Haiti unfold and looked for ways to contribute. It was also my gateway into other open data & software communities, such as QGIS and OSGeo, which informed my educational approach during my time at the University of Arizona Libraries.

I helped host the first MappingUSA virtual conference and, in 2022, hosted the State of the Map US conference at the University of Arizona in Tucson, marking the first in-person gathering post-COVID. I currently work at Development Seed, an organization with a long-standing commitment to OpenStreetMap. I drive our team’s community strategy by supporting OpenStreetMap events and engaging with other open geo communities. My background in geospatial technology, open data advocacy, and community engagement equips me with a unique perspective to support and strengthen OSM US.

Advancing OSM US

OpenStreetMap is more than just a map—it is a platform for civic engagement, education, and open collaboration. As a board member, I would focus on:

• Strengthening Educational Initiatives: While I was at the University of Arizona, I benefitted from the work of people who are part of TeachOSM and YouthMappers. I was the only geospatial specialist at the Library, where I taught workshops, developed learning materials, and consulted with researchers on geospatial data and tools. OSM is a fantastic resource for engaging students in geography, technology, and their local communities. I want to see OSM US build more tools and resources that make it easier for educators to bring OSM into the classroom and would work to implement a plan for growth in this area.

• Expanding Government Engagement: OpenStreetMap is gaining traction among state and local governments for data use and contributions, particularly through the Public Domain Map initiative. I want to strengthen these partnerships to ensure OSM continues to serve as a critical public resource. I would work with the OSM US team to further develop the strategy around government engagement.

• Connecting with the Global OSM Community: As one of the larger local OSM chapters, it is essential for OSM US to engage meaningfully with the global OpenStreetMap community. Strengthening these ties will allow us to learn from and contribute to the broader OSM ecosystem. I have existing connections to active contributors in Latin America and Europe.

• Exploring Opportunities with Other Open Data Communities: I am particularly interested in how OSM US can collaborate with other open data initiatives to build a stronger, more resilient network. We can ensure mutual benefit, reinforce shared values, and create a more impactful open data ecosystem by working together.

What I Bring to the Board

My career has been dedicated to making geospatial data more accessible and actionable. As the Technical Communications Lead at Development Seed, I help translate complex geospatial technology and tools into information that empowers users. Previously, I worked in academia, leading geospatial literacy initiatives and organizing GIS-focused events to connect students, researchers, and practitioners. I have also worked in emergency management and disaster response, where I saw firsthand the importance of open data in crisis situations. My strengths lie at the intersection of technology, community, and communication. I love helping non-technical users engage with geospatial data and believe that OSM US should continue to invest in making OpenStreetMap as accessible and inclusive as possible. If elected to the board, I will advocate for OSM US to grow as a leader in open data, education, and government engagement, ensuring our map remains a dynamic and valuable public resource. I would be honored to serve and look forward to collaborating with the OSM community to build a stronger, more connected, and impactful OpenStreetMap US.

More about me on LinkedIn