Alumni - 2000-2009

What do Humboldt political science alumni do? They work for – and start-up – non-profit groups that tackle social, environmental, and cultural challenges. They lead state and local governmental agencies. They join the Peace Corps. They succeed in outstanding graduate and law schools. They teach high school. They become college professors and administrators. They staff Congressional and the State Legislative offices. They become leaders in international organizations. They practice law. They establish businesses and consulting firms. They manage political campaigns. They get elected to public office. They remain active and engaged citizens who make their communities and our world a better place.

Meet our featured Alumni

Graduates: join your fellow alumni on Facebook.

2000’s

Rhianna Brandt (2000) is a Fine Wine Sales Representative in Dunedin, Florida.

Brian Dennert (2000) teaches high school history at Royal High School in Simi Valley.

Charles Hodges (2000) is a Test Engineer with Google.

Kasio Kembo Mida Jr. (2000) is an Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, for the Federated States of Micronesia. He graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he was elected Managing Editor of the school’s Law Review.

Amy Maloon (2000) is a Secretary at the Hayward Airport. Previously she was a Kitchen Assistant at Sur La Table and a Bakery Clerk at Safeway.

Anthony Medrano (2000) earned an MA in Southeast Asian Studies in 2007 and an MA in Political Science in 2003, both from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, followed by a PhD in History from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Yale-National University of Singapore College. He has been a Fulbright Fellow and Ziff Environmental Fellow. His next book project seeks to rethink a history of Southeast Asia in the long twentieth century as a history of alien fishes and biodiversity changes. Medrano’s interest in the social history of oceans stems from his formative years at Humboldt and its intellectual ecology.  

Jessica Shadian (2000) is a Senior Fellow at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History, an institution based in Toronto, Canada, that promotes the history of international relations since the end of the Second World War.

Geoff Stiltz (2000) earned an M.A. in International Relations and National Security Studies at Naval Postgraduate School and is a Budget Analyst with the U.S. Navy.

Craig Swaim (2000) is a partner at Rostrum, whose client services include legislative and regulatory advocacy, political consulting, crisis management, and multi-state strategy. After graduating from Humboldt in 2000, he earned a master’s degree in Political Science from CSU Sacramento and then spent 10 years as a Capitol staffer, working in both houses of the Legislature and as a Legislative Analyst under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. After leaving the Legislature, Craig spent 7 years at Bayer US LLC where he led the company’s legislative efforts in 11 western states with an emphasis on healthcare, environmental, employment, and tax issues. 

Sean D. Thueson (2000) earned a J.D. from University of Wyoming and is Senior Corporate Counsel with the Siegel Group Nevada, Inc. His practice focuses on complex commercial, real estate, and construction law. 

Michael Bezanson (2001) is an Analyst for the State of Washington’s Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) program.

Dave Carolan (2001) is a Graphic Designer with Freeman Company, a brand experience company. 

Melody Dennert (2001) is an Elementary School Principal with Simi Valley Unified School District. 

Charles Douglas (2001) is an Audio/Visual Technician at Southern Oregon University. Prior to his current occupation, Charles was a publisher for the Humboldt Sentinel, an online news publication site he created in May 2005. He has also been on the Board of Directors for ACLU of Northern California.

Ryan Emenaker (2001) is a professor of Political Science at College of the Redwoods. He completed an M.A. in Social Science through the Environment & Community Program at Humboldt, an M.A. in Government from Johns Hopkins University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a Ph.D in Political Science from Brown University. SCOTUSblog, the premier news and research site on the Supreme Court, has featured his research on Court-Congress relations and also published his article on why the Supreme Court should uphold the Voting Rights Act. His writings have appeared in the Journal of Legal Metrics, PS: Political Science, Publius: The Journal of Federalism, the Journal of Political Science Education and the Encyclopedia of American Governance.

Jason Hall (2001) earned a master’s degree in Global Affairs & Translation Studies from University of Denver and is a professional linguist in Cuenca, Ecuador, offering his services to individuals requiring translation in legal, financial, pharmaceutical, and clinical research on jjhall.net.

Tamira Jones (2001) earned her M.A. from the Environment & Community Program at Humboldt in 2003 and has since held a number of positions relating to environmental policy at organizations such as the Portland Environmental Protection Association and TransForm. She is currently a Project Support Program Manager with the Earth Island Institute.

Laura Kerr (2001) is Chief Advocacy Officer with 360 Accelerator, a team of nonprofit, education, and business leaders dedicated to educational excellence and school choice growth in inland and rural regions of California. Previously, she was a Principal with LK Consulting Sacramento, a group that works to improve public education by organizing broad community support for innovative programs at critical moments, and Senior Advisor for the California Charter Schools Association. 

Bryan Maroney (2001) earned a J.D. and an M.B.A. from Willamette University and is a Partner with Davis, Arneil Law Firm, LLP. 

Matthew McGee (2001) received his Masters of Social Welfare, concentration in Management and Planning, at UC Berkeley. He is employed with the County of Marin as a Deputy Probation Officer in the Juvenile Division.

Brady Molter (2001) is a Sales Executive at Procede Software, a leading developer of Database Management Software based in San Diego.

Tim Overton (2001) earned a J.D. from Brigham Young University and is a Litigation Attorney, Diversity Consultant, and Speaker with Dickinson Wright PLLC. 

Delia Sharpe (2001) is Directing Attorney in California Indian Legal Services’ Eureka office. She received her J.D. from the New College of California School of Law. During law school, she also interned at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.

Kristan Simpson (2001) received a second bachelor’s degree in Nursing from San Jose State University and works as an ICU nurse in San Francisco. She plans to pursue a master’s degree with a focus on health care policy.

Alicia Wagner (2001) graduated with a double major in Economics. She has spent the last 10 years working for the CSU and is currently a Budget Analyst for Cal State Fullerton. Before her time with the CSU, she worked as a stay-at-home mom and as an Economic Research Analyst for the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, located in Washington, D.C. 

Justin E. Buffington (2002) is a partner at the law firm of Rains Lucia Stern, P.C., which specializes in representing peace officers in civil, criminal and administrative matters. He is also a member of the adjunct faculty at Napa Valley College, where he teaches introductory courses on criminal procedure and evidence.

Joel Calland (2002) is an Associate Governmental Program Analyst with Covered California. Previously, he was a Business Analyst at Golden1 Credit Union and a Knowledge Base Administrator for Sony Online Entertainment.

Angela Ferreira (2002) is a Real Property Agent with the City of Riverside, assisting the city with acquiring and disposing of real property assets.

Elizabeth Foster (2002) is an Office Manager for The Mellman Group, a political organization that provides opinion research and polling data to political leaders, Fortune 500 businesses, and public interest groups.

Bryan M. Grundon (2002) runs a law firm specializing in commercial civil litigation. He is also coaching high school football in San Diego. He received his J.D. from University of San Diego in 2005.

Chad Harris (2002) is a Marketing Services Manager for Covey Communications, an organization that publishes nationally distributed magazines to specifically targeted markets.

Mathew Savage (2002) works as a GIS Developer for CH2M HILL. He resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Melissa Scolari (2002) is a Deputy Legislative Counsel for the State of California. She focuses on issues relating to natural resources, education, wildlife and agriculture, harbors and navigation, hazardous materials, and public safety. Previously, Melissa was the Senior Legislative Aide for Assemblywoman Carol Liu, in which role she managed various projects pertaining to women and children, the environment, water quality and privacy. She was the Panetta intern in Washington, D.C., in 2001.

Alisia (Smith-Payne) Smith-Anderson (2002) earned an M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University-Sacramento and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy from University of San Francisco. She is currently Associate Clinical Director with Journey of Life Counseling and Assessment Services.

Steven Steward (2002) earned his J.D. at Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and was elected a Humboldt County superior court judge in June 2022. Previously, he served as a Deputy District Attorney with the Humboldt County Office of the District Attorney, as a Policy Associate for the American Public Human Services Association, representing state welfare administrators to Congress and the Administration, and worked for the Office of Congressmember Brad Sherman. 

April Armstrong (2003) started Paihama.com to provide an ecological solution to save New Zealand’s native forests and birds, while selling warm, comfortable socks.

Deepa Bhandaru (2003) is a Community-Based Educator and Writer in Seattle. She holds a Ph.D in political science from the University of Washington, where she studied critical race theory, feminist theory, and democratic theory and taught courses on human rights, freedom, and post-colonial social movements. After graduate school she led, coordinated, and designed curriculum for advocacy, arts, and SEL programs for refugee and immigrant youth. Her writing on race and power in American society has appeared in academic journals and popular media. She currently teaches political science at South Seattle College.

Adam Edgar (2003) is Founder and CEO of DGTL Marketing + Media, which provides web development, design, digital marketing, and branding services for pre-funding startups. He is also an actor in film, television, and commercials and founder of English Simple, an internet-based TOEFL prep program.

Jon Hopkins (2003) earned an M.S. in Sustainable Design from Philadelphia University and is a Permaculture Consultant and Designer with Resilience Design Solutions. Previously, he was Director and Co-Founder of PhillyEarth, a company that provides environmental education to communities regarding appropriate technologies and environmental sustainability.

Gary Morris (2003) is Senior Manager of Drug Development Operations with Allergan.

Adam Pedersen (2003) earned a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and is now a Partner with Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP, representing real estate professionals, purchasers and sellers of real estate, and owners involved in property-related disputes.

Kristin Snookal (nee Peters) (2003) earned an M.A. in Education from University of Texas at San Antonio and is now an Education Specialist with Inspire Charter Schools. Previously, she was a World History teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. 

Arjuna Twombly (2003) is an IT Help Desk employee with Twilio Inc. Previously, he was an IT Support Analyst with Carroll, Burdick & McDonough LLP, a law firm that provides insight to both businesses and government. 

Stephen Wynbrandt (2003) is the founder of Wynbrandt Farms Biodynamic Compost, located in Los Angeles.

Erin Ziegler (2003) is President, COO, and General Counsel for Eric Warren Goldman Consulting, LLC. Her previous work experience includes working as an Assistant General Counsel in the U.S. Department of Justice, a Legislative Assistant in the Office of Congressman Steve Israel, as well as duties she performed in the Office of Congressman Mike Thompson as a Legislative Correspondent.

Luke Brownfield (2004) earned his J.D. from Pacific McGeorge School of Law and is now an Assistant District Attorney in Humboldt County.

Jennifer Capuano (2004) earned a J.D. from Empire Law School and is now Secretary/Director of the Dog Park Association of Windsor. 

Shilo Chang (2004) earned a paralegal certificate from University of San Diego and is now an Operations Manager with Western Lighting & Energy Controls. 

Adam Edgar (2004) teaches English as a Second Language at the Beverly Hills Adult School. He has also taught ESL in Belgium, Spain, and Japan and is an actor in film and theatre.

Caitlin Gill (2004) is a stand-up comic. She has performed for Flophouse on Viceland, at the Oddball Comedy Tour, the Outside Lands Festival, SF Sketchfest, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and in some of the best comedy clubs in the nation. Her writing has been featured on Hidden America with Jonah Ray, the series Take My Wife and in The New York Times. She was voted Best Comedian in the East Bay Express “Best Of” Edition in 2013.

Martin Goldfinger (2004) is head of Business Development for WhiteSource, which helps businesses all over the world develop better software by harnessing the power of open source components.

Jacob Guth (2004) is Director of Food Safety with California Certified Organic Farmers, an organic certification agency. 

Harmony Kessler (2004) earned her J.D. from Golden Gate University and is now a workers’ compensation Senior Associate Attorney at Albert and Mackenzie. Previously, she was Mayor of the City of Arcata.

Luiz Guevara (2004) earned a Master of Public Administration with a focus in Non-Profit Management from San Francisco State University and is now Interim Program Director for La Cultura Cura with the Instituto Familiar de la Raza in San Francisco, which provides programs for Chicano/Latino children, youth, adults, and families. He has also worked with Neighborhood Parks Council, California Tomorrow, Youth Uprising, and Goodwill Industries.

Chad Harris (2004) is Marketing Services Manager with Covey Communications. 

Randy Hooper (2004) held the position of Planner from 2004-2014 in the Del Norte County Planning Division, where he worked on various land use and planning projects occurring in Del Norte County. Currently he serves as the Assistant Director of the Community Development Department, which oversees the County Building Inspection, Planning, Engineering & Surveying, Roads, Code Enforcement, and Environmental Health Departments. He is pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of San Francisco. Randy lives in Crescent City with his wife and two children.

Gretchen Kinney Newsom (2004) is a community leader and advocate of working families. She is the Political Director and Organizer for IBEW Local 569 – the electrician’s union – in the Greater San Diego Area and an appointed member of the California Employment Training Panel. Gretchen was previously Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, a bipartisan commission tasked with examining the causes of the financial crisis and to report their findings to the Congress, the President, and the American people. She was centrally involved in producing the Commission’s final report, which became a New York Times and Washington Post best seller – it was hailed as “the most comprehensive indictment of the American financial failure that has yet been made” and “the definitive history of this period.” She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cal Poly Humboldt, served two terms as President of the Humboldt Associated Students, and was awarded with the “Woman of the Year” honor. Gretchen is also a graduate of the prestigious California State Executive Fellowship Program.

Here is an article that sums up the work of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission she worked for: 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/03/business/03nocera.html?ref=financial_crisis_inquiry_commission

Todd Lake (2004) was the campaign manager for Humboldt County Third District Supervisor Candidate Brian Plumley.

Frances Marvel (2004) earned an MBA in Human Resources from Ashford University and is pursuing a Graduate Diploma of Law from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. She is a Business Development Partner with Vistage Worldwide, Inc., which assembles private advisory boards for CEOs and executives in order to improve business performance. She was previously a faculty member at Ashford University. 

Christopher Petermann (2004) earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix and is now a Project Coordinator with Keenan and Associates, which provides innovative insurance and financial solutions for schools, public agencies and health care organizations.

Teah O’Neill (2004) earned a master’s degree in Culture and Colonialism from National University of Ireland, Galway, and is now a partner with Get Floored, LLC.

Jeremy Smith (2004) earned an MBA from Cal Poly Humboldt and is now a Principal with Agman, a multi-strategy investment firm. His previous job experience involved investment management and real estate consulting and he has served as a board member for several firms in those fields.

Natalie Soder (2004) received an M.A. in Sociology from Humboldt in 2008. Her thesis, “Community Currency: An Approach to Economic Sustainability in our Local Bioregion,” was published in the International Journal of Community Currency Research. She is currently a Social Worker for the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services.

Matthew Sweeney (2004) earned a J.D. from Lewis and Clark College and is an Attorney with Brownstein Rask, where he focuses on litigation regarding personal injury, criminal law, and longshore and harbor workers compensation.

Devin Theobald (2004) is employed by the County of Humboldt Public Works Department – Environmental Services Division. 

Jimmy D. Vigil (2004) earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law and is now a Managing Partner/Attorney with Vigil & Alford, LLC.

Jessica Whatcott (2004) earned an M.A. in Social Science through the Environment & Community Program at Humboldt, followed by a PhD in Politics, with an emphasis in Feminist Studies and Critical Race & Ethnic Studies, from UC Santa Cruz. She is now an Associate Professor of Women’s Studies at San Diego State University.

Brett Young (2004) is a Staff Assistant at the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, where he oversees training and placement of reading volunteers in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms.

Jackie Carey (2005) has been a Realty Agent since late 1999 and now owns her own business named CareyHome Realty.

Francisco Castellon (2005) earned an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from John F. Kennedy University and is now a Mental Health Clinician with Contra Costa County.

James Corcoran (2005) earned a Social Science Teaching Credential from Cal Poly Humboldt and is a Teacher at Clayton Valley Charter High School.

Amber Felix (2005) earned a J.D. from Whittier Law School and is now Corporate Counsel with Rexford Industrial. 

Karen Gardner (2005) earned a Master of Public Administration from Sonoma State University and is now Grants & Special Projects Manager at Food For Thought Food Bank, a nonprofit that serves Sonoma County residents living with HIV or other critical illnesses. Sterling Israel (2005) earned her MS in Arts Management at the University of Oregon in 2007 and went on to become an art instructor at a number of educational institutions, including Merritt Prep to College and Vallejo Charter School. She is also the owner of Sterling|Designs, a company that hosts public and private art instruction and produces murals, illustrations, and portraits.

Kyle Knopp (2005) earned his MPA in 2009 from Sonoma State and became a credentialed Senior Executive through the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Institute for Excellence in 2013. He is currently an Analyst with the County of Mendocino. Knopp has served as City Manager for Rio Dell, California, and is the former Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the County of Mendocino, where he was recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) and secured the County’s first budget awards from GFOA and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO).

Carleigh Kude (2005) has been working in advocacy, accessibility and ADA compliance since leaving Humboldt. Kude earned a Master of Public Administration from CSU Long Beach in 2014. Carleigh is currently employed by Stanford University as Assistant Director of the Office of Accessible Education. 

Ben Logan (2005) is a Rope Access Supervisor at Mistras Ropeworks in Bishop, CA.

Ross Mack (2005) is an Appraiser with Boulder County. Previously, has been a Fund Operations Associate for Aequitas Capital Management, an investment management firm located near Portland, OR. 

Katie Mantz (2005) continued her education at Pennsylvania State University, where she obtained a B.S. in Forensic Science. She is now Instructor/Education Program Associate for the PSU Forensic Science Program. 

Alissa Morris Hessler (2005) and several other NYC creative industry transplants started Hessler Creative, a design, marketing and photography agency for which Alissa serves as the director of client relations. She also teaches landscape photography at Maine Media Workshops, Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, Palm Beach Photographic Center and Sedona Photofest. 

Cassidy Nichols (2005) is Director of Food and Beverage with Delaware North, a hospitality and food service company.

Manolo (Platin) Morales (2005) earned a J.D. from University of the Pacific and is currently Director of Community Relations with Avail, a peer-to-peer car sharing platform, as well as Chair of the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation. Previously, he was appointed by the Governor as Special Assistant and Legislative Analyst for the Office of the Insurance Advisor, where he later served as Acting Director. He has been a Legislative Advocate for both Blue Shield and the Personal Insurance Federation of California.

Marchette Stamps (2005) is a Digital Advertising Analyst with Sincro, a marketing company.

Reginald Thomas II (2005) is a Vendor Relations Coordinator with OptiFreight Logistics.

Andrea Tyler (2005) is the Chief of Staff for inDinero, a service that assists business owners in managing their finances. She has previously had experience creating a number of business start-ups, and was an admissions advisor for students at Humboldt in 2006.

Bryan Wagner (2005) is Director of Technical Support at Brady/TISCOR. He was also the Manager of a developmental group home called Joshua House in Eureka before settling in San Diego.

Erika Blackwell (2006) is Director of Sales Operations for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. 

Wyatt Bryson (2006) is Co-Owner of Mycolab Solutions, which provides laboratory and educational services to those interested in the fields of mycology and ecological restoration, and is Founder/Managing Director of Jewels of the Forest LLC, which produces health and organic mushroom-based foods. 

Gordon Bussell (2006) is working to revitalize the Hupa language by teaching teachers in the Early Childhood Program. Bussell is also working to create a first-level immersion program targeting 0-6 year-old children on the Hoopa Reservation. As a Curriculum Specialist, Bussell is charged with implementing and designing all curriculum with the help of one assistant.

Ellie Cachette (2006) is Managing Director of Cachette Capital Management, a fund-of-funds specializing in investing into venture funds, which invest into startups. Previously, she was a Mobile Software Designer for Cachette Group and the VP of Corporate Development and Product Marketing for Koombea, a mobile and web design development agency.

Ian Caliendo (2006) works in Government Relations for PG&E in Eureka.

Jake Campbell (2006) earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Research Methodology from Claremont Graduate University and is now a Public Health Data Officer for San Bernardino County. Previously, he was an Assistant Director of Admissions at Claremont Graduate University.

Brynn E. Demei (2006) now lives in her home country, the beautiful island of the Republic of Palau, where she works as a Commercial Loan Analyst for National Development Bank of Palau (NDBP). Demei will pursue her master’s degree in Public Administration, through University of San Diego’s graduate cohort program, while she lives and works in Palau.

Gentjan Droboniku (2006) completed his master’s in public policy from USC. He is a researcher for the California Public Employee Retirement System.

Jocelyn Godinho (2006) continued her education at the University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law, where she received her J.D. in 2010. During this time, she studied abroad in Austria under the guidance of Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. She now works as an Associate Attorney for a local law office in the city of Eureka.

Kyle Hendry (2006) is a Pilot with Solairus Aviation. 

Margie Janes (2006) is Senior Sales and Marketing Coordinator with Playmates Toys Inc.

Lewis Morales (2006) earned an M.A. in Political Science and Government from San Francisco State University and is currently a Learning and Development Coordinator with Stitch Fix. 

Andrew Oberst (2006) earned a J.D. from Golden Gate University and is now an Associate with McNamara Law Firm, a civil litigation defense firm based in the Bay Area.

Adam Pinkerton (2006) is pursuing a master’s degree in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators from University of Delaware and is a Social Science Teacher at Arcata High School. He has also earned a teaching credential from Cal Poly Humboldt and a master’s degree in History from Arizona State University. 

Tara Stetz (2006) is a Groups and Events Director at Yosemite’s Rush Creek and Evergreen lodges.

Rashad Thomas (2006) joined Peace Corps Tanzania upon graduating from Humboldt and was a development specialist working with various health-focused NGOs. After receiving his master’s in Public Policy from UC Berkeley in 2011, with an emphasis on non-profit management, he moved to Uganda, where he served as the Senior Director of Uganda Village Project (UVP.org), a non-profit dedicated to the holistic improvement of rural Uganda using the Millennium Village model. He is now a Financial Analyst with MedPOINT Management.

Mark Ancharski (2007) is President and Lead Cultivator of Pintail Gardens, a craft cannabis company. 

Christopher Andriessen (2007), utilizing a decade’s worth of private sector experience, recently joined Caltrans in its District 9 office as its new Maintenance Public Information Officer. The move follows two years of working for the California Department of Insurance in San Francisco.

Joey Apodaca (2007) is a Field Representative in the Los Angeles office of Member of Congress Rep. Ted Lieu.

David Backues (2007) is a Real Estate Agent in Redding, CA.

Russell Baldridge (2007) is an Assistant Manager at St. Helena Cyclery, located in Napa Valley.

Jed Haley-Brooks D’Abravanel (2007) earned his J.D. at American University. He served in the Peace Corps in Morocco. 

Elaine Hogan (2007) earned a master’s degree in International Development Studies from Norwegian University of Life Sciences and is currently a Senior Health Education Specialist with the Humboldt County Department of Public Health. Her previous experience includes volunteering with the Peace Corps (Honduras) and working as a Maternal and Child Health Educator and as a Bilingual Family Service Specialist at Northcoast Children’s Services.

Margot Hottmann (2007) is a Clinical Trials Manager – HIV with Gilead Sciences in the Bay Area. She currently is global manager for three ongoing studies for adults who are HIV positive in Europe and North America.

Mason Long (2007) is the Information Technology Services Liaison for the College of Natural Resources & Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt. He also supports campus computer labs, scientific instrument computers, and Linux computer labs throughout CNRS.

Beckie Menten (2007) earned an M.S. in Energy, Technology, and Policy from Cal Poly Humboldt and is now Program Manager for Building Electrification and Energy Efficiency with East Bay Community Energy. Previously, she had worked as Director with the Center for Sustainable Energy and Director of Customer Programs for MCE, a community choice aggregator in Northern California. She has also been employed at the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, and with the City of Arcata. As an Humboldt student, she was Co-Director at the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology and received a prestigious Switzer Foundation Fellowship for her work in the M.S. program in Energy, Environment, and Society at Humboldt.

Daniel Mora (2007) is a Mobilization Coordinator with the Central Coast Labor Council. Previously, he worked for Laborers Local 585 and Cement Masons Local 500. 

Paul Moss (2007) pursued his M.A. degree in the Environment and Community graduate program at Humboldt.

Amin Nasouf (2007) is a Solutions Specialist for Verizon Wireless. Previously he was an Administrative Assistant at Affordable Animal Hospitals, and a Supervisor at Ayres Hotels of Southern California.

Nicholas Raisch (2007) is Manager of Employee Relations with the City of Palo Alto. Previously, he worked in a variety of positions within the Service Employees International Union.

Hale Soyster (2007) is now a Student Advisor for Ashford University. Previously he was a Service Associate for OppenheimerFunds, as well as a Supervisor at Telefund.

Ben Wocken (2007) is currently serving as a Broadcast Journalist with the American Forces Network Europe Headquarters at Sembach, Germany, with the U.S. Air Force. His duties include traveling throughout the European military theater, writing, filming, editing, and producing military news and Command Information media pieces for the American Forces Network television and internet audiences. Wocken was recently named to the Dean’s List during his studies in the Master of Public Affairs program, through the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, Columbia. 

Michelle Woo (2007) earned a Master of Public Administration from University of Washington and is now Director of Leadership and Wellness at Oasis Youth Center, which creates a safe place for queer youth to learn, connect, and thrive.

Kyle Beattie (2008) earned an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from University of Southern California and is currently pursuing Ph.D. in Political Science and Government from University of Alberta. He has been a professional Spanish/English translator and interpreter for several years and has translated immigration, financial and identity documents for the governments of the United States, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

Steven Dimon (2008) is a Brand and Beverage Promoter in Fresno, CA, as well as a self-employed entertainer and live event producer.

Ethan Bergerson (2008) is a Communications Consultant for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Kaitlin Borstelmann (2008) has been working in the renewable energy industry. She has been a project and operation manager for a solar integrator (a company that pulls together all the designs, permits, solar modules, installers and state rebate paperwork for clients), overseeing both in-house employees and operations as well as managing solar installations in the field. She is currently planning to pursue an MBA with an emphasis on sustainability.

Sean Bowler (2008) earned a J.D. from Western State College of Law and is now a partner with the Law Offices of Bowler & Bowler.

Diana Campos (2008) will pursue an MFA in photography at the Pratt Institute in New York City. She writes that “I’m really glad that I am graduating with a Political Science degree instead of the obvious Art degree. As a Poli Sci major, I think I leave with a better understanding of the world I’m entering, not to mention a better understanding of what I photograph.”

Brendon Fisher (2008) was a field director and deputy campaign manager for Robert Hamilton’s congressional campaign in CA-49. After the November 2008 election, he planned to serve as field director for a ballot initiative to make instant run-off voting a reality in California. 

Christopher Hartman (2008) is pursuing a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Leith Mahoney-Maver (2008) earned a master’s degree in Publishing with an emphasis on Marketing and Business Management from George Washington University and is now Senior Digital Marketing Manager with DocuSign.

Greg Paoli (2008) earned an MBA in Data Analytics from Willamette University and is a Business Analytics Marketing Analyst with HP, where he is responsible for providing forecasts and insights describing current and future revenue. 

Shannon Patrick (2008) is a Retail Sales Consultant with AT&T Mobility.

Miranda Perry (2008) interned for League of Women Voters of Humboldt County during her last year of college at Humboldt. The experience sparked her interest in the organization and allowed her to begin work at the state level, where she held the title of Executive Administrator and Third Vice President for the League of Women Voters of California. She is currently an Assistant Administrator with the National Center for Youth Law, which works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and youth.

Terra Rentz (2008) has held a number of positions relating to government and wildlife policy. Currently, she is an Ecosystem Services Division Manager with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Previously, she was a Program Coordinator at the Roosevelt Wild Life Station. 

James Segal (2008) is a Territory Sales Manager with Banner Mattress.

Jack States (2008) is a Restoration Project Specialist at Save the Bay.

Erika Stowe-Madison (2008) earned an M.S. in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services from Bastyr University and is currently a Dietetic Intern with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics while pursuing post-graduate studies through Marshall University. Previously, she worked in Advertising Sales for Edible Ojai & Ventura County, a food and health magazine that covered changes in the food community of Ventura, CA. 

Richard Caccamo (2009) was a triple major in Nursing, Political Science, and Spanish at Humboldt. He is now a Critical Care RN-Bone Marrow Transplant with Presbyterian Saint Luke’s Medical Center.

Luke Ferrari (2009) is District Manager with BioTE Medical. Previously, he was an Associate Territory Manager for InMode Aesthetic Solutions, a company that offers radio-frequency-based and laser technologies for aesthetic procedures.

Heather Frambach (2009) earned a Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning from University of Texas, Austin, and is currently a contracted Value Chain Strategist for Kitchen Table Advisors and a Supply Chain/Ops Consultant for The Charlie Cart Project, a food education program. Previously, she’s worked for Imperfect Foods and Blue Apron, but she has also had background experience as an Urban Agriculture Planner for the City of Austin, Texas, the Community Outreach Manager for a small East Austin farmers market, and as an Organizing Fellow with Real Food Challenge, a national campaign that organizes for more local and sustainable food on college campuses. 

Trevor Grant (2009) is a Telecommunications Technician with Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable). He was previously a Financial Controller for the Hope For Life Foundation, as well as an Executive Administration Assistant for Los Angeles World Airports.

Benjamin Grunbaum (2009) is a Special Education Teacher with San Diego Unified School District.

Jess King (2009) is a Quality Service Manager with Coast Central Credit Union.

Preston King (2009) is a Business Development Manager for Experts Exchange, an organization that provides technical solutions to growing businesses and located in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Dominic Lether (2009) is an Instructional Aide with the Pasadena Unified School District.

Catherine Recinos (2009) received her J.D. with a specialization in Public Interest Law and Policy from UCLA School of Law. She is currently serving as a Public Interest Legal Fellow at the Los Angeles Black Workers Center. During law school, Catherine clerked at the California Teachers Association and at Bet Tzedek Legal Services in their Employment Rights Project. She also served as the Vice President for the Native American Law Student Association and as the Chief Managing Editor of the Indigenous Peoples Journal of Law, Culture, and Resistance. In addition, Catherine participated in the UCLA Law Tribal Legal Development Clinic, during which she helped develop criminal code for the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

Jesus Solis (2009) is an Ammunition Manager with the U.S. Army.

Erin Stredwick (2009) earned a J.D. from Chapman University and is a Staff Attorney with Dependency Legal Services of San Diego. 

Sebastian Swain-Gil (2009) earned a J.D. from California Western School of Law is now a Criminal Defense Attorney in the Law Office of Sebastian L. Swain-Gil. Previously, he was a Deputy Public Defender with Kern County.

Kathryn Taylor (2009) earned a Master of Science in Marine Systems and Policies from University of Edinburgh and is now an Assistant Area Management Biologist at Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Annalise Von Borstel-Crouppen (2009) is a licensed Real Estate Agent with Ming Tree Realtors. Previously, she was an Assistant Manager at Provident Credit Union.