Sam is a “Financial Policy and Regulation Specialist” for Habitat for Humanity. She researches policies and regulations that affect affordable housing (both positively and negatively). Her role supports central banks and other policy makers from around the world to improve the policy climate in a way that allows affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing. She works in emerging markets and developing economies, and is hopeful that her work will eventually improve the daily lives of individuals and families that are the most vulnerable from around the world!
Her work pairs perfectly with her life “philosophy” of being open to learning and prioritizing experiencing new things. This shows up as a deep love for traveling, food, and people. It probably helps that there is so much cultural variety within her family! Sam is a duel citizen of the US and the Netherlands.
Extracurriculars
When Sam isn’t working, you can assume she is doing any combination of the following: reading, watching reality TV, cooking, trying a new restaurant, enjoying the outdoors, listening to music, dancing, or learning something new. Bonus points if any of those are happening while she is traveling! Most recently Sam had the opportunity to go on back-to-back trips to Zambia and Vietnam (a bit of work and a bit of play combined). She also spends as much time with her mom as possible; they are incredibly close!
Why we love Sam
Sam is a constant source of light and energy. There isn’t a single moment we can remember where she didn’t walk through the front door with a huge smile and an enthusiastic greeting. Her main reason for becoming a member was to FIND community, but we can confidently say she creates it. She doesn’t wait to be invited to join in; she steps into opportunities on her own – making dishes for potlucks, joining a member book club, pulling people together for lunch, taking the lead on our community service projects – all while actively connecting with others in the process. Through her desire to find her people, she’s creating a space that people want to be in! Office space isn’t our goal at Cowork – community is. And Sam is making that happen.
Q&A with Sam
How did you get into your field?
How I got here was a little bit by chance. I have always preferred working in an industry where I leave the world better than I found it. I have been working in the built and urban environment, so housing made sense! I never thought I would end up in the world of finance, but I love policy and I love working in an international context. The niche subject of affordable housing finance policy is really fascinating and has opened me up to a whole new world!
What inspires you and keeps you going?
My people are my motivation – I want to make my friends and family proud. But intrinsically, I want to feel like I am growing and everyday, trying to be better. It’s not linear, but giving everyday as much as I can is important to me.
Cowork Frederick members tend to be a little unconventional. How does that apply to you?
In both work and life, I am definitely of the “jack of all trades” mentality. I want to have a little experience of it all! This also ties really nicely with being a “student for life” idea. I think learning and experiencing new things, people, cultures, ideas, etc. makes life so fun – then mix that with a strong community that you can give back to and you might unlock the meaning of it all!
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Choosing one is CRAZY!!!! I think curiosity though is most important (with resilience as a close second). Curiosity and an open mind can open your world and show you perspectives you might not have even considered or imagined. It keeps you growing and learning; everything is always new and exciting.
Resilience is important because there are always bumps in the road and you can’t let them stop you! Always keep going!
Any tips for someone entering the nonprofit world?
Nonprofit work requires flexibility! Passion and a sense of purpose is what carries me through the turbulent times, and I think that is important for an often thankless industry.
Why Cowork Frederick?
I am here to build my community – it’s quite lonely working in my basement! I love how Cowork Frederick is integrated so nicely into the downtown Frederick community as well. The energy is so open at the office, I really enjoy working here!
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?