Please join us in welcoming Kristen O’Brien to the DMC team as our Sustainability Associate! Here’s a little more about Kristen:
What did you study and where?
In December, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with my bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology. As a student, I also gained certificates in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as well as Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
What drew you to the DMC internship?
Following graduation, I hoped to find a role where I could apply my education, skills, and passion to make a meaningful impact in my community. The DMC internship stood out to me because of its innovative approach and its commitment to investing in the long-term health and well-being of Rochester and its residents. Being able to contribute to work that directly supports that community I live in is incredibly meaningful to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization making such a positive difference.
What projects are you most excited to work on?
One of the projects I am most excited to work on during my time with the team is helping to design frameworks and collect data related to DMC’s Design for Well-Being initiative in the 2025 Development Plan. I believe that clearly communicating the positive impact DMC is having on the community is one of the most important aspects of any community-facing role, and I’m excited to contribute to making that impact accessible and understandable to the general public.
What’s something you hope to learn during your time here?
I am greatly looking forward to expanding my skill set by working across different areas within the organization. Gaining further experience in effective cross-departmental communication and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders will be valuable in any future career, and the flexibility required to work with so many moving parts will help me grow both professionally and personally.
How does this internship align with your career goals?
I consider myself extremely fortunate that the work I will do in this role aligns closely with my long-term career goals. I aspire to grow into a position where I manage and coordinate sustainable initiatives at the community-level, working to enhance the quality of life for all residents. In this role I have the incredible opportunity to work with Lauren Jensen and Kayla Betzold, both Sustainability Coordinators, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to learn from their guidance, expertise, and mentorship.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
My dream career as a kid was to become the first female baseball player on the Minnesota Twins!