Although Natalie has always been involved in activism, her first experience with Virginia Organizing was three years ago in a sociology class where she participated in door-to-door canvassing, tabling and phone banking.
Since that time Natalie has been a tireless Virginia Organizing campus organizer at the University of Mary Washington.

Natalie and her UMW chapter members have been active on a number of different issues. They recently held a campus march in opposition to anti-immigrant legislation. “It made me really happy to see the club members and other students supporting immigrant education rights. Everyone coming together to march down campus and chant loudly was an unforgettable experience that I am definitely going to remember as a highlight.”

The UMW group have also been organizing on the local CSX campaign.  The group recently put their craft skills to use by wearing bright triangles on their shirts reading “danger” and “toxic” to highlight the danger of CSX’s rail cars carrying toxic materials.

Natalie’s future plans include going on to earn a master’s degree in instructional design, however, she plans on staying involved with community organizing. “Grassroots community organizing is important because it preserves the voices of community members and involves strategically pushing for lasting change.”