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Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rochester, N.Y.
Workforce and public affairs specialist, Plug Power, Inc.
I connected with Messiah Lutheran late winter, early spring of 2025. I saw the sign and that it was ELCA, so I figured I would stop in on a Sunday to attend a service and check it out. I immediately felt drawn to the messages of love, helping hands and living in the “messy middle.” I’ve been attending as often as I can since then. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the community.
My church community means “welcome” to me. It is a community where anyone and everyone is welcome to bring their entire selves and feel the love of God and one another, and to carry that into the broader world. Most everyone at Messiah has made me feel welcome and cared for.
I am the workforce and public affairs specialist for Plug Power, Inc., an alternative energy technology provider that develops fuel cell and electrolyzer systems that replace conventional batteries. Its mission is to build a green hydrogen economy.
In my position, I am responsible for co-creating long-term strategies to develop and retain a reliable and world-class workforce. Much of my work focuses on removing the barriers that exist in the workplace and in folks’ everyday lives so that they can expand their opportunities to grow and thrive as part of the workforce. I think, both broadly and in the day-to-day details, about finding solutions to what hinders an employee’s ability to sustain themselves.
I received the Rochester Area Employment Network award for efforts in hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities after being nominated by a fantastic partner at RochesterWorks, our local career center. I’ve been working with them to set up pipelines to welcome new—and honor current—folks with disabilities in our workplace. This culminated in an award, which is an honor, but by no means is the work over!
Plug Power works within some of the most complex challenges facing energy today, and we value innovation, creativity and collaboration all areas where I believe folks with disabilities shine. I set about creating meaningful ways to welcome people with disabilities here, and I successfully spearheaded several programs to do so, from workshops to tours to a summer-long internship. I made many meaningful connections in this work, and I put a lot of energy—alongside my partners and peers—into ensuring our facility was a safe and welcoming place.
I feel called to create community at whatever job I’m in. I also believe that everyone deserves to have a dignified and safe working experience. My vocation allows me to think strategically about creating an impact in the workforce, which is exciting. I also work with some of the most incredible people, both at my workplace and in the community. I feel so much hope because of the people I get to work with every day.
I’m blessed to be in a vocation where I can live out the values of loving my neighbor.
I believe that love is in every part of the work that I do—even on the hard days! Jesus and his disciples lived their lives knowing that they were loved so fully that nothing, not even death, could make their faith waiver. Jesus also showed deep care and compassion to those who were scorned by society, who were seen as less than worthy of belonging. I’m blessed to be in a vocation where I can live out the values of loving my neighbor and upholding the dignity of those who face barriers to belonging.
I have many hobbies, including knitting, reading, gardening and trying to make the perfect cup of coffee. I’m surrounded by kindhearted friends, a supportive family and three fluffy cats. I also enjoy being a tourist in my own city. I love not having to travel too far to see art, experience great food and find fun craft fairs.
I pray for peace, equity, justice and kindness. I see so much hurt in the world, both locally and abroad. I believe we can get through difficult times if we see one another, and our earth, as worthy of love and compassion.
To me, grace is the ability to turn the other cheek. Instead of having to be the “winner” or to be “right” or to have all the answers, often the most gracious thing someone can do is listen and find common ground. It’s tremendously difficult to do, but I believe grace lives in quiet moments, and we welcome grace when we can quietly sit with someone—even if we find them to be our enemy—and listen.
I’m a Lutheran because I believe that love through action can change the world.
If you’d like to nominate someone for “I’m a Lutheran,” email livinglutheran@elca.org.
