Major: Ag Economics and Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication
Hometown: Waverly, Nebraska
Please describe your big idea in a few sentences.
My big idea is to normalize the implementation of polypropylene shipping materials as an alternative to carboard boxes. Polypropyline opens the doors to circular shipping models because of its durable, water resistant, and non-toxic qualities. Subscription box members would receive a package, flip the mailing label over, and return the box to be reused the next subscription cycle.
What impact do you want to have on the world?
By advocating for a circular shipping economy, I will reduce environmental pressures and ensure security of raw materials. In addition, I think this movement will spur innovation that positively impacts environmental, financial, and brand awareness goals for small businesses and corporations.
How has the Change Maker scholarship and CASNR community helped you discover your passion and grow your skills?
This scholarship gave me an opportunity to deep dive into the real-world challenges I experienced in my everyday life. Rather than just acknowledging their presence, I was able to identify a potential solution and share my ideas with others. I so appreciate the Change Maker cohorts and CASNR staff that have helped me focus on executing this project.
How has your mentor/mentors shaped your experience thus far?
I feel so grateful to have been paired with Brennan Costello because he has been a fabulous mentor through multiple business ideas I have had in the past. All of the mentors have a dynamic skill set that was intentionally matched to maximize our project’s success. My experience has been wonderful, and I look forward to establishing a strong relationship with Brennan because I know, with his help, that I can launch my idea.
What advice would you have for someone who is not sure if they should apply/if their idea is big enough?
Apply. Apply. Apply. There is absolutely no idea that is too small. Most ideas are inspired by a challenge, so if you have the idea, I can almost guarantee someone else out there has experienced the same challenge. Don’t let yourself think you have to manufacture something or create something unheard of, you can create change through advocacy or equity programs. This is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up – it’ll be worth it. And just know, if the idea doesn’t work out, you built valuable relationships along the way.