A native Vermonter, Eileen graduated with high honors from DePaul University in 2007 with a degree in international studies and a minor in community service. She studied sustainable development and social change in Central America, completed a thesis on citizen participation in economic and development policy, and worked on a community organizing initiative for Oxfam America’s Farm Bill Campaign. After college, Eileen served as an Americorps VISTA with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, where she worked to strengthen the federal nutrition programs.
Field placement: Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Eileen strengthened the capacity of federal child nutrition programs in Oregon by helping to develop a grant process that distributes funds to program sites and sponsors. She also planned and facilitated a regional Summer Food conference and compiled, analyzed, and published child nutrition participation data to direct future outreach efforts.
Policy placement: U.S. House of Representatives Hunger Caucus
Washington, D.C.
Eileen educated Members of Congress and their staff on hunger-related issues by organizing activities and briefings related to domestic and international hunger issues. She also created an e-newsletter for Caucus Members, provided assistance to help Members get involved in anti-hunger efforts in their local districts, and worked to expand the membership of the Hunger Caucus.