“Through my time at school and at HomeStart, it became obvious that understanding policy, power structures, government, and advocacy are all critical parts of supporting affordable housing development,” noted Cassidy Kraimer. The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development will soon welcome Kraimer as an Applied Community and Economic Development Fellow in political science.
“I decided to pursue graduate school specifically because of the Stevenson Center.”
At the University of Minnesota, Kraimer earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies, an interdisciplinary major. Kraimer is committed to reducing barriers to safe, decent, and affordable housing. After graduating, she served in a regional outreach role as an AmeriCorps VISTA with a Rockford-based housing counseling organization called HomeStart. When she finished her service, HomeStart hired her as its leads and marketing coordinator.
“I decided to pursue graduate school specifically because of the Stevenson Center. I had heard great things about the program from other AmeriCorps members and alumni of the program! I am so excited to learn in a classroom setting and through a placement with an organization,” Kraimer added. In her spare time, she likes to draw, be outside, be with friends and family, and run, along with knitting and gardening.
Through its applied, interdisciplinary graduate programs, the Stevenson Center cultivates leaders in public service. The center welcomes those who have at least one year of full-time experience in community development or social services, whether through employment or programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps. The Stevenson Center also manages the Peace Corps Prep program for undergraduate students interested in Peace Corps service or careers in the public sector.
Shaylin Quaid is the Stevenson Center’s public relations intern.
