Meet Kristin Underwood, AF’s New DC Programs Manager

America’s Future Foundation is excited to welcome our new DC Programs Manager, Kristin Underwood! In 2015, Kristin earned a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication and a minor in political science from Oklahoma State University. In addition to her role at AF, Kristin is the digital communications manager at The Fund for American Studies (TFAS), where she manages social media, email, and web marketing efforts. In her free time, you can find Kristin exploring DC local parks or traveling to new cities (she hasn’t been everywhere, but it’s on her list!). She also enjoys spending time with local OKState alumni, her Waterfront Church DC community, and learning and growing alongside friends across the liberty movement – especially at AF events!

Get to know more about Kristin!

What do you enjoy about your career path so far and why?
The one constant thing I’m most grateful for from my time in DC is the people I’ve been fortunate to meet. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet interesting and passionate people who want to make the world a better place. In my full-time role as communications manager at TFAS, I have the unique opportunity to connect with leaders and help share their stories.

How long have you been in DC, and what brought you there?
I’ve been in DC for nearly five years. Like many Washingtonian transplants, I caught “Potomac Fever” after interning here in college. I interned at the Capital Area Food Bank through TFAS’s academic internship program, and while participating in their philanthropy and voluntary service program, I saw the important role nonprofits play in societies. I began working here full time shortly after I graduated from college.

What has been your history with AF?
I first came to AF as a member of the Writing Fellows Program, and I haven’t stopped attending events since. AF has provided me with some of my closest friendships, and I’m thankful for the chance we have to connect with young leaders who care about advancing liberty. In addition to the outstanding network, AF has provided me with insight and education on important ideas.

What helpful skills do you hold that people could ask you for advice about?
Working at a nonprofit in digital media has given me the chance to learn a lot about the world of communications. I have experience working with a variety of communications channels, but I get most excited talking about new trends in social media and how nonprofits can leverage them to advance their missions.

What are you most excited about for the role?
I’m excited to help create rewarding events for the DC community while working alongside the phenomenal board of volunteers. We have a lot of exciting events planned for 2020, and I’m looking forward to helping the DC community build valuable connections and become more informed on important issues while doing it.

Book recommendations?
I’m currently reading The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo. It reads like a “how to” guide for young professionals who are gaining new responsibilities, and it’s been really helpful as I transition in my career.

Coffee Order?
I made a New Year’s resolution to try to not order coffee so much and instead use my Keurig at home! (But an iced caramel latte from Starbucks is always a nice treat; check with me in February to see how the resolution is going).

Favorite places to travel?
In 2019, I took my first ever trip across central Europe, and I enjoyed learning about and seeing a new part of the world. My favorite city was Prague. I appreciated seeing the history of the country leaving communism come alive through its public art scene, and the mix of gothic, baroque, and modern architecture was beautiful.

What is on your “Top 5 Fun Things To Do in DC” list?
1. Picnic at Meridian Hill Park
2. Tour Lincoln’s Cottage
3. Visit the National Zoo on a snowy day (only to watch the pandas roll down the hill)
4. Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival
5. Concerts at 9:30 Club