Hi, I’m Autumn—a grant writer and linguist who pairs strategic storytelling with human-centered design.

I believe funding work is about connection: between a mission and the people who believe in it. At SAVE, I manage grants from start to finish, including research, proposal writing, reporting, and funder relationships, and I’ve supported the organization’s programs, outreach, and process documentation. My background in UX, web design, and linguistics helps me turn complex programs into clear, compelling narratives that funders can act on.

Outside of my nonprofit work, I run Autumn’s Cottage, an indie tarot company where I design, write, and develop decks from the first sketch to the final card. It keeps my project management, copywriting, and visual design skills sharp. Based in Minneapolis with my cat, Coraline, I spend my downtime reading, bookbinding, and learning new languages.

Highlights

Work History

• [Feb. 2025 – Present] Grant and Systems Specialist at SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
• [Jan. 2025 – Present] Freelance Designer
• [Dec. 2023 – Dec. 2024] AmeriCorps VISTA Suicide Prevention Outreach Coordinator at SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
• [May 2023 – July 2023] English Language Teacher at Liceo Experimental Bilingüe José Figueres Ferrer

Education

• [May 2025 – May 2027] Graduate Technical Communication coursework. Minnesota State University, Mankato. GPA: 4.00.
• [May 2020 – Dec. 2023] B.A. English: Applied Linguistics, TESOL minor. Winona State University. GPA: 3.69.

Volunteer History

• [Feb. 2022 – May 2023] English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for over 250 supervised hours at North Woods International School, Winona Middle School, and Red Wing High School
• [Feb. 2022 – June 2022] Social Media Content Creator at IMAA-Rochester
• [May 2022 – Aug 2022] Virtual Reading Tutor with Minnesota Reading Corps

Accomplishments

• [2023-2024] AmeriCorps VISTA at SAVE
• [2023] Outstanding Graduate (English department) at Winona State University
• [2022] Research presenter on Gender and Social Identity in SLA, in collaboration with Dr. Ethan Krase, at Ramaley Research Celebration
• [2021] International Ambassador at Winona State University

Scholarships

• [2023] Gilman Scholar – Costa Rica
• [2022] Lauray Beck Pietsch Memorial Scholarship Recipient
• [2022] Marion J. Deeren Scholarship (English) Recipient
• [2021] Marion J. Deeren Scholarship (English) Recipient
• [2021] Richard Coughlin Scholarship Recipient
• [2021] Wells Fargo Bank Red Wing Scholarship Recipient