Introducing our new Community Partnerships Manager
Meet Paige and learn more about her role
Paige joined optiMize’s full-time staff in October as the new Community Partnerships manager. We had Paige answer a few questions about her background, vision for Community Partnerships, and inspiration for joining the opti-team. As a prior Academic Advisor and Events Coordinator with a strong passion for higher education, Paige adds so much value to the optiMize. We are very excited to introduce the newest addition to optiMize, Paige Baker!
Why are you interested in social innovation, especially as it relates to the Community Partnerships program?
My interest in social innovation stems from the firm belief that individuals have the ability to bring their ideas to life and make the changes they wish to see in the world. The combination of social innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact that is embedded into all of optiMize's programs creates the model for what the world can be. Within the Community Partnerships program, specifically aMplify and moMentum, social innovation means building a model that improves the transfer student experience. We want there to be a framework for the community and world surrounding improving the transfer student experience. Working with partners across the U-M campus and state of Michigan, there are exciting opportunities for the empowerment of students to not only matriculate to the university of their choosing, but to feel a true sense of belonging.
How does optiMize's mission supplement or add to the college experience?
optiMize’s guiding principles of student-led education, collaboration, and sustainable social impact creates a community where students feel a true sense of belonging. At a large institution, it can be difficult to navigate all the opportunities and find your community. optiMize works intentionally on creating a diverse and dynamic community where all students are supported.
What was your path before you joined optiMize?
I grew up in Indiana my whole life and graduated from Purdue University in May 2018 with a BA in English Literature. During my senior year, I worked part-time as a Peer Success Coach where I offered guidance to students as they navigated life at Purdue by exploring career options, connecting them with campus resources, and helping them get involved in campus activities and organizations.
In August 2018, I began working as an Academic Advisor at Purdue University Global where I primarily supported transfer students and adult learners in an online setting. While working full-time, I spent my evenings working on my Masters in Higher Education and graduated in July 2019. After earning my Masters, I moved to Michigan in October 2019 and began working for the LSA Opportunity Hub as the Events Coordinator.
What inspires you?
Throughout my experience working in higher education, I have constantly been inspired by the students I have encountered. I find great fulfillment working with students as I know I can glean just as much inspiration from them as they can from me.
What is your vision for Community Partnerships?
n this role, my priority is intentionally cultivating a more diverse and inclusive campus where community college students want to come to U-M and feel supported if they do transfer. My vision for Community Partnerships is to create a network across the state of Michigan, spanning 28 community colleges to create a better transfer student experience, where centralized efforts support students in all facets of their college experience.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
I am most excited about the relationship building and partnerships this role brings. The foundation of relationship building is based on identifying and working towards common goals. Our goal is to help transfer students acclimate to campus, build a community, and empower students to ask themselves, "Why not me?"
If you’d like to chat with Paige, feel free to sign up for her office hours or stop by the optiMize office!