It’s been over a decade since this alumna walked the halls of LuHi, but the impact of her high school years is still evident. After graduating in 2013, Ali has gone on to achieve remarkable things, combining her faith and career in public service. Here’s a glimpse into her journey since leaving LuHi, her thoughts on the role faith plays in her work, and some advice for the current students at LuHi.
From LuHi to the Nation’s Capital
After graduating from LuHi in 2013, Ali headed to a Christian college in Pennsylvania, graduating in 2017. The day after graduation, she moved to Washington, DC, for an internship that set the stage for her future career.
Reflecting on her time in the nation’s capital, she shares, “Throughout my years in DC, I worked in the House of Representatives, the National Security Division in the Department of Justice, with Senator Ben Sasse, and now I work for Vice President Pence and his organization, Advancing American Freedom.”
Ali got married in 2023 and now works remotely out of Virginia Beach, where her husband is stationed for the Navy.
Navigating the World of Political Communications
As the Communications Director for Advancing American Freedom, she plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s public image. “Being a communications director means overseeing anything that the organization releases publicly,” she explains. This includes navigating press relations, negotiating interviews, placing stories with newspapers, drafting op-eds, and staffing the principal at open press events or interviews.
A main part of her day-to-day work is maintaining relationships with reporters and reading many news articles to ensure that former VP Pence and the organization are fairly covered.
What makes this role fulfilling? She says, “I love thinking through how the advocacy work we’re doing fits into the larger picture of what is going on in the world. I like storytelling, creating a narrative that readers will understand.” The dynamic nature of her work keeps her engaged, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of politics. “Navigating politics always keeps me on my toes and keeps things interesting,” she notes.
Despite the challenges, she finds purpose in her work. “The issues we advocate for matter, and I have been fortunate that the bosses I’ve had are good people who want to work for the common good. It makes it easy to be a spokesperson for them,” she reflects.
Foundation of Faith Laid at LuHi
Looking back, she credits her time at LuHi for laying a solid foundation in her life. Ali has confidence that despite what culture often says, a career is not the most important thing or defining factor of your identity. But as Christians, “we are anchored in something far sturdier than a job or an election,” she shares. LuHi, she says, focuses on building students for success, but more importantly, it helps them find their identity in Christ—a truth that has kept her grounded in her career and personal life.
She also acknowledges the influence of her teachers. “The teachers at LuHi are just brimming with wisdom,” she says. “The conversations you have with them are going to stick with you for life and help you in the way you approach the world.”
Advice for Current Students
"You can’t mess up God’s plan for your life."
To current LuHi students, she offers valuable advice: “My LuHi teachers are the most brilliant people I know. Listen to their thoughts on things; they’re good people to get advice from!” She also reassures them, saying, “You can’t mess up God’s plan for your life. As someone who put so much weight on grades, performance, etc., in high school, I thought the weight of success rested entirely on me, but God will get you where you need to be, so it’s best to enjoy the ride.”
Witnessing God’s Faithfulness
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges, but she’s seen God’s faithfulness at work through it all. “We have a God who sees us in every area of our lives,” she says. Working in jobs that hinge on election outcomes can be nerve-wracking, but she’s learned to trust in God’s provision. “He has always provided,” she shares. “It’s in the moments of uncertainty that I can come to Him with open hands and acknowledge His control over a situation. He has always come through in ways that often surprise me.”
Her faith has also been a source of strength in her personal life. “My husband was deployed for nine months of our first year of marriage, and it was just another testament to God’s provision, giving peace in situations that aren’t normally peaceful,” she reflects.
Shout-Outs to LuHi Teachers
When asked if there were any LuHi teachers or staff she’d like to acknowledge, she couldn’t help but express her gratitude. “Oh my goodness, I want to shout out to them all,” Ali says. Special mentions go to Mr. Zoeller, “for all the books he loaned me (well, I still have some from him) and all the tidbits of wisdom he gave me during TA hours. I’ve used so much of it and leaned on it.”
She also thanks Alicia Kidston “for being the best coach, and I’m not just talking about the court, but just always being a reminder that I am loved outside of my performance.” As she continues her journey, it’s clear that the lessons learned and the faith nurtured during high school have remained with her, guiding her professionally and personally. We’re grateful for Ali taking the time to catch us up on her life!
If you are a LuHi alumn or know a LuHi alumn who has a great story to share, please email hannah.buchholz@lhsparker.org.
