Alicia Copeland, compliance specialist, has been a part of the Travois Asset Management team since 2013. In her role, she helps tribal clients accurately complete tenant files to ensure that all state and federal requirements are met. She also works with clients to submit reports to investors and state agencies.
1. What education and/or certifications do you have?
I have a bachelor’s degree in management with an emphasis in human resources. I also hold the housing industry designations of Site Compliance Specialist (SCS) and Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP).
2. What attracted you to Travois?
I was very interested in working with a mission-driven organization that was structured around helping others. Since my career path has always been in housing, I was excited to find Travois, and I feel right at home in our asset management department.
3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position?
I have always thrived in a support-based role. Being a part of the asset management team certainly complements my ability to help our clients and work with them to achieve their housing development goals.
4. What places in Indian Country have you enjoyed visiting and why?
I visited Blackfeet Nation in Montana in April, and it was gorgeous! I had the opportunity to drive up to Glacier National Park. I can’t wait to go back in the summer when everything is green and blooming! There was still snow on the ground when I visited.
5. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you?
I am a patient, calm and dedicated worker. I rarely get stressed out and am always willing to help out when a need arises. Also, I can be bribed with pickles!
6. What did you want to be as a kid?
A pharmacist.
7. Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I don’t. There’s not much hidden about me.
8. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet?
I am not an animal lover. I once had a fish but that didn’t last long — poor thing. I do pretty well to take care of myself, but I could not be responsible for something else’s eating- or bathing-needs at this time. At least I know that about myself! 😉
9. What talent do you wish you had?
It would be cool if I could teleport myself wherever I needed to be. I HATE riding in a car.
10. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Depends on the time of year. If it’s September through January. I’ll be dressed head to toe in RED watching the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers play football with anyone I can convince to watch with me. After that (there is a significant overlap), I switch my red for different red attire, and I am a dedicated fan to the Kansas City Chiefs. Football takes up a lot of my free time. During the spring and summer, I can be found at Sporting Park cheering on our Sporting Kansas City professional (and first in the Eastern Conference!) soccer team, and also at Kauffman Stadium supporting our Kansas City Royals! When I’m not supporting our local sports teams, I am probably at my parents’ farm spending time with my 10 siblings and 22 (and counting) nieces and nephews!
11. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
Anything and everything related to our Kansas City sports teams and attending as many concerts as possible at our many live music venues.
12. What do you like about Kansas City? What do you dislike?
Kansas City is a beautiful town with so much to do! I don’t think there is much I don’t like about Kansas City, except the snow. I don’t like snow.
13. What kind of music do you like? Or what is your favorite band?
I have a wide spectrum of music interests. I will see almost any concert. I LOVE live music! I attended the 26th Annual International Folk Alliance Conference this year for the first time. It was an amazing mix of folk music and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience so many artists and cultures in one spot.
14. What is your favorite TV show of all time? Favorite movie?
Hands down — I LOVE “DEXTER!” Also, any true crime-related TV shows and documentaries. I don’t watch movies because I can’t sit still that long without talking.