Eden Rensing is our communications coordinator and recently celebrated her two-year anniversary with Travois. She is responsible for writing and distributing public relations and marketing materials, generating media attention, planning and executing Travois’ annual conference and maintaining Travois’ social media channels.
Here’s an interview with Eden:
1. What education and/or certifications do you have? I have a Bachelor of Science in public relations and a Master of Arts in mass communication. I enjoy learning and look forward to many continuing education courses in my future.
2. What attracted you to Travois? Travois is a very niche organization. The uniqueness and compassion to help others really drew me in. I was also intrigued by the challenge to learn about the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the New Markets Tax Credit programs and how they are great assets to our clients.
3. Where have you traveled in Indian Country? My job responsibilities keep me pretty busy at the office, but I recently had the opportunity to visit the Warm Springs Reservation. Read all about it here. Also, our 2012 conference was at the beautiful Casino del Sol Resort & Casino, owned by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Both were great experiences.
4. What is one thing you would like people to know about you? I think I’m really funny – watch out for my cheesiness.
5. What is one of your favorite housing or economic development projects that Travois has worked on and why? One of my job responsibilities is publicizing our clients’ projects. I enjoyed spreading the word about the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Community Dental Facility. The facility serves the community, creates jobs and is a classroom for tribal dental students.
6. What did you want to be as a kid? A “movie star!” My grandma and I even had a special sign worked out. I was going to tug my ear to say hello to her in all of my movies.
7. Do you have a hidden talent? I can wiggle my eyes. Really fast. It’s super weird.
8. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet? My dog Petrie is my office assistant and best buddy. He is one heck of a sweetie. Check him out here.
9. What is your favorite meal? My favorite meal is a spicy Mexican soup called Caldo de Pollo. It’s a chicken soup with fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, onion, lime and cilantro. The flavors will knock your socks off! A close front-runner would be lobster bisque.
10. What is your favorite local restaurant? My favorite restaurant (at the moment) is Gram & Dun. My husband and I enjoy trying out new spots and my favorite can change from week to week. I also really enjoy Thomas, Le Fou Frog and RA Sushi. There are so many more to list, but I feel like my love of food is coming on strong.
11. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be? Chapstick. How is this not on the top of everyone’s list?
12. What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could play a musical instrument. The piano, guitar, trombone – anything.
13. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City? I enjoy cheering on our local sports teams: Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs!
14. What do you like about Kansas City? I love the selection of good restaurants. What do you dislike? The cold weather.
15. What kind of music do you like? I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to music. I like R&B, pop, hip-hop, electronic (perfect for workouts), classic rock (blame my parents). It depends what mood I’m in. But I’m always in a Beyoncé mood!
16. What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie of all time is “Forrest Gump.” I can probably recite the movie start to finish (second hidden talent?). A newer movie I really enjoyed was “The Great Gatsby.”