Alumni Features

Creating Spaces to Thrive: Allison Park ’09

For Allison Park ’09, creating spaces where people can thrive isn’t just a career—it’s a calling rooted in curiosity, collaboration and growth.

As vice president of sales for a commercial furniture and interiors dealership, Allison helps organizations design environments where employees spend much of their day. From offices to collaborative workspaces, her work focuses on shaping places that help people feel inspired and supported. She also gives her time and leadership back to her alma mater as a member of William Jewell’s Alumni Board of Governors.

“I love getting to shape spaces where individuals can feel well, find purpose and reach their goals,” Allison says. “Knowing the environments we create can make someone’s workday more inspiring or supportive is incredibly meaningful.”

Just as impactful as the work itself is the team she collaborates with every day. “We trust and respect each other, and we genuinely enjoy building something together. That partnership is a big part of why I love what I do.”

Allison’s leadership style was shaped long before her professional career began. Growing up with a sister and no brothers, her parents instilled a clear message: she could do anything boys could do—and excel at it. Her grandmother offered a complementary perspective that continues to guide her today.

“She taught me to move through the world with poise, treat people with compassion and stay ambitious without losing kindness,” Allison says. “Real strength isn’t about stepping on others to get ahead—it’s about lifting people up and helping them reach their goals.”

Allison credits William Jewell’s Critical Thought curriculum with helping her develop the mindset that launched her professional success. Learning to think deeply, ask hard questions and approach problems creatively opened doors early in her career to opportunities far beyond what was expected.

“Jewell pushed me to think bigger and develop a problem-solving mindset that became the foundation of my career,” she says. “It taught me that asking what’s next is just as important as finding the answer in front of you.”

While her career continues to flourish, Allison says her proudest accomplishment is personal.

Jewell Alumna Expands Education in the Marshall Islands

Natalie Nimmer, ’00, is making a significant difference on the lives of children on the Marshall Islands in her role as Commissioner of Education, a position similar to the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Natalie’s first challenge when she stepped into the position in June 2024 was to create universal access to secondary education. As recently as 2024, all eighth graders were given a test and those with the highest scores were offered the chance to attend high school (ninth grade). Those who tested low didn’t receive the opportunity. 

Natalie explains, “I met with key staff, reviewed the legal occupancy loads of the classrooms, and studied the budget. While the data generally said we could do it, it also took a leap of faith to open the doors and announce that all eighth graders could come to 9th grade when we opened the 2024-25 school year in August. It was a bit scary, but the teachers, principals, and staff pulled together to make it happen. I am proud I used my new authority and budding courage to create universal access to secondary education for an entire nation!”

Through courage, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, Natalie has opened doors for an entire generation, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education. In a world where every child deserves the chance to succeed, her story is a testament to the power of leadership and the lasting impact of education on communities. The future is brighter because of women like Natalie, who are not only breaking barriers but building bridges for others to follow.

Brittany Duncan, '11

How does a fly become best friends with a spider? By planting seeds, according to author and illustrator Brittany Duncan.

Brittany, a Jewell alumna from the class of 2011, spends her weekdays sourcing talent at Dairy Farmers of America but her passion lies with a pen and paper creating clever, whimsical children’s stories. 

Brittany’s first book, “The Adventures of Zweebo and LaWanda,” was published in July 2023. Yet, it was many years prior that Brittany began the concepts for her characters.

“Zweebo and LaWanda were created at Jewell while I was sitting in class. It’s very special to bring them back in such a cool way in my book,” says Brittany.

During COVID Brittany started working on her book after she received art materials from her loved ones who encouraged her to start drawing and creating again. 

“I kept taking pictures of nature and incorporating the colors into my palette to create more and more. I was excited to doodle and to share my art with my family and friends.” 

After a certain point Brittany felt like the characters, she had created just for herself had things they wanted to share with the world. “Once the story came to me, I realized I could combine my love of reading, writing, and creating to bring “The Adventures of Zweebo and LaWanda” into the world.”

Last summer Brittany launched her second book, “The Expeditions of Elma and Leeroy,” providing young readers with courage to try new things and to always have hope things will work out. 

Brittany says going to school at Jewell opened many doors for her personally and professionally. She worked in the Call Center for the Advancement Office every night after class. 

“I learned how to hire the right people for a role, how to manage processes, how to inspire your team, and how to do the hard work in the background to make new opportunities for others in your community,” she says. “This experience planted the seed for my future career in human resources.”

Brittany also co-hosted a radio show, served as an RA and worked in Student Affairs helping with summer camps. 

“I have many stories of how seeds planted during my time at Jewell have blossomed into unforeseen blessings. Like most alumni, I grew up there finding many of my lifelong friends and chosen family.”

What’s next for Brittany? The “Journey to Darla’s Garden” series will conclude with a third book! And she has an adult fiction series in the works. 

“I’d love to share with others that all things are possible. That a fly, a spider, a glimmerfly, a dragonfly, a dinosaur, or perhaps even a cardinal can change the world.” 

Learn more about Brittany’s books at: www.launchcrate.com/darlasgarden.