Before enrolling in graduate school, Anne Burnett considered enrolling in a nine-month program at the Siebel Institute of Technologyfor a top-notch brewing education.
"It would have been a lot of fun," Burnett said.
Instead, she chose social work.
"I love to brew my own beer," Burnett said. "It's an art form that is not only a fun way to pass the day, but also leaves you with a delicious finished product."
She has worked at AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) for more than a year.
"Every day I get to work with the some of the most dedicated and driven people I've ever met," Burnett said. "I love working for an organization that is dedicated to social justice. I get to see how the coordinated effort of AFC is helping to house the most vulnerable and chronically-ill Chicagoans.
"Housing is a basic human right. I wanted to work at AFC because the supportive housing department has been at the forefront of harm reduction housing first.
"I leave [ the office ] satisfied everyday that the work we've done has contributed to my community."
Burnett participated in AFC's endurance-training program, the Team to End AIDS ( T2 ) , in 2011. She completed the Honolulu Marathon this past December, her first marathon ever.
"With some amazing coaching and encouragement, I was able to complete a full marathon, [ and ] I had never even run before," Burnett said. "I was initially nervous about the fundraising, but, in the end, I raised over $5,000 [ for AFC ] . I was blown away by the generous donations and had a great time throwing a fundraising party. If anyone is even remotely considering an endurance event, I highly recommend T2. It was a ton of fun and they structured the training so that even a total couch-potato like me was able to finish a marathon."
THE STATS
Age
34
Neighborhood
Humboldt Park
Job title
Supportive services manager, AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Hobbies
Camping, baking, travel, and exploring all Chicago has to offer.
Relationship status
Engaged to Renee Lehocky. They are planning a civil union in June.
Education
Graduated from St Teresa's Academy ( Kansas City, Mo. ) , earned her bachelor's degree at Loyola University and her masters in social work at the University of Illinois-Chicago
Favorite restaurant
Tweet in Uptown
Little-known fact
"I'm not really a sports fan; I just enjoy the trash-talking, hootin' and hollerin'," she said.