Name: Carissa Andorf
Pronouns: she/her
District: Nebraska-Iowa District
Hometown: Ames, Iowa, U.S.
Key Club name: Ames High School
Year in school: 12
Hobbies outside of Key Club:
Playing clarinet, traveling, going to the gym and visiting local coffee shops.
Why did you join Key Club?
I joined in my freshman year because, at the time, I knew our Nebraska-Iowa District governor and an international trustee who attended my high school. Having them represent our town through these positions, I saw the various opportunities for members to get involved, not only at the club level, but also at the district and international levels.
Past Key Club International leadership experience:
I was elected Nebraska-Iowa District governor for the 2023-2024 service year. During my term, the Key Club International Board elected me as co-chair of the Truly International Taskforce. Before that, I served as the Nebraska-Iowa District bulletin editor and as a lieutenant governor of area five, and I held positions in various district committees.
Why did you decide to run for the Key Club international board?
When I served as Truly International Taskforce co-chair, I had the opportunity to work with members from international districts and representatives from non-districted areas. Collaborating with students from international clubs allowed me to understand how Key Club could better support them, which inspired me to run for an international office. Coming from a smaller district, I know the importance of ensuring every member feels connected to the overall picture of Key Club International.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am incredibly excited to serve as chair of the Global Relations Committee! Having served as co-chair of the Truly International Taskforce, I hope to bring my experience to this position and help increase international membership. Additionally, I am excited to work with this amazing international board!
What do you like most about Key Club International?
I love how Key Club International has created a sense of belonging for students worldwide. In Key Club, students have the opportunity to meet other students who share common service-led goals, and it’s through these connections that we can create lasting friendships.
What is your favorite Key Club memory and why?
Pin trading at the 2022 Key Club International Convention. This was my first-ever ICON, and I was unfamiliar with pin trading, but my district administrator handed me a pile of district pins and told me to go around with them. With every interaction, I not only received a new pin from a district, but I also made friendships that I still value today.
What is your career ambition?
Immigration lawyer
Favorite book:
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Favorite food or snack:
Indonesian stir-fried noodles
Favorite animal:
Chipmunks
Somewhere you would like to visit in the future:
Rome, Italy
Do you collect anything?
I collect fragrances. I always have different perfume options for each occasion! I also collect Jellycats.
What is something people may not know about you?
I love all things fashion, hair and makeup!
What is the best advice ever given to you?
Use adversity as an opportunity.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A princess