Allison Liby-Schoonover, 28, thrives on the fast-paced dynamic of political business and has an insatiable desire to study policy. Her first role in Tallahassee was through the Department of Lottery under Sec. Leo DeBenigno and Eli Nortelus. Allison has worked as a literature teacher at an inner-city high school in West Philly, a registered lobbyist, a Senate staffer, and a political fundraiser for the Republican Party of Florida.
When beginning a project or campaign, Allison first does some homework. “Research the candidate, the campaign, the job, the project, the policy,” she writes. “Anything you can possibly get your hands on: READ.”
Crediting Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto, Rich Heffley and Nick Iarossi as her mentors, Allison admires people in politics who “have the trifecta: a flourishing career, a rock-solid marriage, and pleasant children.”
Allison’s vision of her own future? “Married to my best friend and superhunk–Chris Schoonover, being a mom, working in politics, and hopefully restoring a historic home.”
Tagline @LibySchoon: “Well bred. Well read. Well wed. Every day is black tie optional.”
Here is Allison in her own words:
I am 28 years-young.
I live in Tallahassee … Grew up as a military brat … I went to school at Florida State University and the University of Pennsylvania. I hope to visit Philadelphia, my second home, soon enough.
I entered politics because I have an insatiable desire to study policy, I enjoy the relationships in this process, and I thrive on the fast-paced dynamic of this business.
One principle I always put above politics is polished professionalism.
Person or people who gave me my first shot: College: Secretary Leo DeBenigno and Eli Nortelus in Legislative Affairs at the Department of Lottery. Professional career: Chairman Al Cardenas, Slater Bayliss, and Stephen Shiver.
I’ve already worked as a literature teacher at an inner-city high school in West Philly, a registered lobbyist, a political fundraiser/Republican Party of Florida staffer, and a Senate staffer.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I READ. Research the candidate, the campaign, the job, the project, the policy, anything you can possibly get your hands on: READ.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors: Leader Benacquisto, Rich Heffley, Nick Iarossi.
The people I most admire in politics are those who have the trifecta: a flourishing career, a rock-solid marriage, and pleasant children.
One lesson I’ve already learned is work hard, play hard, and be gracious.
If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working as an oenologist or museum curator.
In ten years, you’ll read about me still married to my best friend and superhunk—Chris Schoonover, being a mom, working in politics, and hopefully restoring a historic home.
You can connect with me via Facebook: Alli Liby-Schoonover and Twitter: @LibySchoon
