Fast Five: Xennial Marie Nail
Meet Marie Nail, project coordinator at CDA 2030, wife, mother and community volunteer. Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Marie graduated from Lake City High School, then attended the University of Idaho, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in communications.
Generation: Xennial, a microgeneration of people on the cusp of Generation X and the Millennial generation, described as having an “analog childhood” and “digital adulthood.”
Career and community involvement:
2002-2006: Medical and software sales in Seattle and Boise.
2006: Americorp Boise working in elementary schools.
2007-2009: Substitute teacher at Boise Public Schools.
2015-2017: Substitute teacher, Coeur d’Alene Public Schools.
2009-2016: Stay-at-home mom
2013-2017: Coeur d’Alene Education Partnership board member.
2019: CDA School District Long Range Planning Committee, active PTA member and former President at Fernan STEM Academy.
Parental status: Mother of two children ages 8 and 10. Married 13 years to Michael Nail.
1. What exactly is your role with CDA 2030, and why did you get involved?
“As project coordinator for CDA 2030 a portion of my time is dedicated to the Opening Books, Opening Doors program, a K-3 grade literacy initiative. This is an initiative that was formed from the CDA 2030 implementation plan. I became involved with CDA 2030 because I saw an opportunity to help better my community while utilizing my skill set.”
2. With 2030 only a decade away, how far has Coeur d’Alene come, and how far do we have to go?
“With 2030 in the near future, I think we have made great progress. With Idaho being the fastest growing state, we really need to plan growth thoughtfully. Examine a variety of housing solutions, and ways to address traffic. Coeur d’Alene has a long way to go in regard to public transportation.”
3. What are a few things you love most about living in North Idaho?
“I love the community connection. I was born and raised in Cd’A and even with the tremendous growth in our city, I see a familiar face every day.”
4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
“I took a gap year between 1997 and 1998 and worked as a nanny (at 18 years old) in Philadelphia. I fell in love with the East Coast and then spent two summers during undergrad as a summer camp counselor in the Pocono Mountains.”
5. As we head into a new decade, what New Year’s resolutions would you propose for our community?
“My New Year’s resolution challenge would be for all community members to strive to provide equity and equality in our community and public schools. Become educated on the health of Lake Coeur d’Alene. ‘Our Gem’ is in danger; measures can be taken to improve the quality of our lake.”