Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, I’m not too far from home, but I’ve always made it a priority to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I believe growth comes from new experiences, so I set a personal goal to meet as many people as possible and get involved in organizations that would help me find my footing in a new environment. While it was comforting to have familiar faces around campus from home, I didn’t want to rely solely on what I already knew, I wanted to challenge myself to build something entirely my own. Looking back on the past four years, I’m proud to say I’ve done exactly that. From joining a sorority to studying fashion in Florence, Italy, I’ve not only stepped outside my comfort zone, but also uncovered parts of myself that have shaped me into the leader I am today.

As a freshman, I was still discovering the impact I could make—not only on myself, but on the community around me. I chose to immerse myself in Greek Life and joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority, a decision that would shape my college experience in meaningful ways. Serving as the Merchandise Chair, I had the opportunity to step into a leadership role, designing merchandise for our chapter and contributing to our shared identity. This experience not only helped me grow professionally but also introduced me to lifelong friendships and a supportive community I’ll always cherish. 

During my sophomore year, I began diving deeper into the world of fashion, eager to explore where my passion could take me. One standout course, Retail 369: Retail Promotion, gave me the opportunity to analyze consumer behavior and understand the power of strategic branding and promotion. It challenged me to think critically about the retail landscape and the role future leaders, like myself, can play in shaping it. Courses like this continue to inspire me and fuel my ambition to become a driving force in the fashion industry.

Junior year, I took a leap of faith. With just two suitcases in hand, I boarded a plane and flew across the world to Florence, Italy, ready to embrace the unknown. What began as a study abroad experience quickly turned into a pivotal chapter of personal and creative growth. In Florence, I discovered a whole new side of myself: a deeper sense of independence, a boldness to think beyond the box, and a creative spark I hadn’t fully known. Surrounded by centuries of art, architecture, and culture, I found endless inspiration in the everyday beauty of Italy. From the intricate details of Renaissance design to the effortless street style in Milan, every moment challenged me to see fashion and myself through a new lens. While I spent weekends exploring the stunning cities and landscapes Italy had to offer, my time in the classroom was just as transformative. I immersed myself in courses that explored the intersection of style, business, and global influence, deepening my understanding of fashion from an international perspective. This experience not only fueled my passion but also gave me the confidence to envision a career that blends creativity with purpose.

Finally, senior year. A season of both reflection and anticipation. For me, this has been the year of decisions, deciding who I want to become, what kind of career I want to build, and how I can take everything I’ve learned over the past four years and turn it into something meaningful. It’s been a time to pause, look back on my experiences, and ask myself the important questions: How have these moments shaped me? What values do I want to carry with me? How can I continue to grow while staying true to the person I’ve become?

Throughout this portfolio, you’ll see how I’ve processed and reflected on these pivotal years, through academics, leadership roles, global experiences, and personal challenges. Each chapter of my college journey has contributed to the foundation I now stand on, and this final year has allowed me the space to refine my vision for the future.

As I prepare to step into the next chapter of my life, I’ve taken the time to set intentional goals, both personal and professional. I want to be the kind of leader I’ve always aspired to be: thoughtful, driven, and grounded in integrity. I want to bring fresh ideas and authentic passion into everything I do. Most of all, I want to make a lasting impact on the fashion industry, one that challenges norms and embraces innovation.