1. Where did your grow up and what is your major? I was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a small town called Phoenixville. I am entering my junior year at the University of Kentucky, where I am pursuing a dual degree in Marketing and Integrated Strategic Communication, with a minor in International Business.
I feel incredibly fortunate that, when I applied to UK, I already knew that I wanted to study marketing within the Gatton College of Business and Economics. I was also honored to be accepted into the Honors College as a Global Scholars Pathway student. Through this opportunity, I was first introduced to the BBG: Paris trip, which ultimately became an incredibly meaningful part of my experience at UK.
2. What has been your most meaningful/ favorite experience at Gatton, so far? My favorite experience at Gatton thus far has been the opportunity to learn from and be challenged by the faculty while growing alongside my cohort. Being a Global Scholar has provided me with meaningful opportunities to connect with professors on a more personal, one-on-one level and to build lasting relationships with my fellow Pathway students.
The program intentionally keeps each cohort together throughout freshman and sophomore year before students begin branching into their major-specific coursework. This structure has created a strong network of peers who are navigating college and beginning their professional journeys together. Some of my closest friendships at UK have come from the Pathway program within Gatton.
One of my favorite courses was B&E 250 with Josh Taylor, where I was first introduced to the Graham Office and learned about the Paris trip. Mr. Taylor encouraged me to think about my future career aspirations from an entirely new perspective. His guidance gave me the confidence to believe that, with hard work, ambition, and determination, I can truly pursue the career and life I envision for myself. My decision to participate in the Paris trip was ultimately solidified by my confidence in Mr. Taylor’s leadership. I knew that any experience led by him would not only challenge me to think in new and innovative ways but also provide me with valuable experiences and perspectives that would help prepare me for future success.
3. Tell us more about your summer in Paris! This summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Paris through Business Goes Global: Paris, a four-week study abroad and micro-internship program that challenged and inspired me both personally and professionally. Throughout the experience, I gained a deeper understanding of international business through immersive coursework, professional visits, and hands-on projects focused on finance, sustainability, branding, operations, and global strategy. I had the opportunity to visit organizations including ODDO BHF, the European Commission, Huyghe Brewery, and Murex, where I learned firsthand how businesses operate within different cultural and economic environments. I also traveled throughout Europe, exploring destinations such as Belgium, the South of France, and Normandy, which broadened my perspective beyond the classroom and allowed me to fully immerse myself in new cultures. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was developing and presenting a brand collaboration proposal for Disneyland Paris, where I was able to apply what I had learned to a real-world business challenge. Ultimately, my time abroad gave me a greater appreciation for global collaboration, strengthened my confidence as a future business professional, and left me with lasting friendships, new perspectives, and a desire to continue pursuing opportunities that challenge me to think beyond my own experiences.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years, and how do you see your Gatton experience shaping that? In ten years, I envision myself working as a Creative Director for a leading fashion or beauty company, such as L’Oréal Paris, where I can oversee strategic initiatives in branding, marketing communications, and product storytelling. Storytelling has always been at the heart of who I am. From the age of three, when I began dancing and performing, I have felt most fulfilled when I am challenged to communicate a story creatively and connect with an audience. That passion has continued to shape my academic and professional journey, and my experiences at Gatton have helped me recognize that marketing and strategic communication are the ideal ways to combine my creativity with my career aspirations.
I have been fortunate to gain experience managing social media platforms and creating content for a variety of organizations, and each opportunity has reinforced that I chose the right field. The projects I work on rarely feel like work because they allow me to create, communicate, and tell stories in ways that feel genuinely meaningful to me. At Gatton, every course has continued to expand my understanding of the marketing industry while giving me practical tools and knowledge to enter my career with confidence.
My experience in B&E 250 with Mr. Taylor was particularly influential in shaping my long-term vision. An assignment that asked us to identify where we saw ourselves in the future encouraged me to think intentionally about the geographic location, workplace environment, position, and industry I hoped to pursue. For the first time, I was able to put my aspirations on paper and begin turning what once felt like a distant dream into a tangible career goal. Through class discussions and continued mentorship, I became more confident in pursuing a career in the beauty industry and began taking practical steps toward my goal of eventually working in New York City with the opportunity to travel to Paris for projects at L’Oréal Paris.
