As a working artist and creative entrepreneur, I’ve spent over a decade building a career at the intersection of art, design, and self-expression. Through that journey, I’ve learned not only the craft of creating wearable art and costume design, but also the less-visible skills that sustain a creative life such as marketing, advocacy, and building a business. I come from a rural community where young artists are often told that art is just a hobby, not a future. Many never pursue their creative dreams because they lack access to materials, mentorship, or financial support. While there are countless scholarships for STEM, law, and medicine, there are few that recognize and uplift the next generation of artists. The R. Roland Arts and Innovation Award exists to change that. This award is a personal commitment to helping young creatives believe in the possibility of a life in the arts, as well as give them the tools, materials, and support to begin that journey. By funding this award, I hope to open doors that were once closed and help rural students claim their place in the world of art, design, and creative innovation.