As an international business major currently studying organizational leadership I have learned to embrace the value of sustainable practices. While traveling to far off countries visiting various facilities I observed common challenges all businesses face on a daily basis. While early in my career I was more concerned about understanding the supply and demand business models that power transactions on Wall Street, it was much later in my career that I began to witness the correlation between the two industries, engaging with business leaders behind the scenes. My perspective quickly changed from a focus on consumer-driven decision-making methodologies to leadership. Who are the power players I began to ask? What are their challenges? How does entrepreneurship evolve into a global conglomerate? Is starting a business a waste of time? These were my questions. As I began exploring key areas of interest, I began to realize the similarities all businesses are challenged with as they operate at an early stage or advanced level of development. Behind the walls of corporate America, we are all human. I was privy to engaging with clients seeking solutions to a global supply chain. I also noticed the simplicities of managing complex manufacturing timelines as couriers navigating underdeveloped streets to deliver goods to buyers. For a moment, I wondered how it was even possible to deliver heavy merchandise seemingly untethered by the environment. As motorbikes carried merchandise from store to store, no one questioned the difficulties faced when cities are not built to address shifting priorities linked to global demands. Concepts such as global warming, climate change, water scarcity, food shortages seem so far removed from the conversation in the United States. Because the environment is such that we don't question whether there is access to transportation or have never experienced city-wide power outages, the issue of sustainability is often never considered a pressing topic of discussion among leaders. Recently, the United Nations challenged current and future leaders to reexamine their global blueprint by addressing more sustainable practices to contribute to this global phenomenon. Large budget organizations now manufacture and design apparel with this notion in mind. For manufacturers, this equates to purchasing textiles using fibers that have a biodegradable component to ensure clothing does not contaminate waterways and oceans. In addition to water shortages, variables that directly contribute to the state of the environment are also critical to understanding the challenges of sustainability. The most critical solution to developing sustainable practices is education. Lapses in education are directly linked to finding equitable solutions to the challenges of the environment. In Africa, for instance, there is a village powered by female entrepreneurs seeking a stable existence. This village has been featured in the news due to its impact. To illustrate the value of education, business concepts became vehicles to create a thriving microeconomy in this traditionally underdeveloped market. In the future, I will continue to pursue avenues to explore advances in education, as this is the primary vehicle to fostering a mindset that supports innovation. As a designer, I have taken a proactive approach to conserving my resources. I have transformed curtains into slip covers when I discovered I had purchased 20 panels instead of the 6 required. When I noticed my linen closet was packed with a plethora of tablecloths, I designed slipcovers to cover pillow cushions instead of discarding them. When organizing my office, I donated computers to a nearby nonprofit to aid in training future generations of engineers. In the future, it is my goal to continue offering innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations' mandate for increased sustainability among businesses.

Professional Athlete and Award-Winning Journalist. I could use many adjectives to describe my husband. He was adventurous, athletic, scholarly, witty, accomplished, determined, competitive, and computer-savvy. He excelled in anything his heart desired. An all-around athlete, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend a prestigious Ivy League university, where he focused his attention on a career in broadcast journalism. A career in the media landed him in front of the world's most elite professionals who had excelled in professional sports. During his lifetime, he prided himself on highlighting the careers of African-American athletes, as he was all too familiar with the challenges athletes faced to compete on the world stage. Some of the celebrities he had the privilege to interview include track star Marion Jones, fellow U.S.C. alumni O.J. Simpson, basketball great Marcus Allen and all sports. He was phenomenal. He was an all-American athlete, track star-cum-scholar of all things sports-related. He lived for and enjoyed a stellar career as a journalist. There was no topic too large or small to cover. From Negro League Baseball to the U.S. Olympic Games in Greece, he relished in writing about the competitive nature of professional sports. No matter where we went or what city we traveled to, there was always time to catch a game or attend one. On one occasion, I had the pleasure to attend a Detroit Red Wings game for the championship title. It was 15 below when we arrived in Canada! It was the first time I felt ice cycles on my eyelids. It was incredible to witness his hard work and dedication to sports journalism. Just like athletics, he was a passionate man who cared about people, experiences, life stories, and the human condition. He put effort into the lasting legacy he created. I know very few people who exhibited his level of compassion for others. It was through this lens, he documented the human condition. Dreamweaver Through his work, I learned to take an assessment of my mental and physical state because that is what he instilled in me. For so many years, I watched him cover games where he always inherently noticed if someone was underperforming due to fatigue or performing while injured. You name it, he noticed it. So today I am forced to turn my focus away from the world in which we live to my health, happiness, and well-being. He was the kind of person who would surprise me with spa days or remind me to make time for myself. This morning, I am reminded of my favorite passage, "Put God first in all you do". I was blessed to have such a loving force in my life. He was my everything. Although it's been twelve years, I have been writing to share my experiences so that others may find comfort in knowing they are not alone. Every day is still a struggle, but it is my belief that if I put God first, He will make a way. When I think about the many blessings in my life, this is one of those moments when I feel encouraged, even though there is an internal struggle to embrace a multitude of things that I have encountered since his passing. I am blessed to have another day, for I know that each moment is not promised. The loss of my husband has truly impacted my outlook on life. Pursuing an education has been fulfilling because it empowers me to dream. I am reminded to live life to its fullest, "For I know He has great plans for me". Thank you.

Sex and the City. There. I said it! the HBO mini-series starring Sarah Jessica Parker inspired me to pursue a higher education. I feel guilty for saying it but it's true. I admired her ability to speak up for herself by negotiating an opportunity to become a columnist. She planned her moves, scouting her mate, cultivated quality friendships and found the time to mentor others. I enjoyed watching the series so much so that I can honestly say that it inspired me to elevate my career to new heights. Not only was the main character full of personality, but she also embraced change. That was my greatest set back. After watching the show, it became my greatest strength. So, how did I find the courage to return to school over the age of 35? It was strictly by accident. Throughout my journey I have always strived to push through boundaries. After graduating I began spending a lot of time teaching others, mentoring students in design, and devoting my spare time advocating for arts education. When I realized how much time I invested in my career helping others that I struggled to write a resume, bio, and C.V. After spending numerous hours attempting to put everything on paper, I realized there was a need for professional development coursework because I couldn't make sense of any of it. This was largely in part because no one had attempted to have a multi-faceted career in design. There were no designers who illustrated their ideas, presented them, trained talent, drafted patterns, modeled ideas, collaborated with artists, or who shared the internal dynamics of the industry with others. The environment was characterized by staunchly competitive people racing to the proverbial finish line twenty years ago. The day I attempted to list my accomplishments on a two-page resume was when I realized I had become "Carrie". By this I mean my resume no longer fit into a traditional template. My career had taken on new dynamics. Just when I completed my master's in international business, I realized that I now needed a resume for each career path. The goal was to broaden my horizon; instead, I felt overwhelmed. Shortly before I completed the master's program, someone dear to me passed away. Finding my voice after twenty years of marriage became a challenge. I reflected back on episodes of Sex and the City. I began to realize it's not what happens to you in life, it's your attitude (and I certainly needed an adjustment). Fast forward to today, my resume challenges amounted to an uphill battle to embrace my new life. I had questions about negotiating a salary, deciding which career path to pursue, balancing my work and life balance. Every day felt like an uphill battle. Just when I thought I could not write another cover letter, I grabbed a computer and enrolled in an on-line course. That was several years ago, and I have never looked back. What began as an opportunity to enroll in a weekend seminar designed as a three-day course for executive leadership training became a quest for knowledge. Partially driven by a desire to sustain myself and paralyzed by fear of the unknown, I knew that I had to make a decision. I left my fears behind and stepped out on faith. Life as I once knew it had forever changed. Like the main character in Sex and the City, courage led me to recognize the need to pursue a higher education. As a doctoral candidate, this year marks the end of an amazing, life-altering journey of a lifetime

As the only African-American student in my class I can certainly identify the national shortage for STEM professionals of color in the workplace. For four years I have received training and guidance from the best luminaries in the arts. I quickly developed an understanding of how and why many minority students do not pursue and excel in STEM/STEAM professions. Simply put, the opportunities do not exist. If, in my case, I was the only black student in my class within the last two decades (not the fifties) I wondered if this was a unique situation or a national crisis. As a stylist in my downtime I had the fortune to meet many Hollywood elite celebrities and the storeowners of the places they often frequented in search of gowns to attend their A-List functions. It was during one visit where I had the opportunity to meet the owner of the boutique who developed the infamous white sequined glove that Michael Jackson made his signature trademark which has glossed the covers of many magazine covers and cd's. Yes, engineers are the designers behind the scenes who produce the products we have all come to know and love. Everything we consume, from electric vehicles to cell phones are created from the thoughts, ideas, and concepts of STEM professionals. And yes, by all accounts the United States is in desperate need of new, innovative ideas. So much so that former U.S. President Barak Obama questioned this little-known phenomenon. He asked, "Where are the innovators?" and called for increased attention to developing STEM talent to meet the urgent needs of the U.S. economy. Scholars from all over the world responded to his call for more engineers to enter the workforce. For a moment I pondered, had the entire world overlooked the beauty and fiercely competitive spirit of STEM professionals? If a U.S. President serving in the highest office of the land has noticed this shortfall then surely the rest of the world has also noticed. In my experience this represents a grave opportunity to improve the quality of life for society, in general, by creating a bridge for people of color to openly contribute to the innovative ecosystem that undergirds thriving economies. In my lifetime I have witnessed the first African-American generation of thought leaders who have paved the way for many others. Of them I have witnessed the first African-American thought leaders and change-agents make a phenomenal impact. In office I have lived to see our first African American U.S. President Barack Obama, and first African-America female Vice-President Kamal Harris supported by the first U.S. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Katanji Brown-Jackson. More recently, Maryland Governor West Moore and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser have assumed the ranks of prominent leadership positions in a way that has fueled the demand to recruit minority professionals for leadership positions. For the last eight years I have focused my research on addressing this little known dilemma. By interviewing minority executives across the country I now have a clear understanding of why President Obama highlighted the demand for STEM professionals. I am not sure whether being the only African-American in my class shaped my perspective or laid the groundwork for me to aspire to new horizons in education. By focusing on the world in which we live I have grown to new heights. I now understand why my early experiences mandated attention to challenging topics such as global warming, climate control, and water scarcity. As a POC it is my responsibility to share the results of my dissertation which may someday impact future leaders.

I remember the day I arrived in Paris. I was so excited to finally see the city. After walking a block or two I began to realize I was lost and had no idea of how to get to the train station. As passersby walked quickly around me I noticed how everyone was focused on getting to their destination. It was then that I was reminded that it was a normal workday and everyone had somewhere to go, but me. Time stood still the moment I realized I didn't speak the language nor did I have any idea of where I was or needed to go. Perplexed, overwhelmed, and somewhat baffled by my naiveite, I stood there for a moment. I was exhausted from the train ride from Florence. Suddenly a middle-aged African lady approached me. She could see the horror on my face. Behind her bright large eyes was a sense that I was in trouble. She opened her mouth to speak, and a warm sensation came over me. I was in over my head. The map I held in my hands made no sense to me at that moment. I had no clue of what to do. "Ou' est vas tu?" she said, which translates to where are you going? My heart sank, I immediately responded in French. Within minutes another pedestrian approached us; two perfect strangers on a street corner in Paris. He was a concerned young African student wearing a bow tie and private school uniform. It was the best moment of my life when I realized that we were able to speak through language barriers, cultural barriers, stereotypes, and class. To them they were helping an American tourist, to me the interaction represented so much more. In the fashion industry there are many cultures and ethnicities working across race and color together. It is one of the most diverse industries in the world simply because the fashion community is fostered by international trade with companies engaging in international trade-related activities such as research and development, marketing, sales, and manufacturing. In as much as I enjoy the design process it is important to work well with others by showing mutual respect for one another. This requires an ability to build bridges where none exist or identify how to problem-solve during difficult moments. After realizing my lifelong dream to experience European culture, I realized I had experienced a paradigm shift where what once was important to me was no longer a top priority. My values shifted from a focus on the fashion industry to developing a fundamentally sound strategy to become more proficient in diplomacy. It was through this visit to a foreign country that I had always dreamt of seeing the Siene River and Rive Gauche that I found a much greater calling on my life. Although I am incredibly thankful to have studied French in grade school and college, the experience of engaging with complete strangers had such a positive influence on my sense of being in the world. On a day when all of Paris seemingly passed me by, two concerned citizens stopped for a moment. It was a humbling experience. Whether on an individual level or universal level, there are many avenues to improve the way in which we coexist within the world in which we live. Completing my doctorate has opened many doors for to live the life I have always wanted. It is my goal to complete my doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Development and present my research to leaders in the business community in 2026. With your support it's possible!

Several years ago my husband passed away unexpectedly. With nothing more than a vision to succeed and determination I cultivated a new way of life by imaging the future I had always dreamed of. The first and most important thing I realized was the importance of a quality education. I had life experiences but failed to completely live the way I had always imagined. Like any young woman I sought avenues to improve my quality of life by challenging my view of the world. Initially I thought it was beyond my reach to entertain the thought of actually tackling my bucket list. What was on the list: education, more time with family, accomplishing my goals, managing my finances, and investing in my future. Overwhelmed by it all, I could only dream. Every morning, I would rise early to watch the morning news before starting my day. On one particular segment a newscaster announced a new program opened to the general public to study at Harvard University. After I applied to the program I was accepted in. Fast forward twelve years later, I am now into my final year as a doctoral candidate exploring business. I have experienced difficult decisions as a small business owner in the early years of my career when I did not have a formal education in business. It was during that time of my life when I was invited to speak on panels, give advice to small business owners, or provide insight into my experiences with other leaders in business. On many occasions I declined the offer because I felt was learning the business and had little insight to share. Today I feel much differently. As I reflect back on the last five years of interviewing thought leaders to explore my research, I realize that the beauty in learning is the ability to share your knowledge with others because someone else may have a different perspective on the experience. It is through shared knowledge that we grow. With five years of research under my wings, I am excited to have had the opportunity to explore research topics surrounding interest in international business development. My research has facilitated a rare opportunity to engage the business community on a national level across multiple states, regions, and industries. Within six months of potentially publishing my greatest work, I have contacted several publishers to produce a book on the topic of business strategy. To answer the calls that I had in the past declined, I now have a substantive platform within which to build. I am now prepared to share the knowledge I have gained with professionals from all walks of life who may someday read my book or journal article documenting my experience. With support from the "Start Small, Dream Big" scholarship, my small dream becomes a phenomenal reality.

EARLY EXPERIENCES There is only one way to describe my life journey: extreme. For two decades I sat on the sidelines watching my husband's career flourish. As an excellent athlete with exceptional talents, he rose to prominence while defying the odds. He was a closet intellectual who scored a perfect 1400 on his SATs. He would run on the beach every morning to train, which supported his career interests to become a professional athlete. Using rationale and a long-term strategy he accomplished his goal, becoming an award-winning track star who excelled in college on a full scholarship. His commitment to education resulted in a full academic scholarship to attend one of the nation's leading Ivy League universities in Southern California. Our journey together began while he was traveling the country on assignment for a leading west coast publication to cover the Final Fours. Watching his career take on monumental forms, he was determined to broaden his scope by engaging in coverage for all sports, local and national, for his publication. My husband would eventually land a leading role as a sports columnist covering football before authoring a nationally recognized, best-selling book. I have always admired his passion for sports. COMMUNITY SERVICE While visiting major towns across America I always managed to find time to visit the local attractions, often discovering unique perspectives that inspired me to take action. As a fashion designer I have had been nominated to serve on two boards of directors to lead community-based initiatives. I have had the opportunity to rediscover the passion that brewed quietly beneath. While being married for twenty years was exciting, however, finding a voice within my community is equally as fulfilling. I will remain dedicated to serving my community as much as possible because I understand how it impacts others. IMPACT I live in a county that represents a vibrant cultural enclave representing a diverse population of more than thirty-three cultures from around the world. In this area there are a limited number of museums (only two that I can think of) in the local vicinity. There are two stadiums to serve one million residents. As I look around there are numerous opportunities to make the experience of this area of the world representative of a cultural destination not just a suburban enclave. After serving on two boards of directors, I have learned to embrace the challenges my community faces. Recently I attended two city council meetings to collect first-hand on the region’s most pressing issues. After submitting requests, within 8 months I noticed results. This to me signals a tremendous need for residents to work with city council to voice their concerns. ACHIEVEMENT Returning to school after the age of 40 has been a tremendous challenge. An education in business leadership empowers me with the ability to make an impact. As an award-winning influencer and designer, I am poised to make a difference. With less than a year to complete my doctorate, The Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship ensures the community hears my voice. SCHOLARSHIP Similar to Mrs. Jackson, I have volunteered for my community, fostered educational initiatives to support professional development for project managers, and donated to many charities to support others. This scholarship supports an ambitious strategy to forge a new life for myself and those around me. By remaining focused on the horizon, I may someday reach my goal. As clearly as the sun shines before me, thanks to generous people like you, I may stand in the presence of greatness using the skills I have obtained to make a difference. Education is my passion.

"Sew Sleek, So Chic! How Fashion Makes the World a Better Place" In the garment industry everyday images appear in magazines featuring swaths of clothing accumulating in areas of the world which are signaling a global clothing crisis. In Ghana, for instance, manufacturers have arbitrarily used the country as a dumping ground for waste. Clothing in general often pollutes waterways let alone the pollutants caused by washing them. According to an article on the environmental ramifications of the clothing industry, New England Woolens.com reports approximately ninety-two million tons of waste are generated from over consumption which amounts to landfills littered with non-biodegradable clothing. Not only is the global supply chain of clean water compromised, but synthetic fibers found in fast fashion (sportswear) contribute to the quality of the earth's soil, marine life found in oceans, water scarcity, and hunger. Clothing is filling landfills, thrift shops, oceans, and water pipelines leading to massive destruction. Some retailers have even gone as far as to accept worn clothing back to address this need. Similarly, washing synthetic fibers in found in clothing contributes to microplastics formed as a byproduct which threatens our waterways. One simple piece of technology, a sewing machine, can solve the global crisis the fashion industry is experiencing due to overconsumption. My background in business leads me to believe there are several causes contributing to this modern dilemma. The most common one I can think of is the ability (or inability) to forecast a wardrobe that works for both the short and long-term needs. Today consumers can now tailor their clothes to accommodate lifestyle changes. There are also websites that offer alternatives to throwing away or thrifting unwanted items. Savvy online boutiques offer solutions to this ever-evolving problem. The Real Real(therealreal.com) and 1stDibs (1stdibs.com) are just two examples of retailers seeking to address this phenomenon. As the United Nations convenes to discuss the 2030 global sustainability goals technology plays a vital role in empowering everyone to embrace new ways to solve environmental challenges leading to water scarcity, poverty, global warming, and potentially poverty. If everyone considered the long-lasting implications of their purchases, not only would we have a more fashionable community, doing so could lead to an improved quality of life. "So a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". If we could envision a fashionable society then the potential exists to make the world a better place for all.

When asked the proverbial question, “So, what do you want to become when you grow up?” I answered, "I want to become a fashion designer, travel the world, and live an extraordinary life as a creator." As a sixteen-year-old high school student I would spend every millisecond of my downtime exploring pathways into the art world, fashion more specifically. I enjoyed spending my weekends visiting the nation’s most celebrated museums on the mall in Washington, D.C. with my mother, an avid patron of the arts. She would insist on the family spending summer days at the National Mall where we would visit the Smithsonian Museum and walk the grounds of the mall discussing world history, art, and culture. My father enjoyed photography and often photographed family outings. I have fond memories of standing in front of The Lincoln Memorial and The Jefferson Memorial on any given summer day. I was always fascinated by how art, history, and culture co-mingled in a way to visually communicate the stories of phenomenal people who contributed to the fabric of our society. As an impressionable teenage girl, I recognized the need to tell my story as the history of the city left me with a void that somehow forms my view of the world from my own unique perspective. Throughout my career I have garnered tremendous insight from the world’s leading luminaries in my field. I have studied under the leadership of Donna Karan. I have visited Paris, France to explore the latest technological advances in textile design. I have traveled to distant lands to explore the latest business trends in design, sourcing unique fabrics, and forging relationships with suppliers. As complex as the world is, so is the fashion industry. To combat those challenges, I pursued higher education in business leadership and development. I have witnessed first-hand trials of making an impact on the fashion industry. It is as dynamic as it is challenging. The ecosystem is comprised of many talented designers, artists, illustrators, craftsmen, investors, and exporters. When understanding how shifts in supply and demand dictate customer buying preferences. Successful business leaders must embody a keen understanding of global business, politics, leadership, and the economy. Successful leaders must embrace change, should also have an ability to forecast emerging developments, and exhibit a commitment to fostering innovative solutions. As thought leaders, they should live in the present, celebrate the past, and imagine the future. As a doctoral candidate I have received recognition from the Honor Society for my development work exploring innovative business strategies. Early in my career, I was recognized by Who's Who of American Women in Business and served as the only minority American designer on a distinguished panel. Nominated by LinkedIn as a Top Influencer, I have leveraged my understanding of the world of design to foster change. With the "Pursue Your Passion" Scholarship I could continue breaking barriers, fostering change, and building equitable bridges that will impact future business leaders, policymakers, economists, and educators.

It is through conflicts that my soul just opens up. For many years I have been intrigued by business leaders: individuals who strive to make a difference in the world in which we live. Innovators, designers, illustrators, idea generators, change-agents, financiers, and visionaries - these are the people who make the world a better place. During times of hardship society flourishes. Throughout the history of the world from ancient civilizations through today, the one constant variable is innovation after times of economic turmoil. In Europe, for example, the Great Depression was preceded by the Rennaissance. The Dark Ages were followed by many inventions that influenced society in ways that fostered rapid progress that still benefits society today. Similarly, during the global pandemic, the world paused for a moment as we pivoted our focus to solve a global health crisis. Now, more than ever, society has become focused on solving world challenges at a rapid pace because the severity of the situation somehow made us more aware of the need to preserve humanity through focused initiatives to promote change. Environmental changes manage to bring out the best in society which often leads to new developments. Education is derived from edu-care, which means to draw out, extract, data. Hence, one might assume the process of educating others means to pull concepts from someone out to the surface in order to engage in the educational process. After traveling to various parts of the world I quickly learned to embrace the importance of the lessons world history has taught us over time. During periods of uncertainty, the best architects of finance and economics have the ability to impact society by sharing the lessons of what has occurred during past times of economic downturns. Just as the arts flourished after the Great Depression, so has society become more focused on continuously fostering improvements during this post-pandemic era. As retailers pivot their business strategies to incorporate more products that cater to health and well-being to their shelves and as pharmacies partner with grocery stores to ensure life-saving products are available for mass distribution through improved access to technology, life in America continues to advance. Through internet technology stores are now less likely to remain open when there is an environmental threat or challenge. Through improved drop-shipping strategies and use of drones to deliver food and medicine to areas where the roads are not as fully developed in certain countries, people are able to improve the quality of life by benefitting from advances in technology. In healthcare, for example, patients without access to transportation were once unable to receive care due to lack of dependable transportation. Today that has changed. Now, through tele-health technology, doctors now provide valuable information through virtual appointments. Additionally, medical experts now facilitate distribution of much-needed medications through advanced call-in procedures which has saved many lives by improving access to prescriptions from under-served populations who traditionally may have suffered from a lack of access to medications. These are just a few examples of how one pandemic preceded rapid improvements in education, medicine, health care and retail. As we move into 2025, let's embrace education for all who have the desire to impact the lives of others through a shared commitment to serve in a way that creates solutions to today's complex, environmental challenges. I have learned it is during these challenging times that we must remain cognizant of the fact that we are all in this together. Education has taught me how to apply insight to specific situations in order to facilitate progress with the mindset, E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, ONE).

The life of my dreams started in 2002 when I traveled to China, France, Hawaii, Italy, and Taipei exploring the market for products intended for export to the United States market. I thoroughly enjoyed meetings with dignitaries from other countries with various interests in business. During one year of rigorous travel and research I realized how there was so much more to international business development initiatives than I had ever discussed with my colleagues, clients, others in my inner circle or industry. When I was in China two decades ago, I jetted from international airport to private plane to meet my clients. My life was filled with business adventures spanning three continents often involving travel monthly which was an incredible global experience in international business education. A personal chauffer ensured I made it to each destination without any problems. I effortlessly transitioned from an obscure life as a fashion designer to meeting high-profile clients to present ideas and collaborate. Within a short time-frame I traveled the globe to attend events in Paris and New York, the fashion centers of the world. With only a passport and ideas I was awarded free reign into a world far-removed from anything I had experienced during my lifetime. It was an absolutely life-changing experience; one in which I will always treasure. Although life unfolded for me in disproportionate ways, I found myself perplexed at the notion that I had only obtained a standard, four-year education. I met with business leaders without experience in business. I traveled to foreign lands without speaking the language of my counterparts. I engaged in business research without a traditional education in development. Relying solely on a limited education I was granted the opportunity to produce and present a fashion collection independently in collaboration with twelve other fashion designers who would someday become recognized as the first cohort of fashion designers to launch Vietnam's first-ever fashion week conference. Within less than a week of activities, the country would become known as an avenue to explore uncharted territory. I met with shoe designers, sportswear manufacturers, independent jewelry designers, skilled basket weavers, website designers, exporters, importers, childrenswear manufacturers, textile mills, and skilled craftsman of every discipline. Business leaders, large and small, embraced my presence. Shared their stories. Engaged in conversations about art, culture, trade, and traditions. It was an amazing exchange of cultural expression framed within a formal context of international business and commerce My mornings were filled with meetings over coffee to discuss short-term and long-term projects. Each goal or objective was framed with illustrations, presentations, techniques, and conversations about how and why certain processes are relevant to different body types, cultures, markets, lifestyles. One discussion on embroidery led to more detail-oriented discussions on technical specifications, engineering, fabrications, and styling. Completely engrossed in the creative process from morning to night, I embraced the experience holistically, realizing that I had no formal education in design. The demand for new data superseded the limitations that I once felt could impede upon my ability to communicate with a design team in a foreign country with different processes, procedures and approaches to design. I was not hindered by language or cultural barriers nor did attitudes or local tastes and preferences detract from the experience. As the first African American designer to ever achieve global recognition for doing so, I decided to further my education in order to return to the world stage in a way that allows me to contribute on a global scale to make a difference. As a doctoral candidate, I realize the life of my dreams is within reach!