Growing up in Atlanta, where sports culture thrived, my family's tradition was cheering on the Falcons. We were season ticket holders, and attending their games became a cherished part of our lives. However, my personal involvement in sports was limited due to various factors. Despite not being able to actively participate in sports, my love for athletics remained strong. Instead of playing, I found myself drawn to the business aspect of sports. I became intrigued by the inner workings of sports organizations, from how teams managed their players to the strategies they employed to engage fans and build their brand. My fascination with the business side of sports was fueled by my experiences as a dedicated Falcons fan. Witnessing the impact that sports had on individuals and communities, I recognized the potential for the sports industry to create meaningful change beyond the field or court. This realization inspired my career aspirations. I wanted to combine my passion for sports with my interest in business and marketing to pursue a career in the sports industry. I envisioned myself playing a role in shaping the future of sports organizations, contributing to their success, and making a positive impact in the lives of fans and communities. Now, as a sophomore business administration and marketing student at North Carolina A&T, I actively engaged in promoting diversity and inclusion in school and through my community. I currently Public Relations Intern for Minorities in Sports and VP of Social Media for the American Marketing Association, both roles demonstrating my commitment to fostering inclusivity through digital media. Using social media, it’s often harder to promote ethical practices because of common misinterpretations, however, I try my best to find ways to make everyone feel included within my organizations. I often find myself brainstorming ideas that reach wider audiences, hoping for growth within the organization as well. After graduation, my aspirations are to work professionally within the sports industry, applying my marketing and management skills to assist in advancing an organization for proficient growth. Within this field, I noticed how badly minorities and women were underrepresented, many overlooked regardless of the talent they possess. As a business leader, I hope to advance by enhancing diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. My mission is to transform the negative perception placed on minorities in the sports industry, looking for methods to change the face of the industry and go against misrepresentation. Overcoming biases and stereotypes, I believe that fostering a corporation that embraces different perspectives is necessary for innovation and success. It is hard finding opportunities that align with certain values within these prestige organizations, offering a platform where minorities can not only grow professionally but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and representative environment within the sports community. I hope to empower minorities in believing they can fit in all types of roles, no matter the standards set in place. I am excited about my journey ahead and wish that I accomplish such goals, educating both my peers and the wider community about the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of sports.

Attending North Carolina A&T State University has played a crucial role in shaping me into a successful leader inside and outside of the university. When you attend an university that produces nothing but excellence, it causes you to work and grow toward your fullest potential, knowing that excellence is not just encouraged but expected. Being placed in settings with likeminded individuals who share the same background and culture further motives me to achieve my own goals and aspirations. As an out-of-state student, I was quickly interested in North Carolina A&T State University because of their rich history in producing business professionals that are equipped with the proper trainings and learnings needed for the real world. From the moment that I stepped foot on NC A&T’s campus, I knew that I would be destined for greatness. The support given through mentorship and guidance serves as a beacon of hope, creating an environment that feels like a home away from home. It’s a place where you can learn not only inside the classroom, but also gain valuable life skills needed for personal growth just from the community alone. Every day, I am appreciative of attending North Carolina A&T State University because of the opportunities they provide that allow me to hold myself at a higher pedestal. For these reasons, I hold on to and exclaim the phrase “Aggie Pride” very proudly. For me, Aggie Pride is more than just a saying; it symbolizes a lifestyle of individuals that hold a strong passion for the school and the aspiration to excel. We learn the importance of pursuing our dreams until it is a reality, and building the life that we want for ourselves takes strength and resilience. There have been many times where we’ve struggled and wanted to quit, but it is during those moments where Aggie Pride holds the most significance. Fredrick Douglass once stated, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” The challenges I face will soon be conquered, considering the community that the university has created around me. We draw strength from those surrounding us, enabling us to strengthen iron with iron, knowing that together, we can overcome obstacles and accomplish goals that we have set forth. After graduation, my aspirations are to work professionally within the sports industry, applying my marketing and management skills to assist in advancing an organization for proficient growth. Within this field, I noticed how badly minorities and women were underrepresented, many overlooked regardless of the talent they possess. As a business leader, I hope to advance by enhancing diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. My mission is to transform the negative perception placed on minorities in the sports industry, looking for methods to change the face of the industry and go against misrepresentation. Overcoming biases and stereotypes, I believe that fostering a corporation that embraces different perspectives is necessary for innovation and success. It is hard finding opportunities that align with certain values within these prestige organizations, offering a platform where minorities can not only grow professionally but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and representative environment within the sports community. I hope to empower minorities in believing they can fit in all types of roles, no matter the standards set in place. I am excited about my journey ahead and wish that I accomplish such goals, educating both my peers and the wider community about the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of sports.

My aspirations in life are just as big as anyone else’s. Once I graduate, my career goal is to work in the sports industry in a business capacity, utilizing my marketing, social media, and management skills for proficient growth within a company. I am driven to contribute to the diversity and inclusion initiatives within the sports industry. I believe that fostering a workplace that embraces different perspectives is needed for innovation and success. I enjoy and yearn for opportunities that align with my values, offering a platform where I can not only grow professionally but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and representative environment within the sports community. I am excited about the prospect of being part of a team that not only shares my goals but also understands the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of sports. As an out-of-state student, I was quickly interested in North Carolina A&T State University because of their rich history in producing business professionals that are equipped with the proper trainings and learnings needed for the real world. From the moment that I stepped foot on NC A&T’s campus, I knew that I would be destined for greatness. The support given through mentorship and guidance serves as a beacon of hope, creating an environment that feels like a home away from home. It’s a place where you can learn not only inside the classroom, but also gain valuable life skills needed for personal growth just from the community alone.