1. What inspired you to pursue your current field of study, and how do you see it aligning with your personal interests and future goals?

I’ve always loved learning and challenging myself to grow, both personally and professionally. Pursuing my MBA has been a way for me to build new skills and gain a deeper understanding of how businesses run. I want to be able to contribute more—whether that’s improving efficiency at the companies I work for or bringing new ideas to the organizations I volunteer with. For me, it’s about continuously improving so I can make a bigger impact, help teams work better together, and create meaningful change in the spaces I’m a part of.

2. How do you define innovation, and can you share an example of how you’ve seen it play out in your own life or studies?

To me, innovation is about finding better ways to do things—whether that’s solving a big problem or just making a small improvement that has a big impact. One example was when I built a live sales channel for my company, even though I had zero experience in sales or jewelry. I had to learn everything from scratch, but it ended up driving a ton of engagement and revenue. It also created a more personal connection with customers, which I think is just as important as the sales themselves.

3. What qualities do you think make someone a strong leader, and how do you work to develop these traits in yourself?

A great leader is someone who listens, communicates clearly, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and do the work alongside their team. I try to develop those traits by being open to feedback, making sure I support my team in a way that actually helps them, and always looking for ways to improve—whether that’s through learning new skills or just paying attention to what’s working (and what’s not).

4. Do you have any entrepreneurial aspirations or experiences? If so, what motivates you to pursue them?

I’ve always worked in small businesses, which means I’ve had to think like an entrepreneur—even when I wasn’t technically one. I love the creativity and problem-solving that come with that. I also have a big heart for animals, so one dream of mine is to start a senior dog sanctuary. I’ve seen firsthand how much senior dogs struggle to find homes, and I’d love to create a space where they can be comfortable, cared for, and loved.

5. Can you share a time when you faced a personal challenge and how you managed to overcome it?

During Hurricane Helene, I had to think fast and problem-solve in a way I never had before. The storm hit Asheville hard, and people in the community—especially homebound seniors—were struggling to get basic necessities like food and water. I helped coordinate supplies, including water for flushing toilets, food, and power banks. I also worked with my company to temporarily relocate order fulfillment to Charlotte, ensuring we could keep operations running despite the chaos. It was one of those moments that really showed me how important it is to stay calm, adapt, and just do what needs to be done.

6. What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of your academic work, and do they influence your approach to innovation or leadership?

I foster dogs and knit, and both have surprisingly taught me a lot about problem-solving and patience. Fostering has shown me how to adapt quickly, meet challenges head-on, and find creative solutions—whether it’s helping a nervous dog adjust or figuring out how to manage multiple pets in my home. Knitting, on the other hand, has been a great reminder that consistency and small efforts add up over time. Both hobbies have influenced how I approach work and leadership—being patient, staying flexible, and knowing that progress is made one step (or one stitch) at a time.

7. What is one skill or area of knowledge you hope to develop more deeply during your time in school, and how do you plan to apply it in your career?

I really want to deepen my knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. I love finding ways to make processes more efficient, and those skills would help me do that at a much higher level. Whether it’s cutting waste, improving workflows, or just making things run more smoothly, I know that having a strong foundation in these areas will be a game-changer in my career.

8. What impact do you hope to make in your field, and how do you think education will play a role in helping you achieve that?

I want to make businesses more efficient in a way that also makes life better for the people working in them. So often, operations can feel like it’s just about numbers and logistics, but at the end of the day, it’s about people—helping teams work better together, reducing stress, and creating systems that actually support the work they’re doing. My education is helping me build the skills to make that happen, and I can’t wait to apply them in a meaningful way.