What makes you a Difference Maker?

What makes me a Difference Maker is how I not only strive to make myself better, but I love to encourage and help others grow and realize their own light and importance. I strive to make a lasting and positive impact on every individual I meet. At the University of Michigan-Dearborn and in my community, my mission is to spread awareness for equitable resources and healthy opportunities to all individuals. I do this through volunteer work, campus involvement, and leadership opportunities. Additionally, when I’m passionate about something, I stop at nothing to work toward my goal in order to make long-lasting and meaningful changes. I pride myself on being a go-getter, my work ethic, and my ambition to be a support system for all.

Tell us about your leadership experience.

Some of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at UM-Dearborn have come from being involved in the campus community. I have the opportunity to serve as the vice president for the Public Health Society (PHS). PHS spreads knowledge of everything public health related to the campus and the city of Dearborn. PHS also works to address health disparities and organize events on public health matters. Through my work with PHS, we partner with the non-profit organization ACCESS and Henry Ford health care systems in spreading knowledge for the National Institute of Health All of Us Research. I am also the head chair for the Health and Wellness committee with the Leadership Advisory Board on Campus. On this committee, I lead a team in creating fun and educational events surrounding health and wellness. Furthermore, I am a peer mentor through the Counseling and Psychological Services. As a peer mentor I help co-lead student mental health support groups and create health webinars surrounding the different dimensions of wellness. I am also a Talent Gateway ambassador and serve as secretary for the Student Activities Board. Additionally, I serve on the academic integrity board for the College of Health and Human Services on campus. Lastly, I served as a student leader for the organization COVID-Chronicles. With this organization, I had the opportunity to help start-up an organization that connected students in the Detroit and Chicago area through virtual discussions and reflection exercises. As a leader, I have the privilege of connecting on a deeper level with the student body and Metro Detroit areas.

What is your dream career or goal?

My long term life goal is where I am living a life where I have the opportunity to create a long lasting impact on society and I am able to leave a legacy for the future. Although I am not sure of my dream career, I would like to advocate providing equitable resources and change to marginalized communities, whether that's more on a micro scale or through policy work. I am specifically interested in addressing food insecurity in my work. I am a firm believer that access to nutritional food should be a standard to every person, but it is treated as more of a privilege in society. I also have aspirations to create my own business surrounding nutritional and physical health, and mixing it with my passion of helping underserved communities. While I don't have an indisputable answer when asked about my career path, I know for certain that I am excited and look forward to the future.

What is your most defining moment?

As a student at UM-Dearborn, it is a defining moment for me because I am able to be a part of something much bigger and support the community of the student body. Specifically, having multiple leadership positions and being able to construct new initiatives where students can see the importance of both mental and physical health, two things that I value. Through this, I have met amazing individuals on campus with similar passions and experiences as I. I knew once enrolling in the school of University of Michigan-Dearborn I would be welcomed into a great college environment. The university has so far exceeded all of my expectations because the school is truly one of support. I am proud to call myself a Wolverine!