For graduating senior Kristina Lee, her undergraduate experience at UM-Dearborn has comprised a series of wins. As president of the American Marketing Association, Lee led the student organization to earn recognition of Exemplary Chapter Performance in two categories: Chapter Planning and Communications at the AMA International Collegiate Conference in 2019. “We were also awarded Honorable Mention for the Wall Street Journal Case Competition,” she says. She’s also taken on various leadership roles that have contributed to her undergraduate success. “As a student worker at the College of Business Student Services Office, I have been able to assist in any advising needs, whether it is getting students in contact with an advisor or directing them through the proper resource channels,” she says. “At the START Office, I play the role of a Peer Advisor, where I have been able to create one-on-one connections with freshmen by assisting in academic coaching or answering simple questions to help ease their transition into college.” Both roles, Lee says, have offered incredible opportunities to help her fellow students in any way possible.  

Kristina, in her own words

On connecting with others. “I am the student and person I am today because of each and every interaction I have had with those who have helped me in the past, and as a result, I have made it my mission to do the same. I believe that you learn the most from those you are surrounded by, and I hope that I have established myself as someone that students can come to with anything in their time of need.”

On building confidence. “I joined the Student Activities Board (SAB) and was recognized for my leadership potential when receiving the Emerging Leadership Award. Receiving this award gave me the confidence to continue my work through the American Marketing Association (AMA), which I was named the president of in 2019. Through AMA, my leadership and academic success were recognized by Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity, which I was accepted into in 2019, and I was also one of a thousand students selected in the United States to receive the Forbes Under 30 Scholarship. And while involved with many different organizations, I was still able to find the time to focus on my academics. I maintained a G.P.A of at least 3.5, and made the Dean's List multiple semesters.”

On her entrepreneurial endeavors. “My parents came to this country and opened their own Chinese restaurant, barely knowing English, but somehow, they were able to support a family of eight. Growing up in a family business, I was able to learn the true definition of hard work and perseverance. My long-term goal is to own and run a business of my own. Although it is no easy task, the reward of successfully building something of your own is something that motivates me every day. I hope that my future business is one that spreads positivity and gives back to the community. I want to create something that is bigger than myself and that creates a positive impact in a world that can be so negative.”