Difference Makers
UM-Dearborn Difference Makers are at the forefront of their fields. They’re improving the lives of others and making an impact on campus and in our local communities.
My love for higher education and intercollegiate athletics began at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and I've been blessed with the opportunity to continue to learn more about my passion. Since graduating from UM-Dearborn, I have started and completed a Master of Arts in Sport Management from Western Michigan University. Upon completing my degree, I will be joining Stanford University Athletics in Palo Alto, California as a Human Resources Associate. Here I will be responsible for all aspects of human resources for 15 varsity sports. I'm honored and incredibly excited to be starting my career at such an amazing university with such talented student-athletes and coaches. None of this would be possible without the education and support I received from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
What makes you a Difference Maker?
What makes me a UM-Dearborn Difference Maker can only be answered by who has helped shape me to make a difference. I can't thank enough the many professors, administrators in the Athletic Department, friends and family who’ve encouraged me to seek more and achieve at a high level. It's the many great experiences I've had that have helped me realize who I am. I put great stock in helping those around me achieve because I know how hard it is to make your dreams a reality without a helping hand. I have a passion for the community and I look to contribute in whatever I'm involved with because it makes me feel like I'm truly leaving a meaningful impact.
Highlight your campus achievements:
I've been lucky to have studied at a university that considers involvement a key to success, and I can't talk about my accomplishments without mentioning the Athletics & Recreation Department. It's because of what I've learned while at the department and my relationship with the administration that I've received internships with the Great Lakes Loons and Detroit Tigers and winning a championship ring in the process. Some of my other accomplishments have come from my work as the Director of Athletics & Recreation in Student Government. There, I established and executed the first All-Sports Banquet with a group of highly motivated visionaries. However, this honor, being named a UM-Dearborn Difference Maker, is and always will be one of my greatest achievements.
Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:
Being a student at UM-Dearborn has really helped me grow in so many different respects, but I value what I've learned as a leader the most. The most meaningful leadership opportunity came when I was appointed the Director of Athletics & Recreation. This was the most formative for me because it helped me choose my career path in sports marketing. Additionally, I joined the National Society for Leadership and Success which has really pushed me to grow as a leader on campus, and in the community, through community engagement and mentorship. I feel that because of these leadership opportunities and the many instilled university values, I'm adequately prepared and looking forward to making a difference in my community.
What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?
I appreciatively credit the Athletics & Recreation Department for helping me shape my goals and aspirations over these past four years. It's because of the many genuine conversations I've had with the department administration that I've been able to accomplish the things I have and realize the goals I now have for myself. One of my main goals is to one day be the president of a minor league baseball team because I love the ability that baseball has in uniting people of different backgrounds and changing communities; it's for that reason that I hope to have a long and meaningful career in professional baseball. In the long term, I hope to someday teach in some fashion because of the great conversations I've had here with administration and faculty.
What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?
My most defining moment at UM-Dearborn occurred when I attended a sports marketing seminar put on by the American Marketing Association chapter at UM-Dearborn. I noticed the flyer on one of the cafeteria tables, raced home to throw on my best suit and came back to the seminar sweating bullets because I didn't want to miss anything that was said. After listening to Ron Wade, Director of Marketing for the Detroit Tigers, I managed to spit out a few nervous questions. One of them was, “What I should do to make it in sports?” His response to me was, "Make sure everything on your resume points to your ultimate goal and get as much experience as you can." That day I was driving home and made the exciting decision to pursue a career in sports marketing, no matter what it took. Now, three and a half years later, my desk is just around the corner from Mr. Wade's. That day meant so much for me and my growth professionally, and I'm proud to say that I'm now a corporate sales intern with the Detroit Tigers.
