Adventure has always been a guiding principle in my life. Being involved in sports, school activities, and extracurriculars shaped my choices and perspectives throughout my childhood and teenage years, and, as I entered the world of adulthood, spurred me on to broaden my horizons through language.
I chose to develop my language skills by moving from the United States to study in Paris, before moving to New Caledonia, a small island in the South Pacific, for a year. Living in Paris expanded my cultural horizons and comfort with uncertainty, while my time in New Caledonia deepened my understanding of community service and how to work with those who have different backgrounds.
While not the most conventional path for an 18-year-old, living in these different environments pushed me to not only better understand myself, but to also appreciate others. Following these adventures, I embraced a transformative chapter in Taiwan to spend 18 months as a volunteer missionary for my church.
Taking a break from university to serve full-time is often frowned upon. Many of my friends were surprised by my decision to delay my graduation. Yet, this experience enriched my understanding of leadership and community in ways I never anticipated. Arriving in Taiwan, learning Mandarin Chinese, and spending more than 80 hours a week volunteering was an immediate crash course in time management, leadership, conflict management, and so much more. It was also incredibly meaningful to be able to spend that period of my life focused on helping others and has oriented the focus of my life and career ever since. I am forever grateful for that experience and how it has shaped the trajectory of my life.
Following my undergraduate degree, I first worked in impact investing and then transitioned to work in institutional private equity with the goal of starting my own company. I realized that to effect lasting change, particularly in the entrepreneurial landscape, I needed strategic and leadership skills with the support network of an MBA program.
IMD came onto my radar after completing a bike trek around the island of Taiwan and taking a layover in Singapore to explore other universities. I was impressed by the close-knit class environment and skills taught and was thrilled to be accepted at such an incredible institution.
At IMD, I strive to balance rigorous academics with unexpected adventures. Often, this spontaneity manifests itself through spending time talking with classmates, where I am often able to help solve a problem or have a problem of my own solved. Other times, this looks more like exploring new parts of Switzerland through a hike, via ferrata, or other outdoor activities. Most recently, I have been taking on the adventure of building a new business within the childcare space, trying to create a company that will assist in solving a significant challenge for so many parents around the world.
Each adventure, whether in the South Pacific, within the walls of IMD, or now thinking about this future business venture, has reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.
Embracing my sense of adventure, while always being guided by purpose, has led me toward this pivotal moment at IMD. I aspire to harness the skills and connections I gain here to build a childcare business that addresses a critical need for parents worldwide and I am excited to see how my adventures will unfold, ultimately contributing to a world where families can thrive together.
