Currently residing on Long Island, close to the Metropolitan area, I am a savvy Design Management student on the precipice of graduating with a 4.0 GPA and Master’s degree from SCAD. My unique life experience and physical disability has provided me with a number of opportunities and serves me in my professional capacities. This somewhat eccentric frame of reference has enhanced and accelerated my proficiency in facilitating collaboration, strategic and critical thinking as well as building and leading dynamic teams. Already a strong empathe, I’ve learned to hone this trait for user research methods, design thinking practices and managerial activities. Above all, my character and strong desire to learn remains as the key to my academic success and critical relationship development. In my work as a web designer, virtual admin and social media manager, I assisted in brand development, creative marketing techniques and cultivated a flourishing social media following. This resulted in increased brand equity, online traffic growth and the generation of valuable leads. Time management, organization and multitasking were also demonstrated.

Community participation, advocacy and volunteer work has been fundamental in the construction of my character. As a founding member of The Miracle League's Long Island chapter, I worked with local government officials, businesses, community leaders, colleges and universities to procure funds, orchestrate events and secure a public wheelchair softball field. I am especially proud of forming a cherished friendship with the very gracious Mets World Series Championship Winner and philanthropist, the late and beloved Buddy Harrelson. His contributions in time, effort and merchandise will be forever appreciated and cherished. Obtaining a grant from SNY was another high-point during my time with The Miracle League. Most memorable, rewarding and ridiculously fun was getting to share the field with the many people with special needs, their friends and their families.

Also immensely gratifying was championing a handful of grants for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Concurrent with grant writing, I have had the privilege of participating in a workshop facilitated by Dr. Adam Stein at Hostra University. For eight years I have worked to promote inclusive design and disability awareness in the future practices of young medical students. Additionally, I have remained faithful in my physical therapy, for which I attend the Shepherd Center in Atlanta Georgia every year. Much of my successes can be attributed to their tremendous facility and selfless employees. All of this work has led me to my final project for my Master’s degree. The focus of my research and study will be using human-centered design management activities and collaborative processes to generate more accessibly constructed medical facilities.