After high school, I was eager to pursue my education, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my plans. I had been set to enroll at Northwood University, but the uncertainty of the pandemic, coupled with a devastating flood that hit Midland, MI where the university is located, made me hesitant to begin college right away. Instead, I took a gap year, stayed in Racine, and worked full-time. In fall 2021, I began an accelerated Bachelor of Business Administration program at Northwood University, completing my degree in just 3 years.
I had always been drawn to supply chain management, and my time at Northwood reinforced that passion. The university's focus on real-world learning and leadership development sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. At commencement in May 2024, I graduated summa cum laude and received two prestigious awards: the EXCEL Award, given to a graduate who exemplifies leadership and initiative beyond the classroom, and the Arthur E. Turner Award, named for one of Northwood's cofounders and presented to a graduate who is creative, articulate, dynamic, and committed to the Free Enterprise philosophy.
Building on that foundation, I completed Northwood's 12-month MBA program in August 2025. The intensive program deepend my strategic thinking and leadership abilities while preparing me for a career in global supply chain management. Alongside my studies, I was involved with the softball team, won awards for excellence in DECA competitions, and represented the university at fundraisers, galas, and other alumni and donor events. My supply chain internships took me across the country, from the valleys of Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains to the cityscape of Kansas City, MO.
What are you doing now?
I have completed my college education and I have since started my career in supply chain with Whirlpool Corporation, America's leading manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances. I am part of the Global Supply Chain Leadership Development Program, which provides diverse rotational experiences across the organization. I am currently based in Clyde, OH, supporting one of Whirlpool's major laundry manufacturing operations, and will transition to the company's global headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI in 2026 to continue to build my career. I am eager to take this next step in my career and excited to see where the future will lead me.
How did your high school experience help prepare you for the next steps?
My high school experiences laid a strong foundation for the success I’ve achieved in college and beyond. Back then, I was known for being deeply involved in a wide range of activities, from sports to extracurriculars. While it often felt like I was juggling a million things, those experiences taught me how to balance multiple priorities, work effectively in teams, and stay committed to my goals. These skills proved invaluable as I transitioned to college and tackled new academic and professional challenges. I was a freshman at Case when the Academy model was introduced to RUSD, and at the time, there were plenty of questions about whether this new approach would truly benefit students. Looking back, I can confidently say that the Academies had a profound impact on my journey. When I first started in the Academies, I chose the engineering pathway. It seemed like a great fit, and I was excited to take classes in engineering and 3D modeling. However, those courses helped me realize that engineering wasn’t my passion after all. Without the Academy model, I likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore that pathway in high school. I may have gone to college assuming I wanted to pursue engineering, only to switch majors multiple times before landing on something I truly enjoyed. The Academies allowed me to discover what I didn’t like early on, saving me time, money, and frustration in the future. After deciding engineering wasn’t for me, I switched to the business pathway—and honestly, that decision changed everything. Through business classes and involvement in a business club, I discovered my passion for the business world. That initial spark has continued to grow and those early experiences helped guide me toward the career path I’m on today. The Academies of Racine didn’t just prepare me for college; it helped me uncover my interests, refine my goals, and chart a clear path forward. I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future center on building a long-term career in global supply chain management while continuing to grow as a leader and problem-solver. I recently began my professional journey with Whirlpool and this opportunity allows me to strengthen my skills, gain diverse perspectives, and contribute to one of the world's leading manufacturers of home appliances. Looking ahead, I aspire to take on senior leadership roles in the supply chain field, driving innovation and operational excellence. I also hope to give back by mentoring young professionals and supporting initiatives that empower students to discover their passions, just as I was supported throughout my journey.
Check out additional Alumni Spotlights at rusd.org.