Growing up in Northern Virginia, I lived in a neighborhood where families had roots from all over the world such as Spain, Argentina, and India. Being invited over for dinners with friends whose parents had emigrated introduced me to so many unique flavors and traditions that made me really excited to travel when I got older.

When I was twelve, my family took a trip to Athens, Greece. I was able to learn about a new culture, but this time right from the source. It was an amazing trip that made me realize that I wanted to make sure travel was a constant in my life and career.

In high school, I discovered a new interest in business and economics through my dad, who has worked in similar fields his whole career. I knew that this was a path I wanted to learn more about in college. Through conversations about approaches to different career paths with my dad, it clicked that I could combine my passion for travel with economic strategy which is what led me to become an economics major.

Last summer, I took a step in making my dreams a reality by interning for an AI business planning startup, Pigment, that is headquartered in Paris, France. Two days after arriving in Paris, I explored the Louvre which is where this picture was taken. At Pigment, I learned so much about tailoring data-driven financial strategies for different markets and working with clients from all over the world.

As I enter my senior year, I am excited to continue building on this foundation, bringing together my experiences to help organizations tackle complex challenges across borders. Ultimately, I want to craft strategies that not only drive growth but also foster meaningful connections between people and places around the world.