Complete this sentence, "If not for MLT..."
I would be trying to succeed in business like a bird with no wings. MLT introduced and cemented the importance of a network and self-advocacy. More importantly than any of the individual elements of the program, I emerged a person with a vision and a plan for success.

Please describe the impact MLT had immediately upon completing your program.
Immediately upon completing Career Prep, I had a full-time role at a top technology company seven months before graduating. I also had a dynamic network in my immediate cohort, which I utilized to relocate to a new city, navigate taking the GMAT, and explore my side hustle. Lastly, I left a lasting impression on my colleagues and managers in my internship through MLT, which grew my network and understanding of the various career paths within my reach.

How has MLT changed the financial/economic trajectory for you and your family?
MLT has inspired and enabled me to begin building generational wealth in my family. Before, I had a very narrow view of what a 'career' meant and what my potential was. Now, I have the confidence to pursue a life of financial freedom for myself and my descendants.

Has MLT elevated your personal and professional aspirations? If so, please provide an example.
Yes, it has. My professional goals were all centered around 'finding the right job.' I thought that if I found the right match, I would be successful. My 1:1 coaching through MLT helped me deconstruct this goal and get to the root of my motivators. I realized that I work my best when I consider my impact, which is far beyond considering what I want to 'be'. Instead of making myself fit into a set of jobs I thought were interesting, my coach helped me realize that I could bring my whole self to any position and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit regardless of title. This elevated my professional aspirations beyond a list of roles and into how I want to impact my community.

How has MLT's community helped advance your personal and/or professional happiness?
Before MLT, I approached my career with anxiety. I wasn't sure what I was meant to do, or even what I could achieve. After meeting other motivated students, coaches, and alumni, I began to feel less anxious and more excited. I realized I wasn't the only one trying to define success and contribute to the world, and I found inspiration while listening to stories of transformation and change. After MLT, my ability to adapt and my openness to new opportunities have increased tenfold. This has reduced the anxiety I had around 'not knowing' and allowed me to experience more daily happiness even while I am navigating my professional path.

Speak to a challenge MLT helped you overcome and how did that help your trajectory (i.e. confidence that you belong, growth mindset, vulnerability).
MLT gave me confidence that I belong in business, even with my untraditional background and interests. As an Environmental Science major, I always knew that my academic interests probably wouldn't translate into my career, but I felt self-conscious that others wouldn't accept me in the business world. My coach, and meeting so many like-minded students, showed me that being unique is something to be proud of. Moreover, 'belonging' in the business world has less to do with your history and more to do with your work ethic and vision.

Have you helped advance vulnerable people on their path to economic mobility? If so, how?
Yes, I have. After completing MLT Career Prep and in my last year of undergraduate studies, I became a financial coach. This allows me to directly help others in developing strong financial foundations and starting the journey towards building wealth.

Share 2-3 ways you've been able to accelerate your organization's journey toward greater diversity and inclusion.
1. During my experience recruiting for my organization, I was active and vocal about hiring and supporting diverse talent. I developed trust with my recruiting team and consequently succeeded in challenging their traditional methods of finding quality candidates. Our team not only emphasized racial diversity in our hiring process, but we also emphasized diversity of experience, resulting in a hire that represented both. 2. I am very active in my organization's Black Inclusion Group—attending all member meetings and at least two events per quarter. I have also hosted three financial coaching events for this group, bringing together and strengthening the community of Black professionals at the organization. When I am involved, either as a host or participant, I invite allies of the black community to continue the work of inclusion on a day to day basis (which I believe requires effort from both minority and non-minority employees).

Share your favorite song, movie, or book, and why it appeals to you.
My favorite book is Born for This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do by Chris Guillebeau. The book details how to find the work you are meant to do, and what it means to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit in any role or situation. Out of all the development books I've read, Born for This strikes the perfect balance between inspiration and actionable suggestions, all while drawing on real-world examples.

What is your superpower?
My superpower is taking complex issues, breaking them down into individual parts, and ultimately identifying the core. This is supplemented by my ability to methodically address each element and rework the situation into a success. Ironically, my love for doing this started at the age of four, when I completed my first jigsaw puzzle. To date, doing puzzles is one of my favorite pastimes, and I see this superpower manifesting everywhere in my personal and professional life.

What gives you hope?
I recently adopted a new practice after reading The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. Every night, I reflect on three things I was grateful for that day. This small reflection (even if the things are as trivial as having my favorite bowl of cereal) gives me hope beyond words. Not only does it show me that every day is full of treasure--it makes me excited for the next knowing that at least three great things will happen that day. At a high-level, this practice also reminds me that happiness can be found everywhere, all the time, for anyone. If I am downtrodden, I have hope that good things will still come. If someone else is downtrodden, I have hope that good things will come to them as well. This means that regardless of the situation, there will always be good that comes next.