Hello everyone! I’m from Hershey, PA, and I am currently a Junior double majoring in Finance and Business Information Systems along with getting a Certificate in Leadership and Ethics. Outside of academics, I am passionate about service and pride myself on my curiosity, which motivates me to explore new opportunities, perspectives, and ways to contribute meaningfully in both classroom and professional settings such as this project! I have held positions in various student organizations that emphasize creativity, leadership, communication, and project management, allowing me to grow in many ways. These experiences have strengthened my ability to coordinate projects, lead teams, and collaborate effectively with diverse groups. Outside of academics, I have been challenging myself to engage in one outdoor activity each weekend, such as biking, hiking, or kayaking, because spending time in nature provides fresh energy, perspective, and inspiration that I bring back into my academic and leadership work. Exploring new environments also encourages creativity and resilience, qualities that I find invaluable in both problem-solving and collaborative projects.

During the ACRI project, my group will be working as partners with the Uniontown Business District Authority and the Uniontown Redevelopment Authority in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. These organizations focus on revitalizing downtown Uniontown, supporting small businesses, and preserving the community’s cultural and historical heritage, yet they face challenges in communicating a clear and consistent identity to residents, business owners, investors, and visitors. My student team is tasked with developing a cohesive branding and communication strategy that emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term economic growth. I feel this project is important because it exemplifies genuine community-engaged collaboration, where research and student contributions are guided by the needs and perspectives of the community. Uniontown, like many Appalachian communities, experiences long-term effects of out-migration and economic restructuring, and by creating a stronger, unified brand, our work has the potential to attract investment, empower local businesses, and reinforce community pride. I hope to make a tangible difference by conducting research and providing actionable recommendations, including gathering quantitative and qualitative data, creating a sustainable brand outline to guide future student groups, supporting business retention and attraction, helping retain young professionals and experienced individuals, and building meaningful, ongoing relationships with community stakeholders. Overall, I aim to contribute to a foundation that supports Uniontown’s growth while practicing ethical and collaborative research.

My current professional goals focus on continuing to build cultural and emotional awareness, strengthening leadership and teamwork abilities, and learning to innovate solutions that create meaningful impact. Academically, I am pursuing technical and problem-solving–oriented majors in Finance and Business Information Systems with a Certificate in Leadership and Ethics, and I aim to apply these skills in ways that connect business strategy with community needs. I see the ACRI Project as an opportunity to grow in these areas because it challenges me to work directly with community partners on issues related to branding, economic development, and sustainable growth. This work requires cultural understanding and empathetic sensitivity to ensure that research is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with community priorities. Collaborating with peers and community members allows me to refine leadership and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment while also thinking creatively to develop innovative strategies. Additionally, the project’s focus on creating a cohesive brand identity and communications strategy provides an opportunity to apply analytical and strategic thinking in a real-world context, ultimately giving me both the perspective and practical experience to carry these skills forward in my academic and professional pursuits.

I decided to join this project because of my positive previous experience working on a consulting project for a nonprofit in Bolivia, where I saw firsthand how research and strategic recommendations can have a tangible impact on an organization. That experience sparked my interest in community-engaged work and highlighted the value of applying technical and problem-solving skills in a collaborative, real-world setting. I am excited to work with the Uniontown Business District Authority and Redevelopment Authority because it offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to branding, economic development, and community engagement initiatives while learning from diverse perspectives and stakeholders. Through this project, I hope to refine transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. I am also aiming to enhance my cultural and emotional awareness, improve my ability to manage projects involving multiple stakeholders, and practice translating research into actionable recommendations that balance professional skills with community priorities. Overall, I am excited to engage in the ACRI Project as a unique opportunity to grow professionally, deepen my understanding of community-focused business strategy, and contribute to the long-term vitality of Fayette County.