Thoughts as the year comes to an end...

This summer, I was fortunate enough to intern in the marketing department at HKS Inc. When searching for internship opportunities, I focused on finding a company headquartered in Dallas, TX, as I believed it would provide a unique perspective on the local market dynamics and culture.

I truly enjoyed getting to know the department's senior leaders, who have been integral to the company's growth over the years. Their experiences offered valuable insights, especially those shared over casual chats with my desk neighbors, shalmir johnston and Leanne Doore Hearing about everyone's professions and the various roles they played in projects added depth to my understanding of the company's operations.

I am particularly grateful for the mentorship I received from Ashli W. Pettigrew , the Senior Communications Project Manager. Her unwavering work ethic and dedication to advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion have inspired me. I feel incredibly lucky to have had her support during my time at HKS, as she helped me navigate the complexities of the corporate world while encouraging me to pursue my passions.

Additionally, I was mentored by my managers at Golden Goose, Nathaly Barr and Erick Lamas , who played a significant role in guiding me through my back-to-school journey. Their willingness to work with my schedule and offer advice helped me balance my academic commitments and professional responsibilities. Through my experiences, I've learned that mentorship can come in many forms—whether it’s from friends who support you during decision-making, encouraging you through hypothetical “what ifs,” or from experienced professionals providing focused guidance. Each interaction has enriched my knowledge and prepared me for future challenges.

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