The University of Michigan

 In 2022, just before graduating from the Ross School of Business, I had the honor of being selected as the commencement speaker for my class. Unfortunately, my family couldn’t attend the ceremony—my mother was undergoing breast cancer treatment in Michigan, and my father and brother had concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. In an unexpected moment, I reached out to Coach Jim Harbaugh, a childhood idol who had come to represent the resilience and spirit that my family held onto during my mother’s chemotherapy. I shared my story with him, expressing my deep connection to the University of Michigan and my admiration for his leadership. 

 Remarkably, Coach Harbaugh and his family responded with an invitation to Schembechler Hall, where I had the privilege of touring the facilities and engaging in meaningful conversations. During our time together, I shared a vision that had been forming throughout my business school journey—a bridge between student-athletes and academic resources, designed to help them build their personal brands while providing crucial academic support.

 Not only did Coach Harbaugh embrace this vision and empower me to pave my own path, his parents attended my graduation at Michigan Ross as my guests.  

Through interactions with over 40 contacts within Michigan Athletics, I established my role as Assistant to Coach Harbaugh, advising student-athletes on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities while supporting their academic growth. These conversations revealed a strong desire among student-athletes to give back to their community and inspire others, which inspired the creation of Hail! Impact—a nonprofit dedicated to helping Michigan student-athletes engage with their community and foster personal development. 

 Hail! Impact empowers Michigan student-athletes to engage in meaningful charitable work while also offering education in brand development and entrepreneurship. We collaborate with esteemed professors from Michigan Ross, Michigan Law, and Michigan Kinesiology to provide high-quality education. Upon completing their required service and educational programs, student-athletes receive a stipend to cover essential expenses and invest in their entrepreneurial ventures, further supporting their personal and professional growth. 

This journey, sparked by a simple email, underscores the significance of authentic relationships in pursuing one's dreams. It's a testament to the value of not only speaking up for opportunities but also being driven by a genuine desire to serve a higher purpose. Through this experience, I've learned that true fulfillment comes not just from personal achievement, but from creating a positive impact on the lives of others.