Driving Global Change from South Mountain
Lehigh’s internationally engaged campus has refined my voice into one that is both principled and effective in driving real outcomes.
College:
College of Arts & Sciences
Academics:
Major:
International Relations
French
Minor:
Global Studies
Hometown:
Nashville, TN
Activities:
Tour Guide, Greek life, founder of Women's Strength Society, Secretary of Mock Trial, Dolce Women's Choir, Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, Student Senator, UN Youth Representative, UN Association, World Affairs Club
Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?
A: Lehigh is a place where you will be able to work hands-on with the things you are passionate about. Coming to college, I was looking for an environment that would foster my ideas, support my development, and where students uplift one another. I have found all that and more here at Lehigh. I have long been passionate about advocacy and policy, and my experience working with the United Nations partnership here at Lehigh has exposed me to people who challenge my perspectives and broaden my understanding of the many paths a career in this field can take. This hands-on experience is invaluable in my future career endeavors, and has taught me lessons I will carry with me throughout the rest of my college experience.
Q: You saw a need on campus and founded the Women's Strength Society to meet it. What made you realize this space was essential, and how did you move that idea from a vision to a real community?
A: Going to the gym and staying active is one of my favorite hobbies, and I was eager to get involved in a club at Lehigh that reflected this interest. During the fall of my first year, I walked around the club fair but struggled to find a group that truly aligned with what I was looking for. I hoped to join a community of women who are passionate about exercise and committed to personal growth, both in and out of the gym. When I couldn’t find a club like that, I decided to create it. My friend Evelyn Klumker and I sat on the lawn after the club fair had ended and talked through how we could turn this idea into reality. Although we were denied Student Senate recognition in the first round, we were determined and applied again. Being recognized by the school after all our hard work was incredibly rewarding. Since then, we’ve hosted a variety of events on campus, including spin classes, gym buddy speed dating, and collaborations with other women-led organizations. This experience has been extremely fulfilling, and I’ve learned so much from being part of a community of strong, independent, and passionate women. Follow along on our journey @womensstrengthsociety on Instagram!
Q: Between Mock Trial, Student Senate and the UN Association, you spend a lot of time as an advocate. How have your opportunities at Lehigh helped you refine your voice to drive meaningful outcomes?
A: My involvement in Mock Trial, Student Senate, and the UN Association has helped me develop a strong, thoughtful advocacy style rooted in diplomacy and perspective. Through Mock Trial, I have learned how to analyze issues from every angle and articulate arguments with clarity and precision. Student Senate and the UN Association have strengthened my diplomatic skills, teaching me how to navigate differing viewpoints and work collaboratively toward meaningful solutions. Together, these experiences, and Lehigh’s internationally engaged campus, has refined my voice into one that is both principled and effective in driving real outcomes. The United Nations Youth Representative program is where I have been able to put these skills to use. This program allows Lehigh students to represent NGOs from all around the world at the UN headquarters in New York City. Through my role as a UN Youth Representative, I have been able to use my skills to advocate for my NGO, Widows Development Organization, at the global level. I have shaken hands with princesses, connected with presidents, and sat alongside world leaders. These experiences have confirmed that my involvement in Lehigh’s advocacy programs have prepared me to be an effective advocate capable of driving real, tangible change.
Q: Your International Relations and French majors and Global Studies minor largely revolve around building bridges and understanding different worldviews. What resources or mentorship have you found to be most helpful in developing your skill set in these areas?
A: The Office of Fellowship Advising has been one of the most valuable resources in my pursuit of a global learning experience. The staff have taken the time to meet with me one-on-one to discuss my academic interests and long-term goals, helping me clarify how my International Relations and French majors, along with my Global Studies minor, fit into a broader global trajectory. Through these conversations, I’ve gained practical guidance on translating classroom learning into real-world experience. The office also provides Lehigh students with access to hundreds of international internship and fellowship opportunities across the globe, which has been instrumental in exposing me to diverse professional pathways and cultural contexts. This mentorship has strengthened my ability to navigate different worldviews and has reinforced my commitment to building meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Q: What advice would you give to someone trying to strike a balance between excelling academically and getting involved in the Lehigh community?
A: Find people who push you to be the best version of yourself! Every student at Lehigh is committed to their academic success, but everyone is also deeply involved in campus organizations. My friends and I often study together during the day, while still making time to take advantage of the many fun opportunities on campus. Through the clubs I’m involved in, I’ve met so many people who share my major or similar interests, and those connections often turn into built-in study buddies. As long as you stay on top of your work, it is entirely manageable to be highly involved on campus while still excelling academically.
Q: If you could fast-forward to your senior year, what’s one mark you hope to have left on this community?
A: Firstly, I hope that the community I have established through Women’s Strength Society continues to thrive long past my graduation. I hope to have left a mark on the Lehigh community by helping foster spaces where students feel encouraged to engage with different perspectives—academically, culturally, and socially. Whether through student organizations, collaborative projects, or informal mentorship, I want to be someone who brings people together and makes thoughtful dialogue feel accessible rather than intimidating. Ultimately, I hope others would see me as someone who contributed to a more connected, curious, and globally minded campus.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?
A: It’s hard to choose just one favorite thing, but if I had to, it would be my friends and community. I’ve been lucky to meet people who push me to be the best version of myself and are deeply passionate about what they do. The Lehigh community is truly one of a kind, and the people I’ve met here will be a part of my life forever.
Q: If you had to sum up your Lehigh journey so far in three authentic-to-you words, what would they be?
A: Rewarding, enriching, and fun!
Q: Where is your study spot of choice on campus?
A: Depending on the day, I love the greenhouse behind Williams or the Great Room in the Clayton University Center!
Q: What is your favorite food spot, either on campus or in SouthSide Bethlehem?
A: My favorite food spot is definitely The Goose. I always feel at home when I walk in there, and their sandwiches always hit the spot! Tony is the best!