Growing up as the sister of a brother with Lowe Syndrome gave me a front-row seat to the disability rights movement and the realities of systemic inequities. But it was at the Bush School that I began placing those lived experiences into a broader framework of diversity, inclusion, and global understanding.
Throughout my time in the program, I worked with classmates and colleagues from different countries, professional sectors, and cultural backgrounds. These collaborations taught me how to recognize and appreciate the strengths that come from difference—especially in high-stakes, team-based environments. During the capstone project, for example, our team represented a wide range of lived and professional experiences, which enriched both our discussions and the solutions we developed for Philanthropy Southwest.
My nonprofit work further demonstrated how diversity and inclusion shape real-world practice. Whether coordinating the Angel Tree program at Texas Health Resources or collaborating with the American Red Cross on governance issues, I learned to balance competing needs, ensure fairness, and create space for every voice. These were not theoretical lessons; they were lived realities of equity and belonging.
To me, diversity extends far beyond demographics. It means building communities where every person feels heard, valued, and respected—and where belonging is an expectation, not an exception. My lived experience, paired with my academic training, has strengthened my commitment to creating systems that honor the dignity of every individual.
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” — Robin Williams
