Briefly indicate your current role and company, organization, and/or location office. 

Executive Search Associate at Odgers, Dubai office

Briefly describe how your UNI graduate program prepared you for your current role, profession, career, or research.

My time at UNI was foundational to the work I do today as a headhunter. The program sharpened my critical thinking, deepened my understanding of equity and inclusion, and taught me how to navigate complex social systems; skills that are essential when guiding students and professionals toward academic and career success. UNI empowered me to approach education with empathy and strategy, and that perspective continues to shape how I recruit and advocate for diverse talent.

Name one or two faculty/staff members who positively influenced your graduate experience at UNI. How did they impact you?  

Two faculty members who had a profound impact on my graduate experience at UNI were Professor Catherine Palczewski and Professor Danielle Dick McGeough. Professor Palczewski classes challenged me to think critically and communicate with precision and purpose; skills that are indispensable in my current role. Her mentorship helped me develop a strong voice and a deep commitment to advocacy. Professor McGeough brought creativity and compassion into the classroom, encouraging me to explore innovative approaches to education and leadership. Their influence continues to shape how I approach my work with integrity, insight, and purpose.      

What course, project, activity, conference, or experience at UNI was most intellectually stimulating? Briefly describe and explain its impact on you.

One of the most intellectually stimulating experiences during my time at UNI was the Graduate Seminar in Communication Studies with Professor Catherine Palczewski. The course pushed me to engage deeply with theories of rhetoric, power, and identity, and challenged me to articulate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. It was a space where rigorous academic inquiry met real-world relevance, and it helped me refine the analytical and communication skills I rely on daily in my professional work. That seminar continues to influence how I approach strategic thinking and decision-making.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your time at UNI? Any advice to students from your perspective now since you are on the field?

Looking back, my time at the University of Northern Iowa was transformative both personally and professionally. The Women’s and Gender Studies program offered a rich, interdisciplinary education that challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with complex social issues. The faculty’s dedication to mentorship and intellectual rigor created an environment where I felt supported and inspired. UNI didn’t just prepare me for a career; it helped me define the kind of professional I wanted to be. I carry the values and insights I gained there into every aspect of my work today.