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Uplifting others and embracing yourself, friendship and the future

Sierra Ward chose a major in sales and business marketing because she was interested in selling not just products, but ideas and perspectives. Desiring the flexibility to move between different industries while always having an applicable skill set in business, sales was the natural fit for her.

�������ϲʹ���ֱ��’s campus has also been a great fit. “I have made friends who give me a sense of belonging. I also feel supported at the business college by peers who have common interests and are aspiring to be successful professionals. In addition, I have strong relationships with my professors who encourage me to be my best self. �������ϲʹ���ֱ�� has a very diverse campus that gives students space to be themselves and try new things.”

One of the ways Ward has embraced herself and the student community on Western’s campus is by reestablishing “You Beautiful Black Woman,” a student organization focused on building a healthy lifestyle for women through educational, mental, physical and social development. The organization aims to not only culturally enhance �������ϲʹ���ֱ��’s campus, but also to increase societal awareness and appreciation for Black women.

Ward served as president of the organization for two years and is now the student advisor. “Participating in this organization helped me to strengthen my leadership abilities. I learned to become a better listener and champion my community’s importance,” Ward says. “Sometimes I have questioned whether I belong because of my identity. By joining affinity groups on campus, I felt supported by my peers and gained the confidence to show up as my true, authentic self in spaces. It’s reassuring to know that you aren’t the only one who wonders if they belong; I have found that there is space for me here at �������ϲʹ���ֱ��!”

Ward is finding her place in the professional world, as well. She has held two internships. She served as an intern in the finance department at Stryker, where she got to know a corporate setting for the first time and worked on a variety of projects centering on the alignment of department processes. She also interned as an engagement intern with The Kalamazoo Promise. In this role, she collaborated to create events that support community members and Kalamazoo Promise Scholars. “The position helped me strengthen my teamwork skills and enhanced the way I communicate with others. I was also able to draw upon my experience with student organizations on campus and apply those skills to creating events.”

Ward has found a network of faculty and staff at the Haworth College of Business who inspire her and have taken the time to help her grow and develop. “Danielle Field, the director of the Student Professional Readiness Series, made the Haworth College of Business feel like home when I met with her after switching my major. What stood out about her was that she was invested in my story as a student and provided me with resources that helped me become successful. I also enjoy taking courses with Dr. Jim Eckert and Professor Eric Zahrai. They are both great professors and make sales such an engaging experience. I love that the program teaches us not only about sales as a concept but how to properly sell, which involves preparation and strategic thinking.”

Ward has post-graduation plans that will build her capabilities and her life story. “I plan to work in sales and eventually run my own business. I am interested in traveling the world. I always plan to be a student of life and will continue to fall in love with learning.”