Kenan-Flagler has five core values: excellence, leadership, integrity, community and teamwork. If you could add one value what would it be and why? Be sure to explain how you have lived this value.

Motivation should be the sixth core value of Kenan-Flagler Business School. Just as each student has different career goals, each student has different factors motivating them to succeed. Personally, I’m motivated to be a catalyst for positive action in every aspect of my life, actively seeking opportunities to energize organizations and push individuals to realize their full potential. I am a self-starter and always strive to be more than an idle participant. When I commit to a project or cause, I take immediate and deliberate action to have an impact and make a difference, both through my own creative solutions and by encouraging others to take action. As a member of the Special Olympics Leadership Committee at Duncan University, I was responsible for motivating over 3,000 volunteers; when I went to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, my initiative and dedication enabled our group to finish our project on time.

My actions as president of the Dawn Simms Scholarship Fund are a prime example of my motivational skills. Upon election as president, I actively changed the culture of the organization, replacing the board's passive attitude with a desire to innovate and instilled a newfound passion for our cause. Leading by example and taking personal ownership of our success proved contagious and brought new focus and imaginative ideas to an organization that was lacking both a vision and a drive to succeed. My desire to incite change was palpable and revitalizing for the Fund, resulting in greater community activism and broadened alumni awareness, which increased donations. I successfully motivated the board and the community by earning their respect and trust. As a catalyst for change at Kenan-Flagler, I would like to have a similar impact on the UNC-Chapel Hill community, motivating both my colleagues and the business leaders to succeed.