INNOVATION STATEMENT

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” As an innovator, I value collaboration and community to support health and longevity in addition to creating a sense of belonging and understanding. Even participating alone, I believe in the power of social environments to bring comfortability and inspiration.

As someone who spends a lot of time working in teams or doing homework in places like coffee shops and restaurants, I feel an innate connection to the communities that form in shared spaces. As a result, I would like to be an event manager, and I wish to create a mechanism or methodology that brings people together in unique and creative ways. I see myself creating special events for a small town or college, within my own business venture, or possibly after I continue my education.

Some things I find to be the “formula” that brings people together are food, drinks, and music as they are all passions of mine as well. I have been in customer service since I was 17 years old and have been in the bar/live music industry since 21. This time in the industry has been the most impactful and meaningful time in my life because it has taught me confidence, patience, and understanding. Other than the fact I have met the most important people in my life doing this line of work, I learned how important it is to see people have a good time. I realized a priority of mine is I want people to be able to have a break from reality and enjoy their time in the present.

There are several ways I could incorporate all three things into a community venture including, outdoor pop-up events at large gardens or a picnic setting, hosting a themed study and social night at a local coffee shop (if not my own one day), and/or events that involve dinner, games, and music. I also value the importance of just existing among people and not necessarily always being involved; therefore, I would like to throw events that have the intention of independent working (could be groups or individuals working on work or school). Another venture I would like to explore is a pop-up event that showcases the skills of those who have hobbies like painting, photography, baking, design, etc. I believe in the efforts of other entrepreneurs while bringing the community together.

I have a vision of people who wouldn’t typically have interactions together to be able to appreciate others in commonality between music, art, food, etc. I want to see this endeavor become a reality in just a few years so I can provide whatever community I invest in as part of a way for others to come together and have a memorable time. I am hopeful this innovation will be impactful on the community around me and there will be a difference in health, motivation, and inspiration.

MY EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE OF DIGITAL MEDIA

Innovation is the transformation of ideas into impact. Outside of my experience creating advertisements, logos, and other visual media, I have spent time with real clients doing things that will genuinely help them succeed like website edits, video advertisements for school programs like the Bachelor of Innovation, and writing a grant for a non-profit. Here are some documents of the things I’ve accomplished over my 3 years in the Bachelor of Innovation.