• Hometown: Middletown, Ohio
• High School: Northern Burlington County Regional High School
• Class: 2027
• Major: Commerce: Digital Commerce
• Clubs and Organizations: Idea-to-Launch Small Business Creation Cohort

Why Miami University?

Choosing Miami was deeply influenced by my older brother, Blake Dunbar, who attended Miami and is now an alumnus. He has always been a role model in my life, and watching him pursue and complete his degree inspired me to attend college, even though I was still finding my own direction. He paved the way by showing me that earning a degree was possible and guided me toward a university he believed in. His confidence in Miami and the education it offered gave me a path I trusted. Over time, I have created my own journey at Miami, but Blake's example inspired me to begin, and I am grateful I followed in his footsteps.

How did you choose your major?

I did not begin college completely certain about my major or career. I initially explored Community Arts because I have always loved art, music, design, and the more creative aspects of life. As my interests evolved, I moved toward business and eventually Digital Commerce. The change became especially meaningful when I began experimenting with web design as a personal hobby. I enjoyed mixing creativity with technology and started recognizing how important websites and digital experiences had become to nearly every business. Digital Commerce felt like a practical way to build on my business background while preparing for a world that was increasingly online. Through my coursework and independent projects, that practical choice developed into a genuine interest in web design, digital marketing, analytics, and ecommerce. I discovered my direction gradually, and the major ultimately helped me see possibilities for myself that I had not considered when I began college.

What are your plans for after you graduate from Miami?

After graduation, I hope to become a UX and Conversion Optimization Manager, combining web design, user experience, and data analytics to create digital experiences that are both engaging and effective. My long term goal is to apply those skills as an entrepreneur by building a web design and digital optimization business of my own.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your Miami experience that we didn't cover?

Miami’s career fairs at the Oxford campus have been so valuable to me. They give students the opportunity to speak directly with world renowned companies, and be considered for internships and careers that might otherwise feel out of reach. Even beyond the opportunities themselves, each conversation provides meaningful practice and helps me become more confident in presenting myself professionally.

Have your experiences at Miami helped you develop an entrepreneurial mindset — like being resilient, adaptable, or willing to take risks?

Miami has helped me develop an entrepreneurial mindset by giving me the skills and confidence to build Expo Brand Studio, my digital marketing and web design business. Developing Expo has required me to take initiative, learn unfamiliar tools, test ideas, and adapt when something does not work as planned. Being selected for Miami’s Idea-to-Launch Small Business Creation Cohort is an exciting opportunity to continue strengthening that mindset and turn my vision into a sustainable business.

Tell us about something that you have built at Miami?

I built Expo Brand Studio, which began as a course project and gradually evolved into a space where I could apply concepts from my Miami coursework. Through Expo, I have developed a brand identity, website, service offerings, and digital strategy while strengthening my skills in web design, SEO, content marketing, analytics, and conversion strategy. What began as an academic concept has become a growing portfolio and the foundation of a business I aspire to develop professionally.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome?

My greatest challenge has been learning to move forward without having every step of my future planned. I began college uncertain about my direction and explored different paths before discovering where my interests and strengths aligned. By continuing my education, experimenting with web design, and applying what I learned through Expo Brand Studio, I gradually developed greater confidence in my abilities and decisions. I have learned that direction does not always appear all at once, sometimes it is built through persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to keep growing.