The Licensing International Foundation’s mission focuses on the next generation of licensing leaders, awarding students from around the world who are interested in a career in brand licensing at all stages of their educational journey.

What was your reaction when you found out you had received a Licensing International Foundation Scholarship?
I was incredibly happy and grateful. As a student funding my own education, this scholarship truly lifted a significant burden. But it’s not just about the financial support—it also felt like a vote of confidence from an industry I’m excited to be a part of. I’m especially looking forward to engaging more with Licensing International and taking advantage of the valuable membership benefits and opportunities that come with this scholarship. 

How has the Scholarship Program helped jumpstart or further your career?
This scholarship has given me the ability to shift more of my focus toward academic and professional development. Balancing a 19-credit course load, an internship, a second job as a caretaker, holding executive board positions on campus, and certification studies is intense. Receiving this support has helped relieve the pressure of working excessive hours, allowing me to prioritize learning and growing in my field without sacrificing financial stability.

Did this scholarship make you rethink your career goals?
While I’m currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management with a focus on procurement and manufacturing operations, being selected for a scholarship rooted in licensing opened my eyes to how interconnected different areas of business truly are. It didn’t shift my career goals, but it broadened them—I now see licensing as an exciting area where supply chain, branding, and innovation meet, and I hope to explore roles where these elements overlap.

How have you grown professionally or personally from this experience?
Ever since learning more about the world of licensing through this experience, I’ve started to recognize its presence and influence in my own work. At my internship and through my coursework, I now see how licensing impacts product development, supply decisions, and brand management. Personally, this has made me more curious and proactive in connecting the dots between industries, giving me a more holistic view of how businesses operate.

What advice would you give to current college students who are thinking of applying to the Scholarship Program?
My biggest advice is to write your essay about something you’re truly passionate about. For my application, I wrote about how Mattel transformed Barbie from just a toy into a global lifestyle brand through strategic licensing partnerships across high fashion, mass retail, and digital platforms. What stood out most to me was how licensing was used to promote nostalgia, inclusivity, and innovation—proving that licensing isn’t just a revenue driver—it’s a cultural force. Let your passion and curiosity shine through, and don’t be afraid to explore topics that excite you.

Looking ahead, what are your next steps or aspirations?
I’m entering my junior year at Rutgers Business School and will be continuing my internship with Colgate-Palmolive during the academic year. I’m excited to keep gaining hands-on experience in procurement and supply chain operations. I also hope to stay connected to the licensing industry and explore future opportunities where my interests in brand strategy, innovation, and global operations intersect.

As part of our mission to inspire the next generation of talent globally while advancing the understanding of licensing in society, Licensing International’s Scholarship Program grants scholarships to deserving individuals around the world who are interested in a career in brand licensing. Scholarships are available for students at all stages of their educational journey seeking degrees in business, marketing, design, engineering, entrepreneurial studies, e-commerce, and other brand licensing industry-related programs, and will be made directly to the institution to cover educational expenses.  Support the next generation of brand licensing professionals with a donation to the Licensing International Scholarship Fund. Even the smallest donation can make an impact in our community.