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 ecstatic and called my dad the second I read the email. He initially presented the opportunity to me since he works in licensing, and he had told me that he would bring me to Licensing Expo 2025 if I received the scholarship, so I knew the award was only the beginning of my engagement with the organization and industry. Outside of the scholarship award itself, my excitement stemmed from the scholarship’s inclusion of a one-year membership to Licensing International. The program offers a unique opportunity in an evolving industry, and I knew the membership would come with further opportunities to meet industry professionals and learn so much about the industry.

How has the Scholarship Program helped jumpstart or further your career?
The Scholarship Program has encouraged me to expand my career search, providing opportunities for exploration and education in licensing. At Licensing Expo 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in the first Scholarship Experience, which included meetings with industry professionals from companies such as Paramount, Mattel, Warner Bros., and more, specifically set up for scholarship winners. The experience enhanced my interest in the licensing industry, which I plan to continue exploring beyond the Expo.

Did this scholarship make you rethink your career goals?
The scholarship certainly made me think about my career goals beyond the traditional path in my field. As a Finance major, I am encouraged to pursue careers in institutional investing or financial advising. A career in licensing is a path that would have never crossed my mind without the scholarship program, but it has opened my eyes to the various ways the licensing industry interacts with finance. The program has increased my curiosity in careers outside of traditional finance roles, and I want to take advantage of every opportunity to try new professional experiences and explore these different paths.

How have you grown professionally or personally from this experience?
My engagement with the program so far has primarily been at Licensing Expo 2025, which certainly helped me grow professionally and personally. The meetings at the Expo grew my professional network in a new industry, and listening to industry professionals aided in my knowledge of licensing as well. The experience exposed me to a foundational understanding of licensing, helping me ask questions in these meetings and further my curiosity. The industry leaders also provided strong insights about licensing and career exploration in general, which I will carry with me as I begin my professional journey. Personally, my experience at the Expo pushed me outside of my comfort zone and aided my soft skill development. Being the youngest in the scholarship winner group with the least amount of knowledge in the industry, I lacked confidence at first, but I grew as I engaged with these talented students and found my place in the group.

What advice would you give to current college students who are thinking of applying to the 2025 Scholarship Program?
Please apply, you will not regret it! You do not need to be a licensing expert to apply, but you need the drive and curiosity. In your application or interview, simply be yourself and be genuine, as this industry is about relationship-building. Do not be nervous about any step in this process, as the Licensing International organization is so supportive of young professionals and wants nothing but to help and support you.

Looking ahead, what are your next steps or aspirations?
Having just finished my freshman year in college, I am at the beginning of my professional journey, so my next step is to continue exploring different career paths in finance to find my interests. I am currently in a wealth management internship, so as I finish that opportunity, I will evaluate my experience in the industry and explore other possibilities through different internships moving forward. I plan to continue engaging with Licensing International and take advantage of all of the opportunities in my membership year.

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, eCommerce, 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. Additionally, our upcoming Hall of Fame and Rising Star Awards event in NYC in December is a fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund. Register for the event now—even the smallest donation can make an impact in our community.