Category: Alumni

By: Beth Anne Johnson

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Setting the Stage

The stage was set, the energy palpable, and Freeman Hall transformed into a hub of inspiration and celebration for an unforgettable Women’s History Month event. On a balmy March evening, CECAS students gathered to witness the brilliance of three remarkable WISE alumni: Sarah Baum, Dajonia Jackson, and Kasey Kilgore. From medical school to consulting and industry, their journeys illuminated the path for future generations of aspiring women in STEM.

Experience the Stories

Each panelist brought a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the table, offering insights that resonated deeply with the audience. Reflecting on her undergraduate experience and the role of PEER WISE, Sarah Baum shared, “PEER WISE was more than just a program; it was a community of support and empowerment. I made lifelong connections and found mentors who guided me through challenges and triumphs.”

Dajonia Jackson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship during the formative years of one’s academic journey. “As women in STEM, we often face unique obstacles, but having a support system like PEER WISE made all the difference. It’s where I built the foundation of building myself back up and discovered the power of collaboration.”

Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom

Kasey Kilgore offered a candid perspective when asked what they wished they had done more or less of during their undergraduate years. “I wish I had taken more risks and embraced failure as part of the learning process. It’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism, but true growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones, so my advice is to go explore. Find and discover your passions.”

As the conversation delved into the impact of mentorship on professional development, Sarah Baum shared a valuable insight. “My mentorship role not only shaped my approach to leadership but also taught me the importance of intentional listening. As future leaders, it’s our responsibility to uplift and empower the next generation, and one of the best ways to do that is thoughtfully listening to others.”

Advice for Future Trailblazers

In closing, the panelists offered encouragement and advice to current undergraduate students embarking on their own STEM journeys. Dajonia Jackson emphasized the power of resilience, stating, “Don’t let setbacks define you. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient.”

Kasey Kilgore urged students to embrace their unique strengths and passions. “Your journey may not look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay. Embrace your authenticity and let your passion guide you.”

Sarah Baum echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief. “Believe in yourself and your abilities. You can achieve greatness, and the world needs your unique perspective and contributions.”

Celebrating Women Making Waves

“Sarah, Dajonia and Kasey are tremendous examples of talent in our PEER WISE family. From mentees to mentors, these women are phenomenal leaders. It is a tremendous privilege to see them thriving in their careers,” shares Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE.

The PEER WISE Connections March event was more than just a celebration of Women’s History Month; it was a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and resilience. As we reflect on the wisdom shared by Sarah Baum, Dajonia Jackson, and Kasey Kilgore, let us remember their words as we forge our paths in STEM. Together, we can break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and inspire the next generation of trailblazing women in STEM.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

In February, PEER WISE hosted a motivating event featuring the esteemed Dr. Lauren Garner. As the Executive Director of PEER WISE, Serita Acker, succinctly shared, “If I had one word to summarize the words of wisdom Lauren gave PEER & WISE, it would be tenacity.” Garner’s journey exemplifies the power of determination and its profound impact on both personal and professional success.

Garner’s professional journey is noteworthy and a tremendous example of how to honor and achieve your dreams. A board-certified pediatric pharmacy specialist at the University of North Carolina Medical Center, she has dedicated her career to serving the pediatric hematology oncology community. Raised in rural South Carolina, Garner’s roots at Clemson University laid the foundation for her passion for pediatric care. She pursued her doctorate of pharmacy at the Medical University of South Carolina, where her dedication to pediatric medicine flourished.

Throughout her career, Garner has embraced the importance of resilience and adaptability. Lisa Jackson, PEER Associate Director, reflected on Garner’s insightful advice: “I love how Lauren reminded students to not stop at ‘no’ and to think of ‘no’ as more so a ‘not now’ or to dive deeper and ask more questions.” Garner’s emphasis on perseverance resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the significance of navigating setbacks with determination and grace.

During the event, Garner emphasized that our journeys are inherently non-linear, punctuated by obstacles and challenges. However, she underscored the importance of maintaining composure and unwavering determination. As she aptly stated, “Persistency and consistency are key.” Garner’s commitment to her patients and her pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration for all aspiring healthcare professionals, especially our young members of the Clemson Family.

Outside of work, Garner enjoys running and spending quality time with her beloved dog, Anson. Her holistic approach to life serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by professional accolades but by the joy found in everyday moments. This is a lesson we want all students at PEER and WISE to know – seek life with both determination and joy.

Dr. Lauren Garner’s commitment to excellence and ability to overcome challenges demonstrates the importance of perseverance. We can find inspiration in Dr. Garner’s approach as we face our own obstacles with determination. By working together, we can accomplish remarkable feats and leave a meaningful imprint on our world.

By:  Beth Anne Johnson

The PEER WISE community gathered for an exclusive Q&A session with the phenomenal Jacovia Cherry on a crisp January evening. As the clock struck at 5:00 on Tuesday, January 30th, our screens illuminated, ready to embark on a journey with a distinguished alumna who seamlessly blended her passion for engineering, coaching, and entrepreneurship. “Jacovia is an amazing example for students to see the power of networking and community,” shares Serita Acker, “she goes after the exact life she desires. She has many passions, and she pursues them all. Many students let the fear of failure stop them from pursuing their desired life, but not our Jacovia Cherry.”

Jacovia Cherry: A Multi-Faceted Success Story

A Computer and Electrical Engineering graduate turned Google professional, Middle School Basketball Coach, and small business owner, Cherry embodies the essence of limitless possibilities for PEER WISE students. Her story, punctuated by resilience and achievement, unfolded before us as she shared her insights and experiences.

The Journey Unveiled

Cherry commenced the session by reminding us that every working professional, regardless of current status, once navigated the labyrinth of their initial major’s classes. Her narrative resonated with students and alumni, creating a relatable bridge between past and present Clemson experiences.
“I actually had to take time off from my academics at Clemson,” says Cherry, “During this time, I worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. It was a hard and true wake-up call to say, education is necessary for the life I want for myself.”

Secrets of Perseverance

A beacon of inspiration, Cherry delved into the secrets of perseverance that propelled her toward success. From conquering academic challenges to thriving in a dynamic professional landscape, she emphasized the significance of resilience and commitment to one’s goals. “Ask for help,” says Cherry, “Ask for help and show up. When you ask for community. Your community responds.” Her journey echoed the sentiment that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to growth.

Importance of Community

One of the event’s highlights was Cherry’s emphasis on the community’s pivotal role in her personal and professional growth. She passionately shared how the support and resources provided by PEER & WISE had been instrumental in making her Clemson Experience extraordinary. Her words resonated with the audience, underscoring a supportive community’s profound impact on an individual’s journey.
“Jacovia Cherry was and remains a fantastic PEER & WISE mentor,” exclaims Lisa Jackson, PEER Associate Director, “We want our students to be authentic and intentional leaders, and Jacovia is the very embodiment of this practice.”

Gleaning Insights for Extraordinary Experiences

As Cherry shared her pearls of wisdom, attendees had the opportunity to glean insights into making their own Clemson experiences extraordinary. Whether navigating academic challenges, transitioning into the professional world, or balancing multiple passions, Cherry’s journey was a roadmap for unlocking one’s full potential. The takeaway? Our journeys are not always linear; they have setbacks, but how we react, pivot, and arrive sets our pathway to success forward.

Reflecting on the Event

The January PEER WISE Connections event with Jacovia Cherry was a resounding success. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of Cherry’s journey and renewed motivation and inspiration to conquer their academic and professional pursuits.

Closing Thoughts:

Jacovia Cherry’s Q&A session highlighted the importance of community, perseverance, and embracing individual paths. The event provided valuable insights that we can apply as we seek wisdom and inspiration in our own journeys.

Missed the event? Stay tuned for more enriching sessions and opportunities with PEER WISE Connections. PEER WISE Connections is a professional development series hosted by the PEER & WISE department that introduces current students to alumni and industry professionals. It is open to all students.

Unlock Your Potential with PEER & WISE – Where Wisdom Meets Inspiration! 

Dear seniors,

The PEER&WISE community would just like to take a moment to not only thank you for all you have done for us but to also congratulate you.  You all have just accomplished your goal and we cannot wait to see where you go next!  You have done great things and we know you will continue to make us proud.  We wish you the best of luck with all future endeavors and would love for you to come back and visit with us.  Always remember the PEER&WISE office is a place you can call home!

~ Your PEER&WISE Family

Below, we would like to honor our seniors by showing who they are and where they are off to next!

Jonathan Figueroa

Masters in Mechanical Engineering

August 2022

Nora Mortali

Bachelor’s in Bioengineering

Minor in Spanish Studies

May 2022

Returning to Clemson in the fall to begin working towards her Master’s in Biomedical Engineering

Sarah Johnson

Master’s in Biomedical Engineering

May 2022

Will begin working as an associate IPS engineer in the Orthognathic division of KLS Martin

Elaina Stevers

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering

May 2022

Kylie Rawls

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Minor in Mathematical Sciences

May 2022

Will begin working an a process improvement engineer at Milliken

Malik Pyatt

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

May 2022

Will be working for S&B Engineers and Constructors in Houston, TX

CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson University student Nia Grant has a higher purpose for her cosmetics company than merely selling skincare products.

“I want to help change the narrative for women in STEM,” said Grant, a junior in the College of Science’s Department of Chemistry.

Grant founded Purpose Cosmetics Co. after spending summer 2019 working at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab during an internship she landed through PEER & WISE, a pair of programs at Clemson dedicated to recruiting and retaining students from underrepresented groups into science and engineering fields.

“I had seen science in the classroom but being immersed in the world was different. I enjoyed the aspect of the research and learning what to do,” said Grant, who hails from McDonough, Georgia.

But while renewable energy is a hot research topic, it wasn’t something in which Grant was particularly interested. Beauty and skincare were, though, and she combined this interest with her chemistry background to start Purpose Cosmetics. “I don’t think this would have happened if I hadn’t gone to the DOE and learned about research, and what I do and do not like,” she said.

Grant, who credits her love of chemistry to the passion and enthusiasm her 10th-grade chemistry teacher displayed for the subject, said some women might not consider STEM because of dated stereotypical images of chemistry and scientists.

“Those images are not necessarily the case. It’s also people like me who create cosmetics,” she said. “That sounds like a dream job, at least for me. The products we use every day, like the lotions we put on our bodies and the products we put on our faces, somebody has to create those. There’s a lot of science behind it, and I think science can be fun.”

Grant said as Purpose Cosmetics grows, she hopes it will energize young women about STEM by showing them science “can be whatever you make of it because everything around us, the products we use every day, involve chemistry.”

Purpose Cosmetics specializes in skincare products such as body butters and scrubs, and lip scrubs and glosses.

When Grant is creating her products, she puts what she’s learned at Clemson and through her two internships to work. She begins by researching what’s already on the market, consumer likes and dislikes, and potential ingredients. Next, she determines what she can change or add to improve the product and differentiate her product from the others to give Purpose Cosmetics a competitive edge.

“I really like the research aspect of it,” said Grant, who spent the past summer interning with the multibillion-dollar consumer product manufacturer Procter & Gamble conducting consumer market knowledge research for the company’s digestive health portfolio.

Once Grant completes her research for a new body care product, she has to source the ingredients and develop a formula through trial and error. After that, she gets feedback from family and friends and refines the process to get the final product. She manufactures her products at her home near Atlanta and distributes them from Clemson.

It can take months for a product to go from idea to be ready for sale.

“What I’ve learned at Clemson, I’ve been able actually to put into practice in my business,” she said, from learning to interpret scientific research and the importance of precise measurement to how to keep ingredients at the right temperature and sanitary during the manufacturing process.

She sells her products online and through local markets, such as those sponsored by the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Nekita Sullivan, a Clemson alumna who knows the difficulty women of color face when opening a small business, has also helped, allowing Grant to hold a pop-up shop in her store in downtown Clemson.

A weekend trip she took with a sorority sister was Sullivan’s impetus to open the Butterfly Eco Beauty Bar. The sorority sister said she owned a business in her field of study, but she wanted to have another for fun. The idea intrigued Sullivan, who thought back to her time as a student at Clemson when she and her friends would have to drive to Greenville, Seneca or Anderson to get their hair done and buy Black beauty products.

Sullivan decided to open a multiethnic salon and day spa in downtown Clemson where people of all races could go to get their hair and nails done under one roof.

Sullivan signed a lease in 2017 for the space that was a one-block walk from campus. Opening was a three-year marathon. Sullivan struggled to get traditional financing, so she used the income from her physical therapist job, savings, and even tapped her retirement and credit equity lines.

Butterfly Eco Beauty Bar eventually opened this past Valentine’s Day. However, the COVID-19 pandemic began to accelerate soon after, and South Carolina ordered salons to close. While salons have since been allowed to re-open, Sullivan lost all of her employees and remains closed.

“I have to start all over again,” she said.

But remaining closed doesn’t mean the rent isn’t due each month. Desperate to generate some revenue, Sullivan pivoted and started holding small-group yoga classes in her shop. She also offers space to students and young entrepreneurs who don’t have a brick-and-mortar place to sell their products.

“They have a business but don’t have the space. I have the space but don’t have a business,” Sullivan said.

Her first pop-up featured Purpose Cosmetics Co. and Grant, who had attended the beauty bar’s grand opening and given Sullivan a sample of one of her products.

“I was so impressed by Nia,” Sullivan said. “It’s tough to become an entrepreneur. It was difficult for me as an adult. But doing it as a student? It impressed me that Nia had the courage and bravery even to try.”

Grant said she eventually wants to have a larger production space and hire a team to make manufacturing her products more efficient. One day, she wants Purpose Cosmetics to be in a retail space.

“Sometimes you don’t know what’s out there, what’s possible until you see it,” Grant said. “When I met Nekita and saw what she did, I realized I could do something like this one day for Purpose. If she could do it, I can do it, too.”