MacArthur alumna Kimberly Collins is paving the way for young women to take the lead in the business world. While at MacArthur, Collins was involved in a plethora of student organizations, one being DECA. In addition to her active role in the business organization, the courses she took in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at MacArthur helped form her love for business.
“That was my first exposure to the business world and falling in love with it,” says Collins. “I love the idea of building something and seeing the results.”
Collins’ determination was quickly apparent to her business teachers at MacArthur. Kelley Watson, MacArthur’s assistant coordinator of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, helped Collins gain hands-on business experience through summer camps and DECA competitions.
“I met Kim when she was in ninth grade and recruited her to enter a two-week summer business and entrepreneurship camp. During the camp, her team was chosen to represent all of MacArthur in an NPR radio interview on the importance of high school students in entrepreneurship,” says Watson. “Kim cares about people and what benefits an organization. In addition, she is a leader and a continual student.”
Since graduating in 2016, Collins has made every step forward to create a career as a business leader. A current student and soon-to-be graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), she has committed herself to becoming a business trailblazer.
“High school was a great introduction to the general landscape of business, and through my college studies I’ve developed a focus on marketing,” says Collins. “Through my experience with DECA and other competitions, I’ve learned that I love marketing and the creative side of it.”
But business and marketing aren’t her only passion. Collins is determined to use her grit and passion to also advocate for others. During her junior year at UTA, Collins helped form the Women in Business Club, which now has over 100 members. As president of the club, Collins organizes learning sessions with women business leaders from across the country.
After she graduates with a degree in business management and marketing this May, Collins will work as an intern at Digitas through the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program. Longterm, she hopes to use her passion for business and advocacy to help other young entrepreneurs gain access to leadership roles.
As she prepares for the next step in her way to becoming a business leader, Collins shares advice for other young entrepreneurs.
“Never waste time doubting yourself or questioning your worth,” Collins says. “I’ve always been the youngest in the room when it comes to networking and talking with business partners. I’ve spent a lot of time questioning if I should speak up. But business leaders are looking for our insight, for us younger generations to speak up and teach them.”
