Emma Grant recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from the University of Rhode Island School of Business. At the Commencement Ceremony on May 21, she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. It was a moment of pride for Grant, who feels that the college has pushed her to be the best she could be. This has been reflected in her academic achievements, involvement in clubs, and engagement with students.
Grant’s drive is also self-propelled. Her associate professor, Brian Walsh, described her as “one of the best students we’ve met.” She has been involved in several clubs, including the president of the Supply Chain Management Club and a member of the Women in Business Club. She was also a URI 101 Mentor and received the Senior Year Excellence Award in Supply Chain from URI and the University. Additionally, she spent three years as an intern at BD, a global medical technology company.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Grant has been proactive about her education. She tried to take advantage of every opportunity she could, whether it was virtual, hybrid, or in-person. She worked at URI Essentials, part of her class projects, to sew face masks for workers. She has been attending professional conferences, including TruckingU, the American Trucking Association conference in San Diego, and the Harvard Intercollegiate Business Conference for Women in Business held in Boston.
Grant’s future plans include a major in global business. After hearing Walsh speak about supply chain management, she realized that this was the way her brain works. She intends to pursue a career path that involves empowering female entrepreneurs. She is currently helping ten female entrepreneurs in Guatemala to sell crafts, such as beaded keychains and lanyards, to benefit their cause.
Grant has also been involved in mentorship roles during her time at URI. She was a URI 101 mentor for two years and served as a teaching assistant for two business underclass mentor sections. She has been proactive about giving one-on-one advice and recommendations to help incoming students adjust and feel at home at URI.
Finally, Grant is excited to enjoy some downtime this summer. She plans to join her volleyball league on the beaches of North Smithfield and add another destination, Iceland, to her ever-growing list of travel destinations.