A Q&A with Iyanla Smith, Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship Recipient

Learn more about Iyanla Smith, a 2023 Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellow and a student with a plan for her future.

How did the Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship help you as a college student?
The Fellowship provided me the opportunity to work in a professional setting with executives and an entire team of communication specialists to collaboratively execute projects. I was able to contribute to impactful campaigns, refine my writing skills, and learn how to tailor messages for different audiences.

How has the Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship impacted your career development or future work aspirations?
The Fellowship has equipped me with the confidence to excel in my future endeavors.

Applications are now open for the Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship. Applications submitted by the early deadline of December 31, 2023, will receive five bonus points. The official deadline for all applications is January 31, 2024.

What's next for you in your college career?
Upon graduation in the upcoming spring semester, I will be attending business school to obtain a Master of Business Administration degree.

Ilanya Smith
Senior, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Communication major with a double minor in Public Relations and Interdisciplinary African American Studies
Champaign, Illinois