UMBC Mic'd Up

From Finance to Innovation - Destiny’s Journey Through UMBC’s EIL Graduate Program

UMBC Mic'd Up with Dennise Season 5

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Destiny, a recent graduate of UMBC’s Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership (EIL) graduate program. 


In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, Destiny shares how the EIL program expanded her leadership skills, sparked innovative thinking, and prepared her for a career transition from federal finance to protocol officer. From navigating leadership styles to leveraging marketing strategies, Destiny reveals how the program’s unique blend of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership empowered her to take on new challenges—both professionally and personally. 


Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader within your organization, or simply curious about the EIL program, this episode offers practical insights, motivation, and real-world applications. 


Learn more about The Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership M.P.S. program: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/entrepreneurship-innovation-leadership/

Dennise Cardona  09:48:37  
Hey, welcome to UMBC Mic'd up podcast. My name is Dennise Cardona from the Office of Professional Programs, and I am here with a very special guest, a recent graduate of our entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership graduate program, Destiny. Hey, Destiny, it is great to have you here on the show. Thank you for having me. You're welcome. So congratulations on graduating from the EIL program. It's a great accomplishment. 

Destiny  09:49:03  
You're welcome. 

Dennise Cardona  09:49:04  
So What initially attracted you to the EIL program and how did you see it aligning with your career goals?

Destiny  09:49:12  
So What initially attracted me was so like a lot of people who go to school for business undergrad, they seem to always go get an MBA in like, administration or leadership or something like that. So I was trying to find something where it was related but kind of outside the box. So when I looked into the program where pretty much the EIL like three different subjects, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, I'm like, Okay, it's still within business, but I can pretty much go anywhere with this. And I was like, Okay, this is perfect.

Dennise Cardona  09:49:45  
Yeah, indeed. And of course, it's like, it's headed up by a fantastic program director, gib Mason. He's wonderful, and he just has done some great things for the program. I know a few people who have, I know several people who have graduated from that program and have gone on to do great things.

Destiny  09:50:02  
Yes, a great program. I think, like, initially, like, doing my research, I actually had a phone conversation with him, and I've joined, like, anytime they had like orientations, just to see about the program. So I got good reviews. I'm like, Okay, let me try it out.

Dennise Cardona  09:50:18  
Do you have a position now, since you've graduated something new, maybe the same one, but just a different role, or

Destiny  09:50:25  
so as a right now? So I do work for the federal government. I'm currently in finance. I've been in finance for six years, and I've been at the Agency for seven years, but I will be transitioning to a different career. It's, I'm not sure you heard of a protocol officer, so um, pretty much I'll be handling, like any high level government official with visits. So like, if Westmore was to come to the agency, or something like that, our office will be in charge of, you know, handing logistics of his visit. So like escorting him, making sure he has food, making sure he's, you know, at the right conference room, right elevator, or whatever the case may be. So I feel like it'll be a fun position. This will be my second career since I've been at the agency. So I'm ready for new beginnings.

Dennise Cardona  09:51:08  
So speaking of like the program, could you share specific skills or knowledge areas that you gained from the EIL program that has impacted, already impacted your career,

Destiny  09:51:21  
yes, so on the leadership aspect of it. So there was a few leadership courses that I had, and I've noticed so like, a lot of like the topics there, they were similar to, like the trainings at work, and I'm like, Oh, wait, I hear this before. So like a lot of that stuff, like learning, like, for different leadership styles, personalities, or whatever the case may be. So like, being somewhere where, like, I'm in like, a type of management role, like, I don't manage people, but I manage budget, but I do, you know, help people a lot, like, within my organization, because I've been there for quite a while. So it's like, I like, from that knowledge. Like, I understand, like, how different people work, and I understand how, like, oh, the leader of the organization sets the tone of how the rest of the employee is going to be, and how that creates the culture of the environment. So that was pretty interesting to apply those skills. And, you know, look out for, like, those different little things where just like, oh yeah, I remember, you know, reading this in school, or learn this in school, and as well as the marketing aspect of it, so, like, it was, like, a lot of stuff I learned, as far as, like, you know, geolocation, as far as, like, the types of data that you can use to help you find your target market, or just, you know, like, just going to the store, and then you have, like, For example, if I went to McDonald's and then I get a McDonald's ad on my phone, like, we learn, like the logistics of that, like how, like the background of all that information ties in with with one another, and like how, pretty much, like how social media and everything's designed for you to know, to stay on there and be addicted, and how they gather your data and things that You can do so they won't get it. And how is the benefit for you as like an entrepreneur? So it was pretty good,

Dennise Cardona  09:53:04  
indeed. And so, you know, I'm in the marketing department here at UMBC, and so, yeah, that's a big part of what we do in terms of being able to geo target and geo market, Geo, geo market. And one of the advantages of that, of course, is making sure that people, the folks that are meant to see the ad, are seeing it, and the ones that are not are not seeing it. We're not bothering people who it's not really meant for. So there's a lot of benefit to that, even though sometimes it can feel a little like Big Brother ish in a way. Yeah, it's just so it's such an intro. Interesting field, being able to see how things work like that in the background of how big organizations are actually working these things and making it a benefit for the end users, I think, is really the biggest thing. Now, how has completing the program influenced your approach to challenges in the current role that you have.

Destiny  09:53:59  
So completing the program, it forced me as far as like challenges. So back to, you know, I was talking about like, like different personalities and leadership styles. So like knowing that I have this degree, and I'm like, let me put this like degree to you. So like challenges that I face where, like people, they just need help, as far as, like, you know, financial information or just guidance. So like, I pretty much put my entrepreneur hat on and pretty much guide them, pretty much like, would give and professors did for us and gave us guidance and resources. I pretty much like try to share that with everyone, so that way, you know, like, I just like to share, like, the information, like anything that I give, like, I'm a pretty good helper and I'm a giver. So like, I love to do that. So like, anytime that I see someone facing a challenge, even if it's not me, like, I try to put my thinking hat on to figure out, like, Okay, I remember learning this, and I remember I have a note from this, so let me figure this out, and stuff like that. And then as far as me, like personally, so like me, I'm not a big risk taker, and I know like, for to be an entrepreneur, you have to be that. So, like, I'm trying to come up my shell and, you know, do things that, you know, that's outside of the norm for me, like to be social, and you know, I try to apply those skills within the workforce and just to see where it takes me so like my new role that I'm gonna enter in, so I feel like that would take me out of my shell.

Dennise Cardona  09:55:25  
It's always good to get a little bit out of the shell. I understand that completely. You know, a lot of people do not believe me when I say I'm a shy person, I'm an introvert person. I yeah and but I actually really am. I'm a homebody, and I really like doing tasks that are my own task in my own however, it is fun to get out of that comfort zone and get out of that shell and and just participate in things. Now, here's a great example of you doing that. Destiny is just, you know, being on the show with us, and being able to talk through some things. It's so helpful. Because I think a lot of times, people might be on the fence, they might have heard of the program, and they may be on the fence like, is this program really what what I'm seeking? Is this? What do I get out of this? And you sharing your story, it helps other people make decisions, informed decisions, really? Yeah. Now, what do you see as the biggest benefit of having this new credential now on your resume, in today's job market,

Destiny  09:56:28  
I feel like, um, the biggest benefit is, um, since I have pretty much I feel like this degree is will give me, like, a diverse background, so, like, I can probably go into a role and handle, like, maybe three different skill sets. So like, right now in finance, so even though, you know, I'm pretty much doing, like, the fiscal budget for the government, but also, you know, I've learned how to be like a trainer to teach people, so that's where the leadership aspect comes in. So like, one of my supervisors, he had to be like, well, you know, temporary leave for, like, for like, personal reasons. So like, people kind of, like, looked at me as, like, you know, the next leader to step up. So, like, all, like, those leadership skills that I learned, so like, I try to apply them, you know, working with difficult employees, or, like, someone who's not on the same skills that as you know, and I had to be patient and knowing what to say and what not to say. So, yeah,

Dennise Cardona  09:57:24  
yeah, it's that, to me, that's such a great attribute, such a great benefit to the EIL program. Is the the interdisciplinary factor, the the, you know, because it allows you to do. It allows you to wear and try on many different hats. And leadership is one of those things that it's like a quality that is so needed out there. And I this program from talking with other graduates, it sounds like this program really hones in on those leadership skills to be able to help you be able to step into one of those roles like you have done. Yeah. What do you see, as I would say, the biggest benefit of having this new credential on your resume in today's competitive job market,

Destiny  09:58:13  
that will say the biggest benefit with having this on my resume, they will look so since I already have, like, my financial experience, and then I already have, like, an undergrad, and then having this degree, I feel like this will make I can pretty much go anywhere. So, like, if I wanted to, you know, be a chief somewhere, or be a supervisor somewhere, or, you know, somewhere like. Need, like, a leadership role, like with just managing people, I feel like that will be, like, a big benefit. So, like I said previously, you know, I won't I manage money and not people's, but I feel like having these, you know, this knowledge, and then already, like small experience, after getting the degree, I feel like I would be a great leader, and just, you know, stepping in to that side of it, I feel like that'll be good for me, even if I'm not, you know, leading people officially, but you know, like unofficially, I'll already, you know, have that good mindset because of this degree

Dennise Cardona  09:59:09  
indeed. And you know, I've once heard that a person does not have to be in a typical leadership role, to be a leader in an organization. And that's where that, that entrepreneurship aspect of it all comes into, is being a leader within a team is so valued and so needed and admired, I think, you know, admired by so many. So I remember when I was first coming up at UMBC, that was one of the things. I didn't want to be in a leadership position, per se, and I want to be leading people, but I wanted, but I wanted to be able to hone in on leadership skills, to be able to bring a certain angle, which is what I do here with the podcast and social media. I wanted to be able to hone in on those skills, to be able to be a leader in that in that kind of realm, in that aspect. And so there are so many different, varying, varying degrees of leadership out there, not just the traditional leading people, necessarily, but leading processes and leading leading teams, leading being that motivating factor in some cases. So

Destiny  10:00:13  
the even the innovation part of it, I felt like me just sharing my experience, because a lot of my teams knew so, like, they consider me as, like, the vet, even though I'm the youngest in my organization. But I've been there, like, after, like, being a high school intern. So like, I've seen, like, a lot of you know, leadership changes and just different, like, little things that, like, I've experienced where, you know, there's pros and cons. So like, when they come up with, like, these pilot initiatives, maybe, let's say, like, for, you know, better training. I know, like a lot of people, they may lead organizations because they feel like they didn't, you know, get trained well on the job or something like that. So like, I try to be innovative where, you know, meeting the new cohort of financing managers, and say, Hey, like, how's this program? And they and they probably will say, Oh, it's okay, but it is like, I feel like I can't really learn the role unless I'm hands on. So, like, the innovation part and leadership part going to, you know, these higher ups, like, hey, you know, I talk to these people, they feel like the program is not beneficial. They're there for too long just to do, like, random mandatory training they can just do at their desk, at their, you know, regular, you know, day to day job. So like, I feel like that feedback helps. So like, we started having them do some shadowing, so that way they can see, like, what they're going to be getting into after the training program. And as well as, how does this stuff relate to the actual training that they've taken to prepare them for the actual role? So I feel like the innovation part, I feel like I pretty much did a little good job with that, but I feel like maybe within my next role I could do an even better job. I just have to figure out the angle I will go to once I learned the role. And

Dennise Cardona  10:01:58  
you know, what you just communicated was that how interwoven that whole innovation aspect is with leadership. So as the innovator on the team, you were also the leader on the team by going to leadership and communicating and being that voice for people. So that's awesome. That just sounds so, so amazing. It's a really great way to contribute to a team, to other individuals, even to yourself on that level. So that's that's awesome. So was there a particular course or a project that you took within the EIL program that you found especially valuable or maybe transformative,

Destiny  10:02:43  
yes, so, um, I would say Capstone one and two. So they're pretty much a continuation of each other. So like the capstone classes, they're strictly like about you. So like, I like that. So pretty much that, like with what drove me to the program, because you're not, like a lot of programs, they're just like, Okay, you're in class, okay, re chapters one through five, and turn this assignment in, do a presentation on it. But like with this particular program, and not even just a capstone course, like, even, like the marketing courses and other courses where we had, like, we did different business plan models from different aspects of it, and it was just about us. And I feel like it made it fun and made it easier, you know. So it's like, one of those things where, like, Okay, this is about me, so I don't have to worry about, like, getting, like, a bad grade, you know? I'm saying just getting feedback. Like to make myself better. So I feel like doing like the business model, canvases, the marketing plans and like, all those classes tied into each other, and I just pretty much had to just lump all the information together. So I feel like that was my, my fun part of of the program. I feel like that was the most valuable part. Because, like I could to this day, I say, you know, look at my business plans and share them with people. And if I know someone, you know, who's talk who's talking about starting a business, or they already have a side business, but it's not, you know, a legal one or something like, they don't have, like the LLC or something like that. So like, I pretty much give them, like, the structure that I go off from making my business plans to them, to help them.

Dennise Cardona  10:04:20  
That's awesome. And you know, you bring up a valuable point in that a lot of people listening might think this is this program is just for entrepreneurs who want to be out there on their own, in their own businesses. But this also, this program also talks a lot about socialpreneurship, but also intrapreneurship, which is what it sounds like you are doing. You, are you? Are you are being an entrepreneur within an organization and bringing that leadership, that innovation aspect to an organization, which organizations, every organization needs, individuals like that, with that mindset, how does the EIL program complement or enhance your prior experience or education, maybe in a related position or field,

Destiny  10:05:06  
I would say that it comes complement this because so I want to say it was one of the finance courses. So the professor mentioned, I think his name is Jason Pappas. So he mentioned, like, he was just like, seeing where everyone's background was. Like, a lot of people were like, either account and finance or neither. So like, and I always tell people, like, when I tell them in finance, they always just think, you know, highly of me, but I'm like, Thank you for thinking highly of you, but the government finance is nothing like corporate finance. So I was like, so, like, the things that we learned there, it was like, okay, like, I understand it. But like, How can I apply this, you know, to my real world, pretty much, like, notice, like, like, he was sent out, give us, like spreadsheets, like, from real world companies, of like, how they do, like their finance and for like their people, or like their contractors, or something pretty much like funding their their staffing. I'm like, Okay, this, this relates to my field. I'm like, Okay, I understand it. So I guess it all, I think it all depends on, like, how the language of like, the different people, you know, understands it. But you just gotta, you know, really think about it and break down. And how does it like relate to like, what you do

Dennise Cardona  10:06:18  
indeed, yeah, it all comes down to that, I think, with any graduate program, being able to relate it to the real world and the real world in most instances, meaning what you are doing in the real world, or what you hope to be doing in the real world. So being able to see it through that lens is so pivotal in learning and being able to apply the new knowledge out there. Yeah, as you look ahead, how do you hope to leverage this degree that you've earned in your career over the next few years?

Destiny  10:06:50  
So I hope to leverage this degree within the next few years. So hopefully I will not just even in my career. But like, I do aspire to be an entrepreneur. So I know me, I'm that person where I switch what I want to do a lot. So like, I just struggled to wear like, so I have my cosmetology license, and me too. Oh, so like, I really didn't use it because, like, I was just always was busy with, like, school and work. So like, now that I'm graduated, and I have, you know, that free time, so I think I started to get that passion back for it. So I'm thinking, Okay, let me, you know, get my confidence back, get my Grove back. And, you know, then let's see. Let's, let's go back to this degree and see, you know, let's rework these business plans and business um, Model Canvas is to see if, you know, I can turn, you know, this hobby into, you know, something real, like, later on, down the line, and then also just, you know, applying my financial skills, just, like, just to start that business. So I'm excited to see where the next five years will be, because, like, since I'm starting a new job, you know, every like, I'm just ready for, like, a new chapter for everything

Dennise Cardona  10:07:58  
you know as an entrepreneur by heart that it seems that is the way your brain is going to be wired anyway. You're going to always be looking for those opportunities within those passion points that you may have. And that's what makes it so awesome, is, I think this kind of a degree helps you to put yourself in the place of thinking through opportunities out there that you may or may not have thought about, and being able to maybe capitalize on those down the road in the future, currently, whatever that might be. So that's

Destiny  10:08:29  
really cool. I think with me, like I just didn't want to turn like something. But you ever heard of like people? They turn their hobby into their jobs and. Don't like it anymore. And I guess maybe that's why I'm I was scared to, you know, to be a risk taker.

Dennise Cardona  10:08:45  
I totally speak into my heart right now. I totally get that, like,

Destiny  10:08:49  
for, like, the program I was like, I wanted to do, like the cosmetology, you know, type of business plan. But I'm like, let me try something different. I think I was trying to, like, do something outside of my passion. And that's when, like, now I'm thinking back when I'm like, You know what I should have just, you know, deal with my heart said, and not try to do something different. So, like, I I wanted to do non profit at one point, and, um, you know, the advice that the professors gave me was like, you know, just working, work with a nonprofit and see if you like it. And they, they did say nonprofits are hot mess the behind the scenes. And I thought, I thought they were joking, but then when I actually work with one, I'm like, Yeah, I don't know if we want to do nonprofit.

Dennise Cardona  10:09:33  
It's good to, it's good to get your feet wet, right? Just sample things up and give it ample time to make sure that that's an accurate assessment. Yeah. How would I get that? What advice would you give to someone considering the entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership graduate program at UMBC?

Destiny  10:09:52  
So and the advice I would give to someone, I'll just tell them, like to any orientation that that pops up, reach out to them, try to make connections. Like, that's part of like, the biggest part, because, like, I feel like, for me, just because, like, we were virtual, I really didn't get like that, you know, in person, you know, connection like, with my P like, even though, like, we, you know, go on breakout rooms and maybe like, text each other for like, assignments. But it was just like, one of those things. One of those things where, like, we're in these breakout rooms and we're just looking at each other and just hoping someone talks. So I think, like, if we were more like, involved on campus or something like that, that would kind of break the ice. But I would just like, tell people, just even, even though the program is virtual, make connections on campus. Like, I know some people, they said, Oh yeah, I walked around this campus, I met everyone, I made all my connections, just because I'm going to be here. Like, a lot of, I know a lot of, like, foreign exchange students do that, because, most likely, they're probably on campus. But people like me, you know that are, you know, from Maryland, and just, you know, taking the program, I would just say, just take advantage of all the opportunities. Because I know, I did my research, like, and I was like, wow, we actually have this here. So like, I know, like, they had, like, they have, like, the entrepreneur, there's like, an office where you can go and they can look at your, like, your business plans and stuff like that. So like, I would just say, take advantage of every opportunity on campus, because you're paying for it. Like, even, you know, go to the gym or something like that. You know, even if your class is virtual, go on, you know, the 24 hour part of the library. Like, take advantage of all the opportunities, I would say, because I wish I would, would have done that just because, like, I was thinking, okay, program is virtual, and it's really no point to go on campus. But I would just say, just take advantage of every single thing.

Dennise Cardona  10:11:41  
Well, Destiny, this has really been a really great conversation with you. I love talking about the entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership graduate program. I love you know gib Mason. He's a great, great program director, and I've known a few people who have graduated from that program who absolutely love it and have gone on to do amazing things, and it sounds like you are well on your way doing that yourself, so I'm happy for you. Thank you. You're welcome, and thank you everyone for listening to this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up podcast. You'd like to learn more about our offerings. Visit the link in the description. Thanks for tuning in. Thank you. Bye. Bye.