Hello! My name is Jodi, and I’m currently pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. I’m reaching out to ask for your support in helping me take a life-changing opportunity — a study abroad trip to Paris that centers on the psychological experiences of Black professionals in the workforce and how those experiences can help improve workplace systems.

This opportunity is not just about travel — it’s about research, growth, representation, and equity.

Why This Matters:

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across education, healthcare, and corporate sectors — in roles ranging from office manager and academic coach to facilities coordinator and people advocate. One thing has remained constant: my passion for understanding people and improving the systems that affect their work and well-being.

This trip to Paris is part of a research initiative exploring how Black professionals experience workforce systems from both psychological and organizational perspectives. My goal is to study international workplace experiences and use those insights to improve equity and efficiency in the workforce — especially for those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or who are otherwise marginalized.

About Me:

- B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Sociology

- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified

- Graduate coursework in Human-Machine Systems, Project Management, and Systems Engineering

- Over 25 years of diverse professional experience

- Homeschool educator for my daughter, who lives with a chronic illness who’s professional future depends such research to provide adequate educational and workplace accommodations to experience meaningful work

- Advocate for workforce inclusion, STEAM education, and patient advocacy

In short, I’m committed to creating systems that work better for people — all people.

What Your Support Covers:

Your donation will directly support travel-related expenses for this study abroad opportunity, including:

- ✈️ Airfare to/from Paris

- Lodging and meals

- Research materials and site visits

- Local transportation

- Cultural enrichment activities

This trip is an investment in my education, research, and long-term mission: to build inclusive, efficient systems that help individuals — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — thrive in the workforce.

❤️ How You Can Help:

1. Donate what you can — every dollar counts.

2. Share this campaign with friends, family, and your network.

3. Follow my journey — I’ll be sharing updates, photos, and insights from the trip!

Thank you for believing in my vision and supporting this opportunity to bring Black voices, psychological insights, and systems thinking to a global stage. Your contribution helps me take a step closer to the future I am building — one where every individual is seen, supported, and empowered in the workplace.

With gratitude,

Jodi Newkirk