Khadidja Diouf has taken to heart the idea of being a leader of tomorrow. And what she’s experiencing at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics will help make her an even better leader.

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Khadidja is a junior studying both global supply chain management and accounting, while minoring in leadership studies. She is also a unit supply specialist in the West Virginia Army National Guard — deploying from fall of 2019 to fall of 2020 — and can’t wait to become a better soldier while there.

Khadidja also dedicates her time to being a Chambers Ambassador, a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a Neidermeyer Scholar, a Milan Puskar Leadership Scholar, a research assistant, and a Diversity Ambassador for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

But it doesn’t stop there.

During her summers, instead of filling her time by relaxing as most students would do, she is a school teacher for at-risk children in Dayton.

“I strive to make a difference in these children’s lives as my teachers made a difference in mine,” Khadidja said.

And with everything else that she is a part of, Khadidja has somehow found time to do a project with three other students and Monongalia County schools to raise mental health awareness. The goal, she said, is to create an environment where children feel safe to express emotion, while being accepted by teachers and faculty who are educated on the topic.

Khadidja said she is grateful for the opportunities she has had access to at the Chambers College.

“This business school is constantly giving students opportunities to network and make connections that will last a lifetime,” she said, “not to mention the opportunities we get to explore our majors, so that we can see all of the possibilities we have within our areas of study. The Chambers College genuinely wants to see its students succeed.”

For now, Khadidja’s future plans are to intern with DHL for Summer 2019, go on her deployment in the fall and then finish her education at WVU, where she said she will enhance her career opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to go to law school and practice commercial law, while, true to form, always staying involved in her work with children.

“Kids are truly my passion,” Khadidja said.