By Haley Potter
Student Philanthropy Board Correspondent

Meet the founding executive director of the Student Philanthropy Board, Destiny Oakley. 

After graduating in May with a degree in business management and minors in international business and psychology, Oakley aspires to become the chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Passionate about empowering women, she wants to build a career around philanthropy.

"Philanthropy brings out the best in each of us, and it, in turn, betters the world around us," Oakley said. 

From an early age, she was inspired by Princess Diana, someone she calls "a strong personality and an empowered, progressive woman of her time." Diana's philanthropy showed Oakley that no one is too young to become a philanthropist.

"College students often think they cannot be philanthropists, because they do not have much disposable time or money to give, but there is no minimum when it comes to giving back," Oakley said.

One of Oakley's most meaningful philanthropic experiences was serving with Kentucky Refugee Ministries. Working with a Syrian refugee family of five, she tutored them in the English language and American culture while learning about their culture. 

"It was truly a rewarding experience watching them grow and seeing the human element behind an issue that has become so polarizing in our society," Oakley said.