I think all of us have been working on a problem, only to find ourselves stuck. No matter how much we try to find a solution, we just can’t seem to get anywhere. That’s usually when someone steps in and says “Maybe you could use a fresh pair of eyes”.
I’ve often been asked to serve as that fresh pair of eyes. I’ve had friends ask me to help review their resumes, classmates ask me to edit their capstone projects, and random strangers in bars pitch me their business ideas. I’ve always been able to draw on my education, experience, and creativity to see things that others might overlook and help people get to the root of the problems they’re facing. After one particularly long night of swapping drinks for business advice after a Johns Hopkins alumni event, one of my friends jokingly dubbed me “The Barstool Consultant”.
Initially, I brushed off the idea, but after some thought I realized that there are a lot of people out there with amazing ideas who just need someone to listen and help them find the best path forward. Additionally, I was excited about the prospect of delving into whatever challenges my clients might bring me and finding creative solutions to help them achieve their goals. It just felt like a natural fit for my skills and interests. After getting some outside perspectives of my own from friends, family, and trusted associates, I made the decision to start my own firm, Fresh Eyes Consulting.
Just goes to show that sometimes all you really need is a fresh pair of eyes.
My academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts in Global Risk from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. I focused my studies on incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data into predictive models in order to meet the challenges I faced, whether it was training to negotiate with a village elder in Afghanistan, examining the potential impact of Covid-19 on global trade networks, or just helping my classmates with their day to day issues. My goal was always to identify the most important information in any scenario, use that information to analyze potential risks and outcomes, and chart a clear path forward.
I’ve gone on to apply those skills in both the private and non-profit sectors. As an Investigative Analyst at Solutions Through Innovative Technologies, I led analyses integral to uncovering potential criminal activities, collaborating closely with federal law enforcement. My efforts involved parsing through vast amounts of digital evidence, producing actionable intelligence, and supporting ongoing operations.
Similarly, as an Associate Analyst at the Foundation for Global Governance and Sustainability (FOGGS), I accepted a wide range of responsibilities, including geopolitical research, strategic communication, and fundraising. Notably, I revamped the organization's public relations strategy, significantly amplifying its online presence and attracting new volunteers and funding opportunities.