Hilina d. Ajakaiye, 38

THE PROP: Hilina D. Ajakaiye's family is a constant support system as she spends her days immersed in marketing books while she studies for her MBA.
THE PROP: Hilina D. Ajakaiye's family is a constant support system as she spends her days immersed in marketing books while she studies for her MBA.

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self? I would tell my 22-year-old self to give herself a break. Growing up in a very strict Ethiopian household, I was often hard on myself to always do more. That is not a bad thing at all, however, there is something to be said about slowing down long enough to speed up.

What is your favorite Rhode Island escape or hobby? My favorite would be Point Judith in Narragansett with my favorite book or a cup of Del’s lemonade, enjoying the sound of the waves hitting the rocks.

Is your career arc moving fast enough? Why or why not? I have set goals and timelines that I am committed to and thus far, I am charging forward. I am looking forward to a positive upward mobility in my career while aligned with an organization that I am passionate about and is passionate about me. •

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