Alumna helping WSSU students see the world
As a senior at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), Sloane Justice Holmes '13 caught the travel bug while spending a semester in London.
"Studying abroad changed my life," Holmes says. "The decision to study abroad is still the best decision I've ever made in my entire life."
Today, Holmes, who earned her degree in business administration, has traveled to 45 countries and is the creator of the travel blog abroadwithbee.com. She also works in global sourcing and supply chain for Harry's Inc. in New York City.
For her, it all started with that first trip abroad as a WSSU student. Holmes is hoping she can inspire other Rams to see the world.
For Alumni Return to Serve, part of WSSU's Homecoming, she was back on campus leading an information session about study abroad. She also chose three students to sponsor, providing them with free passports.
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"I believe it's absolutely imperative for young people, especially minorities, to get out of their comfort zone and to be exposed to cultural differences and customs," she says. "Business is becoming more and more global. Having international experience, understanding how business is done in different parts of the world, being proficient in a foreign language: These are all things that will set students apart when applying for graduate school and jobs."
Her mission, she says, is to inspire young people of color to travel and challenge the status quo.
"International travel has been on the rise over the past few years in our community, which is amazing," Holmes says. "I'd love for that number to keep rising."
Sloane also is hoping more alumni will join her as a sponsor for students through the Office of International Programs (OIP). Alumni and friends who would like to support a student can donate online by visiting mobilecause.com/vf/oip or by texting oip to 71777.
