Poole Class of 2021 Spotlight: Maya Lee

Maya Lee, business administration with a concentration in marketing and international studies with a concentration in global relations

Some students have a hard time deciding what extracurricular activities to get involved in during their undergraduate years. Maya Lee figured she’d make it easy and just do everything.

Lee, a Raleigh native who will graduate from Poole College in May with a double major in business administration and international studies, kept herself busy during her four years on campus. As a student-athlete, she was a team leader of the two-time, national championship-winning NC State co-ed cheerleading squad. She was also a Pack United Representative, University Ambassador, Poole College Peer Leader, social media manager for the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and an Alexander Hamilton Scholar.

The Alexander Hamilton Scholars Program is a dual degree program that allows students to earn a degree from both the Poole College of Management and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) – which was a perfect fit for Lee, who wanted to combine her two passions – marketing and global studies.

It was that same drive, combined with a fascination with the Spanish language and culture, that convinced Lee to sign up to study abroad in Seville, Spain in the summer of 2018 – an experience that she calls “life-changing.” As a recipient of the Lonnie and Carol Poole Study Abroad Scholarship through the Alexander Hamilton Scholars Program, it seemed like it was meant to be. 

“The trip was great with 22 other students and our fearless leader, Patrice Nealon,” Lee says. “We explored a lot of southern Spain, as well as surrounding countries such as Belgium and Portugal. It was a great way for me to expand my Spanish-speaking skills and learn more about the Spanish culture alongside one of my best friends.”

My relationship with Tayah [Butler] has been one that I have valued throughout my four years at NC State.

Another relationship that made the experience even more special was seeing the familiar face of Tayah Butler, who serves as the college’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“My relationship with Tayah has been one that I have valued throughout my four years at NC State,” Lee says. “I remember meeting her my very first day and she instantly made me feel welcome, and then in Spain, she really made me feel at home – as it was my first time out of the country and on top of that I only knew of one other person on my trip.” 

Those relationships she made at Poole have inspired Lee to consider a career in higher education later in life – but post-graduation, she has other plans.

“After I graduate, I will be working as a project specialist for Cisco in RTP for their customer experience division,” Lee says. “I am eternally grateful for the professors and programs at Poole for preparing me for this next season of life.”