Mary Kate's Work Showcase
What's a Bachelor of Innovation?
At the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, the fully-accredited Bachelor of Innovation (BI) program offers students a transformative educational experience that goes beyond the traditional Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. This internationally unique interdisciplinary undergraduate program breaks down disciplinary barriers, allowing students to engage in real-world scenarios with diverse teams, each comprising individuals with varying professions, educational backgrounds, and skills. The program's emphasis on teamwork, practical coursework, and innovation training equips students with a distinctive set of experiential skills, ranging from understanding the innovation process to transforming ideas into sustainable societal impact.
The Bachelor of Innovation stands as a fully-accredited alternative, where "smart people working together in teams can solve problems and change everything" (Kwitek). With over twenty undergraduate majors tailored to prepare students for success in the modern workplace, the program's impact spans from the corporate world to social entrepreneurship, the non-profit sector to high-tech startups. Beyond technical depth, BI graduates emerge with a cross-disciplinary approach, fostering competencies in globalization, creative communication, engineering technology, and business familiarity. In essence, the Bachelor of Innovation is not just a degree—it's a dynamic, forward-thinking journey that empowers students to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
My Innovation Statement
As an Innovator, I have always been captivated by the power of creativity and the potential it holds to transform society. While exploring the rich tapestry of human history within the walls of numerous museums, I couldn't help but notice an obvious absence of diversity in the narratives being portrayed. It became glaringly evident that the perspectives and stories of many communities, cultures, and marginalized groups were either misrepresented, underrepresented, or entirely omitted.
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During completion of my museum studies degree, I have seen firsthand how museums have historically been lacking due to a variety of systemic and institutional factors that have limited the representation of diverse perspectives, narratives, and communities. Often museums are seen as institutions for and by white people likely due to historic preservation having generally prioritized Euro-American experiences while misrepresenting, or erasing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color perspectives. As an innovator and a museum professional I want to be an agent of change to these long-held ideas, and it starts with acknowledging we can do better.
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Actively recognizing and valuing the contributions made by people from different backgrounds is a crucial part of what I do as an innovator. This realization struck a chord within me, igniting a passionate desire to be an agent of change and bridge this unsettling gap museums have fallen into. My vision for the future of museums encompasses a vibrant and inclusive space that celebrates the multifaceted richness of human experiences. Our industry needs solutions to real world problems, and it is imperative that we move beyond the conventional Eurocentric lens and embrace a more comprehensive narrative that encapsulates the mosaic of global cultures, histories, and identities.
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To accomplish this, I am committed to initiating a paradigm shift within the museum landscape. Though there is not one correct solution for every institution, I believe when we foster collaborations with diverse communities and cultural experts, we can cultivate a platform that amplifies the voices and stories that have long been marginalized. Through innovative curation techniques, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences, I aspire to create a dynamic environment that encourages dialogue, understanding, and empathy among visitors from all walks of life.
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We all share a future destiny that pivots on the success and vitality of our communities. Together we can dream about the future and create a deeper sense of belonging for everyone by amplifying voices that have been traditionally shut out. If my time as an Innovator has taught me anything, it is the value of what each person can bring to the team. When we co-curate with people from underrepresented communities we build a relationship of trust and mutual respect. I realize this goes against traditional training and curatorial practices; I want to acknowledge that growth is uncomfortable, but our actions matter to a great many people.
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Furthermore, I envision implementing comprehensive educational programs that promote cultural literacy and social awareness, fostering an environment where visitors can engage with history from a multitude of perspectives. By integrating technology and multimedia, I seek to establish an immersive and interactive journey that not only educates but also inspires a sense of unity and interconnectedness among all individuals.
My goal as an Innovator is to instigate a transformative shift in the museum paradigm, propelling it towards a more inclusive and equitable future. I firmly believe that by recognizing and celebrating the diversity of human experiences, we can cultivate a society that is more empathetic, understanding, and culturally enriched. This journey is not just about preserving the past but also about shaping a more enlightened and inclusive world for generations to come.