Meet Kirsten Hill | Career Outreach Specialist & Doctoral Candidate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kirsten Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirsten, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from a small town in Louisiana called Amelia. It’s a little over an hour away from the majors cities like Lafayette, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge. I grew up with a single parent but it’s a unique experience that I utilized as motivation for the success I have now and the success to come. My mom always instilled a “Go Getter” attitude when it came to academics and a career. This is why I was able to start my own business while being in grad school and working full-time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ll start with academics. I am currently pursuing a doctorate at THE Grambling State University! I am very proud of this because the decision to apply and attend did not happen overnight. It involved lots of praying and waiting on answers. The program can take away from your social life and career mobility but God! He has still allowed me to elevate especially in the career aspect and that is how I know he is behind this decision I have made. Now I am a doctoral candidate, writing my proposal this semester all while just starting a new position as a career outreach specialist.

I also want to highlight the business area. I’ve always raised the bar on what I am capable of so one day I just decided to start my own business in 2019. It was an online Shoetique called Sole Obsessed Shoetique. In 2023 I moved on due to working full time and being in the doctorate program. However, I was still full of drive and wanted to open a more meaningful business.
Two things I’m involved in the most are fashion and school. This is what birthed “XOXO College Girl”. It consists of digital information and stylish college wear for students to be proud of being in college. I created a digital eBook for incoming first time freshmen seeking college admission information. There are also stylish college-wear shirts and hoodies to sport on campus! I plan to continue with XOXOCG in the summer and get back to what I love! More coming soon!

The lesson I have learned along the way is that you are not missing out when you are getting yourself together. Do what you HAVE to now, so you can do what you WANT to do later on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I wanted to show someone a great time we would definitely go to New Orleans! The atmosphere and culture is the best!

Its better to visit New Orleans when there are festivals happening. My favorite summer festival is Essence Fest! You can literally create your own itinerary because there are so many events going on. I usually start Friday and end on Sunday.

I typically attend trap yoga on Friday morning followed by the pop up shop that happens in the same hotel. The convention center is also fun. You can spend the rest of the day checking out artists, speakers, and other shops there! The weekend is definitely for day parties, concerts, and trying out the food downtown! Sunday is usually a day where you can try brunch! Flamingo A Go Go, Copper Vine, and Monday are good options.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this to my mom, Tiffany. She is literally my super hero and has done so much!

Website: https://xoxocollegegirl.com

Instagram: @xoxo.collegegirl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-hill-m-ed-1890b91ab

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirryhill