Spotlight on Aaliyah Kissick: iMSM Student and Miss Illinois United States 2023

Student, entrepreneur, U.S. Army veteran, and Miss Illinois United States 2023 – meet Aaliyah Kissick (iMSM ’25) as she takes the next leap along her path to purpose.

Aaliyah’s story is one of commitment and dedication. Her passion for financial literacy led her to pursue a master’s degree at Gies Business. Now, she’s using her expertise to equip people with the tools they need to manage their finances effectively through her nonprofit The Financial Literacy Diaries.

Elevating Financial Literacy Through Nonprofit Initiatives 

Aaliyah’s business journey began in high school in her mother's garage with just $50 and a cardboard sign. That small start blossomed into AK Boutique, a clothing resale shop with a focus on sustainability and community empowerment. When the pandemic forced her to pivot to online sales, she suddenly had more free time, and Aaliyah’s impressive work ethic and determination led her to an unexpected new chapter when she joined U.S. Army in 2020. This decision not only tested her resolve but also enhanced her leadership skills and commitment to serving others.

While juggling the demands of her online boutique and military service, Aaliyah didn’t shy away from advancing her education at the same time. As a transfer student with both an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree, she said she “found the iMSM program at Gies a perfect match, providing a flexible yet thorough education in strategic management.” The online format allowed Aaliyah to travel extensively for her various roles and responsibilities while still furthering her education and fostering connections with the Gies Business community.

In her continued commitment to financial education, Aaliyah founded The Financial Literacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive, multichannel educational platform suitable for learners at all levels. The foundation’s platform emphasizes the delivery of dependable information through narratives and storytelling, making financial concepts both understandable and meaningful. It's designed to meet learners where they are, ensuring everyone can access the critical financial knowledge they need.

Aaliyah’s meteoric rise has just begun, this year she was selected as part of the Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40 List – but as for what’s next, she’s hoping to continue her education even further and pivot into the digital media space through the Financial Literacy Diaries. Aaliyah says she’s looking forward to the opportunity to stack the MSM degree into a future MBA from Gies Business. “Being able to stack degrees is such an innovative and strategic feature that gives me a pathway to further my education and extend my reach.” For Aaliyah, this opportunity aligns perfectly with her aspirations to enhance her educational credentials and to give back to the community through impactful business pursuits.