For over a decade, I’ve successfully navigated the complex world of grants, scholarships, internships, and fellowships to support my academic and creative pursuits in the arts and humanities. Like many students, I faced limited funding options, especially as someone pursuing studies in disciplines that are often overlooked or underfunded.

But what truly shaped my journey wasn’t just the support I received; it was the rejections along the way. Each “no” became a motivator, pushing me to refine my applications, sharpen my voice, and advocate more fiercely for my work. What made the difference? Strategy, persistence, and learning how to tell my story effectively.

Through this hard-earned support, I’ve had the life-changing opportunity to travel internationally, studying art and culture across continents from museums and galleries to archives and field research. These experiences shaped not only my work but also my deep belief that access to funding should never be a barrier to creative growth.

SHIFT is built from that belief—and from the journey I know firsthand.

—Leslie Wooden