Women’s History Month Showcase – Hailey Do
The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business proudly celebrates Women's History Month by highlighting students and their unique experiences on campus. Today, we highlight Hailey Do, a Business Analytics student with a minor in Information Systems.
Hailey Do attending a concert
If you could interview one successful businesswoman, who would it be, and why? What questions would you ask them?
I would interview Mrs. Oprah Winfrey simply because she was the first person to come to mind regarding successful businesswomen. I would ask her what inspired her to work in the entertainment industry despite its many drawbacks. One of my dreams is to have my own entertainment company, so Oprah and her work greatly inspire me. I would also ask her who her favorite interviewee was and the most valuable thing she learned from them.
Who is the most inspiring woman you know, and why?
My mom used to have a business in Vietnam when we had yet to move here. Despite having no college degree in business whatsoever, how she ran her business inspired me as she was always transparent, ethical, considerate, and helpful to her customers. Her shop was in Ben Thanh Market, one of the most famous yet "scariest" tourist destinations because multiple shops tend to overprice if they know buyers are not local. Despite all the tricks other handbag shops can do to get the most profit out of travelers, my mom conducted her method of cooperation with buyers. She ended up not having a lot of regular customers but also wholesale buyers from Asian countries buying specifically from her only. She got referrals from all those buyers who were also impressed by her candor business; growing up watching her success, I could not be prouder of her, and the whole story inspires me to become a successful businesswoman like her.
Hailey Do and her mom
What moment in Women’s History has influenced you the most?
It was in 1963 when the Equal Pay Act passed in the United States, allowing women to be paid equally to men performing the same job. Numerous women have fought for this right for me to have peace of mind today, where I can focus on my professional development without worrying about unfair treatment or discrimination based on gender. It is such a gifted and honorable privilege.
Imagine 5 years later, as a successful business professional in your field, you have been asked to advise the next generation of UTA women; what would you say?
Trust yourself, follow your determination, and keep your head high. My choice of studying Business used to be considered inefficient by some of my family members because they would prefer me to study Medicine or Engineering for a higher paycheck in the future. Of course, their intention was purely good, and I respected that, but I knew myself well enough to know that I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t get to do what I loved and was passionate about, which is Business! I stand by my choice and haven’t regretted it ever since.
What is the theme song to Women's History Month?
"Run the World (Girls)" - Beyoncé - In case you need a reminder.