In addition to a career in the arts industry, Destiny Humphrey ’24 has big plans to pay it forward. Together with her cousin Celecia Humphrey ’04 and her sister KeAundra Humphrey ’22, Destiny aims to launch a nonprofit in their hometown of Anderson, South Carolina, that will help minority and low-income K-12 students to achieve their full potential.
“We want to give back and support minority and low-income students through tutoring, assisting with the college application process and more” explains Destiny.
When working on their college applications, all three Humphreys took advantage of the College’s preparatory programs. Learning from Celecia, a physical education major, and KeAundra, a psychology and women’s and gender studies double major, Destiny participated in the Junior Project, a week-long summer college preparatory program; the Senior Project, a week-long summer immersion program; and SPECTRA, a program held over the summer that provides minority first-year students a head start on classes and campus life.
“Participating in these programs made coming to the College feel like second nature,” says Destiny. “Plus, I had a community of friends before starting college.”
With the idea of following in her father’s footsteps, Destiny entered CofC as a supply chain management major. After attending a majors and minors fair, she reconsidered her decision. She determined arts management would enable her to continue to be involved with her passion — dance. Seeing how marketing impacts the arts industry, Destiny decided to also major in marketing and minor in entrepreneurship as she plans to open her own business.
“I don’t think I could have gone anywhere else where I could combine my passions,” says Destiny, who has danced in some of the College’s theater and dance concerts. “For me, this is the perfect degree.”
It also helped that Rebecca Ferrell, assistant professor of arts management, has a dance background. “Professor Ferrell had to overcome so much to get where she is,” says Destiny. “Having her as a role model has really shaped who I am. Plus, she put the ‘fun’ in fundraising in her fundraising and grant writing class,” she adds. “As that is part of my career scope, her course was really helpful.” 
“I don’t think I could have gone anywhere else where I could combine my passions. For me, this is the perfect degree.”
For Ferrell, Destiny is the type of student you wish for as an educator. “She’s bright, driven and reliable, but what makes her stand out the most is her creativity and curiosity. She doesn’t just take information in at face value, she questions it, researches it, looks underneath the surface and then provides a deep and thoughtful understanding of an issue or topic.
“The privilege of having Destiny in my classes has been witnessing her growth as an arts manager, dancer and advocate for the arts and culture sector,” adds Ferrell. “As two dancers, we discuss equity issues in the dance industry frequently, both inside and outside of the classroom, and I’m always in awe of her critical thinking skills and the ways in which she utilizes creative problem-solving to tackle current concerns in the dance field. She is exactly the type of future leader we need, and I am happy to support and cheer her on the whole way!“
Being a standout student is what led to Destiny receiving the College of Charleston Foundation Scholarship, Mattox Family Endowed Scholarship and Charles and Mary Pratt Edmondston Endowed Scholarship.
“My two older sisters and I are all close in age, so my parents put in extra hours to provide us the opportunity to attend college without debt,” explains Destiny. “For me, receiving the scholarships shows that my parents’ hard work paid off and has incentivized me to push even harder.”
The scholarships also gave Destiny the flexibility to be an active member of the campus community. She serves as a student ambassador for the School of Business and the Arts Management Program, which has strengthened her public speaking skills and helped her overcome her shyness and stutter.
“Being a student ambassador makes you part of a family,” says Destiny. “We get together and support each other outside of work. The experience has really taught me a lot about being a representative and an active listener.”
The programs have also been a launchpad for other opportunities. In the School of Business, Destiny served on the selection committee for the new School of Business dean; she now has a strong relationship with Dean Paul Schwager and his office.
In addition, Destiny was accepted as a Schottland Scholar, which offers 10-12 top performing School of Business seniors a one-year leadership training program. Her mentorship experience with Renée Anderson, Chief Advancement Officer for the Charleston Gaillard Center, exceeded her expectations.
“Renée exposed me to so many amazing things,” she says. “I have had the opportunity to shadow Renée in different areas — from the front of the house to the cast party. She opened doors to opportunities I hadn’t thought possible.”
After graduation, Destiny plans to embark on her career in the arts industry, and then form her nonprofit with her cousin and sister. Given her remarkable success at the College, she is destined for great things.
