I traveled to Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas to meet with Leslie Ruyle, a professor of international affairs at The Bush School of Government and Public Service. Leslie is working to break down academic barriers that often stand in the way of solving some of the world’s most challenging problems. And, she’s drawing on entrepreneurship to create economic engines that help fuel change.

Leslie’s personal story will resonate with so many listeners. She grew up a shy child on a turkey farm in rural Colorado, until a couple of powerful mentors helped her see her own potential through competitive sports. She learned how to build her confidence, and went on to challenge herself in ways that even she couldn’t fully have imagined. She’s now teaching her students to do the same and in her words “Get outside their bubble.” Leslie’s impact on others and the world is unquestionably inspiring!