Leah Healey, who graduated from Chapman University in December 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (emphasis in Entrepreneurship) and a minor in Economics, found her collegiate path transformative and rewarding. Originally from Colorado, Leah was one of the few in her circle to venture out of state for college, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living in California.

“When I first visited Chapman’s campus, I just knew it was the right place for me. The beautiful campus, the tight-knit community, and the overall vibe felt like a perfect fit,” Leah shared. However, her freshman year was challenging as she navigated life away from family and friends. Without joining a sorority, she initially struggled to find her place. 

The turning point came during her sophomore year when Leah joined Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity. “Through AKPsi, I found a supportive network of people who shared my interests and goals,” she explained.

This involvement not only helped her build lasting relationships but also fostered personal and professional growth. Reflecting on her Chapman years, Leah remarked, “My experience has been transformative. I’ve gained a deep sense of community, built lasting relationships, and pursued opportunities aligned with my passions and career goals.”

Founding One2One Diabetes: A Personal Mission

Leah is the founder of One2One Diabetes, a company designing upscale travel bags for people living with diabetes. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of seven, Leah’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply personal.

“Over the years, I struggled to find a solution that offered both the functionality I needed to stay organized and the style that made me feel confident,” Leah said. She identified a gap in the market for stylish yet functional travel bags that cater to the specific needs of people managing diabetes.

Driven by her passion for fashion and business, Leah created The Weekender and The Traveler bags, offering customizable designs that combine utility and style. From initial sketches to sourcing manufacturers and developing a marketing strategy, Leah bootstrapped every aspect of her business.

“I practically feel like I went back to school again and got another degree!” she joked. Through her business, Leah aims to empower others with diabetes to feel organized and confident while traveling.

The Role of Chapman and Argyros College in Leah’s Career

Chapman University and the Argyros College of Business were instrumental in preparing Leah for her entrepreneurial journey.

“My business administration degree gave me a strong foundation in key areas like marketing, finance, and operations — all crucial for launching One2One Diabetes,” Leah shared. Hands-on projects and case studies at Argyros pushed her to think critically and analyze market trends, skills that proved invaluable when starting her business.

Beyond academics, the supportive community within Argyros and Alpha Kappa Psi helped Leah cultivate a growth mindset. “Being surrounded by like-minded peers who shared my entrepreneurial ambitions gave me the confidence to take the leap into starting my own company,” she explained. The lessons in leadership, networking, and business development that she gained through AKPsi have continued to influence her career.

Internships That Shaped an Entrepreneur

During her time at Chapman, Leah pursued internships that refined her professional skills and provided real-world experience. As an Administration & Membership Intern at the Academy of Country Music in 2018, she gained insights into large-scale event coordination while assisting with the 53rd Annual Awards Show.

“Managing ticket sales and promotions and acting as a liaison between board members, VIP donors, and charity beneficiaries taught me the importance of strong communication and organization,” Leah noted. These skills have been invaluable in managing partnerships and customers for her business.

Her earlier internship at Right Left Agency in 2017 provided expertise in social media marketing and community building. “This role gave me a deep understanding of crafting targeted messaging, which I now apply to promoting One2One Diabetes,” Leah explained.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

Leah’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. One significant challenge was rushing Alpha Kappa Psi as a freshman and not being accepted. “It was a tough blow,” Leah admitted, “but I decided to try again my sophomore year with more preparation and confidence.” Her persistence paid off, and joining AKPsi became a defining moment of her Chapman experience.

This resilience has been a cornerstone of Leah’s success. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Persistence pays off, and setbacks are often just opportunities in disguise.” Her time at Chapman taught her the value of community, perseverance, and using personal experiences to create meaningful change.

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