Thunderbird at ASU grad pursues peace through law

By Mary Hess, ASU News
May 1, 2025

If you ask Kylie Heaton what her favorite thing about Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University is, she'll say: the people.

“Having the opportunity to hear perspectives different from my own and learn from other students that have lived vastly different lives than my own is the most enriching education experience possible.”

Coming to Thunderbird with the goal of becoming an international business attorney, Heaton is graduating with a Bachelor of Global Management, but isn’t going far from ASU.

After graduation, Heaton will be attending the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law as an O’Connor honors student to pursue her juris doctorate. As she looks forward to the next chapter, she keeps her community and passion close.

“I’m motivated by the promise of what my future holds if I continue to work hard,” Heaton said. “I’m incredibly grateful for my support system. My family and friends have always been there. They cheer me on at my best and lift me up at my worst. I truly wouldn’t be here without them.”

Question: Why did you decide to enroll in Thunderbird?

Answer: I decided to enroll in Thunderbird because of its global reputation as I am hoping to be an attorney focused on international business transactions.

Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?

A: If I could give one piece of advice to a student just starting at Thunderbird I would say to take advantage of the connections you make during your undergraduate. Do not be afraid to reach out with your professors because they might be able to help you connect to people in the industry you are interested in. Also, do not overlook the relationships you make with your classmates during this time as they will most likely be working in fields adjacent to your own one day.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?

A: The most important lesson I learned in Thunderbird was taught to me by Professor (Olufemi) Babarinde. That lesson was the peacemaking power of globalization in international trade. He used the phrase coined by Thunderbird’s second president, Dr. William Lytle Schurz: “Borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers.” This lesson brought a new perspective to my passion for international business. It means I can work in the field I am passionate about and feel confident about my contribution to society by furthering peace efforts by connecting economies.

This story originally appeared on ASU News.