Karlie Sikorski: An examplar of leadership and resilience
By: Naomi Misori
Karlie Sikorski leaves a strong impact wherever she goes on The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) campus and around the Huntsville community. Those who know her say they are enlightened and inspired by her exceptional intellect, unwavering advocacy and infectious positivity.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Karlie’s light shine on everyone around her,” says Kaleb Wade, former president of the College of Business Ambassadors. “She is an active College of Business ambassador who does whatever she is called to do. She far exceeds the requirements of an ambassador, which speaks to her genuine commitment.”
Sikorski’s leadership extends far beyond her academic achievements. As a dedicated member of the Delta Zeta sorority, she has held several leadership roles, including internal social chair and vice president of programs. In these roles, she organizes events that foster personal growth and community, overseeing a team of 15 chairwomen and collaborating closely with the executive board.
“I focus on creating spaces where our 73 members can connect, grow and serve others,” she says.
Her leadership does not stop there. Sikorski is also an active member of various on-campus organizations, such as Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Psi, Women in Business and Leadership and Accounting Communications and Connections.
As a founding member of Alpha Kappa Psi, she helped shape digital marketing strategies and coordinated events that strengthened and advanced professional networks. She also acted as the driving force for the fraternity’s philanthropic efforts, helping provide hygienic products to students on campus.
Beyond campus involvement, Sikorski has made strides in her professional career. She is currently an intern at SAIC, specializing in human factors, user design experience and Python development. She has been recognized as one of the top interns in the program through her exceptional efforts.
“The experience has not only prepared me for the workforce but also helped me grow as both a professional and a person,” she says.
Sikorski has garnered numerous accolades as a proactive and innovative college student and intern. She won first place at the College of Business' Boeing 24-Hour Challenge, where her team developed a cross-platform marketing AI overnight, and second place in the SAIC Joint Concept Challenge, where her team designed an AI solution to assist security officers.
“To me, Karlie is the perfect example of an exemplary college student, and I see her doing big things one day,” said Madison Fama, her good friend and fellow UAH student. “She is one of the most hardworking people I know, and I am proud to be her friend.”
Sikorski’s commitment to excellence began long before her time at UAH. As a high school student, she participated in the Middle College program at Roane State Community College, earning an Associate of Science in Engineering while completing her high school diploma. Since then, she has consistently been on the Dean’s and President’s List while also being an active member of the Honors College.
However, all this success did not come without its challenges. During her freshman year, Sikorski was struck by a vehicle while crossing Holmes Avenue.
“That was a difficult time, and I had to go to the doctor three or four times a week,” she recalls.
“On top of that, I faced significant online bullying because of it.”
Despite these physical and emotional challenges, Sikorski remained resolute, finding strength in adversity.
“It helped me grow by teaching me not to focus on what others think or say.”
For Sikorski, success is more than just outcomes — it’s about the growth and lessons learned along the way.
“Even if you don’t achieve exactly what you want, the effort and personal growth you experience along the journey are what truly make you successful,” she says.
Sikorski is set to graduate with a B.S. in information systems in May 2025. She is also a part of the UAH JUMP program, which has enabled her to start on her master’s degree in information systems, which she is expected to complete in May 2026. With a bright future ahead, Sikorski is poised to make an even greater impact in the business world and beyond.