Eswatini
At UWCSA Waterford Kamhlaba, I got to immerse myself in a global community that emphasized curiosity + purpose. Here, I understood how creativity could connect people and communities.
Who am I?
My name is Samantha Balikowa, a certified hobby hopper in a love–hate relationship with Google Calendar. I was a shy child who spoke volumes through the art I made. Art became my first language, teaching me that creativity could be a powerful tool for communication, connection, and impact. I’ve always felt a deep need to express, to create, and to make meaning.
I’m currently pursuing a Business of Art and Design degree at Ringling College of Art and Design, with minors in Graphic Design and Fine Arts. I view creativity as both a craft and a strategy. A way to think, connect, and shape ideas. My work explores the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and design, where creative experimentation meets strategic thinking.
I’m a Creative Strategist and Experience Designer who crafts strategies and experiences across digital, physical, and community spaces. I use creativity as a tool for social impact, community engagement, and empowerment. I design for impact, not just to deliver a deck. My practice is driven by human-centered, experience-led thinking that bridges business acumen with design capability. I seek to create frameworks but also shape their interactions.
What do I do?
Where has
life taken me?
I was born and raised in Uganda, but I’ve had the opportunity to live across four continents. Those experiences have shaped a multicultural mindset that makes me globally adaptable and able to understand cultural nuances.
What do I do when I’m bored?
Sit in the sun and contemplate my life
Crochet my own clothes
Ride my hot pink bike
Make sculptures
Program of the Year,
Genesis Fashion Show, 2025
Best of Ringling- Silver Juror's Award, Creative Cultivations, 2025
Best of Ringling- President's Award, Genesis Fashion Show, 2025
Program of the Year,
Genesis Runway Fashion Show, 2024
Best of Ringling- President’s Award,
Fluid Impressions: The Paintings of Syd Solomon, 2024
President’s List,
Awarded for a GPA above 3.75, Ringling College of Art and Design, 2022- Present
Honorable Mention,
Visions in Black Group Exhibition, Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, 2023
UWC Davis Scholar, The Shelby Davis Foundation, 2022 - 2026
What I’ve gained along the way?
Honors/Awards
Vice-President,
Genesis Fashion Show, Ringling College of Art + Design, Sarasota, FL, Aug 2023 - Jan 2025
Student Ambassador,
Syllabus of Color initiative, Ringling College Student Volunteerism, Sarasota, FL, Aug 2023 - Nov 2024
Co-President, International Cultures Club, Ringling College of Art + Design, Sarasota, FL, Aug 2023 - May 2024
Committee Head,
Sustainability Committee, Ringling College of Art + Design, Sarasota, FL, Jan 2024 - Dec 2024
Student Representative,
Sustainability Committee (Institutional), Ringling College of Art + Design, Sarasota, FL, Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
Student Representative, Quality Enhancement Plan Committee, Ringling College of Art + Design, Sarasota, FL, Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
Achievements
Tools
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Figma, Procreate , Miro, Google Forms & Surveys, Google Trends, Mintel, JSTOR, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Apple iWork, Notion, Slack, Asana
Creative Strategy & Experience Design
Concept Development, Brand Positioning, Campaign Planning , Trend Research, Brand Audit , Strategy Pitch Decks, Human-Centered Design, Customer Journey Mapping, Mood-boarding, Visual Research, Art Direction, Storytelling, Community Engagement, Innovation , Strategic Thinking
Research, Management & Collaboration
User Research, Primary & Secondary Research, Survey Design, Market Analysis, Competitor Benchmarking, Workflow Management, Budgeting, Resource Planning, File Management , Leading Cross-Functional Teams, Contingency Planning, Analytical Thinking, Problem-Solving , Adaptability, Presentation & Public Speaking, Task Delegation
Tools/Skills
Uganda
I’m born and raised in Uganda, but I’ve had the opportunity to live across four continents. Each country shaped how I see creativity, connection, and impact.
France
During a semester abroad at Parsons Paris, I learned how to turn bold ideas into action. Through the Strategic Design + Management program, I realized my passion for social impact, creative strategy, + innovation through design.
Florida, USA
As I finish my senior year at Ringling College, I continue to explore the intersection of storytelling, experience curation, and collaboration, using creativity to empower and connect.
Master Resume