Discovering Destiny Through Unique Diversity

Life Discovery Interviews: Discovering Destiny Through Unique Diversity

This week, Juniors and Seniors in Mrs. Nightengale’s Theology classes welcomed Ekaete Bailey as part of our ERA program’s Life Discovery Interview series. Speaking to four different classes, Ekaete centered her message on the theme:

“Discovering Your Destiny through Embracing & Loving Your Unique Diversity.”

Her presence was warm, authentic, and deeply inspiring. More than a guest speaker, she became a mentor in conversation — engaging students in meaningful dialogue about faith, leadership, identity, creativity, and calling.

About Ekaete Bailey

Ekaete Bailey is first and foremost a devoted Christ-follower with a heart for people and a passion for prayer. An artist and leader, she seamlessly integrates creativity and corporate experience. She is the founder of Butterfly Chief Films, LLC and Poetry Chief Apparel, LLC, and currently serves as a Gallery Teacher at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

Her professional background includes senior roles in accessibility, public relations, training, product management, and change management. A former banker, she brings a unique blend of corporate leadership and creative expression to her work.

Ekaete holds three earned degrees:

• MBA – St. Bonaventure University

• MS in Multi-Disciplinary Studies/Public Relations Management – Buffalo State College

• BA in Communications/Public Relations – SUNY New Paltz

She is also deeply committed to ministry and service, having earned a ministry certificate and served as a licensed lay minister for nearly a decade. Her board service and social justice work reflect her heart for global outreach and community impact. Above all, she is most proud of her roles as wife, mother of two, and rescue dog owner to Roxi.

Project-Based Learning in Action: The ERA Connection

Our ERA program is rooted in authentic, project-based learning and the Life Discovery Interview series embodies this perfectly.

Students are not passively receiving information. Instead, they:

• Research the speaker’s background

• Develop intentional interview questions

• Engage in professional dialogue

• Reflect on vocational pathways

• Make real-world connections

By speaking directly with accomplished professionals like Ekaete, students see how faith, education, and life experiences intersect in dynamic ways. They learn that career paths are rarely linear — and that identity and calling unfold over time.

Thought-Provoking Questions from Our Students

Each class prepared insightful interview questions that demonstrated reflection and maturity. Highlights included:

Blue Class – Block 2

• Did any specific failure help shape you into your character today?

• What helped you trust God when you weren’t sure what to do next?

• Did your calling look different each time you felt God leading you?

• What challenges did you face when discovering your destiny?

• How do you incorporate your faith into your work?

Green Class – Block 3

• How do you loop your faith, creativity, and leadership into your work?

• What made you passionate about acts of service?

• What advice would you give young people trying to discover their purpose while feeling called to many things?

Grey Class – Block 5

• What did you have to “unlearn” to step into your destiny?

• Is destiny something we find or something we create?

• What would you tell someone who feels “too different” to belong?

• When did you realize your differences were strengths?

• How do you define “unique diversity” in your own life?

Pink Class – Block 6

• Was there a moment that significantly changed your life’s direction?

• Did you ever feel off track? How did you find your way back?

• How can people our age begin discovering their destiny?

• What do you wish you knew earlier about your true self?

These questions sparked rich conversation and encouraged students to reflect on their own journeys of identity and calling.

A Lasting Impact

Ekaete’s message resonated deeply:Your differences are not accidental. Your diversity is not something to shrink. Your destiny is discovered when you embrace who God uniquely created you to be.

Through experiences like these, our ERA program continues to bridge the classroom and the real world, forming confident, reflective young women ready to step boldly into their futures.

We are grateful to Ekaete Bailey for sharing her story, wisdom, and faith with our students.