Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattie Dunn.
Hi Mattie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am a senior at Cleveland State University majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in mathematics. My interest in science began at a young age with role model Mae Jemison and a curiosity for the chemistry of the world around me. My curiosity was supported by my mother, who raised me alone. Although we faced challenges, my mother received an MBA in finance from the University of Notre Dame and started a real-estate business while working a full-time job in medical device marketing for Fortune 500 companies that took us around the U.S. Before I was 18, we lived in Indiana, California, and Illinois before settling in Ohio. I began my undergraduate degree in the fall of 2018 as undeclared because I was discouraged by a high school teacher from going into STEM. However, soon after participating in math development programs with engineering students I quickly set my sites on chemical engineering. In my 6 years at Cleveland State, I have been an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers, where I now serve as the CSU chapter president. I have also had the opportunity to strengthen my educational experiences in CSU’s nanoporous materials and membranes laboratory as well as engineering internship experiences with companies like Prince and Izant, Synthomer-Omnova, MARS Petcare (Mars-Wrigley’s the candy company) and The Dow Chemical Company, taking me to cities like Nashville, Tennessee, Akron, Ohio and Houston, Texas!
In 2018, in my freshman year of college, I started building a modeling portfolio that took me to the most creative places and gave me the opportunity to work with amazing creators like Aimon Ali, the creator of Fashion Talks, Daniel Lozada, William Fredrick, Fount Leather and so many more. By September of 2019, I was happily signed to my first modeling agency, Docherty Model and Talent, right here in Cleveland. Modeling with Docherty has given me the opportunity to take my modeling to a new level. In 2020, I worked with American Eagle – Aerie to launch their ‘Offline’ brand. I’m proud to share that I have been featured in Elegant Magazine twice, by the work of Ms. Aimon Ali, and also featured in Local Wolves Magazine.
Lately, my modeling has taken a back burner as I finish my degree. However, I do regular shoots with ‘Exhibition,’ ‘Rule of Next,’ and ‘Two Minds’ their New York boutique.
I have also taken the opportunity to study abroad in Portugal on an archeological field school in the summer of 2023, where we lived in a small town on the border of Spain for 3 weeks.
Looking forward, I have accepted a part-time internship in the spring at NASA Glenn Research Center as a Power Management and Distribution Intern. I am on track to graduate from Cleveland State University on May 11th, 2024, on my birthday!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been easy. Living in a single-parent household comes with its own difficulties.
Although modeling is very fun, it can be addicting and demanding. How much I put in is how much I get out, and when I have other priorities, it can be hard to know when to stop. When you should miss class to take casting opportunities and when you shouldn’t. When to network at the right parties and when to stay home and study. Luckily, Cleveland can be pretty quiet.
Engineering, in general, is a challenge; it tests my leadership skills, my teamwork, and my ability to learn constantly.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m feel like I am early in both my careers to specialize in anything. Through my engineering internship experiences, I have good experience in product development, but I will have more experience in Power/Energy, which has been an interesting field to work in given the impending energy crisis and carbon-conscious movements. I am known to have a proven ability to bring together cross-functional teams. I like bringing groups of people together to create, whether it be for a photoshoot or an engineering project.
Something that sets me apart is my ability to communicate. I think I speak well, and I have always been told my energy fills a room. It has helped me a lot in my life.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that most people may not know about me is that I typically have an absurdly messy bedroom. LOL I’m not proud of it, but it is almost impressive how well I function given the condition. Getting ready in the morning can be like a game of American Ninja Warrior.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dochertyagency.com/divisions/fashion/portfolios/mattie-dunn
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattieedunn?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyne-dunn-b08a05183?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Daniel Lozada
Ryelo Ren Macie
Nicole Straits
Leah Kelly
