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Dowden has an innate curiosity for how things are made and a desire to create useful products from raw materials.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s been a fascinating road to Manhattan University for Solange Thomas Dowden \u201926 (M.S.). Originally from the Caribbean island of Grenada, Dowden has an innate curiosity for how things are made and a desire to create useful products from raw materials.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngineering felt like the perfect pathway to turn that interest into impact,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngineers are problem solvers. We take abstract ideas and turn them into tangible solutions that improve quality of life, drive innovation, and address some of the world\u2019s biggest challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Dowden began her studies at T.A. Marryshow Community College in Grenada, attaining an associate degree in natural sciences in 2015. She then received a scholarship to McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, where she pursued a bachelor\u2019s degree in chemical engineering.<\/p>\n
\u201cChemical engineering was the ideal blend of my two academic passions \u2014 chemistry and mathematics,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
Chemical engineering also aligned with her long-term goal of working in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just drawn to the cosmetic industry. It\u2019s where science directly improves people\u2019s everyday lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Upon graduation in 2021, Dowden obtained a position as a formulation\/cosmetic chemist at Deciem Inc., the Toronto-based parent company of cosmetic brands The Ordinary and Niod. In that role, Dowden focused on product development from concept to formulation to pilot.<\/p>\n
She later transitioned into a process innovation chemist, where she was responsible for scaling formulations, optimizing processes, and supporting the commercial launch of multiple skincare products.<\/p>\n
Although she had landed a role in the cosmetics industry, Dowden says:<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to create something that merged my love for culture with my passion for logistics and client service.\u201d<\/p>\n
She had also identified a gap in the market back home in Grenada \u2014 a need for services that could better support travelers and carnival-goers. This inspired Dowden to found her own company, Valini Carnival Concierge & Courier, in 2023.<\/p>\n
\u201cEntrepreneurship has always been part of who I am,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cFounding my own company allowed me to channel my creativity into building experiences for others while solving real-world problems.\u201d<\/p>\n
Valini provides seasonal, premium concierge services for travelers during the Spicemas Carnival season, a 10-day celebration of Grenada culture and music held every August.<\/p>\n
As founder and director, Dowden oversees operations including vendor relationships, strategic planning, client management, and logistics coordination. During peak season, the company employs 10\u201315 team members, including drivers and couriers.<\/p>\n
Dowden believes that her training in chemical engineering shaped her approach to problem-solving, systems design, and process efficiency.<\/p>\n
Dowden continued to juggle her role as process innovation chemist until 2024, when she decided to earn a master\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to challenge myself academically and professionally,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
\u201cPursuing a master\u2019s was a way to upskill, deepen my expertise, and position myself for larger opportunities in industries I\u2019m passionate about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manhattan University immediately stood out during Dowden\u2019s search for a master\u2019s program, thanks to its unique concentration in cosmetic engineering.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s something very few programs offer,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the perfect fit for my career aspirations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Valini is currently on pause and will be operational during its seasonal dates, allowing Dowden to focus on her studies during the academic year. She works as a graduate assistant on campus during the day and takes classes at night.<\/p>\n
Her studies in cosmetic engineering have strengthened her technical foundation, while sharpening her critical thinking and ability to collaborate across disciplines.<\/p>\n
Dowden expects to graduate from Manhattan University with her master\u2019s in 2026. After graduation, she hopes to secure a full-time role in the cosmetics industry, ideally within research and design or production.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal is to contribute to innovative product development while applying both my academic training and entrepreneurial experience.\u201d<\/p>\n