Class of 2025
When I walked into the Wisconsin School of Business for the first time, I knew exactly why I was there. I didn’t come just to earn another degree—I came to expand my leadership toolkit and deepen the business acumen I didn’t yet have the language for, even though I had long been doing the work of a human resources professional.
I came in as a non-traditional student—older than most of my peers and bringing years of experience in law, education, consulting, and leadership. I had always said, “You’re never too old to learn,” but this time, I had to live those words. I still remember meeting my Center Director, Tanya Hubanks, for the first time. She held both a JD and a Masters degree in Industrial Relations, not too unlike the path I was now pursuing. It was her allyship, her presence, and her authenticity that solidified my decision to return. For the first time in a long time, I saw myself reflected in someone else. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t fully realize how hard it would be either.
My very first class was called Data to Decisions. I had never taken a statistics class in my life. The professor was skilled, the content was rigorous, and I—well, I felt lost. I remember thinking, “What have I done?” I wanted to quit right then and there. But then came that quiet voice—the one that remembered all the times I’d told my students, “You can do anything you put your mind to.” Now, it was my turn to believe it. My turn to push through.
For over two decades, I’d guided students and professionals alike—through their doubts, dreams, applications, and advancement. I founded Collegiate Compass to help high-achieving students, especially those from underserved backgrounds, find their way into selective colleges. Along the way, I became their coach, their cheerleader, and often, their lifelong advisor. I still get calls and messages from families years later, sharing new milestones and asking, “What’s next?” It’s the greatest honor of my life to have played even a small part in helping someone realize their potential.
And yet, I knew something was missing.
While I had been managing teams, setting strategy, evaluating performance, and mediating workplace conflict—skills squarely in the HR wheelhouse—I lacked the formal framework and confidence to call my work by its name. I didn’t just want to do the work; I wanted to lead it, speak its language, and back my instincts with data and business strategy.
That’s when I found the Strategic Human Resource Management specialization at Wisconsin.
This program has been transformative. It didn’t just affirm what I knew—it elevated how I thought. I’ve learned to view people operations as core to business strategy. I now understand how data can tell a story about turnover, engagement, and equity—and how that story should drive decision-making at the highest levels. I’ve developed models, delivered executive summaries, and stood before leaders with not just ideas, but evidence.
As a Department Chair before business school, I had managed curriculum and teams across law and criminal justice programs. I was comfortable with evaluation, mentoring, and performance standards. But I now see how aligning talent with strategic goals—while investing in employee growth—is what turns a good workplace into a great one.
Working as a Marketing Strategy Intern at UPS last summer reinforced this shift. I wasn’t just looking at Go-to-Market plans—I was evaluating how to support small businesses through inclusive outreach, which at its core is about understanding people, needs, and systems. Strategic HR isn’t just a function—it’s a mindset that connects the dots between operations and human potential.
And truthfully, I fell in love with this work. That’s why I decided to take my SHRM-CP when Wisconsin offered to sponsor my certification. I love being a resource broker—not just for students anymore, but for colleagues, peers, and future leaders. I love helping people see what’s possible. I now see that my strength lies not just in advocacy, but in building the scaffolding that helps others climb.
The Wisconsin School of Business has helped me step into that. Here, I’ve not only grown as a leader—I’ve built the confidence to own my seat at the table.
For anyone considering this program, I’ll say this: You don’t need to know everything coming in. But you do need to be curious, driven, and committed to using business as a force for good. If you’re the kind of person who sees talent and thinks, how do we nurture that?—you’ll be right at home here.
So to the non-traditional student who’s reading this—maybe you’ve had a full career already, or life just took you on a different path first—let me say this: it’s not too late. Go back. Dust off that dream. Check it off your bucket list. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone, but you can prove something powerful to yourself. This journey will stretch you. It will humble you. It will reward you with life-long friendships. And yes, it will absolutely grow you.
Here’s what I’d tell you if we were having coffee:
- You are not behind. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
- Your experience is your strength. It brings depth to the classroom and insight to every conversation.
- Imposter syndrome lies. You belong in every room you walk into.
- Growth hurts sometimes. But it’s also where the magic happens.
- This is your time. Go take it.
If I can do it, so can you. I’m cheering you on already.
