From first college grad to MBA, this Harvest mom is changing her family’s story

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This Harvest mom is setting the stage for the next generation. After coming from a family of few high school graduates, Breonte’ Rodgers is getting her MBA from The University of North Alabama and leading the way for her son.

Read on to learn what inspired her to start her own business, continue her education and prioritize her family along the way.

Check out Breonte’s story 👇

Meet Breonte’: first-generation college graduate 

Originally from Birmingham, Breonte’ moved to Huntsville in 2018, just days before she graduated with her associate’s degree from Lawson State Community College. It was a memorable milestone for her family, but it wasn’t the last.

After earning her associate’s degree, she decided to continue her education at Athens State University and gained a bachelor’s in Human Resources in 2021.

“I wanted to get my college degree to lead by example for my son. I’m the first generation of my family to pursue college in the way that I did. I wanted to teach my son that education is very important. It helps you achieve your goals in life, be successful and gain a lot of knowledge.”

Breonte’ Rodgers

Having already broken the generational barriers to completing college, Breonte’ still felt like she hadn’t reached the finish line of her educational journey.

Yet, graduation wasn’t the only thing 2021 had in store for Breonte’. Later that year, she moved to Harvest, bought a house and proposed to her (now) wife.

After a whirlwind of exciting personal and professional high points, Breonte’ decided to take a break from school to focus on family life, especially her active third grader.

“At the time of my graduation, my son was going into the third grade, and it was a very crucial time for him. So I wanted to prioritize focusing on him, because I had been in school for the last six years. I was ready to give time back to my family.”

Breonte’ Rodgers

Launching her financial literacy business

Along with spending time with family, Breonte’s break from school gave her the mental space to launch a business that had been on her heart and mind for a while—Beatify Consulting.

Breonte’ found her passion for financial literacy during her previous experience, when she worked for Wells Fargo for six years.

“After working in management, I transitioned back to being a personal banker. It was very upsetting to see how many people were not able to qualify for credit products because of not being educated on them, not managing their money properly and going into debt.

I came from a background where I didn’t learn about credit, and I went through having a very poor credit score. I was able to change my financial situation around and become a homeowner—a position that I could’ve never imagined being in 10 years ago.

I wanted to educate people on how they could turn their lives around.”

Breonte’ Rodgers

While getting Beatify Consulting off the ground, Breonte’ progressed in her HR career over the next five years, working in industries such as DoD, Aerospace, HR Consulting and now Commercial Real Estate.

After reflecting on her side business and full-time gigs, Breonte’ realized she had checked off most of the goals she had previously set for herself. She decided that it was time to dig deeper and set higher goals.

It was time to get her MBA.

The time may be right for you to pursue an MBA—learn more about UNA today.

Leveling up her career with an MBA

Breonte’ knew an MBA would be the right move for her for two big reasons. She could gain business management expertise for her own business. She’d also build executive leadership skills to support a senior position with her current employer, CBRE (a member of the Fortune 500).

After researching colleges all over the nation, Breonte’ came across UNA, whose MBA program was known for its academic excellence and project management concentration. Breonte’ immediately knew it was the right fit for her. Since then, she’s completed nearly half of the program in less than a year—all while working full-time at CBRE and prioritizing family life.

Here are several things she’s really enjoyed about UNA’s MBA:

• The affordability of the program (more on that later)
• The short term semesters
  • Most classes last eight weeks instead of 16, so students don’t have to take as many courses at once while still completing the degree quickly
• The flexibility of online coursework (pre-recorded lectures, less deadlines, etc.)
• The sense of community (getting to collaborate with other MBA candidates on projects and easy communication with professors)

Launch your success story with UNA

With the completion of her MBA on the horizon, Breonte’ is excited about what the future holds. After securing her MBA, she hopes to move into a project management role at CBRE and grow her business.

Additionally, she and her wife plan to add to their family in the next few years, so she’s grateful for the professional growth that her MBA will bring to support her household.

Here’s what you need to know about UNA’s MBA:

• Cost: $585 per credit hour + fees, meaning you can get your MBA for less than $20k
• Time to complete:
  • Full time: 12-18 months
  • Part time: 18-24 months
• Format: 100% online
• AACSB-accredited, putting UNA in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
• No GMAT required.
• The next semester start date is August 20 + UNA is accepting applications—apply now.

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