Hello, and welcome!
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about my professional background and what ultimately led me to pursue my MBA. My early career began in military and government environments, where I gained firsthand experience working within highly structured, compliance-driven organizations. I later spent time in the corporate world at an investment brokerage, followed by a brief role within a local dental office franchise. While each of these experiences shaped me in important ways, the majority of my career has been ingrained in higher education as a staff member, supporting institutional operations and research administration through grants and contracts.
I’m currently in my final year of the PMBA program at Seattle University, and earning my MBA has been a long-standing goal of mine since my undergraduate years. At first, it felt like a milestone I simply needed to reach…a box to check in order to set myself up for long-term success. About ten years ago, however, when I began my entrepreneurial journey in wedding photography, that goal became far more intentional. I realized I wasn’t chasing a single outcome, but rather the freedom of choice: the ability to grow a business I love while also maintaining the option of a traditional career path, while simultaneously growing that business alongside it.
In a space where the dominant narrative often encourages entrepreneurs to dive in headfirst and abandon the stability of a 9-5, I’ve learned to honor a different approach. I value the consistency of a steady paycheck, the security of health benefits, and the grounding structure they provide, especially while raising a family. While some are able to take that leap of faith without a safety net, my reality has required me to be more thoughtful, creative, and intentional about how I scale and grow. That balance has shaped not only my business, but my definition of success.
This MBA is giving me the formal business training to manage and sustain my photography business for the long run, while also expanding my opportunities for career mobility. Looking ahead, I hope to transition out of higher education and back into the corporate world, where I can pursue meaningful challenges, continue to grow professionally, and be compensated in a way that supports my family and the life we’re building together. I’m grateful to be on this journey with all of you and look forward to learning from the diverse experiences within this cohort.
