This year Monique James celebrated a remarkable personal and academic milestone: earning her Master in Organizational Leadership degree from Southern Nazarene University (SNU). Her story is one of grit, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of success.
Monique’s path to higher education was far from typical. Born with a strong will and a drive to overcome obstacles, she faced a significant challenge early in life. As a child, Monique struggled with reading and was unable to fully grasp literacy until the seventh grade. For many, this might have been a source of discouragement, but for Monique, it was the beginning of a journey marked by resilience and determination.
Her teenage years brought more hardships, including the threat of homelessness. Forced into difficult decisions, Monique made the choice to drop out of high school to stabilize her situation. Even though life presented her with setbacks that could have easily derailed her goals, Monique remained focused on finding a way to succeed. Instead of accepting the hand she was dealt, she chose to fight back, with her eyes set firmly on education as the key to changing her future.
Despite these obstacles, Monique’s story took a remarkable turn when she achieved her first major academic milestone: earning her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2020. This accomplishment was made even more extraordinary by the fact that it occurred during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduating during such a turbulent time highlighted Monique’s ability to persevere under pressure and adapt to the changing world around her. This degree not only symbolized her academic success but also served as a testament to her relentless spirit in the face of adversity.
For 16 years, Monique worked in Human Resources (HR), a field that allowed her to help others navigate their own professional journeys. In this role, she advocated for employees, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs were met. She was passionate about making a difference, not just in the lives of individuals but within organizations as a whole. Her work in HR helped her develop a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and the importance of leadership in fostering healthy work environments.
While Monique found success and fulfillment in HR, she realized that in order to make a broader, more lasting impact, she needed to expand her skill set. That realization led her to take a bold step in the fall of 2022. Making a decision that would shape the next phase of her life and career, she enrolled in Southern Nazarene University’s Master’s program in Organizational Leadership.
"I chose Southern Nazarene University for my Master's in Organizational Leadership because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and commitment to developing ethical leaders," Monique explains. "The program's focus on practical leadership skills and Christian values aligned with my personal beliefs and career goals."
Balancing full-time work and graduate studies wasn’t easy, but Monique approached it with the same determination that had carried her through previous challenges. Managing these responsibilities was a demanding process, but she saw it as an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally. The organizational leadership program provided her with a deeper understanding of leadership, organizational behavior, and communication, equipping her with the tools to effect positive change in the workplace.
Now a Master's in Organizational Leadership graduate, Monique reflects on her time at SNU with deep gratitude. The relationships she built with peers and faculty members played a crucial role in her academic journey. SNU’s close-knit community provided her with the support system she needed to succeed, while the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion made it an inviting place for students from all walks of life. The faculty’s dedication to her success was evident, as they offered not only academic guidance but also personal mentorship that will continue to benefit her throughout her career.
"Earning my degree has definitely set me up for success by equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in my career," Monique says. "Through my studies, I gained a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics, leadership principles, and effective communication, all of which are crucial in the HR field."
Monique is now positioned to apply what she has learned at SNU to make a significant impact in the field of Human Resources and beyond. The leadership principles she has acquired will allow her to step into new roles with confidence, knowing that she can help shape better workplaces and advocate for positive change. She is passionate about creating environments where employees feel valued and heard, and she believes that strong leadership is the foundation for achieving this.
Looking forward, Monique is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Completing her Master’s degree marks the culmination of a journey that began with hardship and determination but is now filled with hope and accomplishment. She knows that her education will open doors to new opportunities, allowing her to continue advocating for employees and leading organizations toward success. Please help us congratulate Monique James on her significant achievement!
