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Asya W. Class of 2009

Meet Asya, who has a career span of 20 years as an in-demand expert in the project management industry working with top-tier brands. She has also served as the Director of Mentorship for the Project Management Institute (PMI) and was one of the creators of the first Women’s Network for Walgreens Corporation. Asya earned her Master of Business Administration from National University with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, her PMP® (Project Management Professional) global certification from the Project Management Institute, and her LEAN Six Sigma Certification from United Healthcare’s Center of Excellence. After completing her MBA at NU, Asya created Women Of Project Management, a community that was intentionally created to support and amplify the voices of women and women of color in the project management industry globally.

“In the face of challenges, I stay motivated by learning to give myself grace, understanding that I can get through anything. I’ve overcome challenges before, and I remind myself with each challenge that I will come out a conqueror.”

Balkis N. Class of 2019

Meet Balkis, a cybersecurity professional and NU Scholar who earned her bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree from National University. Balkis and her family emigrated from Afghanistan to the U.S. as refugees in the early ’90s. Her parents taught her that with hard work, anything is possible. After her father passed away, Balkis decided to go back to school and fulfill both her and her parents’ dream of earning a college degree. In 2019, she finished her degree and walked across the graduation stage, showing her mother that all her hard work and sacrifices made it possible for her to achieve her dream.

“During the NU commencement ceremony, I saw how much my little sister looked up to me and how proud she was and excited for me. I realized how important it is for her to have someone in her family finish and attain a degree.”

Brad R. Class of 2018

Meet Brad, an Oklahoma native who earned his MBA while serving in the military on the West Coast. After five years of service, he made the decision to transition out of the military to spend more time with his wife and young daughter. On his last day of service, Brad packed up a moving truck and drove cross country to pursue a career in the defense industry and begin the next chapter of his family’s life.

“That’s one of the things — especially going to National — that I’ve come to appreciate that there’s nothing ever given. It’s earned. As soon as you do earn it, you realize how much you’ve gone through to achieve it, and it means that much more to you.”

Daniel S. Class of 2019

Meet Daniel, a California firefighter who earned his Master of Arts in Education from National University in 2019. Six years ago, Daniel was working as an instructional aide for a special education classroom. During a lesson about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a student saw how highly he spoke of firefighting and asked why he didn’t pursue that career path. He made a deal with the classroom: if half of the class received honor roll, he would put in an application for the next fire academy physical agility testing. In the end, all his students received honor roll, and Daniel passed the physical agility test and was accepted into the program. Today, he teaches as a substitute teacher at his local school district on his days off from firefighting. His ultimate goal is to teach and instruct future firefighters/fire science students.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve my community. Knowing that on their worst day they look to us for comfort and make things a little better by providing them medical care or protecting their property.”

Jackson M. Class of 2021

Meet Jackson, a military veteran who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from National University. Originally from South Dakota, Jackson joined the military when he was 19 and was stationed in California for four years. He now works full time as an EMT while pursuing his education.

“I became an EMT because I wanted to help people in need and be there for them in their worst times.”

Jeannine J. Class of 2009

Meet Jeannine, a police detective who earned her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2009 at National University. She has worked in law enforcement for over 10 years and takes pride in making a positive impact on her community. As a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, she cherishes her time with her family and enjoys being outdoors and playing sports.

“My occupation as a police detective enables me to make positive connections with the community. Being a role model and leading by example is one of the most important duties of a public servant.”

Kristian E. Class of 2018

Meet Kristian, a military veteran, father of five daughters, and health care administrator who completed his associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees at National University. He and his wife, Nicole, supported each other as they pursued their education together, starting when he was serving in the military. Today, they’re raising their family and pursuing their doctorate degrees at City University of Seattle, an affiliate of National University System. His goals are to launch an apparel line with his wife and start a nonprofit organization focused on helping the homeless.

“By seeing me achieve my educational goals, I hope my daughters will have the confidence that they can achieve any goal they attempt to accomplish.”

Kyle W. Class of 2018

Meet Kyle, an ICU trauma nurse who graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018 from National University. Originally from Florida, Kyle and his wife have four children under the age of 7. Before becoming a health care professional, he was running restaurants in Boston and became burned out. He decided to go back to school to pursue a career in nursing — all while balancing work as a student nurse and raising a family.

“Don’t fall into the trap of monotony or believing that you can only have one dream job. If you have a dream to be a nurse, teacher, or business analyst, go and do it. Only you can make you happy in what you do for a living — make it what you love.”

Lorena S. Class of 2016

Meet Lorena, a critical care nurse who loves being in the outdoors, traveling, and cooking with her husband and kids. Before becoming a nurse, Lorena worked as a respiratory therapist in a critical care unit where she saw how the critical care nurses managed the entire patient’s care and coordinated with the care team. She decided to go back to school and earn her BSN at National University. As a registered nurse, Lorena has had the opportunity to save lives both in the hospitals she works at and in her own neighborhood. In 2017, a man was shot down the street from her home, and she rushed to his aid. The man was transported to the hospital where Lorena worked, and she was able to visit him, his wife, and daughter, who thanked her for saving his life.

“When I face challenges that seem overwhelming, I tell myself, ‘Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. That’s the only way you’re going to get there.’ That’s literally how I get through everything — one step at a time. Just don’t stop, and you will get to where you need to be.”

Nicole E. Class of 2018

Meet Nicole, who earned her associate degree, bachelor’s in health care administration, and master’s in public health at National University while raising five young daughters. She and her husband, Kristian — also an NU alum! — love being in the outdoors with their family, serving their community, and working out together. Nicole went back to school when Kristian was serving in the military on the West Coast. Since then, she’s continued to achieve her educational goals and is now pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration at City University of Seattle, an affiliate of National University System.

“Our five daughters are a motivation for me. I love being able to show them that nothing can stop you from doing something for yourself.”

Prince M. Class of 2016

Meet Prince, a director of curriculum and instruction for a California school district. He earned his Master of Science in Educational and Instructional Technology in 2016 at National University. Prince started his career in the education field as a volunteer coach and held several positions within the school system, including janitor, kitchen aide, van driver, substitute teacher, teacher, administrator, and now as a director in the district office. As a passionate, lifelong educator, he’s focused on what his district can do to enhance their students’ experience along their educational journey.

“I love seeing our students after they have graduated out of our system and are working in a field they love, attending college, or raising a family. Everyone has a different definition of success, and as long as students are happy with their life choices and always striving to be better individuals in our society, that is what I love to witness.”

Abigail J. Class of 2017

Meet Abigail, a mother and elementary school teacher who earned her master’s in teaching with a specialization in education technology at National University. Abigail was motivated to go back to school by both her family and her desire to advance her teaching skills. Abigail’s parents emigrated from Mexico and El Salvador to the U.S. for a better future, and she wanted to make their sacrifices worth it. As a first-generation college graduate, she was the first out of 21 grandchildren to graduate from high school and earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“My favorite part about being a teacher is building relationships with students and their families. When you have a strong connection with your students the teaching comes naturally, and you become another person they can trust.”

Crystal G. Class of 2020

Meet Crystal, a preventive medicine chief at an East Coast military base. She’s a mom of two who’s been serving in the military for almost 20 years. After finishing her bachelor’s degree, she took a three-year break before going back to school for her Master of Science in Public Health at National University. With 10 years of experience in the public health field, Crystal wanted to further her knowledge and prepare for opportunities in the civilian sector.

“I tell my sailors, ‘If you are not learning, you are not growing.’ It’s always hard to start something new, but with the support of your leaders, you can achieve anything.”

Francisco R. Class of 2016

Meet Francisco, a veteran and entrepreneur who earned his Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Mobile Marketing and Social Media from National University. His thirst for knowledge motivated him to return to college after transitioning from the military. Francisco initially went back to school for his master’s in criminology after being shortlisted for the FBI screening program; however, he didn’t make it through the second phase. He quickly changed course, deciding to pursue an MBA and follow his dream of becoming a business owner. Today, he’s an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO of Wepa Commercial Cleaning and The Wepa Group.

“I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs move from struggling to stability. Next on my agenda is to launch a new company with the sole aim of assisting active-duty servicemembers and veterans with their ideas of business and entrepreneurship.”

Heather P. Class of 2008

Meet Heather, a mother of three and a first-generation college student who earned her Master of Education in Cross Cultural Teaching at National University. After staying home with her kids when they were young, Heather went back to school to show them the importance of education. She’s been a teacher for 15 years and now teaches students online. Heather and her husband also own a local coffee shop, which they opened to keep themselves busy after becoming empty nesters and to retain the sense of community they fostered in their home while raising their family.

“I love to empower others. I grew up feeling like education wasn’t for me, and I wanted to help students who felt the same way and show them that they can achieve anything.”

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