Your gift to the UNO CBA Scholars Academy Fund will support future business leaders like Alessandra. Make your gift today by visiting the link below.
Plenty of students start college unsure of their path or identity. But for Alessandra Herrera, entrepreneurship was always in her blood.
From a young age, she watched her mother and aunt run successful businesses. That only pushed her to go further.
“I started my cleaning business at 18,” Herrera said. “I did my own research, took an online course and learned how to scale using a remote business model. That’s how I was able to grow so quickly in my first year.”
Herrera knew that college would be a tool and the next big step to expanding her business. She heard about the CBA Scholars Academy in the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and realized it was meant for her.
“Even before I joined the Scholars Academy, I scheduled one-on-one meetings just to learn more [about the program], Herrera said. “Going above and beyond like that helped me stand out and put my foot forward.”
That mindset of taking initiative for her own success continued when Herrera became part of the Scholars Academy, where she found herself surrounded by equally driven peers.
“The great thing about the Scholars Program is that you’re surrounded by people who go above and beyond. It pushes you to get good grades and get involved in networking events, community involvement and volunteering,” Herrera said. “It really makes you step up.”
Herrera would not be able to make the most of her experience in the CBA Scholars Academy if it wasn’t for donors that made it possible. With their help, she can apply herself fully without worrying about outside factors, such as working a full-time job.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the scholarship,” Herrera said. “It allowed me to progress and scale my business much quicker.”
Through the CBA Scholars Program, Herrera has advanced her business at a much faster pace than many others get the chance to.
“Donors really take a load off students,” Herrera said. “Their support gives us the chance to focus on developing the skills we need to become the next generation of leaders.”
In the future, Herrera is eager to share the impact the program has had on her and to give back to others in similar positions.
“I want to share what I’ve learned with the Hispanic community — teach people how to build scalable businesses, sell them and move on to new opportunities.”
To continue supporting the future leaders of business at UNO, please consider donating to the CBA Scholars Academy Fund today.
