UIC Business Alumni Deliver Lessons on Leadership

Celebrating Success: Lessons on Leadership with UIC Business virtual event

During Black History Month, UIC Business hosted Celebrating Success: Lessons on Leadership, an event featuring professionals who were eager to share the high points of their journeys and how they approach challenging situations. In attendance were current and prospective students who received a welcome message from Dr. Benét DeBerry-Spence, Professor of Marketing and Department Head, and words of wisdom from the following alumni: Nicole Jacobs, BS Marketing ’15, Brennan Nichols, BS Entrepreneurship ’09, and Tori Overton, BS Biological Sciences and Psychology ’18, MBA ’19.

Continue reading for key takeaways from our alumni panelists.

Nicole Jacobs, BS Marketing ‘15

Nicole Jacobs, BS Marketing ‘15
Social Operations Lead, Twitter

“Some advice that I shared with attendees during Celebrating Success was to remember that what makes them different or unique really are their superpowers. It’s okay to show your personality and the qualities that make you, you. Never compromise who you are. I also shared that when it comes to seeking a mentor, be very intentional about what you are looking for and set expectations early on.”

Brennan Nichols, BS Entrepreneurship ‘09

Brennan Nichols, BS Entrepreneurship ‘09
Loyalty Business Analyst, McDonald’s

“I sincerely believe in providing mentorship to the next generation. I will always show up when asked to participate in panel discussions, podcast and newspaper interviews, etc., to show students who look like me that success is possible for them too!”

Tori Overton, BS Biological Sciences and Psychology ‘18, MBA ‘19

Tori Overton, BS Biological Sciences and Psychology ‘18, MBA ‘19
MD Candidate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine

“It’s important to have events like Celebrating Success in order to demonstrate ‘you can do this too.’ Seeing someone who looks like you in the position that you want to be in makes it feel attainable and aids your motivation. Remember to value yourself, as you are uniquely you. If you have an opinion, voice it. Your thoughts could make a difference. Have confidence in yourself.”

We would like to thank all of our special guests and attendees for contributing to the impact of Celebrating Success: Lessons on Leadership with UIC Business.