Key Takeaways:
- Aquiala Murray is a proud alum of the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Project Management in 2025.
- Aquiala grew up across the street from Ellen Walker Craig-Jones, the first Black female mayor elected in the United States.
- Living within such proximity to an inspiring female who looked like Aquiala gave her hope that she, too, could achieve great things in life.
- Aquiala Murray didn鈥檛 go straight to college after high school, but instead built skills across roles, including communication, time management, and adaptability, which became the foundation for a focused, long-term career.
- Aquiala鈥檚 employer Sheetz helped her access higher education through its partnership with UAGC.
- Her degree helped Aquiala validate her professional experiences, unlock new opportunities, and move into leadership faster.
- Advisors and instructors played a critical role in keeping her motivated, accountable, and on track to graduate.
- As a first-generation college graduate and woman of color, Aquiala frequently draws on her lived experience to lead with confidence in a male-dominated field.
- From earning her degree to pursuing PMP certification, Aquiala continues to invest in her growth and position herself for what鈥檚 next.
--
How UAGC Alum Aquiala Murray Built a Career With Transferable Skills
Most people don鈥檛 grow up across the street from a living legend. In the small village of Urbancrest, Ohio, Aquiala Murray did.
Her neighbor was , a pioneering leader whose election as the first Black woman to be voted a mayor in America reshaped what leadership looks like in the nation. But to Aquiala, she wasn鈥檛 a distant figure or a name blown up on an historical marker. She is a presence on the front stoop, a voice across the street, a breathing example of what鈥檚 possible.
鈥淕rowing up in a community with that kind of legacy really shaped how I view leadership, representation, and what my own future could look like,鈥 says Aquiala, who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Project Management from UAGC in 2025.
Aquiala listened as the neighbor and role model shared stories of adversity and persistence as a Black woman in local government. Their conversations, subtly embedded with nuggets of wisdom and truth.
鈥淪he told me about the things she overcame, the adversities,鈥 Aquiala says. 鈥淏eing a Black woman, especially in government, that鈥檚 not easy. But she never dropped the smile on her face when she spoke to me.鈥
At home, Aquiala received a slightly different message. Raised by a single mother, Aquiala was encouraged to seek stability, find a steady job, and take care of herself. It was guidance rooted in protection, but it also set limits on what seemed achievable.
"People ask, 鈥業s she knowledgeable? Is she serious about this industry? Does she have the experience?鈥 And I know that to get to the next level, I need my degree. There鈥檚 no way around it.鈥
Just across the street, she saw those limits challenged.
鈥淟ooking back now, I realize she never settled,鈥 Aquiala says. 鈥淪he didn鈥檛 stay in a bubble because of who she was or where she started. She pushed past all of that.鈥
As a child, the takeaway was simple: if someone from your own neighborhood can do it, maybe the barriers aren鈥檛 fixed.
鈥淏ack then, I thought, 鈥楽he did it, so it can鈥檛 be that hard,鈥欌 Aquiala says, laughing softly. 鈥淣ow I know it is hard, but it鈥檚 possible. And that鈥檚 what stayed with me.鈥
That realization became a foundation, one that followed her into adulthood, especially in spaces where representation was limited.
鈥淚t鈥檚 motivating,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t made me not want to settle.鈥
Like many first-generation professionals, Aquiala explored different paths before finding clarity. Today, she sees her journey not as fitting into a role, but building one, shaped by what she first saw across the street.
Finding Direction in Motion
After high school, Aquiala didn鈥檛 go straight to college. While friends and family encouraged her to enroll, she hesitated, aware of the weight 鈥 and cost 鈥 of the decision.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know what I wanted just yet,鈥 she says. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 a big decision for an 18- or 19-year-old.鈥
Instead, she chose exploration. She moved between industries 鈥 marketing, human resources, dentistry, and beyond 鈥 building a foundation through experience rather than a single path. Each role added something: communication sharpened in HR, time management refined in marketing, and a growing understanding of how organizations operate.
鈥淲henever I find my passion, I鈥檒l go back to school,鈥 she told herself.
Over time, her priorities shifted. While people-focused roles built valuable skills, they didn鈥檛 fully satisfy her desire to create something tangible.
鈥淚 gained the people skills,鈥 she says, 鈥渂ut I wanted something more technical, something where I鈥檓 contributing to an end goal.鈥
That realization came with pushback. Her decision to explore different career paths drew criticism from those with more traditional perspectives.
鈥淚 love project management; I love being part of something from start to finish. Seeing it come together, knowing I had a hand in it. There鈥檚 nothing like that.鈥
鈥淭here鈥檚 that old-school mentality,鈥 she says. 鈥溾楩igure it out, stay in one place.鈥 And I understand that, but if I鈥檓 not growing or fulfilled, I can鈥檛 stay.鈥
That mindset became her guide. In 2017, she stepped into construction project management with the discount grocery chain ALDI, supporting store builds across the country with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.
鈥淚鈥檓 helping build stores across the United States,鈥 she says. 鈥淢aking sure everything鈥檚 on track.鈥
For the first time, things started to click. Later, in a coordinator role at Sheetz, that clarity deepened.
鈥淚 love project management,鈥 she says. 鈥淭his is my sweet spot.鈥
Her work continued to evolve, but the core stayed the same: building, coordinating, and bringing complex projects to life.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of communication, scheduling, managing risks and budgets,鈥 she says. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e kind of like a professional babysitter; keeping everyone aligned, putting out fires, and moving everything toward the goal.鈥
The Road to UAGC
In a state like Ohio, where rapid development has earned it a reputation as , Aquiala鈥檚 work feels especially meaningful. With each project, she sees the tangible impact of what she helps bring to life, structure by structure.
But as her experience grew, so did the barriers.
As a Black woman in construction and project management, Aquiala often found herself having to prove what others assume.
鈥淧eople ask, 鈥業s she knowledgeable? Is she serious about this industry? Does she have the experience?鈥欌 she says. 鈥淎nd I know that to get to the next level, I need my degree. There鈥檚 no way around it.鈥
The turning point came when her employer Sheetz introduced a partnership with UAGC to its employees, which allows them to earn a degree at a lower cost. This opportunity removed one of the biggest barriers in her path. Within the organization, moving up isn鈥檛 based on performance alone; it鈥檚 also tied to credentials.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not a good feeling to get passed over,鈥 she says. 鈥淓specially when you know you can do the work.鈥
But instead of closing doors, the requirement opened one.
鈥淭hey basically say, 鈥業n order to move up, you need this, and we鈥檙e going to help you get it,鈥欌 she says. 鈥淎t that point, you have no excuse.鈥
With a clear direction, and a program aligned with the work she already loves, she took the next step and enrolled at UAGC.
Turning Experience Into Momentum
When Aquiala started her program in 2021, she brought more than ambition; she brought years of lived experience. Through credit for prior learning and Sophia Learning, she accelerated her path, shaving nearly a year and a half off her degree.
But what stays with her most isn鈥檛 the pace, it鈥檚 the people.
Two advisors, in particular, became anchors throughout her journey: Samuel Passey and Norma Lucero.
鈥淭hey cried with me, laughed with me, they were so invested in me finishing this goal,鈥 Aquiala says. 鈥淭here were times I burned out. I鈥檓 working, I鈥檓 juggling everything, and I鈥檇 be thinking, 鈥業 need a break.鈥 And they鈥檇 say, 鈥楴o, you鈥檙e so close. You鈥檝e got this.鈥 It was the push I needed, always at the right time.鈥
That level of care surprised her.
鈥淭he UAGC advisors go above the basics,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just, 鈥榃hat class do you want to take next?鈥 It鈥檚 personal. It鈥檚 motivating. And I鈥檓 thinking鈥 is this normal?鈥
That sense of connection carried into the classroom as well. Instructors noticed when something shifted. Participation wasn鈥檛 just monitored, it was recognized.
鈥淚鈥檓 usually the first one in discussions,鈥 she says with a smile. 鈥淪o, if I鈥檓 late, they鈥檙e like, 鈥楬ey, is everything okay?鈥 And I鈥檓 like鈥 wow, they really know me. I鈥檓 not just a number.鈥
Still, the pace was demanding. Missed outings, late nights, and the constant balancing act of being a working adult and a full-time student became part of the rhythm. But the support system made it sustainable.
Toward the end of her program, Aquiala took a leadership course that reframed how she saw herself. The frameworks, the theories, even the personality assessments pointed to something she had been doing all along but hadn鈥檛 fully claimed.
"These things they鈥檙e teaching 鈥 what makes a good leader, how your personality plays into it 鈥 I鈥檓 sitting there thinking I already do this,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檓 just not doing it at the level I want yet.鈥
It became a moment of validation, one that connected her upbringing, her experience, and her future into a single thread.
鈥淚 realize I鈥檝e been selling myself short,鈥 she says. 鈥淭his is the first step in understanding I already have the foundation. Now it鈥檚 about building on it.鈥
When she crossed the finish line at her virtual commencement, the moment hit harder than expected.
鈥淚鈥檓 crying with everyone,鈥 she says, laughing. 鈥淲e might not be in the same room, but it feels like we are. These are my people. We all have jobs, families, responsibilities, and we all made it.鈥
For Aquiala, the degree is more than a milestone; it鈥檚 momentum.
鈥淓ducation doesn鈥檛 have an age,鈥 she says. 鈥淵ou can keep learning forever.鈥
She didn鈥檛 wait to use it. Even before graduating in 2025, she began applying for management roles. The response felt immediate, recruiters reaching out faster than she expected. The shift was unmistakable. Where she once worked in support roles, she now steps into leadership: owning projects, making decisions, guiding outcomes.
鈥淚鈥檓 a project manager now,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檓 leading, I鈥檓 in charge.鈥
The degree confirmed what Aquiala could do all along.
鈥淚t adds a level of credibility,鈥 she says. 鈥淧eople who鈥檝e been in the field longer see that I鈥檓 committed. That I took the time, as an adult, to go back and finish what I started.鈥
In interviews, that commitment stands out. One recruiter told her something she hadn鈥檛 fully considered: her degree isn鈥檛 on one track; it鈥檚 expansive. 鈥淵ou can take this anywhere,鈥 they told her.
She thinks back to her earlier career, moving between roles, searching for fit. What once looked like uncertainty now reads as preparation. The same adaptability that drew criticism is now an advantage 鈥 refined by experience, anchored by education. And while her skills could take her in many directions, her choice is intentional.
She remained in construction. In project management. In the work that first made everything click.
鈥淚 love project management,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 love being part of something from start to finish. Seeing it come together, knowing I had a hand in it. There鈥檚 nothing like that.鈥
Building What鈥檚 Next
More than a year after graduating, Aquiala isn鈥檛 slowing down.
She currently works as a Project Manager II in telecommunications, supporting a major local power provider with grid expansion. Moreover, she鈥檚 preparing to earn her PMP (Project Management Professional) certification through the Project Management Institute, while also exploring master鈥檚 programs aligned with her long-term goals.
鈥淓verything happens when it鈥檚 supposed to,鈥 she says. 鈥淎nd I鈥檓 definitely thankful for that.鈥
That perspective is hard-earned. It鈥檚 shaped by a winding path, the risks she took on herself, and the resilience required to keep moving when her timeline didn鈥檛 look like everyone else鈥檚.
Now, she shares that perspective openly, especially with those who feel behind, overlooked, or unsure of what comes next.
鈥淒on鈥檛 compare yourself to other people,鈥 she says. 鈥淲alk your own path. Align your steps the way that feels right for you.鈥
She speaks with conviction, grounded in experience.
鈥淒on鈥檛 let age be a factor. Don鈥檛 let a lack of opportunity be a factor,鈥 she says. 鈥淧ut yourself in the rooms you want to be in. Make connections. Ask questions. Not everyone will respond, and that鈥檚 okay. You still have to try.鈥
She smiles slightly.
鈥淚鈥檒l message someone on LinkedIn and say, 鈥楬ey, I鈥檓 interested in what you do. What advice do you have?鈥 You just have to take the chance.鈥
At its core, her message is simple.
鈥淒on鈥檛 let anything get in your way. Don鈥檛 doubt yourself. Don鈥檛 compare yourself,鈥 she says. 鈥淵ou determine your success.鈥
As a first-generation college graduate and a woman of color in a male-dominated field, Aquiala knows progress looks different for everyone and representation still matters. But she also knows her story doesn鈥檛 end with breaking barriers. It continues with building beyond them. And in many ways, it mirrors what she first saw growing up, just across the street from home.
As a child in Urbancrest, she watched Ellen Walker Craig-Jones redefine what leadership could look like. She watched her mom, as a single Black mom, unwaveringly carve out their place in the world. Today, Aquiala is doing the same in her own way and on her own terms.
Speed Round Q&A:
UAGC: In one word, earning your degree feels like 鈥
Aquiala Murray: Success.
UAGC: My biggest motivation to keep going was 鈥
Aquiala Murray: Representation. Seeing what鈥檚 possible and knowing I could be part of that.
UAGC: The app I used most as a student was 鈥
Aquiala Murray: Study.com. It was a constant resource for me.
UAGC: Morning or late-night study sessions?
Aquiala Murray: Late nights. As a working adult, mornings just weren鈥檛 an option, so I made it work after hours.
UAGC: The hardest part of being a student was 鈥
Aquiala Murray: Writing papers. That pushed me the most.
UAGC: One thing I love about UAGC is鈥
Aquiala Murray: The support. I never felt like I was doing it alone.
UAGC: I knew I could do it when 鈥
Aquiala Murray: My academic advisor stepped in and really challenged me. He reminded me who I was and what I was capable of. He told me, 鈥榊ou are successful.鈥 That moment shifted everything for me.
UAGC: My proudest accomplishment during school was 鈥
Aquiala Murray: Graduating summa cum laude.
UAGC: The first person I wanted to celebrate with after graduating was 鈥
Aquiala Murray: My dog, Roscoe. He went through the journey with me, waiting while I studied, sitting by my side. When I finally closed my laptop for good, it felt like we both made it.
Are you interested in a degree in Project Management?
--
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is an independent entity not affiliated with UAGC. The Bachelor of Arts in Project Management at UAGC is not designed to fully qualify a student for any PMI certification. Students or graduates that are interested in pursuing PMI certifications shall visit the PMI website (www.pmi.org) for additional information.
