Bringing Real Life to the Classroom: Mixing Business with Pleasure

When I first stepped onto the campus of Cal Poly Pomona as an undergraduate, I never imagined how profoundly it would shape both my professional and personal life. I earned my degree here in 1992, and it was also where I met my husband, Paul ;-) Cal Poly has been woven into my story ever since.

In 1999, I returned—not as a student this time, but as a professor of business communication and management. Over the years, I’ve taught thousands of undergraduates, and every class reminds me why I love what I do. Teaching isn’t just about relaying theories from a textbook; it’s about helping students see how communication skills play out in the real world.

Walk the Talk

That’s where my background as a small business owner comes in. From running a catering company to self-publishing a cookbook in the early days of indie publishing to producing and distributing a local TV cooking show, I’ve lived the unpredictable, hands-on lessons of entrepreneurship. I share those success and stumble stories with my students so they can see how clear communication, adaptability, and leadership make all the difference in business.

In 2013, I earned my doctorate with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and leadership, which deepened my understanding of the same themes I had already practiced in my own ventures. What I found confirmed what I’d always believed: business isn’t just about numbers and strategies. It’s about people. The way we connect, persuade, present ideas, and lead teams often matters more than any spreadsheet.

Learn By Doing

That’s why in my classes we practice communication not as an academic exercise, but as a career-defining skill. When my students are drafting emails, preparing presentations, or role-playing client conversations, I remind them that the ability to express themselves with clarity and confidence is what will set them apart in their careers.

Being both an alumna and a longtime faculty member gives me a unique perspective—I’ve seen Cal Poly Pomona from both sides. And I take pride in preparing today’s students for the opportunities and challenges ahead. My hope is that they leave my classroom not only as stronger communicators, but also with the entrepreneurial mindset to take risks, learn from mistakes, and keep growing.

After all, that’s the story I’ve lived and the story I love passing on.