When opportunity meets determination

Returning to college to earn an MBA while managing a 50-to-80-hour work week and a busy home life is no small feat. But Virginia Flores '25 embraced the challenge with determination and grace. A seasoned executive, Flores has never shied away from hard work. Yet during one of the most demanding years of her professional life, she found herself balancing the competing demands of her career, family and graduate studies. By the time she crossed the Commencement stage, Flores had done more than earn an MBA. She had proven her ability to thrive under pressure and emerge stronger on the other side.

When she began thinking about an advanced degree, Flores had already earned two bachelor's degrees—one in economics and one in business management with a minor in finance, as well as an M.S. in project management. While most individuals stop at a master's, Flores felt like she was missing a credential in her career. So, 13 years after receiving her first master's degree, she decided to go back to school—not just for any degree—one that could fill the gaps in her résumé and advance her business acumen. 

"For me, it wasn't just about going back to school," said Flores. "It was about 'what's missing' and finding a degree that would help diversify my professional assets." 

For over 25 years, Flores consistently maintained a heavy workload providing executive advisory and portfolio and program management services to clients throughout the U.S. Even with her professional success, Flores still felt like there was more to learn, more to understand and more skills to gain. 

In 2023, Flores began searching universities for a versatile master's degree that considered what she already knew about the business world. As a successful professional, Flores really wanted a tailored degree that reinforced her expertise while also providing her with impeccable leadership skills. With a plan in mind, she interviewed countless universities, and they all turned down the idea of personalizing an education. 

"I asked many academic advisors what they could do for me. I knew exactly what I wanted to do," said Flores. Many institutions could not help me. But when I interviewed at Lynn University, they said, 'We'll build what you want to build'."

That same year, she enrolled in Lynn's MBA program focusing on two specializations—international business and management & leadership. Flores worked tirelessly on her homework, constantly juggling between her studies, home life and her professional obligations. She often worked 80-hour weeks and still found time to write papers and complete assignments.

And then her professional life came crashing down. During a critical time of learning and studying, Flores' company suffered a catastrophic cyberattack, costing the company millions. Flores knew she would have to shift her focus away from education and onto her company. She prioritized responding to the crisis, while her classmates continued to write papers and work on their final projects. 

"I was devastated that I had to shift priorities," said Flores. "I was such a good student, doing everything right, and then I just couldn't move forward." 

Tired and frustrated, Flores contacted her professors about her work dilemma. To her surprise and delight, her professors were willing to work with her to ensure she graduated on time. With the understanding that Flores was an executive with a team that needed her, Lynn professors gave her the flexibility she required. They adjusted coursework around her professional obligations and focused on helping her succeed. 

Flores was impressed by her professors and appreciated that they embody the values that they teach, including resilience, communication, independent thinking and service-oriented leadership. Rather than just teaching the theories, her professors demonstrated the principles they wanted students to apply. For Flores, she learned that empathy and observation are strategic skills to become a leader, and those were the skills she was looking to implement in her current position. 

Among the many faculty members who supported Flores, Associate Professor Ellen Ramsey had a particularly profound impact on her journey.  At the time, Ramsey was teaching a course in leadership and management. After learning of Flores' struggles, Ramsey helped her navigate her workload. Leading with empathy, Ramsey would often call Flores to ask how she was doing. She also provided advice and positive words of affirmation, which ultimately led the women to form a tight bond. 

"I had three classes with Professor Ramsey, and I couldn't have asked for a better partner," said Flores. "She was always checking in on me and was my own personal cheerleader." 

Ramsey helped Flores see the light at the end of the tunnel. And in 2025, she graduated with honors. Earning an MBA wasn't just about getting more credentials; it increased her professional credibility and gave her more confidence. Flores credits her academic success to her professors, especially Ramsey. 

"Virginia is a powerhouse, and we established both a professional and personal connection that continues today," said Ramsey. "I'm proud of all her hard work and dedication. I know it wasn't always easy." 

Flores affectionately calls her time at Lynn "a great reset." As an adult learner, Flores only thought she was going to walk away with a new degree; instead, she gained a transformative experience. 

Eventually, Flores ended up being laid off from her job due to a massive restructuring effort by the new CEO. But that only opened the door for something more meaningful. A regained self-assurance and an MBA made Flores highly marketable in the financial industry. She received dozens of offers from recruiters and companies. In 2026, she accepted a position with The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), which helps keep financial markets running smoothly, ensuring that millions of trades are completed safely every day. She is thriving in her new role.

After her experience, Flores no longer thinks only about career advancement. She's committed to helping build stronger organizations and better leaders. She credits Lynn's strong emphasis on servant leadership, leading with empathy and executive support for her personal and professional growth. Although gaining an education later in life was challenging, Flores benefited greatly because she immediately applied the concepts she learned in class to her work.

"As a student, I quickly realized that with my degree, I could go anywhere," said Flores. "My background in consulting taught me resilience and leadership, but the education I received reinforced and redefined those skills."