Rochelle R. Asberry (LA’85) spent many years in marketing, sales, and branding in a corporate setting, where she grew small accounts into multimillion-dollar territories.

With the skills she acquired, Asberry aspired to get to the next level. For Asberry, that meant setting her sights on building her own company. And with hard work and dedication, she did just that.

Looking back to her time at Purdue, Asberry cites two professors who had a particularly significant impact on her journey — Cornell Bell (PhD E’72, HDR M’07) and Al Chiscon (M S’56, PhD S’61).

“I was not part of the Business Opportunity Program, but Dr. Bell still was very kind to me,” recalled Asberry. “On many occasions, Dr. Bell allowed many large corporations to come speak to his students. This provided an open door for me to get hired in corporate America. I believe access, exposure, and opportunity are vital keys to success.”

Recalling Chiscon, who along with his wife Martha taught more than 65,000 students on Purdue’s campus, Asberry shared, “Dr. Chiscon had high expectations for his students, but I knew he cared. He was very organized and explained biology in great detail. His passion inspired me to do my best.”

Today, in addition to leading Dominique’s Enterprise, a health and wellness company named for her daughter, Asberry is also an inspirational speaker, educator, and author of the book Joy is in the Now Place: The Audacity to be Present. She also started the Kind Hands Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives, strengthening communities, and inspiring others to pay it forward.

“My life’s mission is to continue to make the difference,” Asberry says. “I am a champion of positive change.”

She will be a featured speaker at the Women’s Conference 2020 in Indianapolis April 30 & May 1.

Speaking to future generations, Asberry encourages students to not be afraid to ask for help — “maybe seek a mentor,” Asberry says. “Build positive relationships, and be sure to pay it forward and help someone else along the way.”

Above all, Asberry is a devoted wife and mother. She enjoys spending quality time with her family. She has been an active member of her church for more than 25 years. In her spare time, she loves to have fun, travel, read, learn new things, and enjoy eating different healthy cuisines.