When Paula Fontana (M’93) arrived at Purdue after graduating from a small private high school, she expected to encounter a cut-throat environment. But she was surprised to discover a supportive community.

A graduate of the Dr. Cornell Business Opportunity Program — “I’m a proud BOPer,” she says — Fontana was grateful for the opportunity to immerse herself in the college experience and complete a few core classes before the majority of the student population arrived.

“BOP had the greatest influence on my development,” she says. “I entered Purdue as a girl and emerged as a woman. My transformation can be attributed not only to my classroom experience, but also the lessons learned from engaging with my fellow Boilermakers. During the summer of BOP, I developed friendships and a support system that would last a lifetime.”

After graduating from Purdue, Fontana earned her MBA from the University of Georgia. She spent 12 years in marketing research and brand management in the consumer-packaged goods and textile industries before pursuing a career in higher education. She is currently the vice president of strategic programming initiatives at the National Black MBA Association.

“I am blessed to be in my current role where I am responsible for empowering our more than 15,000 members with information, resources, and programs that will assist them in achieving their goals in the business sector,” she says.

Fontana inspires and motivates others to be the best version of themselves in both her personal life through motivational spoken word, as well as her professional life through targeted programming and coaching. 

“Stay true to yourself and your values,” she says. “Most people will switch careers a few times in their lifetime. As long as you stay true to who you are, there will never be a wrong path to success.”