Becoming Collegiate Academy

I am thrilled to announce that starting June 3rd, I will be interning with Becoming Collegiate Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, as an Operations Fellow. In this role, I will be assisting the operations team with managing and coordinating various projects and events. This opportunity is sponsored by the UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship which aims to equip HBCU students with the skills and experiences needed to become effective leaders in K-12 education reform. I eagerly anticipate working with Becoming Collegiate Academy, gaining valuable skills and experiences, and exploring the vibrant city of Jacksonville!

Earlier this Spring, the Jacksonville Business Journal announced their 40 under 40 recipients, of which 10 are UNF alumni! We wanted to kick off #JaxBizJune by diving in a little deeper to learn more about these incredible Ospreys. Our first honoree is Dr. Audrieanna Burgin, Ph.D. (’11). A native of Jacksonville, Dr. Burgin earned bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Economics from the University of North Florida - Coggin College of Business. After graduation, she attended Florida State University where she earned her Master’s and Doctorate in Economics, serving as a teaching assistant and graduate student researcher. Following her PhD, she returned back to Jacksonville to become a visiting assistant professor at the University of North Florida. In the field, she served as a strategy manager and economist for Visions Global Consulting LLC before becoming a research scientist for Zearn. After spending close to two years there, she transitioned to her current role as a Senior Research Scientist at WGU Labs, where she leads equity audits and efficacy research of educational institutions. She is still very involved with UNF as an adjunct instructor of Economics and the founding director of the Diversity in Business | UNF program. “I believe the First Coast is a training ground for top talent, but we must find new and innovative ways to retain that talent,” Burgin said. She serves on the board of directors for Becoming Collegiate Academy, Florida’s first HBCU-inspired charter school. As if all that wasn’t exciting enough, Dr. Burgin is spending this summer in China as a visiting scholar for the Hunan University of Technology and Business.

Last night we had the honor of hosting Becoming Collegiate Academy’s Inaugural Community Impact Dinner at PRI Productions! The night was magical and full of love! We learned, we laughed, we cried, and we came to celebrate all of the work that Cameron Frazier and the staff that BCA is doing. In my years at PRI Productions I have had the incredible honor to produce, support, and work on many meaningful events that were near and dear to my heart! But this one just hit different. So proud to support the movement, and be apart of the board! Together we will lift up the next generation of leaders in Jacksonville and Beyond! Thank you to everyone who came out and showed their support. To learn more on how you can support the movement visit the ??: https://lnkd.in/evJWhExu

As the first quarter of the new year comes to a close, I'd be remissed if I did not take a moment to reflect on the exciting professional experiences I've had so far. Thanks to 904WARD I've had the opportunity to travel to Montgomery, AL with fellow colleagues as well as other pioneering educators here in Jacksonville. We were able to connect and learn more about the Equal Justice Initiative and how such knowledge can and will impact our service as educators! Additionally, a special thanks to Becoming Collegiate Academy for allowing me, along with others to represent the school at various career fairs; with a personal favorite being the UNCF 2024 Leadership Conferece! It was an amazing opportunity being around highly motivated HBCU student leaders! Looking ahead to the rest of the year, I'm excited to build on these experiences and continue to grow both personally and professionally. #ReflectingOnQ1 #ProfessionalGrowth #ExcitingTimesAhead

Amazing opportunity starting my day off today at Becoming Collegiate Academy! The work that Cameron Frazier and the entire team at BCA are doing is needed and incredible to witness. Cameron and his staff start the day off greeting each student with motivational music, words of encouragement, and showing genuine love and consistency. On Monday's and Friday's they host a community circle where students and faculty come together to kick start and close out the week. During this time they honor a student of the week, give inspiration through exploring and learning about HBCU's across the nation and the alumni that have gone on to achieve great things, and so much more. I was left so inspired and grateful after witnessing how great Cameron and the Staff were with the students. Watching the students reactions made my entire day. To the entire staff at BCA, thank you for your efforts and the work you are doing in our community. You truly are helping to shape the next generation of leaders in Jacksonville and beyond. Proud to serve on the board, and excited to play a small part in the movement.