Amber Bussey

I attribute my success to my commitment to raising leaders while becoming one myself. As a young mother, I’ve grown alongside my children and take great pride in the individuals they are becoming, as well as in my own journey of building a career, serving my community, and completing my degree. Being recently recognized with the Outstanding Staff Service Award at the College of Business is especially meaningful, as it reflects years of consistency and perseverance. I don’t always have everything figured out, but I remain grounded in the belief that leadership for me started at home and continues to be shaped by showing up, growing, and staying consistent in every area of my life.

The best career advice I’ve received has come through the guidance of mentors who consistently encouraged me to grow, stay resilient, and remain authentic. Jane Williams, Executive Director of Love Columbia, supported me during a very difficult time and showed me what it means to lead with purpose and perseverance, even though personal challenges. At the College of Business, mentors like Katie Essing, Becky Bocklage, and Courtney Cothren have continued to challenge, support, and guide me, whether in my professional development, education journey, or personal responsibilities as a mother. Together, they’ve taught me that success comes from consistency, being open to growth, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to grow with intention and recognize that your legacy is built in the small, everyday moments, not just the awards, titles, or big milestones. It’s in how you show up for yourself, the consistency you maintain, and the relationships you build along the way. When you learn to value yourself and lead with authenticity, you strengthen your ability to navigate challenges even when no one is watching. Every lesson, setback, and success will shape you, so carry it all with purpose. Walk into every room with confidence in who you are and what you’ve overcome, and lead from that place. Because for me, that’s where true leadership begins, and it ultimately starts at home.

The biggest opportunity in my field right now is the ability to deepen experiential learning and strengthen corporate partnerships that provide students with more hands-on, career-ready experience. There is a real chance to bridge classroom learning with real-world application in a way that better prepares individuals for the workforce and long-term success. At the same time, one of the biggest challenges is balancing multiple responsibilities, navigating personal commitments such as single parenting, advancing my education, and managing work, while also supporting community nonprofits that often operate with limited capacity. Avoiding burnout in the midst of these demands is an ongoing challenge, but it also reinforces the importance of intentionality, support systems, and sustainable impact.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are faith, purpose, and integrity. I lead with faith in everything I do, and that foundation guides my decisions and direction. Resilience, strong work ethic, accountability, growth, and service are also core to how I show up, especially as my path has required me to adapt and keep moving forward through challenges. I also value balance—learning to protect my peace, set boundaries, and avoid burnout while still showing up fully. At my core, I believe in leading by example, loving out loud, and using my experiences to support and uplift others.