Her Story
About Naomi
Naomi Probe is an economics and business professional with experience in higher education, project management, and board leadership. She serves as a Clinical Professor of Economics and as the Societal Impact Coordinator at the Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego. She has been with USD since 2024. She began her higher education career in 2020 after pivoting from the corporate sector. In this position, she oversees societal impact initiatives and research for the business school to support AACSB accreditation, and she teaches economics and business courses including a new societal impact consulting course that pairs students with businesses facing challenges such as employee retention and competition. Naomi also maintains a board position with her former corporate employer, Superior Abatement Services Inc., where she provides guidance on economic and financial forecasting, budgeting, and strategic pivots. She earned her BA in Economics from San Diego State University and a Master's of Science in Financial Economics from Ohio University.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Naomi
01What do you attribute your success to?
Sheer determination and discipline. I have always enjoyed learning, and I never want to stop learning. My innate drive to work hard came from my parents who built their company from the ground up. Becoming a mom at a young age kicked me into high gear to pursue my master's and provide for my child(ren) alongside my husband.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When life is giving you challenges and roadblocks, find another way. Always push through and try to find another alternative. I saw this modeled by a mentor and recently applied it by pivoting an idea to the dean's office after an initial no with the result of a new initiative.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Empathy is your greatest strength. Women tend to be more empathetic and understanding, which serves students well in higher education. Hold the line without being a pushover, and be there for students facing life crises by offering support and connecting them with resources.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher education is not favored in the marketplace because students are passed through the system without being challenged. This is an opportunity to double down, apply theory in the classroom, create experiential learning opportunities, and define why a college degree is still relevant and important in the marketplace.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the most important value to me in both work and personal life. I strive to be above reproach, stick to commitments, and stand up for what is right even amidst adversity. Integrity builds trust with others so someone makes a negative remark or statement on one’s character, people question the validity of those remarks.
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