This month, we honor UMGC alumni who are dedicated to leadership, mentorship and sharing their knowledge with others. Meet four outstanding graduates who are making a meaningful impact on their communities.
Cassandra Wall ’12
CEO of The Wall Foundation Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Higher education didn’t come easy for Cassandra Wall. Though she initially enrolled in college after graduating from high school, life events preventing her from completing her degree program—including becoming a mother at age 19.
When she eventually returned to school, it took her 10 years to earn her bachelor’s degree, which she finally completed in 2012. She took this opportunity to share the power of education with her family, and she waited until 2013 to walk the procession line with her daughter-in-law who had earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, too.
“Growing up, we always heard the adage in our household that each generation is supposed to do better than the last one,” says Wall. “I wanted to have that foundation and be that role model for my grandchildren.”
Not content with her bachelor’s degree, Wall went on to graduate from law school with honors and earn a graduate certification in executive leadership from Cornell University. After a successful career in law, she is focusing her efforts on empowering at-risk youth and providing them with opportunities they may not have had otherwise.
She credits UMGC for getting her accomplished career started. “My learning at UMGC helped prepare me for my graduate studies in law school and my profession as a mediator and business owner,” she says. “The UMGC community put me on my path to success.”
Danielle Rowell ’13
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Office of Personnel Management
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy
When Danielle Rowell earned her bachelor’s degree in communications, she dreamed of a career in event planning. After seeing ads for UMGC’s cybersecurity program, though, her aspirations changed completely. However, she was concerned about diving into a completely new field.
“I was very nervous going into it at a master’s level because I hadn’t had the foundational experience in undergrad,” she says.
Her fears were put to rest after her first class, which provided her with the basics she needed to thrive in her degree program. A dedicated student, she went above and beyond in her studies and collaborated closely with her professors and classmates, which helped her create a sense of community and launch her brand-new career in IT. Learning from instructors with real-world experience helped her envision what the work would actually be like day to day.
“It’s crazy because the things that I learned and the things we wrote about how we would secure our networks are all the same things I am doing today,” Rowell says.
She’s so passionate about her work as the chief of cyberengineering at the Office of Personnel Management that she’s now undertaking a new endeavor: mentoring the next generation of IT professionals. A certified life coach, she advises others on how to succeed in this ever-evolving field, and education is often at the heart of her recommendations.
“I have told others to [enroll] in the [UMGC] program,” she says. “One of them is about to complete it—my boss!”
Ebony McArthur ’18, '20, ’24
Broker/CEO of McArthur Realty Group
Bachelor of Science in Finance, MBA and DBA
Dr. Ebony McArthur had a slow start to higher education. She eventually found the right fit at UMGC. Three degrees later, she’s putting her education to work as an independent owner, top-producing broker, licensed real estate investor, and independent property & casualty insurance agent.
“Obtaining my education at UMGC contributed to my personal and professional success in various ways,” she explains. “It enhanced my critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, fostering personal growth and self-confidence.”
This busy mother of four is also a financial literacy coach. Through this work, she educates and mentors other industry professionals on building wealth through real estate, financial freedom, research and development, marketing, and advertising.
“I have utilized my business knowledge, professionalism, expertise and many of the skills I enhanced since attending UMGC to help hundreds of families obtain home ownership and investment,” she notes.
She credits UMGC for helping her expand her network, build relationships and explore diverse perspectives. In turn, this has helped her broaden her horizons and has opened doors to higher earning potential and career advancement.
Her success hasn’t just been professional. Her entire family has benefited from her hard work, determination and growth mindset.
“I wanted to be an example for my children and show them that no matter your circumstances, it is possible to grow and be successful, and that education is something that can never be taken away,” she says.
Julie Jacobson ’21
Distribution Center Manager for Prysmian
Graduate Certificate in Human Resources
Master of Science in Human Resources Management
For Julie Jacobson, it doesn’t get much better than inspiring others to be their best. That’s why she enrolled in UMGC to earn her master’s degree in human resources.
“I’m passionate about developing people to be whatever they want and more than they ever dreamed,” she says. “I decided to advance my education because I believe when you stop learning, you stop dreaming.”
When she began her degree program at UMGC, she found that her own enthusiasm was matched by that of her professors and that she was able to make strong connections during her online courses. She brings her experience, skills and passion to her human resources leadership position where she is making a real difference. In her role, she is able to guide and encourage women working in what are traditionally male-dominated fields, as she once was.
“When I was in production in aerospace, I was the only female on my production line. I was the only female ops leader in [my current company],” she notes. “So, I love to give back to the community, especially [to] emerging females coming into the workforce or high school girls who are trying to figure out what to do.”
She understands the difference a strong female role model can make.
“I haven’t had strong female leaders to look up to,” she says. “I realized that was something I wish I had.”
She credits her UMGC education with providing her with the foundation she needed to thrive in her career and help up-and-coming professional women make their mark in their fields, too.
“My education from UMGC helped me personally to gain confidence. It showed me that I can do hard things,” she says. “Professionally, it has helped me become a better leader and business partner.”
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