Since 1995, the United States has recognized every March as Women’s History Month. During this month we celebrate the contributions and achievements that women, both past and present, have made over the course of American history, culture and community. To celebrate Women’s History Month, Columbia Southern University is honored to recognize students and alumnae who are playing a vital role in leadership within their respective industries.
Ashley Bragg
Ashley Bragg of Richmond Hill, Georgia, is a former firefighter and never thought about going back to school. Given her experience in the field, Ashley wanted to expand her knowledge of public safety and decided to enroll at CSU.
“I was a firefighter for 12 years and saw the boots on the ground aspect of public safety and wanted to advance my knowledge and understanding of the 30,000-foot view of a scene or disaster,” she said. “I was always looking at the bigger picture when working as a firefighter and wanted to pursue that bigger picture and understand what happens before, after and during the scene.”
Today, Ashley works as a hazard mitigation planning specialist with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security. She recently received a bachelor’s degree in emergency management with a concentration in homeland security from CSU. In addition, she graduated with a 4.0 GPA and made the President’s List each term.
“My degree greatly impacts my career,” she said. “It will help me better understand what my county emergency managers do and go through on a daily basis, as well as providing me the possibility of advancement within the state emergency management agency.”
Amanda Deen
Amanda Deen of Merritt Island, Florida, is a health, safety and environmental manager (HSE) with SSA Marine, where she oversees Port Canaveral and Port Tampa cruise operations. She was recently featured in Influential Women magazine as a trailblazer in HSE management, recognizing her standout leadership in the field.
Amanda is currently pursuing a doctorate in occupational safety and health at CSU.
“A doctorate in occupational health and safety shifts my role from managing compliance to shaping safety strategy within longshore operations,” she explained. “It strengthens my ability to analyze risk, workload and organizational stressors using data-driven research, allowing me to influence leadership decisions and drive measurable improvements in worker safety.”
In addition to her career in longshore safety and pursuing a terminal degree, Amanda also coaches a high school fast-pitch softball team.
“My career and coaching have reinforced the same core values that guide my academic journey: discipline, accountability and resilience under pressure,” she said. “I believe it is important to show that advanced education, professional leadership and personal responsibility can coexist, even in demanding environments.”
Shaneira Harris
A human resource director with Baptist Health, Shaneira Harris of Maylene, Alabama, did not initially anticipate higher education in her future. However, she realized that pursuing a college degree would support her career growth in both HR and health care administration.
“My MHA will elevate me from being seen as just an HR director to being recognized as a health care executive with expertise in both people management and organizational strategy, making me indispensable in shaping the future of patient care and hospital operations,” she said.
Shaneira holds a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, an MBA with a focus in human resource management and a master’s degree in health care administration, all from CSU.
“I decided to pursue my master’s in health care administration because I wanted to expand my influence in the medical field beyond HR and strengthen my ability to drive organizational change,” she explained. “With my background in HR leadership, I have seen how workforce strategies directly affect patient care and outcomes. Earning this degree allows me to bridge the gap between employee engagement and health care operations, positioning me to lead with both people and patients in mind.”
Starlett Deonne Henry
Starlett Deonne Henry of Corinth, Mississippi, is the chief operating officer with Urology Professional Association, doing business as Urologic. She began her health care career in 2007 in patient access and advanced through the ranks, serving as vice president of revenue cycle, director of operations, and most recently, chief operating officer.
“I’ve always believed that leadership is earned through both experience and education,” she said. “I knew it was time to invest in myself academically. I wanted to be prepared, not just for the next promotion, but to lead with purpose, clarity and confidence. I also wanted to show my children and granddaughter that growth never stops, no matter your age or stage in life.”
Starlett earned a master’s degree in health care administration from CSU.
“I want to encourage women, especially those in health care, to pursue executive roles,” she said. “We bring empathy, strength and vision to the table, and our voices are needed in boardrooms and C-suites. CSU has empowered me to step into that space with confidence, and I’m excited to help others do the same.”
Onedia James
Onedia James of Triangle, Virginia, is a deputy project manager with the Department of the Army. She wanted to expand her knowledge in leadership to help others, which influenced her decision to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration degree with a focus on research project-based study.
“I wanted to challenge myself, expand my knowledge in leadership and business and position myself to make a bigger impact, not just in my career, but in the lives of others I mentor and lead,” she said.
Onedia received her DBA from CSU in 2025. Despite serving as senior leader in the Army’s acquisition and technology space, running a consulting company and being a wife and mother, she was able to manage it all with commitment.
“My journey proves that with discipline, faith and grit, you can juggle it all and still succeed,” she said. “Earning this degree is more than a personal milestone; it’s a legacy for my family and a message to others: no matter your background or obstacles, your dreams are still valid and achievable.”
Kellie Krujaick
Kellie Krujaick of St. Cloud, Florida, decided to enroll at CSU during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was 45 and entered her program with a GED certificate as her academic foundation. She now serves as the first female fire marshal with Osceola County Fire Rescue. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fire administration, a master’s degree in business administration and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration, all from CSU.
Pursing higher education during an unprecedented time made the decision to enroll even more meaningful.
“While the world slowed down and uncertainty grew, I used that moment to push forward,” she explained. “Enrolling in school during such a challenging period reminded me that perseverance and adaptability are lifelong skills. Earning my degree wasn’t only about personal achievement; it was about setting an example for my daughter and others that education and self-improvement have no age limit.”
“My MBA will equip me with organizational leadership, change management and strategic planning tools, enabling me to guide my department or division with greater vision,” she said. “I’ll be better prepared to lead large teams, manage political dynamics and influence long-term fire prevention and life safety initiatives.”
Heather Mazurkiewicz
Becoming a firefighter at age 45, Heather Mazurkiewicz of Naples, Florida, once said she would go through the fire academy 10 times before she would consider pursuing a degree. Fast forward to 2021, she decided to enroll on her 52nd birthday, a decision that would lead to earning a bachelor’s degree in fire administration. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in fire executive leadership.
“…I decided I wanted to be the best version of myself for me and my daughter and accepted the challenge and enrolled at CSU,” she said. “I never once regretted my decision.”
Heather serves as a public information officer with the North Collier Fire Control Rescue District. She was recognized in 2017 by WGCU, a PBS member television station in Fort Myers, Florida, as a MAKER: Women Who Make Southwest Florida for her positive impact on her local community. In addition, she was named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for the state of Florida, respectively.
Furthermore, she founded the Florida Cancer Presumption Coalition, which helped pass legislation in 2019 that provides benefits to firefighters diagnosed with certain job-related cancers.
“I have been involved in many civic organizations in my adult life, including president of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, past Rotary president, Relay for Life and more. In this chapter of my life, I have stepped back and now just focus on my career and how I can educate people about the fire service.”
MeKayla Pullins
MeKayla Pullins of Dayton, Ohio, recently earned a Master of Public Health degree with a focus in community health education from CSU.
“Earning my MPH in community health education has allowed me to move into a new direction in the education field as a student apprenticeship coordinator at Sinclair Community College,” she said. “It has given me the tools to better advocate overall for health equity, expand education through adults who have the desire to pursue higher learning, and connect underserved families to the resources they need.”
MeKayla had the desire to grow, both personally and professionally.
“I believe there’s always more to learn, and this degree gave me the chance to deepen my knowledge so that I can continue to give back to others in meaningful ways,” she said. “My goal has always been to position myself as a leader, not only in my community, but also within the organizations I serve, and this degree is helping me step into that role.”
Meghan Shambach
Meghan Shambach of New Berlin, Pennsylvania, serves as the senior environmental health and safety manager with Acrow Bridge-Milton Steel Company, where she organizes employee events, supports health and wellness and encourages engagement with local initiatives. She received a master’s degree in occupational safety and health and an MBA from CSU.
“With both degrees, I am better prepared to lead with vision, make informed decisions and create meaningful impact in the workplace and the community alike,” she said.
She was recently included in the 2025 fall issue of Inside PA Lifestyle Magazine in the 40 Under 40 section, which highlights young professionals who make significant impacts in their local communities. She is the president of the New Berlin Borough Council, the local library board of trustees, an American Red Cross instructor, and was named National Safety Council Rising Star in 2017. She is also passionate about mentoring and volunteering in her local community.
“Mentoring is about being willing to show up for others, share what you’ve learned and help someone else feel more capable and confident moving forward,” she said. “I was fortunate to have incredible women mentors at the beginning of my own journey, and I credit much of my growth and success to their guidance and support, which is why I feel a responsibility to pay that forward and help create the same opportunities for other women.”
To read more stories like these, visit Communicator.ColumbiaSouthern.edu.
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
