
Lisa Phillips
graduate MBA student
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
High School: Western High School
Student status: First-generation college student; nontraditional student
Graduated: 2017
I am a survivor.
I am an entrepreneur.
I am winning.
I found myself 20 years ago making bad decision after bad decision until my poor coping skills finally destroyed any chance of a bright future. Once I experienced a spiritual awakening, I asked God for forgiveness and to change me. I knew that if I wanted any chance at a future, I needed God’s love, wisdom, guidance and faith. Armed with all of these components, I wrote out a 5-year plan to change my life.
I found myself 20 years ago making bad decision after bad decision until my poor coping skills finally destroyed any chance of a bright future.
I needed to fix my weight (I was 315 pounds), my self-esteem (I hated myself so much that I took down all of the mirrors in my home), my education (I only had a high school diploma) and my relationship with my children (I almost lost custody of them in my cycle of irresponsibility). I wrote out my plan in 2008 and by 2013, I had lost 110 pounds, completed my bachelor’s degree, got accepted into graduate school, and started a business. In May 2017, I graduated from University of Baltimore with a MBA. Change truly starts with a plan! In my new 5-year plan I desire to become a first-time homeowner and get married again. In addition, I desire to expand my business and strengthen my financial portfolio.