The School of Business at Portland State University has awarded Redefine and Transform scholarships since 2020 to students that drive positive change in both business and their communities. These student leaders embody the vision to redefine business and transform lives.
Creating Inclusivity in the Workplace
Jennifer Scott breastfed her two children for nearly four years while working full-time. Juggling motherhood and her career wasn’t easy, and one of the most challenging aspects was finding time and space to pump milk while at the office. At one point, she worked at an industrial facility where the only designated space for pumping was the on-site medical facility, located more than 15 minutes away from her desk. With the need to pump three times a day, this arrangement felt impossible. She couldn’t afford to spend that much time away from her work.
Determined to find a solution, Jennifer took the lead in advocating for a change. She assembled a team, approached the site manager, and successfully secured funding to create a lactation room within the office building itself. Working together, they put together a construction plan, and soon enough, the company had a dedicated, private space for women to pump and care for their needs without having to leave the building. It was a significant step forward, not only for Jennifer but for other women in the workplace.
This experience shaped Jennifer’s approach in every role she held afterward. Regardless of where she worked, she made sure to advocate for clean, functional lactation rooms. "It’s essential to support women, particularly when they’re returning to work after having a baby. Providing a dedicated space to pump may seem like a small gesture, but it’s incredibly powerful. It shows that women’s needs are valued and respected, and it makes the transition back to the workplace that much easier," she says.
Jennifer believes that ensuring access to lactation rooms is an important, practical way to support working mothers. It’s not just about providing physical space—it’s about fostering an environment where women can thrive, feeling supported and empowered as they balance both their careers and their families.
The Journey Back to School
After a 15-year gap since her last academic pursuit, returning to school was already a daunting prospect, since her last experience was taking correspondence courses aboard a Navy ship—an entirely different environment. Jennifer was ready to set off on the challenge of advancing her career as a leader and advocate, particularly for women in the workplace. But like many adult learners, she faced a unique set of challenges: balancing home life, work responsibilities, and the pressures of returning to school. That’s when she received the news she had been awarded a Redefine and Transform Scholarship.
For Jennifer, current student in the Master of Science in Applied Data Science for Business (MSADSB), this scholarship didn’t simply ease the financial burden, it provided the breathing room needed to fully immerse herself in her studies. She adds, “The scholarship made all the difference. It allowed me to focus on my coursework without the constant worry of finances.”
Returning to school as a mother and professional was already an intimidating prospect, but the scholarship allowed her to transition into academic life with a sense of security and confidence. It wasn’t just about financial relief, it was about creating a space to grow, both personally and professionally.
Jennifer’s advice to others considering applying for scholarships is, “If you’re unsure about applying, my encouragement is to go for it. The process may seem daunting, but the benefits far outweigh the fear. The financial support can give you the freedom to focus on what truly matters—your education. It’s a way to invest in yourself and your future.”
The Redefine and Transform Scholarship was also a perfect fit for Jennifer’s career goals. With years of experience in leadership roles, Jennifer already had a passion for making a difference in the workplace, particularly in creating supportive environments for women. She has led efforts to build lactation rooms in professional offices, fought for equal opportunities, and advocated for workplace policies that prioritize the well-being of employees. This scholarship gave her the opportunity to expand her skill set beyond the technical and into the leadership and strategic realms.
Family Matters
Jennifer’s educational journey has also had an impact on her family. Going back to school required rethinking home responsibilities, and Jennifer credits her success to the support of her spouse.
“We sat down and adjusted how we managed home duties so that I could focus on my academics,” she explains. “It’s been a powerful example for our kids, showing them the importance of partnership and flexibility in pursuing new challenges.”
For Jennifer, this journey isn’t just about advancing her own career—it's about setting an example for her children, “I want them to see that learning doesn’t stop after high school or college. Education is a lifelong process, and I hope they carry that lesson with them, knowing that growth and change are always possible at any stage of life.”
Jennifer Scott’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the profound impact that opportunity can have on an individual’s life. The Redefine and Transform Scholarship didn’t just help her return to school—it helped her transform her future, empower her career, and inspire her family. And for that, she is deeply grateful.