Honor Society® member
Ronda Hefner
- Business Management
- Class of 2027
- ROCK SPRINGS, WY
Member since January 2026
About
I am a nontraditional college student pursuing my bachelor’s degree with a 3.96 GPA and a strong commitment to leadership, service, and lifelong learning. As a first-generation college student, my educational journey has been shaped by resilience and determination. I was raised by my grandmother as an only child, while my mother overcame a life-altering accident that required her to relearn how to live independently. These early experiences instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, empathy, and perseverance.
After taking a longer, unconventional path to higher education, I returned to college at age 38 with a renewed sense of purpose and am fully self-funding my degree. Balancing academics, family life, and professional responsibilities has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced my belief that growth is possible at any stage of life.
Professionally, I bring over 15 years of leadership and people-focused experience, having worked extensively in human resources, training, and team development. I am passionate about empowering others, fostering positive workplace cultures, and leading with authenticity. My academic success reflects not only strong performance, but also discipline, accountability, and a genuine love of learning.
Being recognized as a member of the National Honor Society is deeply meaningful to me, as it represents perseverance, academic excellence, and the belief that determination and hard work can overcome any starting point. I hope to continue using my education and leadership skills to make a meaningful impact in both my professional and personal communities.
Education
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Colorado Technical University
BS- Business Administration- Project Management
2025 – 2026
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Western Wyomimng Community College
Assocaites of Arts
2016 – 2018
Honors and awards
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Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Western Wyoming Community College 2018
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Honor Society
Colorado Technical University 2026 3.96 GPA
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President's List
Western Wyoming Community College
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President's List
Colorado Technical University
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National Society of Leadership and Success
Colorado Technical University 2025
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My intended career path is focused on leadership, people development, and organizational operations. I plan to pursue roles in project management, human resources, or organizational leadership where I can support teams, improve processes, and help individuals reach their full potential. With extensive experience in leadership, training, and employee engagement, I am particularly drawn to positions that emphasize communication, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
As I complete my bachelor’s degree, I aim to continue building skills in project coordination, operations management, and team development. Long-term, my goal is to work in leadership roles that allow me to influence positive change, mentor others, and contribute to strong, people-centered organizations. I am motivated by opportunities that combine structure with creativity and value ethical leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ultimately, I aspire to use both my education and lived experience to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose, creating environments where individuals and organizations can grow together.
- Graduate school interests
I am interested in pursuing graduate studies in organizational leadership, human resources, or project management. My academic and professional experiences have shown me the impact that strong leadership, effective systems, and people-centered strategies have on long-term organizational success. Graduate school would allow me to deepen my understanding of leadership theory, organizational behavior, and strategic decision-making while building advanced skills I can apply in real-world settings.
As a nontraditional, first-generation student, I view graduate education as both a personal milestone and a professional investment. My long-term goal is to continue growing as a leader who values accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I am particularly interested in programs that emphasize ethical leadership, workforce development, and change management, and that prepare graduates to lead diverse teams in dynamic environments.
Pursuing graduate education aligns with my commitment to lifelong learning and my desire to create meaningful, positive impact through leadership and service.
- Outside the classroom
In my free time, I enjoy creative and hands-on activities that allow me to express my artistic side, including photography, graphic design, and crafting. I also enjoy creating sensory play materials and educational activities for children, which blends creativity with purpose. Spending quality time with my family is a priority, and I value activities that foster connection, learning, and fun. Additionally, I enjoy exploring new ideas through continuous learning, personal development, and community involvement.
Experience
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PEL- People Experiance Lead
McDonald's
Jun 2004 – Nov 2025
Volunteering
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PTO- Parent at Large
Sage Elementary PTO
Sep 2025 – Jun 2026
Languages
- English (US) Fluent
