Francis

Ignoring the need in her Norfolk community was not an option for MBA student and community advocate Portia Bryant. Instead, Bryant chose to address that need by creating The FoCus Center (Focus on Christ’s Unlimited Supply), which is designed to help the community prosper through youth programming, community networks and support initiatives.

“I founded The FoCus Center because I saw a need in the community,” Bryant said. “

“God placed a burden on my heart for the Park Place community. We strive to make a difference in the community by establishing lasting relationships with other community resources and community members.”

Bryant has a vision of establishing other FoCus Centers that adjust to the specific needs of the community it is a part of.

Thanks to her MBA classes, Bryant has been able to apply what she’s learned in class to her running of the center.

“I am more knowledgeable about professional business practices and organizational leadership and team-building strategies as well as business finance.”

A friend who was already enrolled in Averett’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Program told Bryant about the MBA program. She chose to enroll for a number of different reasons including the fact that there was a “consistent pre-established class schedule and the evening classes were something I could easily commit to with a full-time work schedule.

“Averett has such a supportive staff and administration, dedicated professors and a well-rounded curriculum.”

Along with her work as a community advocate, Bryant is also a gospel rapper and motivational speaker. In 2005, Bryant recorded a single, “Influence,” for Celebrating Truth Ministries in Virginia Beach. She followed that up in 2006 with a CD release – “Absolute Defines…The Process.”

“I got involved with gospel rap through my passion for inspiring youth to do the right thing. I have been involved with numerous community programs that deal with influencing holistic (mental, physical and spiritual) prosperity in the lives of those in the community. There is a need for this generation to be exposed to lyrics that offer relativity, inspiration and life.”

Bryant will graduate with her MBA in December 2007.