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

Portia Bryant, '07
Founder, FoCus Center
Norfolk, VA

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.”

Thanks to her Averett MBA degree, 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.”

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.”