Shared Journey: Mothers and daughters graduate from YSU with MBAs

Michele Greene and her daughter, Kiara Jones and Lauryn Todd and her mother, Beth Todd graduated from YSU's MBA program

Two mother-daughter pairs received their Master of Business Administration degrees in Organizational Leadership from Youngstown State University during commencement ceremonies this past weekend.

Michele Greene and her daughter, Kiara Clark, along with Lauryn Todd and her mother, Beth Todd, completed the program.

Lauryn Todd, a consultant in international tax at Ernst & Young, said she pursued the MBA for career advancement and personal development. She began the program in May 2024, at the same time as her mother.

Beth Todd, the chief financial officer of the Columbiana County Mental Health Clinic, had previously started graduate studies in the 1990s but paused her education to raise her family and focus on her career. She said completing her MBA was a long-term goal. Lauryn Todd said a conversation with her mother motivated her to enroll after an initial postponement.

Kiara Jones, a junior financial advisor and a graduate of Cleveland State University, sought the MBA for career growth. Her mother, Michele Greene, who has worked in the manufacturing industry for 30 years and is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, said Jones encouraged her to pursue the degree.

Both mother-daughter pairs described providing support for each other throughout the program. Greene and Jones collaborated on a business simulation project, combining their professional knowledge. The Todds balanced coursework with their daily lives, including home renovations.

Beth Todd said she immediately applied lessons from her courses at work, digitizing workflows. Greene said the MBA has enhanced her professional qualifications. Jones, who began interning at her firm at 19, aims to start her own business.

All four women noted the value of the shared educational experience in strengthening their family relationships.

Lauryn and Beth Todd were both inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the university’s business honor society. Lauryn Todd cited a supply chain professor as particularly influential.

The graduates expressed hope that their experiences would encourage others to pursue further education. Beth Todd emphasized the affordability and accessibility of YSU’s program. Lauryn Todd noted that she completed the program while working full time. Greene highlighted the university’s technology and structure, and Jones praised the supportive academic environment and the flexibility of the online courses.