At UA, you’ll always have someone in your corner.

Through real stories from students and their mentors, MentorZip highlights the support network that makes UA a place where every Zip thrives — whether it’s a professor igniting a passion for research or an upperclassman helping a first-year student find their path.

Be inspired as we showcase impactful mentorship stories that prove one thing. Here, success isn’t a solo journey — it's powered by mentorship, guidance and a community that truly cares.

At 21 years old, Traiana Boyer returned to school as an adult learner after years of working right out of high school. She was uncertain where she fit in when she enrolled at The University of Akron (UA) and being in the classroom was daunting. But her focus was clear: earn a degree and grow.

“When returning to the classroom, I felt unsure about whether college was right for me or even what my goals might be,” Boyer recalled when she became a student in UA’s College of Business in her hometown of Akron.

With the support of dedicated mentors, she found her footing and excelled—first as a marketing student, then as a marketing associate, and now as an MBA candidate at NYU’s Stern School of Business.

“Mentorship profoundly shaped my academic journey and personal growth during my time at UA, particularly as an adult learner,” Boyer said. “It gave me the support I needed to successfully navigate the complexities of academic life, personal growth and career development.”

A chance meeting with Dr. Owens

Boyer’s path to UA began with a serendipitous conversation. While working at a daycare, she met Deborah Owens, Ph.D., a professor and the chair of the Department of Marketing in UA’s College of Business, whose grandson attended the center. A chat about saving for college sparked a relationship that would shape her future.

“I was very impressed by how responsible she was and that she had the long-term perspective to save money for college,” said Owens, now retired “That's when we first started having conversations about her future.”

When Boyer joined the College of Business, Owens became her guide—mentoring her through leadership challenges, career decisions, and hands-on projects with local businesses.

“She did such a great job of motivating the other students,” Owens said. “I remember a case where a student was not feeling valued as a member on a project team and Traiana invited that student to join her team where he excelled.”

Owens remained a steady presence throughout Boyer’s undergraduate journey, even helping her weigh graduate school options that led to NYU Stern.

“Dr. Owens helped me discover my passion for marketing. She challenged me to be a leader and is such a strong example of the impact women can make,” Boyer said.

A second mentor steps in

As an adult student juggling multiple jobs and a demanding course load, Boyer often questioned whether she could keep going.

During one especially tough summer—balancing a supply chain course with a full-time internship at Pfizer—she struggled after a difficult exam. Her professor, Mahesh Srinivasan, Ph.D., took notice and offered help.

“What stood out to me was a hunger in her eyes to succeed and do well,” said Srinivasan, a professor of management. “For a mentee that is a boost, which makes us want to try and do more. Employers tell us that kind of coachability is such an important individual trait they look for in candidates.”

Being open to guidance is all it took to start making a difference for Boyer. Boyer took his advice to heart.

“Dr. Srinivasan genuinely listened to my academic and personal challenges, giving me the confidence to persevere,” she said. “One piece of advice from him that’s always stuck with me is to never count myself out. His belief in me became a mindset I carry with me both personally and in my MBA journey.”

Mentorship is the culture at UA

Boyer graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Business Administration—proof that every late night and side job paid off. Her mentors from UA remain in her corner and that lasting connection reflects a larger culture at the university.

“Mentorship tells us that someone is looking out for us,” said Srinivasan. “I make it clear that each student is an individual with their own unique aspirations, anxieties and backgrounds.”

And Owens sees it that way, too.

“I have students fill out note cards with their hobbies, interests and career goals so I can get to know them beyond the classroom,” she said. “I also share my own personal interests and untraditional path into higher education.”

A mentee-turned-mentor

That kind of commitment helped Boyer grow into a leader—and now, a mentor herself.

She recently returned to UA to lead a professional development workshop for the African American Business Association. She also mentors her younger brother, now a UA student.

“I’ve naturally stepped into a mentorship role for him, and it’s been a really meaningful experience,” Boyer said. “Moments like these remind me why mentorship is so important — I want to continue being a resource for others, just as I’ve benefited from mentorship in my own journey.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.