My name is Tina Pierce and I’m a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio. My upbringing in a strong working class family instilled the importance of education and hard work as a means for success in life. I dispelled the stereotypes of an at-risk youth by excelling in school and pursuing opportunities to enhance my learning and life skills. As a first generation college student I earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, a master’s degree, and two bachelor degrees with honors from The Ohio State University. I began a career in higher education after achieving my goals of attending college and earning a PhD. As an interdisciplinary scholar and educator I gained more than ten years of teaching, advising, and research experience at nationally renowned institutions – a large public research university, community college, and liberal arts university. I was compelled to establish an education consulting company to break down barriers that prevent people from achieving college and career success while engaging in their communities. In today’s competitive global economy, we face the challenge of preparing people for expanding opportunities. WORTH is overcoming that challenge by empowering people to be active in their communities and achieve college and career success. I believe that education and human capital are the cornerstones of success and community engagement. My passion and purpose are to equip individuals with skills and knowledge to achieve college and career success while preparing them to serve as active leaders in their organizations and communities.