Leadership often emerges from our deepest challenges and personal experiences. For Jessica Vaught, MBA (Coastal Carolina University, 2017), those experiences shaped a mission to help others recognize their full potential and reaffirm their value.
Jessica is a two-time graduate of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration at Coastal Carolina University, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She holds an Advanced Leadership Certification and currently serves on the O∆K National Awards Committee. As the founder of Penzie Press, LLC, and an author, she actively advocates for childhood mental health awareness and neurodivergent learners, working to bridge the connection between mental well-being and academic success.
Jessica’s journey shows how personal experience can fuel purposeful leadership and lasting impact. Her work reminds us that leadership isn’t just about achievement—it’s about lifting others up and creating pathways for those who need them most.
We invite you to read Jessica’s leadership story in her own words:
“With strong interests in education, personal development, and continuous growth, my passion is to help others acknowledge their full potential while reaffirming their value. This comes from my own struggles with traditional teaching methods and reading comprehension, my children being neurodivergent learners, and the loss of my grandmother, my biggest cheerleader. While earning my graduate degree at Coastal Carolina University, I served as a graduate assistant for the Department of Academic Success, helping deliver coursework to sixty underperforming students. This contribution helped lead to the full reinstatement of at-risk students to the university. Today, as a devoted wife, proud mother of two, business founder, and advocate, I actively strive to bring awareness to the crucial importance of childhood mental health and neurodivergent learners in connection to academic success. I’m honored to serve O∆K as a National Awards Committee member, continuing the work of supporting and celebrating leadership in others.”
— Jessica Vaught, MBA (Coastal Carolina University, 2017)
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Share your O∆K story with us!
As part of our mission to identify, honor, and develop leaders in collegiate and community life, we love to highlight our members. Share your leadership journey, experiences, and impactful moments. Your narrative enriches our community and inspires others. Be a source of motivation and connection within O∆K. Your voice matters—become a member spotlight and lead the way for fellow members. Member Spotlights will be shared on O∆K’s website, social media channels, and potentially in The Circle and other O∆K digital and printed publications. Fill out our Member Spotlight form here.
