Mya T. Bowen, Ed.D is a proud quadruple graduate of the University of Hartford. With four degrees—from her BSBA, MSPA, and MBA at the Barney School of Business to her EdD in Educational Leadership from the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP)— Mya’s journey is rooted in perseverance, purpose, and a passion for expanding opportunity in higher education.
During her years at UHart, Mya immersed herself in student-centered communities that shaped her personal and academic growth. The Black Student Union became her primary support system, offering mentorship, professional development, and a sense of belonging.
Mya chose the field of educational leadership because she is deeply committed to improving student success and strengthening academic systems. The program allowed her to lead, teach, and design solutions that help students learn and thrive in meaningful ways. Mya recalls that the most rewarding part of being a UHart student was the supportive faculty and the “culture of possibility” they created. As an adult learner balancing many responsibilities, she valued professors who recognized her potential, challenged her intellectually, and encouraged her to rise to new levels of achievement.
Upon graduating, Mya planned to build a career in higher education with the long-term goal of becoming the superintendent of the Hartford Public Schools. Her experience at UHart provided the rigorous yet flexible academic preparation she needed, strengthening her leadership, research, and communication skills. ENHP played a particularly important role by offering coursework and mentorship that connected directly to real-world leadership, helping her develop confidence, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of how to support diverse learners.
Today, Mya serves as an associate professor of information systems technology at Roxbury Community College in Boston, Massachusetts, where she teaches courses in technology, digital literacy, and problem solving. She also designs programs and leads initiatives that expand students’ access to STEM fields. Her favorite part of the job is witnessing students regain belief in themselves. Many enter community college unsure of their abilities, and Mya takes pride in helping them discover their brilliance and step fully into their potential—an experience she describes as the greatest reward of her career.
In addition to her most notable recent accomplishments, Mya is a co-founder of the RCC Hackathon, which she co-leads to advance hands-on digital literacy, problem solving, and career confidence. After a successful inaugural event, the Hackathon is expanding to the 2nd Annual RCC Hackathon on February 27, 2026, with broader industry mentorship and cross-campus participation.
In addition to her work at RCC, Mya leads impactful speaking and community engagement through Turning Obstacles into Opportunities Academy, LLC, the company she founded to support learners and educators nationwide. Through keynotes and workshops on digital literacy, AI readiness, and first-year student success, she partners with colleges, K–12 schools, and community organizations to help individuals navigate modern educational challenges with clarity and confidence.
Mya credits her UHart internships, hands-on projects, and faculty mentors with helping her excel professionally. Applied learning strengthened her ability to connect theory to practice, organize complex information, and approach problems with a strategic lens—skills she uses daily in her work as a professor, administrator, and education strategist. Mya is especially grateful to faculty members including Barbara Intriligator, Karen Case, Christine Thatcher, Diana LaRocco, Ed Weiss, and David Goldenberg, along with many others who encouraged her throughout her academic journey.
Reflecting on her path—from earning her GED to earning her doctorate—Mya expresses deep appreciation for the role UHart and ENHP played in shaping her academically and professionally. She now uses her platform as a professor, strategist, and author to help others turn obstacles into opportunities. Her newly released book, The Pivot: Navigating the College Experience in a Modern World: A Guide for First-Year Community College Success, is available now on Amazon and serves as a resource for students seeking guidance, empowerment, and purpose in their educational journeys.