Direct Admit - Leland Adams

Leland Adams graduated from University of Washington Tacoma and the Milgard School of Business in March 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a minor in Business Data Analytics. Growing up in Seattle’s Central District, with business professionals in his family and exceptional role models in the community, he developed a love of learning, serving and leadership. With the help of proactive school counselors recognizing his potential, Leland was supported in finding opportunities to explore his interests. Leland recently spent time talking with us about his path to college, his time in the Milgard School, and his motivation to support BIPOC youth in the same ways he was supported.   

Leland shared, “It’s now my desire to share, because I know what it can do for others. We need to get people who look like me into these spaces where they are deserving. They are worth the investment, and I want to see them succeed.” While a high school student, Leland had the opportunity to participate in the Y-Scholars program through the YMCA; built as a cohort system to motivate young BIPOC students to achieve high academic success and further their academic careers into higher education. Leland specifically remembers Chris Rossman, one of the counselors in the Y-Scholars program, who coordinated a college road trip, driving the students from Seattle to Oakland to attend a conference hosted by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that was offering attendees scholarship opportunities.

Another pivotal experience was participation in the Business Bridge (B2) program offered through the UW Seattle’s Foster School of Business. Leland was encouraged to participate by Andrew “Andy” Marzano, Associate Director of the Undergraduate Diversity Services at Foster. This four-week intensive summer program, offered opportunities for professional development, experiencing the life of a business major, and developing friendships and business connections. While many of his B2 peers ultimately chose to attend UW Seattle and the Foster School, Leland set his sights on the Direct Admission program in the Milgard School of Business at UW Tacoma, where he would have the benefits of small class sizes and a smaller, more intimate college experience and a scholarship.

Leland smiles as he remembers his first meeting with Heidi Norbjerg, the Recruiter for the Direct Admission program. He walked into her office boldly saying “I want to be in everything, I want to do everything.” During his four years at UW Tacoma, Leland was true to his word and did everything: participating in the Center for  Leadership and Social Responsibility’s Case Competition, served as a founding member of the Milgard School’s Diversity Council, completed two internships, and was selected to be a Dressel Scholar.

His first internship was with the City of Seattle. As part of the internship Leland served as student consultant creating a custom program that the city could implement for their 2020 Youth Employment Program. Drawing from his own experience, Leland created a curriculum for city team leaders who will mentor future youth with the goal of advancing BIPOC student success. Leland included step-by-step workshop guidelines including sensitivity to learning styles. Essential tips for creating effective resumes and cover letters were provided, plus insights and approaches for successful negotiations. Leland also addressed media literacy, leveraging a LinkedIn presence, plus, promoting on Facebook, Instagram and other social platforms. Leland’s experience with finding ways to pay for his college education with a goal of graduating debt-free, lead him to take his media campaign for the BIPOC youth a step further by providing lists of active scholarships.  Having seen Leland’s success with the City of Seattle, he was approached by King County’s HR Department, for another internship opportunity, developing the curriculum for a program with similar objectives. 

Reflecting on the student experience in the Milgard School and the staff who left an impact, he mentions Trish Zander, Executive Director of the Milgard Success Center. “One of the most wonderful ladies on this campus - so easy to talk to - and looking out for unique opportunities for everyone and always accessible." Through his involvement with Milgard’s DEI council, he credits Dr. Shalini Jain, Associate Professor of Management and Director of the Milgard School’s DEI Council as "a major supporter of my senior year campaign to leave the school a better place than I found it."

A common thread in Leland’s experience is mentoring: mentoring lead him to explore his interest in business, internships, scholarships, and a career path. He plans to pursue a career in consulting where he will continue to bring opportunities to BIPOC and other under represented communities. With the conclusion of his time at Milgard, Leland’s advice to other students is to take advantage of your resources in Milgard and at UW Tacoma, "Tacoma gets it. If you need help, just reach out. Help is there." 

Learn if Direct Admit to the Milgard School of Business at the University of  Washington, Tacoma could be right for you or someone you know.