2022 Graduate Stories

51Employee Builds Leadership Skills Through UC’s Business Management Program

By Melanie Thibeault
A photo of Sonia Pontes

Sonia Pontes, who works as a payroll and accounts payable supervisor at RWU, is receiving a B.S. in business management through University College and plans to pursue her master’s in Leadership at RWU.

Learning Leadership: “This was a natural progression for the roles that I’ve held. I want to be an employment manager or in some type of leadership role. This program has given me a broader perspective when it comes to anything business-related and connected the dots with everything related to management and different areas of finance management.” 

Inspiring Faculty: “The faculty is great. They are passionate about everything that they do. They made me want to participate, be vocal, and share my experiences, which helped me in terms of gaining self-confidence and pursuing my education further.” 

Advocate for Continuing Education: “I’m an immigrant. I’ve been in the U.S. since 1999. It’s a proud moment for me. I work full-time, and I was (pursuing my degree) on a part-time basis. I felt like I would get a better education at RWU, and stopping right now would not serve me in any way. I’m a big advocate for education and learning.”  

Pontes is from Fall River, Mass.  


Every May, as Commencement nears, 51spotlights members of the graduating class. Suggestions are welcome. Email: stories@rwu.edu.

2022 Graduate Stories