Image
Image
Image
Bianca Mitchell remembers hearing about ICD at new hire orientation.
“My antennas went up,” the USW Local 1013 member said. “(ICD coordinator) Rachel (Key) explained how it worked, and the first thing I thought was – this is right up my alley. I think I asked about 100 questions because it sounded too good to be true.”
A saw operator at US Steel in Fairfield, Alabama, Mitchell used ICD’s tuition assistance program to earn her MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Faulkner University.
She graduated in May with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.
Mitchell was raised by a single mom who worked two to three jobs, so she said she spent a lot of time with her great grandfather, J.C. Means, who worked as a crane operator at the same mill for 40 years.
“It's funny how things work out. I guess I've come full circle,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell has quite the resume to brag about as well. The Air Force veteran attended Alabama State University on a full scholarship, including an ROTC scholarship. She graduated Cum Laude from ASU and did her first duty at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida.
Mitchell has no plans to slow down, either. She founded and became CEO of The Four M’s Company, a real estate investment firm. It’s named after the biggest influences in her life – her four grandfathers (McMeans, Madden, Mitchell and Morgan).
“I buy the property cheap, fix them up and use local contractors and do a lot of it myself because I’m pretty handy,” she said. “I don’t sell the properties; I rent them out to veterans or people with disabilities. I try to keep the rent under market value and try to fix them up really nice. I’m not trying to be a slum lord.”
Mitchell is grateful to the USW for such a great benefit with ICD. She said she's not leaving her job anytime soon -- she just wants to continue living and learning along the way.
“I’m keeping my 9-5 (job), but I want to be one of those people who also makes some money,” she said. “I love learning – I want to keep searching for knowledge. I want to look into the welding certification classes and continue to use this benefit to its fullest. And, hopefully I can help some people along the way.”
Latest HayNow Blog
COPYRIGHT © 2018 Institute for Career Development - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Comments
That's my baby!! I knew before she was born that she would be Pretty and that she would be Smart. But she is so much more than that. I am so Proud of the Woman that my Daughter has become. Her future is bright so get ready...there's more to come from my Daughter Dearest, Bianca "BeeBee" Mitchell.
I love you plenty!!
We are so grateful to Bianca for utilizing her ICD benefit. We love to hear about all the success stories out there from members who take advantage of an incredible benefit! Thank you for sharing!
You are a true Trail Blazers and with a great up bring you only became what you have seen.
Another Strong Woman
I’m so very extremely proud of my beautiful wife! She worked hard to get where she is today and every blessing is well deserved! I look forward to hearing all of her wonderful business ideas and the journey she may embark on next. There is no limit my love!