Rita Williams-Bogar
“When she walked away from her 25-year corporate career to start her own business, "I distinctly remember thinking – ‘I’m a Bryant grad! I can do whatever I want to do,’" says Rita Williams-Bogar ’76.
Rita Williams-Bogar '76: Open to every opportunity to learn
Apr 01, 2019, by Staff Writer
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Rita Williams-Bogar ’76 enjoyed 25 successful years in corporate America but wanted to be her own boss. Now, as founder of Personal Development Solutions, LLC, she does what she loves.

A dynamic speaker and facilitator, Williams-Bogar provides custom workshops and consults with businesses and individuals on leadership development, emotional intelligence, ethics, diversity, and insurance technical education. She is also on the faculty at Montclair State University, William Paterson University, and Walden University.

"The average person changes careers five or six times. Your road will have twists and turns.”

A lifelong love of learning drives her as she consults with leaders across industries from health care, to corporate, to nonprofit sectors.

She enjoys studying people and understanding what makes them tick. As one of only 24 African-American students in a Bryant population of 2,400, she seized the opportunity to learn more about the people she would eventually be working with in industry, she says.

She encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity they can, understanding that each experience will be helpful at some time in the future.

“Pick a path that really interests you, and where you see you can make a contribution. But recognize that it may not be your ultimate career path,” she says, “because the average person changes careers five or six times. Your road will have twists and turns.”

Williams-Bogar was first named to the Bryant Board of Trustees in 2003, and is among the University’s most active alumni, participating in an array of organizations and events, from serving as National Alumni Council Vice President to mentoring students. Giving back to her alma mater is a labor of love.

“When I walked away from my corporate career to start my own business, I distinctly remember thinking – ‘I’m a Bryant grad! I can do whatever I want to do,’” she says.  “I really felt equipped.”

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