Driven by grit and guidance, student earns marketing degree

LaRoya Allen has been interested in marketing and entrepreneurship most of her life, launching her first business enterprise while still in elementary school.

“I was an entrepreneur before I knew what an entrepreneur was,” Allen said. “In elementary school, I would fold up paper and sell origami – probably not very good origami. In high school I would bake brownies and sell snacks to the students. When COVID hit, I offered homework assistance to other students for an additional stream of income. I didn’t realize that was an entrepreneur mindset, but it was something I really enjoyed.”

As a Central High School student, Allen was selected for the Cardinal Bridge Academy with the University of Louisville College of Business. The program offers high school students the chance to earn college credits and a direct path to admission to the school.

The stress of adding college coursework to two jobs, high school and navigating COVID restrictions nearly derailed the opportunity. She messaged the instructor that she wanted to quit the course.

“I was in distress. I just wanted to drop this class,” Allen recalled. “I had so much going on. I was a manager at Arby’s and that was all I knew.”

A conversation with Raymond Green, the then-principal at Central and current senior director of undergraduate programs in the College of Business, changed her attitude toward work and education.

“I didn’t know a story of going to college and finding a career. For the first time in my life, someone told me, ‘You have your whole life to work at fast food. This is an opportunity that you wouldn’t want to miss,’” Allen said. “So, I continued on with the course.”

After graduating from high school in 2021, Allen enrolled at UofL and took part in an internship with UofL Campus Dining, which she held for two years. 

“It didn’t feel like working,” Allen said. “I liked putting together events for students. Going from thinking of the promotions or activities and how to decorate and fast forward to being at the event and seeing everyone enjoying it was fulfilling.”

Allen also took advantage of Alternative Service Breaks, travelling to Puerto Rico and Chicago. Most recently, she took a trip to the Black Elk Wilderness and Mount Rushmore through the Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement and Campus Recreation.

Challenges and support

While Allen enjoyed her classwork and the college experience, mental health challenges threatened her success. Allen experienced several bouts of serious depression, resulting in failing grades and the loss of financial aid. She felt like her life was crumbling around her. Her instructors worked with her and encouraged her to get help at the Student Services Counseling Center. She would find solutions only to experience another setback.

“There were a lot of moments where I didn’t know what the end looked like for me. It got so bad where I genuinely felt like it would be better to not be here anymore,” Allen said. “At one point, I attempted suicide.”

But her support network rallied to help. 

“I had so much support around me. I had support through the school, my friends and my family showed up for me. I have a community through church,” Allen said. “I told myself I would no longer be a victim. I just wanted to take control of my life.”

With help from her UofL instructors and staff and support through her employer, Allen’s financial aid was restored and she got back on track academically. 

This month, Allen graduated from UofL’s College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a minor in entrepreneurship and a certificate in sales. She encourages anyone struggling with depression to get help and push through. 

“If I could talk to someone who is in that position I would tell them, ‘Don’t give up. Keep pushing. Keep trying. It’s OK to cry, wipe your tears and get back up. Just don’t give up.’”

A bright future

For her next step, Allen has secured a full-time position at Republic Bank, where she originally worked as an intern.

Kat Roberts, Allen’s director at Republic Bank, praised her growth since joining the bank.

“LaRoya Allen joined Republic Bank as a contact center intern and has since grown into a client experience representative who truly embodies our commitment to exceptional service,” said Roberts, VP and director of contact center client experience for Republic Bank. “She brings a rare combination of professionalism, warmth and genuine care to every interaction. I’ve had the privilege of watching her evolve from supporting behind-the-scenes initiatives to becoming a standout representative. LaRoya's positive energy and dedication make her not only a valued team member, but a true ambassador of our client experience.”

Allen’s long-range plans include engaging her entrepreneurial spirit through additional education and creating a youth program.

“I do plan on going back to school after a few years of working. I want to focus on building my own business and climbing a ladder in the field that I choose.”