From first-generation graduate to CEO: Nicole Gwanzura returns to Radford as Winter Commencement speaker

After finding success inspiring others to pursue fulfilling careers in higher education, Radford University alumna Nicole Gwanzura ’12, MBA ’13, will share her strategies for living a fulfilling life after college as the keynote speaker for Winter Commencement on Dec. 13 and 14.

Gwanzura is the CEO of Education Advancement Consulting LLC, a firm dedicated to workforce development created in 2021. Gwanzura took on the role after more than a decade of working in higher education and early career development. Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of students and professionals navigate fulfilling careers while prioritizing their well-being. She recently hosted her inaugural, sold-out Wellness at Work professional development conference in partnership with Amazon and Apple Federal Credit Union.

Gwanzura’s own journey, shaped by her identity and life experiences, has inspired her career path and her dedication to helping others. Originally from Zimbabwe and the first in her family to graduate from college in the United States, Gwanzura has transformed this milestone into a mission. Through Education Advancement Consulting (EAC), she is dedicated to dismantling barriers to access and confidence in career development, supporting universities in empowering first-generation and low-income students while equipping professionals to create accessible career pathways.

Speaking at a university commencement is an especially exciting moment for her.

“For me, it’s a dream come true,” Gwanzura said. “And at my alma mater, it means that much more to me. It’s a full circle moment for me.” 

She aspires to bring key points to her commencement speech from her daily interactions with students and professionals in a message that is authentic, honest and inspiring. 

“The main message of my speech is resilience,” she said. “I’m talking about accepting challenging moments, running your own race and operating in your zone of genius.”

She is no stranger to returning to campus and staying in touch. Gwanzura currently serves on the alumni association board of directors, where she acts as a pillar of support and a community builder for future Highlanders.

Her thought leadership has appeared in Fortune, Her Campus, and Poets & Quants, and she has been featured on platforms like Jenna Kutcher’s “The Goal Digger Podcast” and “The Internship Show” in addition to her own podcast, “Wellness with EAC Podcast,” which reaches listeners in 12 countries across four continents. Through it, she champions a global conversation on wellness at work.

For more information about Radford University's Winter Commencement ceremonies, where Gwanzura will speak, please visit www.radford.edu/winter-commencement.