Alumni Spotlight: Emma | Class of 2020
From wood-burning art to Bass Pro Shops!
Emma launched Burnz By Emma during her time in the CEO program, creating custom pyrography pieces like coasters and signs. She graduated from Missouri State in 2024 with a degree in Agribusiness Sales and Marketing and is now a Group Sales Manager at Bass Pro Shops—one of the youngest to hold that role at one of the world’s largest retailers.
“The biggest takeaway the CEO program gave me was a foundation for communication in a professional environment. It’s allowed me to be comfortable networking and making connections in all aspects of my life—personal and professional. It taught me to reach for what I want, even if it feels like it’s out of reach because I’m ‘unqualified’ or ‘too young.’ The skills I learned in the CEO program played a large role in being where I am today.”
“In 5 years, I hope to be settled down with a family. I’ve enjoyed putting a focus on my career early in my 20s—it’s helped me grow a great amount—but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t look forward to the next chapter of raising a family.”
