Name: Brianna Montgomery '27
Hometown: Gibsonburg, Ohio
High School: Gibsonburg High School
Majors: Business Administration (Management Concentration) and Psychology
OWU Connection Experience: Travel-Learning Course studying "Social Entrepreneurship" and traveling to the Netherlands
Montgomery traveled to Amsterdam for 10 days in May with students Nia Barjatya '27 of Indore, India; Luke Beese '25 of Massillon, Ohio; Brianna Colangelo '27 of Providence, Rhode Island; Natalie Dieball '27 of Liberty Township, Ohio; Alex Foster '27 of Tipp City, Ohio; Alex Gribben '26 of Delaware, Ohio; Kathy Habian '25 of Medina, Ohio; Rebecca Roka '25 of Lewis Center, Ohio; Julia Ryan '27 of Delaware, Ohio; Aryaka Tickoo '26 of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; and Clara Wood '25 of Kent, Ohio.
While in the Netherlands, the Bishops explored social entrepreneurship, which "teaches the use of business principles for the purpose of doing good in the world" to conclude a semester-long OWU Connection Travel-Learning Course (TLC).
Cliff Hurst, Ph.D., assistant professor of Economics and Business, explained: "This course wades into this still-evolving concept known as social entrepreneurship to introduce students to this new way of thinking – a way of thinking that builds upon a synthesis between business principles and the pursuit of social and environmental good." He and Leigh Mascolino, director of the OWU Career Connection office, led the trip, which included meeting with alumna Phuong Nguyen '10, a Nike executive working and living in the Netherlands.
Building a Business, Making an Impact
"A beautiful aspect of our Social Entrepreneurship 260 class was the diversity in students' majors and interests," Montgomery said. "I not only wanted to be immersed in a culture that challenged my ways of thinking, but also by people who brought a different perspective. Of course, I was not aware of the differences in majors when I applied to this TLC, but it was a pleasant surprise.
"Social entrepreneurs and sustainable entrepreneurs not only use their creative strengths to innovate a new product/service, but do so with the intention to better the world in some way. I chose this TLC course because I wanted to learn how to simultaneously build a successful business and make an impact."
My Favorite Moment
"It's difficult to pinpoint a single favorite moment because so many of my memories from Amsterdam are special in their own ways. However, one of the most inspirational meetings was with Juan Cruz Tubio, founder and CEO of MycoFarming, a startup fighting pollution with mushrooms. Juan's company is in its launch phase, and he's about to pitch his product in the United States in the next few weeks.
"I was impressed by how much time and energy he's poured into MycoFarming over the past few years, and how much he's grown personally and professionally as a result. During our meeting, he answered all our questions with confidence and deep knowledge. He's found a unique niche by using fungi to clean various water ecosystems sustainably.
"What's even more inspiring is that there isn't a typical social entrepreneurship background – he's an engineer who has developed green technologies for bioremediation and wastewater treatment. It was fascinating to see how he's using his skills to make a positive impact."
Joy and Purpose
"The most impactful lesson I've learned from this experience is that those who invest in social and sustainable work tend to have a clear purpose, which makes them seem more fulfilled and joyful. I've never met so many humble and driven entrepreneurs.
"At The Chocolate Makers Factory, for instance, I was struck by how one of the CEOs was cleaning machinery equipment outside. I wouldn't have known he was a CEO if our tour guide hadn't mentioned it afterward.
"Another example was Marie-Louise Dominicus, owner of Art of Blends/Concepts & Consultancy. After showing us around her facility, she introduced us to her team and gave them the spotlight to share their stories. Then, she jumped in to help with work, filling in for two employees who were on vacation.
"These business owners are not just leaders – they are deeply integrated into their companies' cultures. They lead by example, and that's the kind of impact I hope to make one day.
The Importance of Impact
"In class, we often review case studies of nonprofits' impact reports. These reports show how businesses share what they've accomplished over the past year, and our discussions always emphasized the importance of measuring impact.
"On this trip, nearly every conversation or presentation from social business owners echoed that idea. While it's no surprise that social businesses, especially nonprofits, need to be transparent about their operations and outcomes, it was eye-opening to hear how essential impact truly is to every decision they make."
Inspiring Connections
"Experiences like this matter because they gave me a chance to explore what I truly care about. Being in a new environment and meeting people who are living out their passions helped me reflect on my own goals and the kind of impact I want to make. At the same time, I was exposed to different perspectives and ways of thinking, which broadened my understanding of what's possible.
"There's something really powerful about building connections with people who are equally driven by purpose. The networks and communities created in these settings can become sources of support and inspiration for years to come. Travel Learning Courses are truly invaluable, and I am incredibly thankful for the support of OWU staff, faculty, and alumni who make trips like these possible."
Preparing to Pitch
"As a Corns Business and Entrepreneurial Scholar, I am required to participate in the Pitch OWU Competition. This trip has given me great inspiration as to what products and services I can pitch in the future. In fact, I've begun a running list of ideas in my notes app!"
Being in a new environment and meeting people who are living out their passions helped me reflect on my own goals and the kind of impact I want to make.
Campus Involvements
"I run on the OWU cross country and track & field teams. Besides that, I've served/am serving on the Psychology Student Board, Woltemade Student Board (social chair), and am the HR Club Fundraising Chair. I am a Corns Business and Entrepreneurial Scholar and Woltemade Economics and Business Fellow."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because of the strong sense of community I felt right away. As a student-athlete, I was especially drawn to the cross country and track teams – the coaches were incredibly supportive, and the team culture felt like a second family. I knew I'd be surrounded by people who cared about me both on and off the track.
"Beyond athletics, OWU stood out for its close-knit campus and the opportunities to build real connections with professors, staff, and peers. I wanted a place where I could grow personally and professionally, and OWU has given me that and more."
Plans After Graduation
"After graduation, I plan to work in a business role focused on human relations – possibly in HR, management, or sales. I'm drawn to people-centered work where I can build relationships and help teams grow.
"Ohio Wesleyan's experiential learning opportunities have helped me grow professionally and personally. I truly believe that experiential learning is one of the most powerful tools for a college student's success. It's allowed me to apply what I've learned beyond the classroom – and dive into deeper experiences of culture, human connection, and personal growth that no classroom setting could offer."