I attended Galen University in 2011 and graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Banking & Finance. Being employed full-time and married with a three-year-old, the hybrid program at Galen University gave me the flexibility to pursue and accomplish this degree within a brief period of just two years. Earning this degree helped me finetune some of my existing skills and discover new ones. The courses expanded my perspective with a greater understanding of the financial impact on business operations and how they are interconnected to make ethical decisions in any situation.
As the Director of People & Culture (Human Resource-HR) for Bowen & Bowen and Companies, I lead the department, through business planning and strategy development, to ensure HR initiatives, programs, and policies are aligned with the Company’s vision, objectives, and mission. We support our members through coaching, training, and providing the right environment for their well-being which aids them in achieving their aspirations.
With over ten years of experience working in HR, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with leaders, form a strong team, and develop a people-focused structure that supports over 1300 members across our dynamic group of companies. As one of the country’s largest employers, the organization takes its social responsibility very seriously, operating ethically and with integrity in all aspects of the business. I am extremely proud that my contributions play a key role in that.
I attended Galen from 2011 – 2016 and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.
From there I moved to Asia where I worked as a professional basketball trainer, player and model.
My career is centered around those three professions. Since 2019, I’ve added commercial acting to my resumé, also, I’m the founder and owner of JBV Enterprises. A brand that I’m proud of. One that promotes Just Being Victorious (JBV) in every aspect of life, regardless of the circumstances.
I try my best to give back to the community that shaped me. Whether it’s putting up basketball hoops around the city, throwing basketball tournaments, or doing school tours to do my part in helping to steer the younger generation in the right direction.
I try to make an impact in whatever community I’m at. Understanding that I’m now in this position because of the ones who gave back and impacted the community in a positive way when I was growing up.
My Galen experience was instrumental in where I am today. Learning the importance of an education, the power of marketing, the networking opportunities that it has created, and the leadership qualities I was able to gain.
I think it’s safe to say having a Galen education is the backbone of who I am today. I’m a proud alumni.
I am currently doing well and I am now the Operations Officer at Second Infantry Battalion within the Belize Defence Force. My rank is Lieutenant and I have been serving within the military for 12.5 years now.
I attended Galen from August 2016 to December 2018, where I was able to major in Criminal Justice. Post Galen, I was able to continue my education and changed drastically in a new area of focus. I enrolled in the Master’s Degree in Cyber Security Program with a concentration in Information Security and Business Continuity at Universidad Cotolica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM).
Enrolling in Galen was one of the best career choices that I was able to make. This has given me a different outlook on life and expanded my knowledge in the workplace. I have been able to use my knowledge of the law and criminal justice system to advise my commanders in legal areas.
The level of respect given to a Galen graduate is incomparable. The motto “foundations for life” is truly reflected in my life. Earning world-class education whilst remaining in Belize. There is only one place to do so and that’s at Galen.
I continue to be a major player in defending our national sovereignty. We always try to assist the public and continue to help with community-based projects. My unit recently won an award presented by prime minister Hon John Briceño for most community service in the BDF.
I graduated from Galen University in 2013 with a Bachelors’s Degree in Anthropology. Since then, I’ve had a number of experiences in both the workforce and academically.
Currently, I am the Monitoring Officer at the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), and my main role is to understand how PACT’s Investments into Protected Areas impact the environment and society. It’s a complex task but enjoyable as well. That’s because it combines two things I like: the environment and community.
Studying Anthropology at Galen has given me that perspective to understand how the environment affects our society and how society affects our environment. So it’s really a job that keeps me motivated and liking what I do.
Melissa Espat is a veteran educator for the past 19 years, holding dual Masters in Education and Secondary Education with a concentration in English. Being an Eagle, she holds true the values and expectations of Galen University.
Her focus in English has allowed her to be versatile in the classroom catering to the technical aspects of writing, as well as the creative part that influences students to develop their positions in areas, they are most interested in. Fascinated by the works of Belizean artist Zee Edgell, in 2012 she co-wrote, directed, and produced Beka Lamb on stage, working with a full cast on an original set designed for the performance.
Being an advocate in the education system, she represented Galen at the 2nd BNRC presenting her paper on the effects of class size on teachers in relation to the Economic Reform Policy. Presently, she is the Director of Campus Ministry at SJCJC, pursuing a third Masters from Loyola University in New Orleans with a concentration in Pastoral Studies. She has three amazing children, who are every day reminded of the importance of education, but one that serves for social justice.