University of Missouri

Nov. 18, 2023

As a champion for diversity and inclusion, Mason Aid is always looking for new ways to leverage their experience and reach more people with their message.

Now, Aid, who uses the pronouns they and them, is pursuing a Crosby M.B.A. from the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business to expand their knowledge with an eye towards better helping small businesses take advantage of data analytics. They’re also pursuing a graduate certificate in marketing analytics, which is designed to deepen understanding of big data that inform marketing strategies, tasks and decisions.

A chance to combine an online M.B.A. with a graduate certificate in Aid’s area of interest was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“It seemed like the perfect marriage of my interests,” Aid said. “And it’s all so convenient and works with my busy schedule.”

Aid, a single parent of a 6-year-old daughter, also works as teaching assistant for two professors at the Trulaske College of Business while putting in part-time hours as a barista at Lakota Coffee Company in Columbia.

Hailing from a rural background in northeast Missouri, Aid’s story is one of resilience and determination. Overcoming personal struggles, they found strength in embracing their true identity, marking a transformative moment that fueled a commitment to self-love and acceptance. Today, Aid stands as an advocate for LGBTQ rights, having spoken at a TEDxStLouis event, and has earned accolades for their dedication to diversity and inclusion.

Earning a Crosby M.B.A. and graduate certificate from the Trulaske College of Business is another step toward self-actualizing for Aid, who hopes the added knowledge will strengthen their work in diversity and emerging technology.  

“Life is short, even if I live to be 90,” Aid said. “And what regrets will I have if I don’t take this leap of faith and see what happens? It’s challenging, and it’s not easy, but I am happier now than I have been in a very long time because I know I’m working toward my goal, not anyone else’s. I’m not holding myself back to fit into someone else’s box. I’m not pretending anymore.”