Coming from a family who valued work over education for many generations, Detroit native Armonni Ebo, did not prioritize higher education in pursuit of her career dreams. At least not early on.
Like many of her classmates, Ebo started at a university out of high school. Not knowing what she wanted to study, she dropped out after one semester to chase her dreams.
“I went to New York City to chase all these crazy dreams for one year in fashion and modeling. At that time, I really thought I could pursue a career path without an advanced education. But I didn’t know myself and I didn’t have the education or skills to get me there,” she said. “I came back to Detroit to work a corporate job and knew it was time for a different path.”
This experience helped her focus on what she really wanted. Ebo went back to school. She began again. And she started a meaningful career empowering women to launch their own businesses in the fashion industry. Her focus is on uplifting women with purpose-driven organizations to achieve success.
How she got there
After returning from New York and reflecting on what she wanted to do with her life, Ebo enrolled at Oakland Community College. She took a student job in OCC’s Financial Aid office to support her goals. This time provided her with valuable experience and the tools she needed for her future success.
“Prior to OCC, the challenge with financial aid in school was one of the things that kept me away from continuing my education. The process was so discouraging, and it turned me off,” recalls Ebo. “The student assistant job allowed me to not only earn money but provided practical information to learn the ins and outs of finances. It ultimately helped me to continue to pursue my education and help others who may have felt lost with that aspect of college.”
Two years later, she graduated from OCC with an Associate of Arts degree and headed back to The Big Apple.
Second time’s the charm at NYC
“Even though I was pursuing a similar fashion career path from the first time I went to New York, this time I was able to secure a better job and living situation.”
Ebo returned to the fashion hub and took a retail sales floor position at Saks Fifth Avenue. She worked her way up and landed a dream job in their corporate office’s marketing department. She found her niche. It was in branding, marketing and social media within the fashion industry.
She credits a better skillset and confidence in her success.
She took this experience and began helping others. This time in an agency setting. Ebo’s client, Elegantees, is a prime example of her ability to leverage her expertise in marketing and branding to raise awareness of meaningful values-based organizations and empower other women to follow their dreams. Elegantees is a fashion company that hires survivors and those at risk of sex trafficking to make clothes and provide fair wages to prevent poverty and future sex trafficking risk.
A new chapter with evolving goals and dreams
Ebo’s personal experience and education continue to develop. With a husband and a move to the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, she is thankful for her experiences – and that all her OCC college credit transferred. Ebo is working to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at LIM College in the heart of New York’s fashion industry. She is specializing in the business of fashion and is set to graduate on a very special day.
“I’m expecting my first child on my college graduation day,” she proudly shares. After concentrating on motherhood, she is already thinking of future career goals. “Long-term I want to use my knowledge from OCC, LIM and my experience in New York to open not one but a chain of retail fashion stores.”
Advice for others thinking about community college
For those thinking about enrolling at OCC, Ebo says it is an excellent option to pursue a student’s career dream.
“Students may determine that they want to go to a large university without really knowing what they want to do. I believe OCC provides a great path where you can focus on general studies while you have time to plan out your next steps,” she said. “I’d encourage students to take advantage of all of the resources and opportunities there. I was able to go to OCC’s first study abroad in Ireland which was an incredible experience.”
“Whether it's a campus job or getting involved in college community events it’s important to realize your future career can start at OCC and that experience can take you anywhere you want to go.”
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and one of the top transfer institutions in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu