Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

This month, two Central Michigan University leaders were recognized as 2022 Women of Excellence by the Michigan Chronicle.

Meagan Brown, director of university and community partnerships for CMU’s Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools, and Regine Beauboeuf, member of the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees, were among 50 African American women recognized for exceptional community leadership, involvement, philanthropy and success in business.

A history of engagement

Brown has been involved with several organizations including Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and the Michigan Lupus Foundation, and spent many years advocating for causes such as education, health and wellness and organ donations.

Brown said she always had a heart for community service — and starting young made all the difference.

“Getting involved and giving back to my community still gives me goosebumps to this day. I’m always excited to be in that space and feel a sense of gratitude,” she said.

Beauboeuf also has been involved with numerous boards and organizations including The Links, Inc., an international volunteer service organization, and Michigan Women Forward, an organization dedicated to the economic and personal well-being of Michigan girls and women. 

“Growing up, my parents were always talking about excellence and making sure I do my best,” said Beauboeuf. “Recognizing that we have privileges comes with a sense of responsibility to give to others, and serving always brings me a sense of joy.”

The importance of role models

Brown hopes to influence other women by modeling community involvement firsthand. She hopes to inspire young women who hope to make a difference in their communities to believe in themselves, face their fears and walk into rooms with confidence.

She also said that growing up as a woman of color, it was impactful for to have female role models who resembled herself.

“I think it’s critical for women to have other women to look up to,” Brown said.

Beauboeuf’s said there weren’t many women or people of color in her chosen field of engineering when she began her career.

“When I started about 37 years ago, there were four women engineers in a division of 350 people,” said Beauboeuf. “There was no one to really go to that understood some of the challenges and the constraints we faced.”

A platform to lift each other up

Beauboeuf believes women need support and encouragement as they go into the corporate world.

 “As women, we fight hard and make an extraordinary effort to be heard. The struggle never ends, even when we’re finally sitting at the table,” said Beauboeuf. “It’s very important we recognize women who persevere.”

Brown agrees that awards like the Women of Excellence provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the often-overlooked achievements of women, and noted that this recognition can continue in the workplace.

 “Central’s values continue to influence my support for uplifting women, students and supporting colleagues also,” she said.