Seen, supported and ready to lead

Before Jade Walleman ’26 and accelerated MBA student from Chesterfield, Mich., arrived at Central Michigan University, she spent years hearing what she might not be able to do.

“For my whole life, I was told that college might not be possible for me due to my disability,” she said.

Instead of letting those doubts define her future, Walleman used them as motivation. When CMU offered her support, encouragement and a place to belong, it changed the trajectory of her college experience, and her confidence.

“I chose Central Michigan University because it was the only university that looked at me and my needs, my potential, my story and said, ‘We can support you. We want you here,’ she said.

That moment stayed with her.

“When I got the acceptance letter, I felt that all my dreams were going to come true and that I can finally prove all those people wrong that doubted my ability,” she said. Now, Walleman has transformed her personal experiences into a larger purpose centered on accessibility, inclusion and leadership.

Turning instinct into impact

Walleman originally came to CMU as a psychology major before discovering she was drawn toward leadership and helping people navigate challenges.

“I’ve always been the person who notices people, their emotions, their needs, the things they don’t say out loud,” she said. “Business felt like the perfect way to turn that instinct into impact.”

As she became more involved on campus, her goals evolved beyond simply earning a degree. Through leadership opportunities, accessibility projects and mentorship from faculty, Walleman began developing a vision for how business could create meaningful change.

“My whole why is not just about accessibility or equity,” she said. “It’s about making sure no one else has to fight the battles I had to fight just to be seen.”

That mindset continues to shape her long-term goals. Walleman hopes to eventually create a business focused on solving accessibility challenges for handicapable individuals, including navigation barriers many people face every day.

“My major became more than a degree,” she said. “It became a mission.”

Professors who helped her believe in herself

Faculty mentorship played a major role in helping Walleman build confidence along the way. She said professors in the College of Business helped her recognize her own potential while encouraging her ideas and leadership abilities.

She credits Management faculty member Ken Williams with pushing students to think beyond the classroom while making business concepts feel practical and personal.

“Professor Williams is the kind of mentor who gives advice that sticks especially about selling yourself,” she said. “He doesn’t just teach; he gives real world industry experience which makes his class fun and unique.”

One project in particular left a lasting impression. Walleman recalled walking through Grawn Hall with Williams to identify accessibility features and challenges connected to her navigation platform idea.

“I remember when we walked around the CBA looking for all the accessibility features for the navigation platform,” she said.

“Innovation knows no limits when it's driven by a heart that refuses to quit. Jade Wallerman doesn't just think outside the box, she redesigns it to make the world more accessible for everyone. A tireless entrepreneur and a brilliant scholar, she proves that passion and perseverance are the ultimate tools for change,” said Williams.

She also found encouragement from Professor G—Entrepreneurship faculty member John Gustincic—who immediately supported her entrepreneurial ambitions.

“I remember when I first met him and told him about my idea for navigation software that would solve all navigation problems for handicapable people,” Walleman said. “He told me, ‘Jade, I love your idea and it is needed and your story is so inspiring to all.’”

That conversation strengthened her belief that her ideas could make a real impact.

“After that conversation I had more fuel and fire behind my idea,” she said.

“Jade embodies the type of student innovator universities hope to cultivate. She took a real-world problem affecting disabled students and turned it into an opportunity to create meaningful impact,” said Gustincic. “She is the inventor behind Sidekick, which is a wayfinding app that enables disabled students to navigate campus safely. Her work ethic, empathy, and perseverance are exceptional, and she has grown tremendously as both a founder and leader during her time at CMU.”

Building community through accessibility and leadership

Outside the classroom, Walleman gained hands-on experience through an HR internship at Mid-Michigan Industries while also participating in accessibility and DEI-focused initiatives. Those experiences helped reinforce the importance of building environments where people feel valued and included from the beginning.

“These experiences taught me that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a culture,” she said. “It’s a commitment. It’s a promise to people that they matter.”

Equally important to Walleman was the sense of community she found at CMU. She said support from faculty, classmates and staff helped her feel comfortable being herself without having to minimize her needs or experiences.

“CMU is the first place where I felt fully supported academically, emotionally, and personally,” she said. “I never felt like I had to hide my needs or apologize for them.”

That support system became one of the most meaningful parts of her college journey.

“I found my people through kindness,” she said. “Through professors who saw me. Through classmates who became friends. Through staff who made sure I never felt alone.”

Creating spaces where people feel seen

Looking ahead, Walleman hopes to continue advocating for others through careers connected to HR, accessibility or DEI work, spaces where she can help create more inclusive environments for future generations.

“I want to work in HR, DEI, or accessibility, roles where I can advocate, innovate, and create environments where everyone can thrive,” she said.

For students who may feel uncertain about college or their future, Walleman hopes they remember that growth often starts with finding the right environment and support system.

“Go where you feel supported, not just academically, but as a whole person,” she said.

And when she reflects on her time at CMU, one feeling stands above the rest.

“The people,” she said. “The support. The feeling of finally being in a place that didn’t just accommodate me, it embraced me.”