Maressa Guynn, a U.S. Navy veteran and Tepper School of Business(opens in new window) MBA student, has been recognized as a 2024 Tillman Scholar(opens in new window).

Selected as one of 60 leaders(opens in new window) out of thousands of applicants this year who are united by their military service, academic passion and aspiration to make an impact, Guynn joins a growing network dedicated to service. 

“In the military, I learned it’s important to get to know a person and their motivations,” said Guynn. “People who are underprivileged or marginalized have grit, the ability to survive and thrive, and once you realize they’ve done a lot to get where they are, you have a deeper understanding of them.”

Tillman Scholars are military service members, veterans and spouses with a high potential for impact, demonstrated through a proven track record of leadership and a commitment to continuing their education.

With nine years of experience as a flight officer and recruiting officer in the Navy as well as a master’s degree in engineering/industrial management, Guynn aims to become a management consultant after earning her MBA in 2025. This summer, she is interning at McKinsey & Company in Washington, D.C.

She decided to pursue her degree at the Tepper School because she knew she needed guidance to transition from being a naval officer to becoming a business leader.

“After college, the military was the only thing I’d experienced,” Guynn said. “I sought out several mentors who have done what I want to do, and they all recommended getting an MBA.”

The hurdles Guynn faced and witnessed in her military experience led her to strive for inclusivity, working to dismantle the barriers impeding the progress of America's Black youth.

Guynn has embraced the belief that "a rising tide lifts all boats" with a passion to uplift individuals from underrepresented communities, standing firmly against systemic racism and strives to level the playing field, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to realize their dreams.

Guynn is involved in Management Leadership for Tomorrow(opens in new window) (MLT) and Reaching Out MBA(opens in new window) (ROMBA) as well as a student of The Consortium(opens in new window), a network dedicated to diversity throughout management education comprised of 23 business schools including the Tepper School.

After attending last year’s ROMBA convention in Chicago, then the group’s Out Women in Business in March, she joined the planning committee for this year’s event, the world’s largest annual gathering of LGBTQ+ professionals, set for Los Angeles in September.

“With a vision rooted in resilience, I aim to transform business into a vehicle for social change, advocating for equitable opportunities for America's diverse talent,” she said.

Tillman Scholars are chosen based on service, scholarship, humble leadership and impact by the Pat Tillman Foundation, which has recognized more than 850 scholars since 2009.