Why Every First-Gen Entrepreneur Needs a Business Mentor was originally published on The First-Gen Lounge.
Are you a first-generation student dreaming of starting your own business? This episode is for you.
In Episode 175 of The First-Gen Lounge, host brings on Traniece Bruce — a DEI consultant, higher education professional, and first-gen advocate — for an honest, inspiring conversation about navigating entrepreneurship without a roadmap.
What You’ll Hear
🚀 Starting a Business While Working a 9-to-5 Traniece shares her journey into entrepreneurship while still employed full-time, proving you don’t have to quit your job to start building your dream.
🌍 Breaking Into DEI Consulting Learn how Traniece carved out her niche in the growing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consulting space and why standing out is more about delivering excellence than worrying about competition.
🧠 The Power of Mentorship Only 10% of startups succeed — but having the right mentor can dramatically shift those odds. Traniece breaks down why mentorship is essential for first-gen entrepreneurs and how to cultivate those relationships organically.
💆🏾 Taking Care of Yourself on the Journey Entrepreneurship is 95% mindset. Traniece shares practical tips for managing overwhelm, staying motivated, and handling yourself with grace through the ups and downs.
💼 The Real Value of Internships Traniece challenges students to shift their focus from chasing paychecks to building experience and meaningful professional connections.
About the Guest
Traniece Bruce brings nearly a decade of experience in higher education, undergraduate admissions, and student mentoring. A first-gen graduate herself, she now serves as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at a top-50 university while building her DEI consulting practice and mentoring first-gen students nationwide.
If you’re a first-gen student with entrepreneurial ambitions, this episode will meet you exactly where you are — and push you toward where you’re going.
