UC engineering alumna speaks to aspiring entrepreneurs

As a program and evaluation manager for Mortar, Sumner performs a variety of crucial functions that contribute to the company's continued success.

She coordinates the communication between stakeholders, manages curriculum beta testing and assesses programming content for culturally inclusivity. To help Mortar stay on trajectory, she analyzes current and future barriers in entrepreneurship and other incubators, and collaborates to propose responsive, scalable solutions.

“Being aware of the past can inform us on where we need to head in the future,” she says, “and how we can bring people along with us.”

The centerpiece of Mortar’s educational program is its MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy, a 15-week course, which includes on-site legal support provided by UC's College of Law. 

Sumner offers advice to students pursuing a similar career path: “Start now! Do your research – find out if your business idea has a part of the market. Ask yourself: ‘Will people actually pay for my product or service?’”

Passion for your idea is crucial. Sumner encourages entrepreneurs to stick with it, even when things seem daunting.

“No one will take your business more seriously than you,” Sumner said. “You have to show professional and personal conviction for your idea.”

Sumner said her experiences at UC helped solidify her commitment to creating “the sense of community and commitment to excellence that were invaluable to my success in college.”

Her participation and leadership in the Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program, Emerging Ethnic Engineers Program, National Society of Black Engineers and serving as a missionary through Chi Alpha Campus Ministries helped shape her as a person, she said.

Sumner she was grateful for the help she received along the way from influential and supportive people, particularly staff in the Emerging Ethnic Engineers program such as Ken Simonson and Christine Johnson and Cheryll Dunn, PhD.

In the future, Sumner hopes to continue cultivating her interest in water sustainability and access, which was partly inspired by her work in the Summer NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

In alignment with her personal values and professional goals, she has developed the passion and desire to have a career in water treatment and in ministry.