Bridget Baker
Growing up in Zimbabwe, I learned early on that education is one of the most powerful tools for changing the trajectory of one’s life. When I moved to the United States as an international student to attend Northern Illinois University, that belief was tested. As an international student, my tuition was significantly higher, and I often faced financial challenges that made continuing my education uncertain.
There were moments when I had to advocate for myself, applying for scholarships and financial support, explaining my circumstances and why I needed help. I know what it feels like to wonder if you will be able to stay in school another semester. Through the generosity of donors and financial aid support, I was able to continue my education and ultimately achieve my goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Today, I am a finance and accounting professional with experience in financial due diligence (M&A), audit, and corporate finance, and I currently work at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). My professional journey has been shaped by discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, values that were strengthened during my time as a student navigating financial uncertainty.
Those experiences shaped not only my work ethic, but also my perspective. I understand that the support I received was not guaranteed. It was given by people who chose to invest in my future. That instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to honor their sacrifice by working hard and giving back.
Serving as a Selection Committee Co-Chair with the Bless Foundation is deeply personal to me. I see myself in the students we review, driven, hopeful, and full of potential, yet facing financial barriers. Being part of this process is my way of paying forward the generosity that once changed my life.
To me, this role is not just about selecting recipients. It is about recognizing potential, supporting dreams, and helping students who are determined to succeed despite their circumstances. I am committed to contributing to a mission that empowers students to pursue their education and build a future they can be proud of.
