From Immigrant Roots to CEO: Dr. Mayra Austin’s Westcliff Journey
For Dr. Mayra Austin, DBA, success was the only path forward. As the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Dr. Austin grew up with a deep understanding of resilience and ambition. These qualities propelled her to earn a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on management science from Westcliff University and become the founder and CEO of Management Cues LLC, a strategic management training company backed by neuroscience through her partnership with Neuron.
Driven by a passion to encourage others, Dr. Austin will be speaking at Westcliff’s AACS Keynote Speaker virtual event on Wednesday, January 15. RSVP today to save your spot, spark your own aspirations, and learn from a leader who turns challenges into stepping stones.
Full Circle: Returning to Westcliff to Teach and Mentor
Today, Dr. Austin’s journey has come full circle as she shares her expertise with the next generation of entrepreneurs as an adjunct professor of business at Westcliff. Dr. Austin credits Westcliff’s inclusive culture for helping shape her success and inspiring her to give back. “My time at Westcliff was truly unique,” Dr. Austin reflects. “The first thing that made a difference for me was how inclusive it felt. I experienced a profound sense of belonging, so much so that it drew me back and became one of the main reasons I wanted to teach here and share my story with other Westcliff students.”
A passionate mentor, Dr. Austin is deeply committed to helping DBA students unlock their full potential by overcoming hardship together. “I always tell students, ‘If something’s going on, let me know. We’ll work through it together,’” she says.
The Fight of Her Life
While her accomplishments today are impressive, Dr. Austin’s road to success was anything but easy. She got a late start on her college education, which was challenging enough on its own. Matters worsened when a severe neurological condition — caused by trigeminal nerve and artery compression — brought on debilitating pain and temporary disability. “Emotionally and physically, I didn’t feel capable,” she recalls. “Even though I looked fine on the outside, the pain I experienced felt like being stabbed or shot several times a day, sometimes over 100 times a day.”
But Dr. Austin didn’t let these overwhelming obstacles define her. A life-changing surgery three years ago restored her health and reignited her sense of purpose. “Finishing my doctorate meant something completely different to me,” she shares. “It was life-changing on so many levels.”
From Adversity to Leadership: Founding Management Cues, LLC
Now, Dr. Austin is the CEO of Management Cues, LLC, where she specializes in management training, leadership development, and workforce equity using neuroscience-based training. Establishing a business in California was no small feat. “Being a minority woman in the business world is challenging,” she explains, “but my experiences and resilience have been my greatest assets. They’ve shaped me into the leader I am today.”
Dr. Austin’s approach is grounded in her belief that leadership is about empowering and serving others. Her work focuses on equipping teams with the skills and tools that foster equity and meaningful change. The support from Westcliff’s professors, particularly Dr. Diana Siganoff, who played a pivotal role in this realization, provided the positivity and encouragement she needed during her toughest moments.
“At Westcliff, the biggest resource are the professors,” says Mayra. “I have a list of names that shaped my trajectory and experience. Some even wrote letters of recommendation that helped me land my first professional role.”
Cherishing Family and Exploration
Outside the classroom, Dr. Austin finds joy in spending time with her family. She organizes “adventure weekends” with her children, a tradition that involves exploring new foods, music, art, and cultures. “These moments are about embracing life and understanding the world around us,” she explains. Whether the adventures are local or out of state, they capture the essence of discovery and connection.
A Special Fondness to Westcliff
Dr. Austin is profoundly grateful for the role Westcliff University played in her career. “Earning my doctorate at Westcliff transformed my life,” she reflects. Her overarching message to students is straightforward: “Never give up. Follow your curiosity, and remember that failures are just stepping stones toward success.”
Her story serves as a reminder that with perseverance and the right guidance, extraordinary achievements are within reach. She exemplifies what it means to be a true Warrior by turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities.
Remember to RSVP to Westcliff’s AACS Keynote Speaker virtual event taking place Wednesday, January 15, 2025 to dive deeper into Dr. Austin’s remarkable journey.