How Matisse Connors, EMBA ’25, Turned Setbacks Into Strengths
Matisse Connors, EMBA ’25, is finally savoring the rewards of a decade of perseverance.
This moment of reflection has been a long time coming for the mother of two who has emerged as a dynamic leader in the rapidly growing fintech industry.
An Uncertain Path
Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and later moving to northern Illinois, Connors grew up as an articulate and social child who tried hard to fit in while her family bounced from town to town.
Despite the instability, she nurtured a curious and adventurous spirit, developing a passion for science, astronomy, ancient Egyptian life and the adventures of Nancy Drew. She had big dreams. By the age of 19, in 2014, she found herself as a freshman in college at Truman State in Kirksville, Missouri, focused on her future aspirations.
“I wasn’t sure who I was or where I was headed. I knew I was looking for purpose,” she said. “I struggled with my mental health and held onto hope and the desire to explore ideas greater than myself, believing my purpose would follow.”
That year, while she was just starting her college career and forging her own path, Connors discovered she was pregnant, a revelation that brought both joy and overwhelming challenges. Faced with the unexpected news, her education became her anchor, allowing her to focus on her goals while working full time on the night shift at McDonald’s. Amid immense societal and familial pressure
to marry and settle down, Connors enrolled at the community college in Rockford, seeking stability and a better future for her daughter, June.
In 2022, Connors earned her B.S. in management and business administration online from Maryville University of St. Louis, seven years and three colleges after her initial start. From there, she proved herself in various roles with companies like gear technology company Gleason Corporation, sustainable food company Kerry and fintech company Onbe, before deciding she was ready for more.
A New Beginning with NIU
In 2020, Connors reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Pierce Connors, during a trip to the Rockford Children’s Museum with her daughter. Their shared memories of classes, like AP physics, and being each other’s dates to senior prom facilitated a swift and effortless bond between them.
“We fell in love and have since built a home and family together, welcoming our son in 2022,” Connors said. “Pierce has been one of my biggest champions on my journey that ultimately led me to NIU.”
Pierce, who graduated from NIU’s computer science program, spoke highly of his top-notch experience and encouraged Connors to consider NIU’s MBA program for her next step.
“With two young kids and a full-time job, I had a hard time finding an in-person MBA program with a schedule that I could make work,” she said. “The NIU Executive MBA program really interested me, not only because the schedule was very easy to work into my daily life and I loved the opportunity to sit with other executives, but I was intrigued by the prospect of an international trip through the program.”
Connors noted that she was able to watch so many aspects of her life come together while earning her EMBA degree.
Balancing Life and Education
“Seeing the people who believe in me, seeing their support and realizing that, yes, I can actually do it was incredible,” she said. “Work, life and school balance — I often would get told from friends, peers and family, ‘I have no idea how you do it all,’ and to be frank, I didn’t either. I struggled to maintain that balance, often feeling overwhelmed by the demands. I learned valuable lessons in prioritization and time management. What once felt like an insurmountable challenge has become a source of strength.”
Connors also learned during her time at NIU that being an executive in the C-suite does not make someone suddenly a business genius or a superior person.
“If anything, it puts a magnifying glass on [that person],” she said. “I learned the importance of ‘the pause’ and knowing who I am and being comfortable with who I am.”
Connors also gained insight from several deep-dive personality assessments with which she and classmates explored their personalities and leadership styles. “I learned how to acknowledge my weak points, strengthen them and really become a multifaceted leader,” she said.
When Connors graduated with her EMBA degree in May 2025, she achieved high honors and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.
Peace in the Present
In 2024, Connors transitioned her career from a corporation to a commercial bank, leveraging her MBA to align her professional aspirations with family priorities. She accepted her current role as digital solutions manager for American Community Bank & Trust in Woodstock, Illinois.
Looking to the future, Connors has learned not to underestimate what is possible. Throughout her life, she has faced skepticism from others. For instance, when she discovered she was pregnant, a friend and peer she admired remarked, “You’re the last person I thought would have gotten pregnant at 19.”
“I was treated like I threw my life away and that was the end of my story,” Connors recalled, adding that she now feels a profound sense of contentment, finally able to see the results of her tireless work. “It feels surreal, like I finally have a moment to enjoy all I have worked so hard for. My heart is full; the experience was raw and genuine yet incredibly fulfilling.”
A Vision for the Future
Connors is passionate about her work in fintech and envisions a long-term career in this field. She also has her sights set on earning a Ph.D. to give back to her community and teach at the college level one day, but not until she savors the time she has now.
As she looks ahead, Connors remains committed to her personal and professional growth, ready to embrace whatever challenges and opportunities come her way. Her journey has taught her valuable lessons about resilience, determination and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams despite the challenges.
“My advice to those who are unsure of their path would be to do as much as you can, as well as you can, when you can,” she said. “It’s better to get one thing done on your list than give up and do none. Be patient with yourself.”
