Building Connections and Supporting Families Through Leadership

With a passion for creating stronger communities and fostering meaningful connections, Briana Wilson, a master’s student in youth, family, and community sciences (YFCS) in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, is turning her dedication into action. As she prepares to graduate in Fall 2024, her journey reflects a deep commitment to empowering youth, supporting families, and driving positive change.

Her passion for working with youth and families began long before her time at NC State. “I’ve always had a deep desire to support families and help them grow individually and as a unit,” she explains. “Pursuing this major allows me to connect people with the resources they need to succeed, which, in turn, strengthens the community as a whole.” This passion has been a driving force throughout her academic career, shaping both her focus and career path.

Briana was inspired by the university’s resources and supportive environment. Having worked as a staff member in the Department of English before transitioning to the YFCS program (now known as Agricultural Education and Human Sciences), she gained valuable insights into higher education. “Stepping into a role in higher education was pivotal for me. It solidified my desire to grow in this profession and confirmed my passion for working with youth, families, and the community,” she says.

Her path has been filled with its share of obstacles, but the support she received along the way has been instrumental in her success. Among her strongest advocates is her advisor, Annie Hardison-Moody, whose encouragement made all the difference during difficult times. “There were moments when I questioned whether it was the right time to continue my education,” she recalls. “But every meeting with Hardison-Moody left me feeling inspired and empowered to persevere.”

Beyond her academic achievements, Wilson has been making significant strides in her professional career at UNC Charlotte. Joining the university in September 2022 as a program coordinator for student transitions, she dedicated herself to supporting both students and their families. Her hard work and commitment led to a promotion in August 2024, when she stepped into her current role as program director for family and supporter engagement. In this position, she leads the strategic vision and oversight of family-focused initiatives, such as New Student Orientation and Family Weekend, while strengthening the connections between families and the university community.

“The importance of my work lies in supporting families during their students’ college years,” she explains. “This is a critical time of transition and growth, and by engaging families, I can help build a supportive community that enhances the student’s academic and personal success. It’s about keeping families connected, informed, and empowered.”

For Briana, the inspiration to keep going comes from her “soul circle,” a tight-knit group of loved ones who have supported her every step of the way. “They encourage me, pray with me, and remind me of what I’m capable of,” she says. “They inspire me to be the best version of myself and to create spaces where others can thrive.” She is eager to continue her work at UNC Charlotte, where she plans to expand programs that create meaningful experiences for families and students. “My goal is to design more enjoyable and impactful opportunities for Niner Nation family members, supporters, and, most importantly, our students,” she shares. Although she’s open to the possibility of pursuing another degree in the future, her current focus is on maximizing the opportunities before her. “For now, I’ll embrace what I have and keep my notepad full of ideas to make a positive impact on my community,” she adds.

Throughout her journey, she remains grounded in her mission to support and empower families, embodying the core values of the YFCS program. Whether through her work at UNC Charlotte or her future aspirations, she is dedicated to building stronger, more connected communities—one family at a time.