Meet Caitlyn McKinney: student, Startup Scholar, baker and aspiring entrepreneur.
McKinney’s path to San Francisco Bay University has been anything but conventional. Throughout high school, she balanced three jobs, which made it difficult to fully dedicate herself to academics. “Getting into SFBU was one of the biggest blessings,” she said.
At SFBU, where she is currently a freshman studying business administration, McKinney has found the opportunity to focus on her studies while simultaneously launching her cookie business, transforming a long-held passion into a growing business.
When asked what she values most about SFBU, McKinney's answer is immediate: “The people.” From supportive faculty to meaningful friendships, she has discovered a community that encourages her every step of the way.
“Everyone pushes me to explore new opportunities, like opening a physical location for my cookie business,” she said. “They provide guidance, resources and so much encouragement.”
Beyond entrepreneurship, McKinney is deeply committed to social impact. As a Startup Scholar receiving university funding to launch a passion project, she envisions reinventing community centers to provide safe and engaging spaces for young people, reducing stigmas and offering positive alternatives to keep youth off the streets. With the mentorship and connections she has developed at SFBU, she is already making progress toward this goal.
One significant moment in McKinney’s journey was a chance meeting during a networking breakfast, where she connected with one of SFBU’s Board members, Cristene Burr — president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Northern California — who has since become her mentor.
“It showed me that people here genuinely want to help," McKinney said.
Burr has provided guidance on her business ventures, passion projects and even personal challenges such as navigating homesickness and expanding her professional network.
The Startup Scholar program, a rigorous program that welcomed its first cohort in August 2024, has also played a pivotal role in McKinney’s university experience. "You enter the program already connected to a cohort, which creates an immediate sense of community and support," she said.
Whether it’s speaking up in class, seeking assistance with coursework, or adjusting to student housing, the program has given her a strong foundation. McKinney loves how tight-knit the cohort is, sharing how special it is to have spontaneous hang-outs with her fellow Startup Scholars and support each other’s goals throughout their undergraduate journey.
Looking ahead, McKinney has ambitious aspirations. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and explore a career in criminal justice, with a particular interest in crime scene investigation. She is also considering military service while continuing to grow as an entrepreneur.
"I used to second-guess myself, convincing myself that something was too difficult,” she said. “But here, with the encouragement I’ve received, I’ve learned that I just have to take the leap."
Besides the SFBU community, her biggest source of inspiration is also her parents. “They are my role models. Their work ethic, attitude and resilience motivate me. I have seen how hard they worked for me and my siblings, and my goal is to work hard enough to retire them early.”
With unwavering determination and the steadfast support of SFBU’s community, McKinney is poised to make a lasting impact in business, public service and beyond.
Learn more about the Startup Scholar program here and apply to San Francisco Bay University today.
