Being an immigrant and a first-generation college student brings unique challenges that demand resilience. Born and raised in Poland, Maggie Boyraz embarked on her academic journey as both a first-generation immigrant to the United States and the first in her family to attend college. She overcame the dual challenges of adapting to a new culture and navigating the academic landscape, forging a path of success to inspire and guide Cal State San Bernardino students and junior scholars.

“I’ve experienced the struggles of building a career with limited resources and a foreign name in a new country,” said Boyraz, now an associate professor in the Department of Management at CSUSB’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration. These challenges became a driving force in her pursuit of higher education and her passion for helping others achieve their own goals.

Maggie Boyraz, associate professor of management, speaking with a student.
Maggie Boyraz, associate professor of management, speaking with a student.

After earning a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree, Boyraz balanced her roles as a human resources associate and a doctoral student at Rutgers University. This experience provided her with invaluable insight into the complexities of the modern workplace and ignited her interest in studying teams, communication and organizational behavior.

“I decided to leave HR to focus on teaching and research because I wanted to contribute to understanding how people and teams function more effectively,” she explained.

Today, Boyraz is a prolific researcher and an inspiring educator. Her academic contributions include over 400 citations on Google Scholar and an impressive four publications in 2024 alone. One of her standout works, “The Multilevel Well-Being Paradox: Towards an Integrative Process Theory of Coping in Teams”, co-authored with a team of international scholars, appeared in the esteemed Journal of Organizational Behavior in February 2024. The study, conducted through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic, explored how teams and individuals coped with stressors, uncovering a paradoxical tension between individual and team well-being.

“Our research found that teams thrive when they engage in active reflection and align their coping strategies with the stressors they face,” she explained. “The study offers practical insights for team leaders, especially in today’s evolving workplace.”

In another recent publication, Boyraz collaborated with CSUSB alumna Rosemarie Gilbert, who obtained a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation degree in 2022, to examine the shifting dynamics of work motivation in hybrid and remote environments. Their research, published in the Employee Relations Journal, revealed that employees' motivation to work from home has risen due to expanded remote work opportunities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maggie Boyraz, associate professor, teaching a management class on Oct. 24.
Maggie Boyraz, associate professor, teaching a management class on Oct. 24.

Beyond her research, Boyraz channels her passion for communication and mentorship into her role as one of the founding directors of the Speaking Center at JHBC. The center provides students with the tools to develop essential public speaking and presentation skills.

“I strongly believe in the power of effective communication,” she said. “The Speaking Center provides students with tools to excel in public speaking, which is essential for success in any career.”

As a professor teaching courses in communication, organizational behavior and team dynamics, Boyraz emphasizes the value of collaboration and the development of essential soft skills. Her commitment to student success goes far beyond her lectures — she regularly writes recommendation letters, assists with resume revisions, and connects students with alumni speakers to help them prepare for thriving careers.

“Dr. Maggie Boyraz was one of my first professors in the MBA program,” said MBA alumna Olayinka Owoseni. “She has since made an indelible mark on my life. She recommended me for a position in the Speaking Center at JHBC and a graduate assistant role with another professor. She wrote letters of recommendation for me and reviewed my resume. I’ve seen the thread of her support woven in my academic and professional life over the past two years. She supports her students however she can, and she inspires them to do and be better.”

As a first-generation college student herself, Boyraz deeply understands the transformative power of education. Her personal journey informs her mentorship philosophy, which emphasizes self-belief and the importance of lifelong learning.

“Each internship and first job is a stepping stone in your career,” she said. “I want my students to believe in themselves and understand the importance of lifelong learning.”

With her notable contributions to research, teaching, and mentorship, Boyraz exemplifies CSUSB’s commitment to bold vision and human impact.

“I want my students to see that their dreams are within reach,” she said.