As a UNT marketing student, Tiffaney Dale Hunter ('01) worked on a business plan in which she dreamed of one day having a career as a marketing consultant. She says she wanted to explore her passion for writing and creative expression while interacting with a variety of clients each day.

"I often reflect back and feel so much peace in knowing that I am doing exactly what I've always had the desire to do," she says.

And she's receiving big rewards. As president and CEO of the public relations firm Tiffaney Dale Agency, Hunter received the "Quest For Success" Award from the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce in February. The award honored seven entrepreneurs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for business achievements and community involvement. She also received the Dallas Furniture Bank and Collin County Business Press "40 Under 40" award last year.

Hunter says her work-study at what is now the College of Public Affairs and Community Service and her membership in the UNT chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants honed key leadership and business etiquette skills.

"UNT definitely provided a solid foundation that allowed me to excel in corporate America and as a business owner," she says.

After graduation, she worked at Wyndham International and later consulted on several projects — leading to the launch of the Tiffaney Dale Agency in 2006. She and her team have produced campaigns for clients and projects such as FOX Sports Grill, McDonald's and Glenlivet Scotch, and the agency boasts offices in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.

"Seven years of running your own business requires a lot of sacrifice, so to have all of your hard work recognized is great," she says. "You feel that you're appreciated and that your efforts are paying off."