Before she found her place at the table, Maybelle Funtañoz was searching for her place in the world. In 2009, she left Manila, the capital of the Philippines and a city of millions. She travelled to Inuvik, a small community in the Northwest Territories, 200 miles above the Arctic Circle.
- Program
- Master of Business Administration
- Industry
- Education
- Current Location
- Fredericton, NB
- Graduation Year
- 2024
“I came to Canada with a suitcase, probably a couple of hundred dollars in my pocket. At that time, I was just very determined to see the world.”
She volunteered in a local elementary school, supporting literacy and numeracy initiatives, and immersed herself in a completely different way of life. The experience reshaped her perspective. But even as she explored new places, there was a part of her still wanting more.
Writing an unfinished chapter
Maybelle had always believed in the power of education. Coming from a background where few in her family had gone to university, pursuing a master’s degree had once been a clear path forward. Before coming to Canada, she had started that journey in clinical psychology. Then life changed, and that path was put on hold.
In 2017, another move brought Maybelle and her family to Fredericton, New Brunswick. Her husband had accepted a new role with the province, and they packed up once again, heading east toward a new chapter.
“I was ready to take on the next step again. This was my opportunity to do it.”
That opportunity was the University of Fredericton.
Leaving work to study full time was not realistic. Walking away from family responsibilities was not an option. But UFred offered a way forward that could fit into real life.
Where determination meets discipline
When she started the program, her son was six years old. Her days were already full with work and family. Then came weekly virtual classes at night, assignments, group projects and the constant effort of staying on track.
“When you're taking online distance education, you have to be intrinsically motivated and you have to manage your time. It really tested my determination and my grit and my perseverance to complete the program.”
It was demanding, but also deeply rewarding.
“I probably would not have an MBA today if UFred wasn't offering a fully online program. You can juggle having a family life while studying at the same time and still continuing with your career.”
Connections beyond the screen
What surprised Maybelle most was not just the flexibility of the program, but the connections she built along the way.
She developed meaningful relationships with classmates and professors across Canada, forming friendships that extended beyond coursework. Through group projects and collaboration, she worked alongside professionals from diverse industries and leadership levels, each bringing different perspectives and experiences.
She also participated in the International Field Studies in Amsterdam, where she met classmates and professors in person, and attended UFred Meet and Greet events over the years that strengthened those connections even further.
The study experience expanded her world in ways she had not anticipated.
I'd say I'm a better version of myself because of the MBA program. A stronger and better version of myself.
Finding her voice
Before the MBA, Maybelle describes herself as reserved and less likely to speak up. But the program challenged her to think differently.
Through discussions, group work and exposure to diverse perspectives, she learned to articulate her ideas and trust her voice.
Enrolling in the MBA was about more than continuing her education. It was about refusing to lose momentum, proving to herself that her goals still mattered and stepping into a stronger version of who she could become.
“I'd say I'm a better version of myself because of the MBA program. A stronger and better version of myself.”
The meaning behind the journey
Maybelle’s journey is one of movement: across countries, across cultures and ultimately, toward belonging.
Maybelle now works in human resources and serves as an adjunct faculty member in the UFred business program. She credits the MBA with accelerating her career and opening doors she had not previously considered.
“This has been life-changing for me. I now have opportunities which I would not have been able to get if I didn't complete the program.”
But the impact extends far beyond her professional life. The experience was about growth in every sense. “There's a lot of personal transformation that's accompanied by taking the MBA program.”
The move across the world, the paused dream, the years of work and the decision to start at UFred all led to this transformation. The degree gave her something truly meaningful:
“It gave me the confidence to say I belong at the table. Now, what am I going to contribute?”
