Army Veteran Leverages Baylor OMBA to Forge New Business in Health and Wellness

Fily Vidrio, current Online MBA student, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Muscle City Nutrition

A Call to Service

For Fily Vidrio, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, were life-changing. The terrorist attacks inspired her to enlist in the United States Army, driven by a deep sense of duty and a desire to serve her country. 

Joining as a medical laboratory specialist, Vidrio’s role demanded a combination of technical expertise, precision and leadership. She was tasked with performing laboratory tests critical to diagnosing and treating illnesses, which required constant attention to detail and the ability to operate under high-pressure conditions. The experience also developed her leadership capacity and fostered a collaborative spirit essential for ensuring the readiness and well-being of soldiers. 

“It instilled in me the discipline, teamwork and collaboration skills that have been instrumental in my professional and academic pursuits,” Vidrio said. 

These foundational capabilities have become pillars of her success in the business world.

From Healthcare to Entrepreneurship

After completing her military service, Vidrio transitioned into the healthcare industry. Over the years, she explored various roles, each offering unique insights into the field. However, it was her work with a large supplement company that sparked a passion for health and fitness, ultimately inspiring her to pursue entrepreneurship. Her experience as a business owner was both exhilarating and daunting. 

“Starting my own business was an exciting, challenging and immensely rewarding journey,” Vidrio said. “It took a tremendous amount of patience to bring my vision to life.”

The entrepreneurial path required her to overcome significant hurdles, from securing funding and managing budgets to building a loyal customer base. The global pandemic which began in 2020 presented an unprecedented challenge, testing her resilience and creativity. Vidrio navigated these obstacles by developing innovative strategies and maintaining her commitment to her vision.

“The pandemic forced me to rethink my approach and adapt quickly,” she said. “It taught me the value of flexibility and problem-solving.”

Choosing Baylor for Her MBA

Recognizing the need to enhance her leadership and analytical abilities, Vidrio decided to pursue an MBA. She chose Baylor’s Online MBA (OMBA) program for its reputation, AACSB accreditation and strong support for veterans. Its flexibility also played a significant role in her decision, allowing her to balance her entrepreneurial responsibilities with academic demands.

“The flexibility of the online program allows me to manage a challenging work-life balance,” Vidrio said. “As someone already engaged in a career, the ability to learn on your own schedule is invaluable.”

Baylor’s commitment to veterans exceeded her expectations, solidifying her decision to enroll. The university’s tailored resources and supportive environment created a seamless transition from military to academic life.

Enhancing Skills Through the OMBA Program

The Baylor OMBA program has proven transformative for Vidrio. She credits the faculty for their practical expertise and dedication to student success. 

“The faculty consists of experienced professionals who bring real-world insights to the classroom,” Vidrio said. “They help develop critical business skills that can immediately be applied to your industry.”

The MBA curriculum is designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. Courses incorporate case studies and collaborative projects, enabling students to tackle real-world business challenges. Vidrio has found this hands-on approach invaluable to her entrepreneurial endeavors.

She also highlighted the unique diversity of the OMBA cohort. Interacting with students from various industries and backgrounds has broadened her perspective and enriched her learning experience. 

“This helps foster a learning experience that is multidimensional,” Vidrio said. 

Overcoming Surprises and Challenges

Although the program format is online, Vidrio was pleasantly surprised by the strong sense of community within it. The virtual atmosphere among peers and the accessibility of faculty created a supportive network that has been instrumental in her success.

“Despite the physical distance, the program has fostered a network of peers and faculty who are always willing to help and collaborate,” Vidrio said. “This environment has made the challenging aspects of the OMBA journey more manageable and enjoyable.”

Balancing work, academics and personal life remains a challenge, but Vidrio credits her military background for instilling the discipline and time management skills needed to thrive.

“The military helped me develop strong leadership abilities and the capacity to manage teams under pressure. These skills are directly applied to business leadership and management courses at Baylor,” Vidrio said. “I was also taught discipline and time management, which is an essential skill needed to be successful in the rigorous demands of an MBA program.”

Long-Term Goals and Giving Back

Vidrio’s MBA journey is driven by a larger vision. One of her long-term goals is to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue entrepreneurship. By drawing from her own experiences in the Army and the business world, she hopes to create opportunities for fellow veterans to achieve their goals.

“I want to give back to the veteran community in a meaningful way,” Vidrio said. “Helping others succeed is deeply rewarding.”

Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional aspirations. Through her nonprofit, she envisions creating a network of resources and mentorship programs that equip veterans with the tools they need to thrive in the business world.

Advice for Veterans

For veterans considering an MBA, Vidrio emphasizes the importance of preparation and engagement. 

“Create a time management plan, engage with your classmates and professors, and build relationships while also participating in discussion boards, virtual study groups and networking events,” Vidrio said. “These steps will enhance your learning experience, provide valuable support and help you succeed in the program.”

Vidrio encourages veterans to leverage the flexibility and networking opportunities offered by online MBA programs like Baylor’s. Her own journey demonstrates how these programs can seamlessly integrate with existing commitments while providing a robust education.

Looking Ahead

Vidrio’s journey highlights resilience, discipline and a commitment to continuous learning. From serving in the Army to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and pursuing an MBA, she has transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.

Looking ahead, Vidrio aims to make a lasting difference in the business world and the veteran community. Her experience demonstrates how determination and support can help individuals achieve success in their academic, personal and career pursuits. 

What’s Next 

Are you a veteran considering an OMBA that provides flexibility, experiential learning and strategic insights to boost your career? Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business offers an online MBA program taught by the same expert faculty as the on-campus MBA, which provides students with the same principled learning opportunities as their counterparts in the classroom. Reach out for a one-on-one consultation with our enrollment coordinators today to begin your OMBA journey.

Click here to learn more about Baylor’s OMBA program.

Click here to read about one OMBA veteran graduate’s plans to open her own business.