The Lead.
Ana Malone wasn’t a traditional college student. She dropped out of high school when she became pregnant with her first child at 16. After earning her GED, she walked through the doors of Marion Technical College determined to build a better future.
“I knew I was smart and could do more things. I just didn’t know how to get there,” Malone said.
Finding Support and Stability at Marion Tech
When another child came along, Malone took several years off to raise her growing family. Still, she always planned to return to Marion Tech.
“It was a haven for me. I didn’t have any children hanging off me. It offered stability after growing up with a chaotic home life,” Malone said.
While some people feel anxious about returning to college, Malone wasn’t worried.
“I never felt awkward coming back because the professors were really encouraging and helpful. If you get into trouble, reach out to them,” she said.
Balancing Motherhood and College Classes
While exploring different majors and sometimes taking one class at a time, Malone graduated a decade after she first enrolled. The mother of four later transferred to a university.
From Community College to Business Owner
In 2018, she founded Busy B Cleaning, an award-winning company.
“This is a great place to start. So many things I learned I use in my businesses, from accounting to psychology,” Malone said.
Malone returned to Marion Tech in 2021 for the Alluvial Private Wealth Forge classes and competition to refine her business plan. In 2024, she and her husband launched Belenos Creations.
Alumni Hall of Fame Recognition and a Family Legacy
In 2025, she was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame.
Now, her daughter plans to enroll at Marion Tech in the fall of 2026.
“It’s a great place to start. It’s so affordable,” Malone said.
To return to college:
