Working moms sometimes face unfounded assumptions about what their kids missed when business priorities beckoned. April believes that with the help of a supportive spouse and “some inherently great kids,” the Anthonys overcame those limitations.
“I think the kids are actually better prepared for life as a result of the lessons they learned from a working mom,” she said.
Her three agree.
Ashlyn (’17), a graphic designer for Yext in Washington, D.C., was the first of the three to have a crib in mom’s office. She says growing up the daughter of a CEO was different than many of her friends, but in a positive way. “She was definitely too busy to micromanage us in the way many parents try to,” Ashlyn said. Instead, April was constantly showing them what was important.
“I think we all picked up on that in our own way,” said Ashlyn, who thinks people often notice the three have turned out differently, yet like their mom.
“Luke has her intense drive and focus, Allie has her natural inclination to lead and bring people together,” Ashlyn said.
Luke, a junior financial management major and quarterback of the Wildcat football team, points first to that focus. “My mom has just always had a different level of commitment to be great in her work,” he said. “I have never seen someone be so passionate about caring for others.”
Allie, a high school senior, says her parents got it just right. “They have mastered the combination of faith, work, family and each other equally in everything they do.”
As for Ashlyn, she says her mom “can’t stand to see a problem left unsolved and is quick to take things into her own hands even when no one else seems to care.” That’s something the Anthony’s eldest hopes to see in herself.
“Her eyes are always open, and her heart is willing to act,” she said.

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Genuine. That’s the word colleagues and business associates use to describe April (Bullock ’89) Anthony, the entrepreneur who never planned to be one. READ MORE about ACU’s 2018 Outstanding Alumna of the Year.