TCU alumna Penda Meftah was named general manager of LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta, a place geared toward children and containd models and attractions using LEGOs. 

Meftah, a native of Dakar, Senegal, graduated from TCU in May 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management.

She chose to study at TCU because of the school’s great reputation, Meftah said.

As a member of the International Student Association, Meftah was a leader and an ambassador for international students on the TCU campus, John Singleton, Meftah’s adviser and director of International Student Services, said.

Prior to her job at LEGOLAND, Meftah worked for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Shurgard Self Storage and Merlin Entertainments Group.

It is important to start from the bottom and work your way up, she said.

“Do not be afraid to be mobile,” Meftah said. “Get an open mind, and get the experience you need in your professional life and even in your personal life. You need to travel, meet people and see new cultures.”

Because of her experiences with different cultures and types of people, she said she was able to work in many countries and cultures.

“I know different cultures and how to work with different people. I am a business person,” Meftah said.

Meftah has worked in the United States and France. Her international experiences helped her get the job as manager at LEGOLAND, she said.

“This opportunity opened up in Atlanta, and I was like ‘Why not?’ That’s why I’m here.

Sometimes in life an opportunity comes up, and you just have to take it,” Meftah said.

She said she credits the great classes and experiences she received at TCU for her success today. 

Singleton said the first quality that comes to mind when thinking about Meftah is that she was courageous. 

“She’s willing to go wherever the right opportunity is,” he said.

According to its website, LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta will be the fourth LEGOLAND Discovery Center in the United States and is set to open March 17.