Meet Alumni Fellows
**Note, these are alumni from MBADiversity's former version of its Fellows Program before it restructured in 2010 to its Global Fellows Program
Nina's Testimonial:
I am originally from China and have been living in northern and southern California most of my life. I heard about MBADiversity while I was visiting various campuses for business school research. MBADiversity spoke out to me immediately because of its inclusive culture. I was a part of the Abundance generation and have met good friends that I still keep in touch, and even meet up when I travel overseas.
The program provides a wealth of knowledge and support for its members. Since finishing the program, my GMAT score increased, I shared my leadership experience at MBADiversity in several of my applications, and I have been attending UCLA Anderson School of Management since. This summer, I interned at Amazon.com. Next, I will be studying abroad in Shanghai at China Europe International Business School. After graduation, I plan to look for a full time position in the tech industry.
My recommendations for future prospective MBADiversity family members are: (1) get involved and take a leadership role in the program - this will prove to be a rewarding experience; (2) make an effort to get to know your MBADiversity family; and (3) open your heart and have some fun.
Alantria's Testimonial:
1. Where are you originally from?
College Park, GA
2. How did you hear about MBADiversity and what compelled you to apply to its Fellows program?
I heard about MBADiversity through a friend that participated in the symposium in Atlanta. I applied to the Fellows program primarily because I thought that the program could help me with preparation to a full time MBA program. I liked that the Fellows program would be there with me all the way through the application process with on-going support and coaching. I also liked that the program partnered me with a buddy that I was able to work with throughout the application process.
3. What generation are you part of? Do you still have friends from your generation that you chat with from time to time?
I am a part of the second generation [Fortitude]. I still keep in touch with many friends from my generation.
4. Enlighten us on your journey since finishing the program.
Since finishing the Fellows program, I enrolled at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business with a concentration in Marketing. I was awarded the Consortium and Forte Foundation fellowships. I kept working with my passion towards diversity through my involvement with the Consortium, Forte Foundation, and the Black Business Students Association. During my last year in school I studied abroad in Barcelona. I finished my degree in May 2009. After that, I relocated to Cincinnati, OH to start my new career as a Associate Manager in Consumer & Market Knowledge at Procter & Gamble. I work in the Hair Color department and I love what I do. Life is good right now.
5. What are next steps for you?
I plan to continue to expand my career within Marketing Research and at some point take advantage of an opportunity abroad.
6. Any recommendations to future prospective MBADiversity family members?
Never lose sight of the end goal. Stay true to your dreams and always be open for help and encouragement.
Thandi's Testimonial:
1. Where are you originally from?
Atlanta,GA
2. How did you hear about MBADiversity and what compelled you to apply to its Fellows program?
[I did a] Google search for anything related to MBA (conferences, prep, etc. - ran into an MBADiversity conference and to KD which led me to the sight to learn more about the organization.)
3. What generation are you part of?
Honor was my generation. It was a great group of bright young talent interested in being change agents. Yes I still chat with my mentor who helped me immensely during the application process.
4.Enlighten us on your journey since finishing the program.
I attended business school overseas in the middle east in a one year MBA program. It was a great experience. Met some amazing people and learned a lot about myself in the process of learning more about business. It was life changing and I would do it all over again.
5. What are next steps for you?
[I would like to] use my MBA degree to work in foreign services or education.
6. Any recommendations to future prospective MBADiversity family members?
Really explore graduate programs that you are considering to ensure that they fit what you are looking for as a learning environment and in terms of a post grad school career. Ensure that you really need business school - it is expensive and challenging and not worth going if there is not a strong need or interest. It's good to have a roadmap for what you want to do after business school when you start (although it may change) to help guide your electives, networking for jobs, etc.
7. Did MBADiversity assist you with a roadmap?
Yes. We went through a Roadmap exercise that was really instrumental in helping me frame what I wanted to do after business school and to frame what programs would best fit my career goals. This helped me to rank my schools based on my professional goals.
Also I want to add that MBADiversity enhanced my leadership skills by allowing me to take on leadership roles while going through MBA prep. I used my enhanced leadership skills to transition into several roles in business school including selection by Faculty/Staff to be an Academic Fellow, an internship working for the school part time, Commencement/Board of Directors Speaker Nominated and Voted by peers, and the 21st Century Leader Award presented by Hult and International Business Womens Group Dubai.
MBADiversity under the leadership of KD really taught me how to think critically about making a positive impact in our communities and society. It reminded me that we are not just leaders - but change agents and we need to remember that in our daily business transactions. Also, it reminded me that we are to lead with purpose, with integrity, and with vision. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others through business or any field, the MBADiversity family is the organization that you should join.
