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14 Jan 2021, 11:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: First-Year MBAs Share How Connections They’ve Made, Understanding They’ve Gained Is Helping Them Set Goals in 2021 |
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With the first semester complete, first-year MBAs are feeling more confident in their abilities and are looking forward to the semester ahead. Many have already set goals for the new year and are excited about what their second semester will bring. We recently checked in with members of The Consortium’s class of 2022 to see how the first semester went. MBAs Whitney Pollard, Alyssa Buchanan and Bryan Shepherd shared insights they gained, tips for taking on (and crushing!) finals and what they are looking forward to in the months ahead. [b]Whitney Pollard[/b] [b]University of Michigan, Ross School of Business[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/A91E53F8-EBFD-4D39-8E2D-846DBFE9722A-150x150.jpeg The first semester of the first year of my MBA is over, and it was definitely an amazing whirlwind. Finals are over, and I am excited to have not only transitioned successfully to student life but to have also performed well in my classes. This semester, I really appreciated the intentionality of my professors in incorporating into courses the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to marketing, finance and management. This allowed me to develop deeper connections with my classmates and to have uncomfortable conversations related to race, gender and socioeconomic status. On election night, I was able to host a small gathering with sections mates and discuss the state of our country and how we plan to use business to help bridge the divide that currently exists. During this semester, not only did we experience an intense election, but we continued to see our justice system fail black Americans, as the case of Breonna Taylor was not [ruled] a homicide. I was so grateful for my Consortium community during this time as we quickly came together and hosted a Zoom call to provide a safe space to share our feelings. Times such as these are always difficult for me because it reminds me that, as a black American woman, some individuals do not value my life. The men of our Consortium community wanted to make sure we knew we are valued; they presented each of us with a rose and hosted a brunch in our honor. It was a great demonstration of how this community shows up daily in my MBA experience to support me during both the highs and lows. I am very appreciative and excited to continue to build deeper connections with my Consortium family. This past semester reminded me that although I am currently living in an MBA bubble, it is my responsibility to continue to advocate and fight against the injustices that exist for the black community. This work does not start when I leave b-school but rather now, and I have to continue to be intentional about uplifting underrepresented communities. As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “After the Selma movement in 1965, we were able to get a Voting Rights Bill. And all of these things represented strides. But we must see that the struggle today is much more difficult. It’s more difficult today because we are struggling now for genuine equality.” My goal this semester is to plant seeds toward genuine equality. [b]Alyssa Buchanan[/b] [b]The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business[/b] Hello everyone, and happy new year! https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AD23A0D0-24B1-43E0-967F-6B27D0796791_1_201_a-e1599769313968-150x150.jpg I’ve received my grades from last semester, and I’m proud to announce that I’m still here! Prepping for finals can be very stressful when you don’t know what to expect. If you’re lucky, a professor will provide previous exams to help you identify study material. One strategy that I began implementing was carving out time on a daily basis for note review. This ensured that I was familiar with the material prior to finals week. Holistically, last semester was super exciting — from start to finish. Despite COVID-19, I’ve been able to build relationships with my classmates and other MBA students within The Consortium. Those relationships have helped me academically and professionally; the community is very much a family. Next semester, I will have a variety of leadership roles in addition to my course load; therefore, my main objective is to be more organized than I was previously. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be: Get organized. There is so much to become involved in that you are always at risk of becoming overwhelmed. But once you have a good system in place, you will execute your tasks seamlessly. My hope for the spring term is that I will be able to explore entrepreneurship and have many more opportunities to work with my classmates. I’m excited for 2021. Hook ‘em! [b]Bryan Shepherd[/b] [b]Emory University, Goizueta Business School[/b] Happy new year! We’ve just finished one of the most unusual years in my lifetime as we transition into our second semester as full-time MBA students. The break was much needed as I used it to reflect on what went well and how I can be a better teammate, as well as track progress toward my personal goals.https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Bryan-OP-Photo-e1599769232113-150x150.jpg Finals and the end of the fall semester turned out quite well for me. I tried to focus on learning rather than grades. This prioritization of the process as opposed to being solely focused on the outcome allowed me to lean into classes I didn’t think I’d initially like and to learn from professors who I assumed I had little in common with. Talks with Dean of the Full-Time MBA Program Brian Mitchell helped me understand the importance of discussing class content as part of our lives, which helped me develop a deeper understanding of how economics, capital markets and corporate strategy impact our daily decisions. Ultimately, I ended up with grades [either near the top or the average for my classes.] It’s very clear that prioritizing kept me focused. I’m so thankful for the Consortium students, alumni and university professors who reinforced this for me. Being able to focus on learning instead of going through the motions was only possible because of the early internship offers I received as a result of The Consortium’s Orientation Program & Career Forum back in June. This freed me to focus on academics instead of devoting time to interviewing and researching companies during my core semester. These early offers have also allowed me to serve as a resource to my peers. I’ve been able to speak directly with about 85 percent of my class, largely because I’ve been able to use my additional time to help others with behavioral and case interviews, take on a leadership role within our consulting association and give back to the next round of Goizueta Consortium applicants as co-chair of our diversity-focused recruitment event. This semester, I want to [continue to step] out of my comfort zone by surrounding myself with second-year students and people who can push me forward. I want to challenge myself to continue to manage my time well. But I must be more intentional about the time I spend on my mental and physical health this spring; my goal is to build the personal habits to sustain a 30-year post-MBA career. The post First-Year MBAs Share How Connections They’ve Made, Understanding They’ve Gained Is Helping Them Set Goals in 2021 appeared first on The Consortium. |
21 Jan 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Hallow App Founding Member MBA Bryan Enriquez Shares His Vision for the App, How it’s Bringing People of All Faiths Together |
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For Bryan Enriquez, growing up Catholic didn’t have much impact on his life. That was, until recently. “It was the most vanilla, normal experience,” he says. “We’d go to mass every Sunday or so, and that was it.” When Enriquez was 2 years old, his family moved from Puerto Rico to Mississippi, where he graduated from high school. He went on to study economics and political science at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and after a stint working as a consultant in the public sector, found his way back to Catholicism. Intrigued by entrepreneurship, Enriquez joined his friends as a founding team member and head of customer success at Hallow Inc., creator of the Catholic prayer and meditation app Hallow. https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bryan-Enriquez-150x150.jpg Bryan Enriquez With guided meditation sessions, featuring Catholic prayers and readings, as well as challenges, Hallow is designed to help both Catholics and non-Catholics alike advance in their spiritual lives and find peace through prayer and meditation. A government worker turned entrepreneur, Enriquez is now pursuing his MBA as a Consortium fellow in the class of 2021 at Yale School of Management with an eye on building his business know-how. He recently opened up about his experience with Hallow, his vision for the app and how he’s helping grow its reach — as well as how it has affected him on a personal level. [b]In college, you studied economics and political science, so how did you end up where you are? [/b] I thought I was going to be a lawyer, but thankfully, I saw the light. I went to work for the government in D.C. after I graduated and got a variety of different experiences, primarily as a management consultant for the government. From there, I, along with my friends, began kicking around the idea of starting something. We landed on Hallow, which we started in 2018, so I quit my job and worked on that until I started at Yale in August of 2019. [b]How did Hallow come about exactly, and was your decision to pursue an MBA tied to your involvement with the company?[/b] Absolutely. We had some idea; we had been on the phone on the weekends saying, “Hey, if we were to start something, what would it be?” And then, we landed on Hallow. Alex, the CEO, called me and was like, “Hey, have you ever meditated, have you ever prayed, have you ever done anything like that?” At the time, I was working on a project in the government; it was a mental health and wellness project, and I got to see the benefits of meditation. They had sort of the scientific backing for the benefits of mindfulness, so that got me excited. But I realized that even though I was a consultant, there were a lot of things I didn’t really understand about starting a business. Marketing, growth, pricing — none of those really apply when you’re the government because you don’t really have a market; you’re typically a monopoly, and you’re usually not selling anything. So, the business school opportunity was exciting. The network was critical for me because I feel like I learn best from others, so I wanted to be surrounded by people who either had an interest in starting a business or had built something before, whether they’d succeeded or failed. The second piece was getting some formal knowledge on marketing, growth, retention, pricing, competitive strategy — those kinds of things. [b]What do you do in your role as head of customer success for Hallow?[/b] I think the primary piece is understanding what the customer needs and helping them achieve that. One aspect of that is doing surveys, focus groups — understanding customer needs and bringing that to the team. I also run our support and publish our Spanish content, translating some of that. I am leading our new initiative called Hallow Heralds. We have the app, but to really take it to the next level, we want it to also be a place that brings people together. You can’t just build that into an app; you actually have to go out, meet the users and form communities. Right now, my primary responsibility is creating that program, designing it and scaling it up so that we have a meaningful community that’s centered around the brand so people feel like they are part of the journey. The idea is, you use the app, now let’s take it to the next level and see how we can engage. [b]There seems to be a growing interest in and market for meditation. Obviously, Hallow is unique in its focus on Catholicism and prayer. So did you and your team just see an opportunity and decide to seize it?[/b] The original impetus was that Alex had kind of gone through a path of being agnostic. He was raised Catholic but then kind of fell away from his faith, but it was really strengthened through conversations in college with us as his roommates. He took classes, he read books, he had his own conversations and his own journey, and that led him to sort of rediscover his faith, particularly the power of prayer. That kind of launched this huge venture. From there, we started building on the idea. But early on, there was this discussion about whether or not we should be a meditation app or a prayer app and if we should be a Christian prayer app or a Catholic prayer app. At the time, I had been visiting different business schools and attending lectures, and one of the things I took away from that was the power of differentiation, which is a key theme you learn in marketing. The more similar you are to your competitors, the harder it becomes to make the case that your offering is better. You’re in this competition that’s basically just about price, and it’s hard to create value from that. So early on, I said, “I think we need to be as specific as possible. We need to find a niche.” A niche that’s quite big but that was not being addressed was a Catholic meditation app. I said, “If we just become another meditation app, it becomes harder to stick out from the crowd. But if we become a Catholic meditation app, there’s no one in that space, and I think we can really carve out a niche for ourselves that’s meaningful.” We ran with that strategy, and I think that’s worked well for us. https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-15-at-11.16.36-AM.png [b]How has your focus on Catholicism helped you? Has it inhibited you at all?[/b] We decided that if we were going to be successful, we needed to be upfront and say, “This is who we are. This is what we’re going to base our application on.” But we want to be welcoming to all people of all faiths. I know there are some pretty big differences between being Catholic and, say, being Muslim, but I’ve been surprised by the number of users who have reached out to us who’ve self-identified with a variety of different religious backgrounds — Muslim, agnostic and even atheist — and say they find it helpful. I think that’s a testament to the fact that meditation, just stopping and trying to collect your thoughts, is universally beneficial. We do our best to guide people and ask questions but not be “preachy.” It’s not an app where we’re teaching Catholic doctrine. It’s much more about how you feel, what comes to mind and your own experience — prompts that I think really help people have their own unique experience. [b]How has the app been received? Are you growing?[/b] We’ve been completely blown away. I receive messages a few times a week saying something to the effect of, “This has really changed my life,” or “This has helped me meditate or pray in a way that I had never thought of before.” It’s those messages that really get us excited. We’re rapidly approaching 400,000 cumulative downloads, which we’re really excited about. In the app store, the last time I checked, we had 4.9 out of 5 stars. We have users in about 150 countries. It’s primarily in English, but we have four sessions that we just launched in Spanish. We’re really excited about the growth we’ve seen, and what we’re looking for is to make the app as user-friendly and as effective as possible. Our goal is to basically get a million people every single day to engage with the app, to meditate or to pray with it. That’s the vision. If we’ve done that, we’ve succeeded. We’re definitely a ways away from that, but I think one way of achieving that is by expanding to other languages, so having more Spanish content, Portuguese, Latin, Filipino, Polish — just trying to expand how accessible it is. [b]Has using the app led you to become more religiously or spiritually engaged?[/b] What I’ve realized using the app is that there’s so much more to Catholicism. There’s so much more depth you can find, and there’s so much more peace you can draw out of it. It’s really an amazing way to grow deeper in your relationships to the people around you, and I feel like I’m much stronger in managing stress and anxiety, for example. I think, where faith and technology intersect — what I call faith tech — is going to be a huge area of focus over the next 20 or 30 years. It’s an exciting space, and I think there’s going to be a lot of innovation. [b]Is there anything you would like to add?[/b] Just some Consortium love. One thing I did not expect was the benefit and the strength of The Consortium family. Some of my closest friends are in The Consortium group here at Yale, so I’ve been really lucky and blessed to have that. To learn more about the app, visit hallow.com. The post Hallow App Founding Member MBA Bryan Enriquez Shares His Vision for the App, How it’s Bringing People of All Faiths Together appeared first on The Consortium. |
29 Jan 2021, 14:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Tammy J. Samuels, Lina Y. Bell & Beth Briggs |
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The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management prides itself on being made up of a diverse range of professionals from across the graduate business education and corporate landscapes. Our Board of Trustees is no exception, with representatives from each of our 20 member schools as well as alumni and leaders from some of our corporate partner companies. Through this monthly series, we encourage you to go behind the scenes with us to get to know members of our Board of Trustees, beyond just their professional titles, as they respond to a series of fun, thought-provoking questions. [b]Tammy J. Samuels, Executive Director of Career and Leadership for MBA and Alumni, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School [/b] [b]What is your favorite quote, and why?[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tammy-Samuels-The-University-of-North-Carolina-at-Chapel-Hill-e1611950814606-150x150.jpg Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” I really like this quote for a number of reasons, primarily because it reminds me that persistence and patience eventually pay off. The balance of life — personal and professional — always presents so much to be done in what seems like so little time. However, I give 100 percent of myself in all that I do, and as I rise each morning, putting one foot in front of the other, I know the possible will get done one step at a time. [b]What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?[/b] The work that I do is most rewarding, which is one of the many reasons I have been in higher education for over 20 years. I really enjoy being a contributor to others’ success. Having been in career coaching/management for the vast majority of my career, I am passionate about empowering all those around me to develop themselves professionally and achieve success. I thrive in holding myself and others accountable in order to optimize our work, problem-solve challenges and ensure that students receive nothing short of a class act — in professionalism, service and support. [b]When it comes to food, what is your guilty pleasure?[/b] I have a sweet tooth, so there are quite a few foods that I find guilty pleasure in. My favorite would probably be a baked chocolate chip cookie — I love it! I especially love them hot out of the oven with a cold glass of milk. They’re absolutely delicious! [b]Lina Y. Bell, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business[/b] [b]How do you start your day every morning? [/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Lina-Bell_Rice-University-e1611950855969-150x150.jpg I begin my day with gratitude that I woke up and usually some sort of lemon-water concoction followed by COFFEE!! [b]When it comes to food, what is your guilty pleasure?[/b] This is a difficult choice to make for a self-described “foodie,” but I’d have to say potato chips — pretty much any flavor, although I’m partial to Lay’s or Ruffles plain ones. No dip required! [b]What is the best movie of all time, and why?[/b] I believe the best movie of all time is Age of Innocence — book by Edith Wharton, film directed by Martin Scorsese. Why? Daniel Day Lewis in his prime! But, seriously, it addresses some common themes about the consequences that occur when individual wishes and familial expectations conflict — insiders versus outsiders and protecting and keeping family order. [b]Beth Briggs, Associate Dean, Career Services, New York University Stern School of Business[/b] [b]How do you start your day every morning?[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Beth-Briggs-New-York-University-e1611950892808-150x150.jpg Mornings are my favorite time of day! And, over the past 10 months, I have really come to treasure my morning rituals. Living and working from my Brooklyn apartment with two teenagers, my husband and a dog can be hectic and a bit crowded. I typically set my alarm for around 6:00 a.m. so that I can have a quiet hour before the rest of my family starts to wake up. I’m lucky that my Brooklyn apartment faces east, so I often get a beautiful view of the sunrise over my neighborhood. The most important part of my morning is my coffee. I joined a coffee subscription service during quarantine which lets me sample and enjoy coffee selections from a variety of small roasteries. Once I get the coffee started, I settle in for a 20-minute meditation. I never thought I could meditate, and now, I can’t imagine not doing it. The quiet really sets the stage for the rest of my day and helps to reduce stress and process whatever may have happened in the last 24 hours. A ready cup of coffee is my reward for meditating — coffee and some email and social media scrolling. Then I try to get in some type of exercise. My husband and I have been doing a lot of walks in our neighborhood. It has been a really good way to connect and see our neighbors, plus our dog loves it! After all this, I move into my work day, which means sitting at my makeshift desk in my bedroom for a day full of Zoom calls — and definitely more cups of coffee! [b]What item in your office could you not live/work without?[/b] Throughout my professional life, I have always tried to have my work space reflect parts of me. My office at NYU Stern is filled with photos, art and precious items that I have received from colleagues and students over the years. To feel comfortable, I really need my work space to feel like an extension of my personality. I have really missed my office — and my colleagues — during quarantine. To try to replicate this feeling, I’ve set up my bedroom workspace with items that are inspiring and meaningful. But, what I really can’t live without are my Muji notebooks and pens. I’m a note taker, and I fill my notebooks with all sorts of notes that I may or may not refer back to. I use specific, non-lined notebooks and black Muji gel pens; I had to order a bunch midway through quarantine because I could not dip into the stash in my office. They really are the best! [b]When it comes to food, what is your guilty pleasure?[/b] I have a few guilty pleasures, and I try not to feel too guilty about them when I have them and, instead, just enjoy them. My more regular guilty pleasure is strawberry licorice — the Australian version. I just love it and have been known to eat an entire bag on my own. My daughter has called this my “licorice problem.” My less frequent guilty pleasure is pie, specifically sour cherry pie. There is a wonderful bakery in my neighborhood that makes the most delicious sour cherry pie, and it is my go-to for special occasions. This year, I may have found more reasons for special occasions, but it has always been worth it to enjoy that delicious sour cherry pie! The post Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Tammy J. Samuels, Lina Y. Bell & Beth Briggs appeared first on The Consortium. |
04 Feb 2021, 12:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: USC Marshall’s Coalition 4 Change Takes Home First Place in John R. Lewis Racial Justice Case Competition |
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More than to simply advance their careers, Consortium MBAs Isabella Palacios, Elizabeth Blasser, Aria Aaron and Michelle Matsuba are empowered to use their MBA education to effect change in corporate America. On January 21, the women — all members of the class of 2021 at USC Marshall School of Business — saw this opportunity materialize, sooner than even they expected. For their plan for how to inspire more Black girls to pursue STEM education, they received first place in the John R. Lewis Racial Justice Case Competition. “Moments like these are why I came to business school: to drive impact for good and push corporations to do the same,” says Matsuba. “There is no better time than right now to be empowering the future business leaders of America to use their skills, talent and creativity to create bold solutions for racial justice.” Created by Consortium student Willie Sullivan and hosted by Emory University Goizueta Business School, the competition was designed to help companies think strategically about how to address issues of racial justice. From approximately 100 applications, Sullivan and his planning committee selected 24 teams from 18 institutions — including 11 Consortium member schools — to advance to the semifinals. Each team was tasked with developing a business solution based on their assigned company’s racial justice case prompt. “I am still overwhelmed with the amount of energy this event created,” says Sullivan. “We had over 2,100 people register to attend the final round. It was amazing and just shows how anxious people are for action and real change.” The USC Marshall team, Team Coalition 4 Change, was tasked with developing recommendations for Johnson & Johnson, a Consortium corporate partner. The company’s goal: to educate and inspire 1 million Black female students over the next five years to pursue STEM2D careers. With a month and a half to conduct primary and secondary research, the women began by examining the obstacles — real and perceived — that Black girls face on the path to STEM education. “One of the things Willie and the case competition [committee] did was to remind all teams to not just jump in but to really make sure they researched the issues first,” the team says. “We took that to heart and really dove in to find out what the obstacles and challenges are that lead to the underrepresentation of Black girls and women in STEM.” With a passion for education and empowering women of color, Team Coalition 4 Change knew that, although challenging, the project would be a labor of love. It was what they discovered through their research that tested them most. “What challenged us most was really having to come to terms with the research on the disparities experienced by Black women and girls,” they say. “For example, Black girls are the only group of girls to be over-represented across the entire continuum of school discipline: explusions, suspensions, arrests, corporal punishment, referrals to law enforcement and restraints.” This tendency for Black girls to be misunderstood “leads to over-punishment,” they say. “That was hard to personally process, but it just motivated us more to push through and come up with recommendations that could really make an impact.” Using Dr. Kristina Collins’ Black Student STEM Identity Model — which includes four dimensions related to how Black students perceive themselves and their abilities with regard to STEM — Team Coalition 4 Change built the foundation for their recommendations. They also conducted focus groups to see how their research aligned with the experiences of Black girls and women. “We talked to girls aged 12-17 to understand their challenges, and women in STEM careers, to see what made the difference for them,” they say. Armed with this knowledge, as well as an awareness of Johnson & Johnson’s resources, the team developed a robust proposal designed to address the obstacles — educational, social and financial — Black girls face on the path to STEM education. An online educational platform, social media campaign using the hashtag #sistaSTEM, college scholarship, quarterly STEM event, partnership with Disney and a traveling pop-up exhibit are all part of their approach to growing excitement and improving competence around as well as getting Black girls to see themselves in STEM. More than just creative or empowering, Team Coalition 4 Change’s recommendations are viable. They propose rolling out the plan over five years — with the help of a dedicated internal team — creating awareness through stickers on some of the best-selling products among Black moms. Costs would be covered by donating a small percentage of every sale of baby, wound and beauty products. Not only would their plan allow Johnson & Johnson to educate and inspire 2.2 million Black girls to pursue STEM2D careers by 2025 — far exceeding the company’s goal of 1 million — but it would put the cost of doing so at just $9.50 per girl. “At the end of the day, we wanted the Johnson & Johnson team, judges and all viewers to understand that our recommendation was based [on] a realistic and viable implementation model that drew from an understanding of the company’s current earnings,” they say. “We did not want anyone to be able to use finances as an excuse for not implementing this change, so it was key to us to make sure that everyone knew that it could work financially. For Sullivan, the thought and ingenuity demonstrated by Palacios, Blasser, Aaron and Matsuba is indicative of their commitment to the cause of racial justice and equal opportunity. “I was so impressed with the Coalition 4 Change Team from USC Marshall. They did a fantastic job of being bold and innovative while also showing how their recommendations could become a reality,” he says. “These women are the embodiment of The Consortium mission.” With an enthusiastic response from the judges, students and Johnson & Johnson and $25,000 in prize money — half of which will be split between the organizations StepUp and Black Girls Code — Team Coalition 4 Change was simply grateful for the opportunity. “What will be the ultimate prize is seeing the recommendations become a reality,” they say. “Time will tell if that comes to fruition. Until then, we stand on being able to make an impact. This is exactly why we all came to business school.” The post USC Marshall’s Coalition 4 Change Takes Home First Place in John R. Lewis Racial Justice Case Competition appeared first on The Consortium. |
08 Feb 2021, 10:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Consortium Alumni Demonstrate Commitment to Helping Minorities Advance in Business with $1M Gift to Indiana Kelley School of Business |
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Indiana University (IU) Kelley School of Business alumni Derica Rice and Robin Nelson-Rice want to give more minority students the same opportunity they credit with helping launch their successful careers at Fortune 500 companies. The couple, who met as MBA students at the Kelley School before graduating in 1990, has since offered exceptional leadership and service to the university and the state of Indiana. Derica Rice and Robin Nelson-Rice are making a gift of $1 million to support students who are members of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management at the Kelley School. Co-founded by the Kelley School in 1966, The Consortium works to enhance diversity in business education through merit-based support and mentoring for African American, Hispanic and Native American students. “We are honored and grateful to Derica Rice and Robin Nelson-Rice for this generous gift that will provide invaluable opportunities to our students and help Indiana University in its mission to strengthen diversity and ensure IU is welcoming to all,” says IU President Michael A. McRobbie. “The Rice family’s long history of service to IU and the state is exceptional, and we will always be appreciative of their extraordinary support and commitment to IU.” The Rices’ gift creates the “Rice Consortium Fellows” program to enhance diversity and inclusion at the Kelley School and help its Full-Time MBA Program continue to attract many of the best and brightest underrepresented students. Their generosity will support fellowships for two first-year Consortium students and two second-year Consortium students annually, who will be referred to as Rice Consortium Fellows. The couple credits their Consortium fellowships with opening critical doors for them and wishes to do the same for other deserving minority students. https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Peter-J.-Aranda-III-The-Consortium-e1612800470681-150x150.jpg Peter J. Aranda III “The Consortium’s 30 by 30 strategic initiative is the primary driver of our current strategy. The initiative calls for each member school to attain an underrepresented minority enrollment of 30 percent within their full-time MBA programs by the year 2030 — a figure that is more consistent with U.S. population demographics,” says CEO & Executive Director of The Consortium Peter J. Aranda III. “This generous gift from Derica Rice and Robin Nelson-Rice will assist the Kelley School and The Consortium with fulfilling this objective. At The Consortium, we are extremely grateful to the Rices for their long-term support of and demonstrated commitment to our mission.” The Kelley School will also continue to support The Consortium’s annual Orientation Program & Career Forum in honor of Derica Rice and Robin Nelson-Rice. “We are deeply grateful to Robin and Derica Rice for their generous support of this journey,” says Idalene “Idie” Kesner, dean of the Kelley School and the Frank P. Popoff Chair of Strategic Management. “Their gift is a wonderful example of ‘paying it forward.’ The opportunities their gift provides to future business leaders — the gift of education — produces benefits far, far greater than one program or school or university. It is the gift that benefits entire communities.” “We have long recognized the importance of raising awareness of the benefits of diverse learning environments and promoting an environment that is respectful and supportive of all,” she adds. “We recognize that we have more work to do, yet at the same time, we are excited about our journey and hope these new scholarships stimulate others to join us in promoting greater diversity, equity and inclusion.” Since earning his MBA from Kelley, Derica Rice has spent more than 30 years as a healthcare executive, including a 27-year career at Eli Lilly and Co. He most recently served as the executive vice president of CVS Health and president of CVS Caremark, the company’s pharmacy benefits management business. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for The Walt Disney Company, Target Corporation and Bristol Myers Squibb. Derica Rice was also a trustee of IU from 2007 to 2016. He serves as a founding member of the IU Black Philanthropy Circle, the university’s first affinity-based giving circle that works to formulate programs and policies to enhance engagement and philanthropy in higher education to support Black alumni, faculty, staff, students, donors and allies. Likewise, Nelson-Rice, a native Hoosier, has enjoyed a fulfilling career, including executive positions in marketing at Eli Lilly and AT&T. She serves as a philanthropist and volunteers on a variety of community boards and institutions, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. This gift counted toward IU’s $3.9 billion campaign For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign. [b]For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign[/b] For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign took place on all IU-administered campuses, including IU Bloomington, IUPUI, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend and IU Southeast. The campaign concluded on September 30, 2020, to coincide with IU’s bicentennial celebration. To learn more about the campaign and its impact, visit forall.iu.edu. The post Consortium Alumni Demonstrate Commitment to Helping Minorities Advance in Business with $1M Gift to Indiana Kelley School of Business appeared first on The Consortium. |
11 Feb 2021, 11:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: The Consortium Welcomed 17 New Corporate Partners in 2020: Get to Know Each One |
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Under the direction of the Development Department, The Consortium welcomed 17 new corporate partners in 2020. The companies span all industries and partnership levels, but the one thing they have in common is their commitment to advancing The Consortium’s mission to enhance diversity and inclusion in global business education and leadership in corporate America. We offer a warm welcome to the following companies: [b]Adaptive Biotechnologies[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adaptive-150x150.jpg Adaptive Biotechnologies joined The Consortium to become more inclusive in its hiring. The company places great value on inclusion and belonging and looks forward to providing opportunities to Consortium students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. “The Consortium has helped over 10,000 MBA students over the years. That is an admirable feat and one we want to be part of,” said Shannon Fatigante, sr. manager of talent sourcing at Adaptive Biotechnologies. [b]Adobe[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adobe-150x150.jpg Thirty-seven-year-old software company Adobe believes that when people feel respected and included, they can be more creative, innovative and successful. Recognizing that the company — and industry — has more work to do to advance diversity and inclusion, Adobe joined The Consortium last fall. “Our partnership … is another step toward our mission to build opportunities for emerging talent to thrive in the technology space,” a company representative said. [b]AlixPartners[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/AlixPartners-150x150.jpg For consulting firm AlixPartners, diversity and inclusion play a critical role in the company’s ability to perpetuate the principles upon which it was founded, deliver against strategic priorities, create balance in its workforce and enable more fulfilling work experiences for its people. A partnership with The Consortium represents a significant step for AlixPartners toward achieving one of its central goals: attracting and retaining top diverse talent. “The Consortium’s mission represents progress for the future — progress we hope to contribute to and to benefit from as we join the organization’s efforts going forward,” a company representative said. [b]Alvarez & Marsal[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/A-and-M-150x150.jpg For global professional services and management consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), inclusive diversity is a core value. It is integral to how the company recruits and develops employees, conducts business, supports clients and partners with vendors. With its focus on not just ensuring diverse perspectives through representation but also on helping its employees grow and develop in an inclusive environment, A&M hopes to attract Consortium talent. “As a partner of The Consortium, we hope to serve as an advocate for the important work of the organization and increase representation within our own firm,” an A&M representative said. [b]Campbell Soup Company[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Campbells-150x150.jpg Understanding that people are the key to success in the marketplace, Campbell Soup Company re-joined The Consortium as a partner in 2020. The company has increased its early-career and university/internship program offerings and is focused on expanding its network of partnerships to connect with top emerging talent who wish to join Campbell in its mission to drive innovation. “We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our culture through the enterprise,” said Vaughn Brown, talent experience manager for inclusion, diversity and university programs at Campbell. [b]Corning Incorporated[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Corning-150x150.jpg Recognizing that there is always more work to do to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization, manufacturing and materials science company Corning Incorporated joined The Consortium in the fall. Beyond building a diverse global workforce and providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all, the company is working to ensure that diverse, emerging leaders have the opportunity and ability to see themselves in leadership positions at Corning. “Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that we continue our diversity, equity and inclusion journey in a manner that not only positions Corning for continued success but also allows all of our employees to thrive,” said Dana Moss, division vice president and chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer at Corning. [b]Discover[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Discover-150x150.jpg Financial services company Discover rejoined The Consortium to gain access to and engage with top diverse talent while building its brand. The company is passionate about providing career opportunities to qualified underrepresented talent in graduate business education and in corporate. “The Consortium’s mission to close the gap between underrepresented minority groups in corporate America is in line with our company goal to support this population,” a company representative said. [b]frog Design[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/frog-150x150.jpg Guided by the belief that diverse teams yield game-changing results that touch hearts and move markets, global design and strategy consultancy frog hopes to advance the diversity of its workforce by becoming part of The Consortium’s vast network. frog believes in The Consortium’s mission and hopes that, by partnering with the organization, it can do its small part to move the needle. “What I appreciate about The Consortium’s mission is that it is bringing people into business schools and the business world who might otherwise struggle to get there,” said Timothy Morey, frog’s VP of strategy. [b]Galderma Laboratories, LP[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Galderma-150x150.jpg As a member of The Consortium, pharmaceuticals and medical device company Galderma Laboratories, LP hopes to aid in the organization’s mission while connecting with and hiring the next generation of talented business leaders. It’s all part of the company’s focus on enhancing equity in the communities in which its employees live and work. “The Consortium’s mission is aligned with our commitment to diversity and inclusion — a commitment reflected in our ongoing efforts to have a workforce that reflects diversity and to foster an environment where everyone feels supported, inspired and [that they] belong,” a Galderma Laboratories representative said. [b]HP Hood, LLC[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Hood-150x150.jpg Guided by the belief that diversity can be a great catalyst for innovation, HP Hood, LLC, a leader in the food and beverage industry, is committed to providing professional opportunities that expand beyond the company’s walls into the communities it serves. HP Hood cites its cultural values, which include diversity and inclusion, with contributing to its 175-year legacy. “We respect and appreciate the efforts of The Consortium and other such organizations that remind us all that diversity and inclusion doesn’t stop once we reach a goal, but is an ongoing bar that should be raised — recognizing all people as equally valuable resources without limits,” a company representative said. [b]Intel Corporation[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Intel-150x150.jpg Intel is committed to driving meaningful, lasting change from the inside out, which is why the company partnered with The Consortium. After reaching full representation for women and underrepresented minorities in its U.S. workforce in 2018, Intel is advancing diversity and inclusion across its global workforce and the industry; this includes doubling the number of women and underrepresented minorities in senior leadership by 2030. “Through our partnership with The Consortium, we hope to continue our journey to become the most inclusive, responsible and sustainable company on the planet,” said Reuben Miller, director, Intel global diversity, inclusion and social impact. “This is foundational to our business and purpose to create world-changing technology that enriches the lives of every person on Earth.” [b]Land O’ Lakes, Inc.[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Land-O-Lakes-150x150.jpg At Land O’ Lakes, Inc., one of the nation’s largest member-owned cooperatives, the employee and member community is built on the principles of diversity, inclusion and teamwork. With the goal of working together to build a better future, the company joined The Consortium as a corporate partner last year. Land O’ Lakes hopes to strengthen the growing alliance of companies dedicated to advancing equal opportunity through its partnership with The Consortium. “It’s proven that when we work together, we do better,” said Andrea Wolf, college relations recruiter at Land O’ Lakes. “Bridging relationships with Consortium students, alumni and leadership will help us to pursue our common purpose of feeding human progress.” Also joining The Consortium in 2020 were [b]Audible[/b], [b]The Wonderful Company[/b], [b]Tyson Foods[/b], [b]Wayfair[/b] and [b]Mars & Co. Consulting[/b]. The post The Consortium Welcomed 17 New Corporate Partners in 2020: Get to Know Each One appeared first on The Consortium. |
18 Feb 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: NASCAR CDO Brandon Thompson Envisions Sport Fueled by Diversity & Inclusion, United by Love of ‘Fast Cars’ |
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In late spring 2020, as people of all races and ethnicities took to the streets to voice their discontent following the killing of George Floyd, many organizations quickly followed suit. Across industries and sectors, companies began issuing statements of solidarity with the Black community and committed to doing their part to prevent such injustices from occurring in the future. But for some, these events only affirmed the work they had long been doing. At NASCAR, the events of 2020 served only to solidify the organization’s — and the industry’s — commitment to this important work. “Diversity and inclusion have been part of our company’s values for some time,” says Brandon Thompson, vice president of diversity & inclusion at NASCAR. “However, I do think that the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor — the sort of steady drip of things that we experienced in 2020 — made it more important for us to bring the conversations we’d been having behind closed doors to the forefront to make sure that our fans knew exactly where we stood on these issues.” https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Brandon-Thompson2-e1613504115511-150x150.jpg Brandon Thompson Appointed in June, Thompson — who previously served as managing director of the NASCAR Touring Series — leads the sanctioning body’s strategy around diversity and inclusion as it seeks to champion and enhance these values across the industry. In his role, he oversees an existing team of NASCAR employees responsible for multicultural programs and initiatives, including the longstanding NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, as well as strategic alliances with the Institute for Sport and Social Justice and the Diversity and Inclusion Sports Consortium. With an eye on attracting top diverse talent to NASCAR, both on and off the track, Thompson recently spoke with The Consortium about the organization’s vision for the future and the steps it’s taking to achieve greater diversity, equity and inclusion in both the sport and industry. [b]What is guiding your work in this new role?[/b] Our main goal, speaking from a broad sense, is to make sure that NASCAR as a company, an industry and a sport is diverse. It’s our job to make sure that we’re creating an environment in which diverse candidates can come and be a part of the sport, number one, but then taking that a step further to make sure that those who come to the sport — be it from an employment standpoint or a fan standpoint — feel welcome and included; that’s in all aspects, be it race, sexual identity, differently abled persons. [b]What sparked the creation of your position, and why were chosen to lead this important work? [/b] I think it’s been a steady beat. I’ve been around the sport for 17 years. I did my first internship in 2003 at the Nashville Superspeedway, and it’s been the topic of conversation at least since then — and even prior to that. For instance, the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, which I was fortunate enough to be a part of has been around since the year 2000. We didn’t just find religion on these topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice during the first week and a half of June 2020; these things have been going on for quite some time. Our executive leadership team, Steve Phelps and the board, understood and recognized that this was the next steady progression if we were going to continue to make an impact in this area. [b]Under your leadership, what are NASCAR’s top priorities when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion? What is your overall strategy for achieving these?[/b] Our top priority, candidly, is to make sure that NASCAR as a company and as an employer has its own house in order. That means making sure that employees feel valued — those of us who are diverse, differently abled, identify differently in terms of sexual orientation or whatever the case may be. It also means making sure that our hiring practices and the people who we have working for us reflect those values. In terms of a strategy, it’s a three-pronged approach. There’s the internal piece. Then, there’s the industry, making sure that we’re partnering with the entire industry, with teams, with drivers, with sponsors, with broadcast partners to make sure everyone’s rowing the boat in the same direction. Then, it’s the external piece — making sure that fans, consumers of the sport, know and understand that we’re seeking to build a diverse and inclusive environment where anyone who enjoys fast cars and close racing can come and feel welcome at the racetrack and enjoy that without barriers. We’re planning to make some announcements soon regarding a more robust and detailed plan. [b]What are the greatest challenges NASCAR faces on the path toward achieving its diversity goals? [/b] Frankly, I think it’s the stereotype that hangs over the sport — some of it earned and some of it not. That’s the biggest thing we’ll have to do is change public perception about what NASCAR is and what NASCAR’s all about. [b]What have initiatives like NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program and Diversity Internship Program done to diversify the sport and NASCAR in general? Have these efforts led to enhanced inclusion as well? [/b] I’m glad you mentioned the Drive for Diversity Program. We have drivers in the top level of NASCAR, in the cup series, who have come through their program and have proven to be successful. Daniel Suarez being a NASCAR champion at the Xfinity Series level was no small feat; he is the first Mexican native to accomplish that goal. Obviously Bubba Wallace, although he’s not visiting Victory Lane, he led the truck series in victories his last year. Kyle Larson’s been to Victory Lane, and we’re excited to see his journey continue. So, there are three drivers out of 40 who are diverse and doing well in their respective ways. That’s not something that should be taken lightly. I would also point to the Pit Crew Development Program, which is part of the Drive for Diversity Program. That program boasts a 100 percent placement rate for those who complete the training. It’s been around since about 2015, and right now, we’re looking at graduates of that program commanding a combined salary of somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.5 million a year. There’s a lot of diversity on Pit Road, and not just racial diversity — there’s also gender diversity. We had Brehanna Daniels become the first Black woman to pit a car in NASCAR, and we have a couple of other women who are coming through the pipeline and are working their way up through the truck series ranks. So that program has been immensely successful. If you look at the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program (NDIP), we’ve been able to place people in full-time positions across the industry, not just within the walls of NASCAR. We have people who are working on teams, people on both the engineering side and the management side, as well as several NDIP alumni who are working at NASCAR on the corporate side. So, we know these programs are working. I don’t say that to say that we’re satisfied by any stretch of the imagination. We’ve got a lot more ground to make up, but we’re excited about the journey ahead and confident we will continue to make strides. [b]Bubba Wallace has been a key player in much of the organization’s social justice efforts. Do you have any plans to work together with Wallace — or any other members of the NASCAR team — to spearhead new initiatives within the organization? Why is it important to include internal team members in this work?[/b] It’s vital. It can’t fall on any one person, any one department or any one facet of the industry. It has to be a collective effort in order to achieve the goals we’re looking to achieve. Certainly, Bubba will be a part of that, whether in a formal capacity or just Bubba continuing to stand up for what he believes is right and stand by his convictions. But we’re going to be leaning on a lot of other drivers as well — all of them, quite frankly — because it’s a shared responsibility. It has to be a collective effort. I mentioned our partners in this, our racetrack partners, broadcast partners, corporate partners; we’re going to be leaning on everyone in the industry to carry this ball down the field. The industry is on notice and supportive of the efforts because, at the end of the day, our main goal is to get NASCAR and stock car racing in front of as many people as we can. [b]What can we expect from NASCAR in 2021?[/b] You should expect to see us continue our efforts in terms of the programs we’ve talked about. We’re going to continue to make sure that our hiring practices are in line with our stated values and that we’re increasing our number of diverse hires. I think you can continue to see us do more in and around the communities that we serve, as well as partner with different initiatives, programs and/or organizations to make sure that the industry’s behind this effort and that society understands that NASCAR’s stated goal is to be as diverse, inclusive and equitable as possible. We’re also excited about the prospect of new and younger ownership coming into the sport. Obviously, Denny Hamlin partnering with Michael Jordan is something we’re really excited about. On Sunday, during the DAYTONA 500, Jordan made his debut as co-owner of the 23XI Racing Team, and Pitbull made his debut as co-owner of Trackhouse Racing. We’ve also seen Emmitt Smith become involved in the sport through a sponsorship. We’ve been hearing inquiries from other new and diverse ownership as well. [b]What do you love most about your new role?[/b] I love the fact that we’re able to make — or are at least positioned to make — an impact on society. I think NASCAR, frankly, caught a lot of people by surprise during the first 10 days of June with the stand that we took. It wasn’t a shock to me, quite frankly. I’ve had the benefit and the good fortune of being around the sport for almost two decades, and one of the things I’ve always felt in my heart was that we would get to this point and that things would shift. I hate the fact that it had to come to this in order for society at large to have this awakening, but I’m certainly encouraged by the things I’ve seen and heard in broader society and especially here at NASCAR. So that’s the thing that gets me the most excited, to see where the future can lead and to really see the impact that NASCAR will be able to have on the issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. [b]As a seasoned diversity and inclusion executive and business leader, what advice would you give to MBAs trying to stay focused during a time of unprecedented unrest and uncertainty? [/b] I would encourage everyone to not give up hope. One of the things I’ve been extremely impressed with [through all of this] is the millennial and Gen Z generations, who have really answered the bell and have made it clear where they would like to see society go. I certainly see that as a beacon of hope. If the events of this year are any indication, I certainly think that in the years to come, we will be in a better place. So I would encourage people to remain hopeful, to use their voices and to have the courage to speak out against issues of injustice — and know that there is no neutrality on this; you’re either against racism and actively pushing against it or you’re not. The post NASCAR CDO Brandon Thompson Envisions Sport Fueled by Diversity & Inclusion, United by Love of ‘Fast Cars’ appeared first on The Consortium. |
25 Feb 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Corporate, Nonprofit Leaders Provide Insight on How to Position Yourself for Board Service During Wells Fargo-Led Event |
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Consortium alumni received a crash course last week on how to successfully secure a coveted spot on corporate and nonprofit boards. During a one-and-a-half-hour virtual event, co-sponsored by The Consortium and Consortium corporate partner Wells Fargo, business leaders shared their insight and experience to help attendees position themselves to serve on both corporate and nonprofit boards of directors. The event, titled “Career Moves for Diverse Leaders: How to Position Yourself for Board Service,” took place February 18 and was moderated by Dewey Norwood, senior vice president and relationship manager, talent acquisition strategy and targeted programs at Wells Fargo. It featured Consortium alumni and retired financial services executive Kim Harris Jones (Michigan Ross) and vice president of leadership initiatives at BoardSource Jim Taylor (UNC Kenan-Flagler), as well as René Picazo, executive vice president and head of the Wealth Client Group at Wells Fargo Asset Management. Norwood prefaced the event with information about the underrepresentation of minorities in corporate America, including on boards; the roadblocks they have traditionally faced to board service; and the benefits of having diverse boards. Collectively, African Americans and Hispanics make up just 14 percent of directors on the country’s top 200 boards. Despite the need for greater diversity on boards, there has been growing interest and action by the boards of both corporations and nonprofits to diversify in recent years, particularly following the events of 2020. “Over the last six months, with all of the things that have gone on in the country, board diversity is certainly the topic in every boardroom now,” said Jones, who serves on the boards of three public companies and two nonprofits. “I’ve gotten as many calls in the last six months as I’ve gotten over the last several years. Everyone’s looking for people of color on boards.” With this in mind, the panelists offered advice on how underrepresented minorities in particular can get their foot in the door. According to Taylor, who has served on boards of directors and advisory boards of various local and regional nonprofits, the process is not unlike that of a traditional job search. “Do your research — look at the organization’s website, their mission and focus areas,” said Taylor, referring to the process for securing a nonprofit board seat. “Then, if you’re inspired by that, if you have passion for it and feel that you have something to offer, contact the organization.” He also recommends using LinkedIn to see if you have any connections who are part of the organization or who know people who are. Be sure to be ready with questions for when they respond. “You want to know about the mission, the organization’s financial stability, the constituents they serve, their customers, the structure of the board, the roles and responsibilities and how often the board meets,” said Taylor. If the opportunity exists to first serve on a committee, this provides a chance for you to get a feel for the organization and vice versa. This can lead to you organically being considered when a board position opens up, Taylor noted. One way you can raise your hand when positions open up on corporate boards is by sharing your interest with recruiters. “When you get a call from a recruiter, and he asks if you are looking for a new job, you say, ‘No, I’m not looking for a job, but I’m interested in a board,’” said Jones. “That’s an inroad to getting your name [out there] because, once your name gets on that list, then you’ll get the calls.” https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-22-at-2.33.45-PM.png She recommends creating a board resume — a tailored version of your standard resume that includes information relevant to board roles and responsibilities. Such information may include how you’ve interacted with boards at your current or past companies or specific areas you have experience in or knowledge of that relate to board committees (i.e., finance, ESG, etc.). “Tailor your resume toward the types of experiences that boards are looking for,” Jones said. Ideally, Taylor said, what boards are looking for should depend on what they are currently missing. However, that is not always the case. “They should be looking at composition as a whole, holistically — diversity of age, gender, race, community connections, financial resources, area of expertise, lived experience,” he said. “There’s a disconnect between how [board seats] are filled and how they should be filled.” But, that is changing — at least in corporate America. Whereas companies have traditionally sought individuals of similar backgrounds — older, retired, white, male executives — for board roles, they are now more often seeking younger, less senior and more diverse (in both race/ethnicity and area of expertise) business leaders who are still working in their chosen industry. According to Jones, expertise in areas such as sustainability, strategy and diversity, equity and inclusion are now becoming equally as important as those such as finance or governance. “If you have experience in information technology or cybersecurity, for example, those areas are becoming much more important on boards,” she said. Jones also noted that while the majority of corporations have historically sought individuals at the VP level and above for board roles, that is changing as well. For those who lack seniority in their current role, she recommends gaining experience by first serving on nonprofit boards. Both Jones and Taylor emphasized the importance of making sure a position is the right fit as board roles often require a significant time commitment. Most corporate boards meet four to five times a year, with four to five additional meetings if you are serving on a committee, and require approximately 500 hours per year. The paperwork alone for joining a single board can number around 600 pages, Jones said. On the nonprofit side, Taylor said you can expect at least quarterly meetings and, sometimes, upwards of eight each year, in addition to committee meetings. “The tenure on most corporate boards today is about 10 and a half years, so when you [join] a corporate board, you’re likely to be there a long time, so fit really matters,” said Jones. “So, it’s about making sure that when you interview with boards, you feel comfortable that they want you for the right reasons and you want them for the right reasons.” When it comes to nonprofit boards, Taylor urges people to pursue a topic or cause they are passionate about and to make sure they contribute their diverse perspective. “When that opportunity comes and you’re on that nonprofit board,” he said, “do not shy away from sharing your opinion and your perspective because it might be the only way to remove the blind spots that were there before you got there.” Despite what have in the past been obstacles to securing board seats for underrepresented minorities, Jones believes there has never been a better time or more opportunities for people of color to position themselves for board service. “It really hurts me when [organizations] say they can’t find qualified people. We have lots of qualified people, but you have to put your iron in the fire; people have to know you have an interest,” she said. “There is a lot of opportunity right now, and I would try to seize on that.” The post Corporate, Nonprofit Leaders Provide Insight on How to Position Yourself for Board Service During Wells Fargo-Led Event appeared first on The Consortium. |
04 Mar 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Kellee Scott, Stephen Sweeney & Rebekah Lewin |
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The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management prides itself on being made up of a diverse range of professionals from across the graduate business education and corporate landscapes. Our Board of Trustees is no exception, with representatives from each of our 20 member schools as well as alumni and leaders from some of our corporate partner companies. Through this monthly series, we encourage you to go behind the scenes with us to get to know members of our Board of Trustees, beyond just their professional titles, as they respond to a series of fun, thought-provoking questions. [b]Kellee Scott, Director, MBA.PM Admissions, University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business[/b] [b]What is your favorite quote, and why?[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kellee-Scott_University-of-Southern-California-150x150.jpg Growing up, my grandmother always said, “It’s nice to be nice. You never know what others are going through.” I try to be mindful of her words daily. While I may not be perfect in this (we all have our days!), a kind word or gesture can uplift someone’s day and be a mutual blessing. After recent worldwide events, we need “niceness” more than ever. Compliment a stranger. Offer assistance to someone in need. Straighten your car in a crowded parking lot space (I know, right?!). Opportunities abound both big and small, and they are endless. Although my day brightens when I receive a smile or a heartfelt “thank you,” it’s not about the acknowledgement. It’s about doing what you can to reduce the stress and share the care in an increasingly complicated world. [b]What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?[/b] Backpacking the east coast of Australia with a classmate for almost a month after finishing my MBA at USC Marshall. We had a plane ticket to Sydney, a return ticket out of Cairns and no travel plans in between, except a hotel reservation at a nice property in Cairns as a reward at the end. Along the way, we stayed in hostels (never again for me, if I can help it), saw wildlife (kangaroos, koalas, exotic birds, etc.) outside the window of the McCafferty bus as we traveled between cities, cuddled a koala at the zoo and saw the most unique and amazing marine life in the Great Barrier Reef. Experiencing the beaches along the Gold Coast was awesome, too! We met some of the warmest and nicest people along the way — although no one successfully convinced me to try some of the exotic meats. Overall, it was an experience I’ll never forget. [b][/b] [b]What is the best movie of all time?[/b] This is hard because there are so many great movies, so I’ll give you my favorite genre: any classic movie (usually in black and white) where the dialogue is full of sharp wit and the life lessons are timeless. Double Indemnity, All About Eve, Auntie Mame and everything Hitchcock comes to mind — and who can forget The Shawshank Redemption? It was the very first DVD I ever bought. [b]Stephen Sweeney, [/b][b]Director, Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions, The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business[/b] [b]What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Stephen-Sweeney-The-University-of-Texas-at-Austin-150x150.jpg My favorite thing about my job is interacting with such interesting and amazing applicants. I love hearing about their background and passion for continuing their education with an MBA. I get to speak with people from around the world, so it is always awesome to learn about new cultures and business opportunities. [b]What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?[/b] Canyoning in Switzerland. This was in my younger days. It was awesome to be outdoors, jumping, sliding and repelling through mountain gorges. [b]What is the best movie of all time, and why?[/b] The Fast and Furious franchise. The first one came out 20 years ago, and they are all action-packed and fun to watch. I’m excited for the next two to be released. [b]Rebekah S. Lewin, [/b][b]Assistant Dean, Admissions and Financial Aid, University of Rochester, Simon Business School[/b] [b]If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your time? [/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Rebekah-Lewin-University-of-Rochester-150x150.jpg I have a very hard time sitting still! I would probably spend my time traveling; although I have visited many places, there is still a long list of cities and countries I would like to visit. Just as importantly, engaging in meaningful volunteer or pro-bono consulting work and enjoying family and friends would be high priorities for filling my days. [b]What item in your office could you not live/work without?[/b] Those who work with me will attest to the fact that my coffee cup is something that I cannot live or work without! I am usually a frequent visitor to the Starbucks on campus; however, now that I am mostly “working from home,” my coffee maker has been getting a lot of use. [b]What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?[/b] There are many things that I love about the work that I do. My team is at the top of the list — a talented, dedicated and hardworking group of staff who are deeply committed to our work and our students. In addition, the variety of the work keeps it interesting, and the ability to stay connected with students and alumni throughout their professional and personal journeys is also very fulfilling. The post Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Kellee Scott, Stephen Sweeney & Rebekah Lewin appeared first on The Consortium. |
08 Mar 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Consortium Kicks Off Nothing but Net Campaign to Give Incoming MBAs Best Shot at Beginning Their MBA Career |
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It’s March, and that means it’s time again for the biggest college basketball tournament of the year. In the spirit of the season, The Consortium is hosting its annual Nothing but Net fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of incoming students’ attendance at the 55th annual Orientation Program & Career Forum (OP). March 14 through April 5, you can help give new Consortium members the best shot at beginning their MBA career by participating in Nothing but Net. The Consortium’s own “March Madness,” the campaign allows students, alumni and friends of The Consortium to compete on the philanthropy court, as schools compete against one another to see who raises the most money. As a donor, you can make a contribution in honor of your school/alma mater and/or your favorite college basketball team. Schools, or “teams,” have the opportunity to earn badges and awards based on the number and amount of donations they receive. Nothing but Net is one of The Consortium’s most important fundraisers of the year as it makes students’ attendance at OP possible. “The campaign funds support the Orientation Program, specifically underwriting the expenses for fellows to attend,” says The Consortium’s Vice President of Development Kimberly Alexander. “With 600 new students at an approximate cost of $2,500 per student, the contributions assist us in being able to not charge new students for the OP experience.” Although this year’s OP will once again be hosted as a virtual, as opposed to in-person, experience, the costs associated with developing and hosting the event are vast. Donations to Nothing but Net will assist The Consortium with covering these costs as well as ensuring the experience is on par with, or even better than, the regular in-person event. The OP is an important segue to business school for first-year MBAs as it provides an early touchpoint for students to meet and connect with their classmates and Consortium corporate partner companies, as well as gain early access to internship and job opportunities. Every donation helps — no matter the amount — so play it forward by contributing during The Consortium’s 2021 Nothing but Net campaign. The campaign kicks off Sunday, March 14 with Selection Sunday and concludes Monday, April 5 with the NCAA championship game. Learn more or make a donation here! The post Consortium Kicks Off Nothing but Net Campaign to Give Incoming MBAs Best Shot at Beginning Their MBA Career appeared first on The Consortium. |
11 Mar 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Antonio Rivera-Martinez Wants to Help Entrepreneurs Become Self-Sufficient, Imparting Hard-Learned Lessons from His Own Life |
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As a burn survivor, Antonio Rivera-Martinez learned the hard way the importance of slowing down, of taking life day by day as opposed to rushing. Now a first-year MBA student and Consortium fellow at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, Rivera-Martinez is finding success applying this same mindset to his studies and career. “As MBA students and as professionals, sometimes, we get really focused on ‘I just want to graduate, I just want to get through midterms, I just want to get a job,’ and sometimes, it’s more about what you need to do in the next hour or the next day,” he says. “Going through the burn injury recovery process really helped me to be patient with myself and everyone around me, and be more conscious. I just focused on doing what I needed to do in the next minute to be sure that I could become the person I wanted to become the next day or the next week.” https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/profile-pic-e1615476194892-150x150.jpg Antonio-Rivera Martinez With a passion for helping entrepreneurs and small business owners, Rivera-Martinez hopes to use his MBA and the lessons he’s learned to empower people and businesses by connecting them “with the resources they need to succeed and make the world a better place,” he says — “an economic-type diplomat, in a sense.” [b]A Moral Imperative[/b] Raised in Puerto Rico, surrounded by family, Rivera-Martinez became interested in community development as a result of his participation in humanitarian and economic development missions across Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries, as well as in Model UN. These experiences influenced his decision to enter the field of economic development and international relations, and it’s how, following high school, Rivera-Martinez ended up at American University studying economics and international studies. “I was very much convinced that I wanted to be in public service, particularly economic development,” says Rivera-Martinez. Internships in the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States, however, steered him in a new direction. There, he learned about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities and potential policies to overcome these. “I noticed how both the U.S. and Mexican economies, most economies really, are driven by small and medium-size businesses,” Rivera-Martinez says. “A lot of them, if not most of them, are being led by underrepresented communities — Blacks and Latinos — and you really see a disproportionate amount of financial resources that are available to one demographic versus the other.” Eager to translate this new interest into working with entrepreneurs on the ground but about to graduate with a degree in international studies, Rivera-Martinez applied for and received a Fulbright scholarship to work in Mexico City. “I wanted to understand really well the process of how to build a small business and what the barriers are that are limiting communities from becoming more economically self-sufficient,” he says. In 2015, after a year of working as an investment operations associate at Cambridge Associates — where he says he “got a crash course in everything related to investing, finance and business” — Rivera-Martinez moved to Mexico City as a Fulbright Binational Business Scholar. Working as a senior analyst and strategy director at Angel Ventures, he learned all about the startup ecosystem, including how venture funding is processed, how entrepreneurs craft their pitches, how they secure funding and what financial institutions are looking for in entrepreneurs. “I was slowly but surely learning all the informational symmetries to connect the dots,” Rivera-Martinez says. Following completion of the Fulbright program, he was offered a full-time position as a strategy director at Angel Ventures. The opportunity allowed him to travel throughout remote areas of Mexico, where he talked about entrepreneurship with locals as well as worked with government entities, small business incubators and universities. Through the experience, Rivera-Martinez learned that no matter where you are, the same development gap exists among entrepreneurs, and although information about securing funding is often presented in a complicated manner, it’s actually very basic. “Being able to understand that and communicate it to other people was very important to me,” he says. Ready to run with this new knowledge, Rivera-Martinez unfortunately hit a roadblock. An incident at a bonfire left him with second- and third-degree burns on 25 percent of his body. With a full recovery projected to take a year, he returned to Puerto Rico to be closer to his family and doctors. “I went from being on a ventilator, to walking with a cane, and back to working while still on treatment within a year’s time,” he says. During this time, Rivera-Martinez began working at a new seed fund that was just getting off the ground in Puerto Rico with Grupo Guayacán — the first of its kind on the island. But then, in September 2017, Maria hit. The hurricane wiped out power to his family’s home for four months, complicating his recovery efforts and challenging him in new ways. However, he says, helping family members and friends kept him busy and moving forward amidst the chaos. “I remember thinking, ‘I’ve been through worse. I know we’ll be able to get through this,’” Rivera-Martinez recalls. The hurricane ultimately shifted the focus of the seed fund where he worked as they heard from local businesses about the hardships they were facing and tried to identify companies impacted by the hurricane that could greatly benefit from their assistance. “After the hurricane, it definitely took on a deeper purpose. Now it wasn’t just about funding companies, it was more about doing my part to help with Puerto Rico’s economic recovery,” says Rivera-Martinez. He enjoyed his experience at the fund, which included investing in companies in industries ranging from food and beverage to AI and software development, but found himself wanting to do even more. “I was reaching a point where I wanted to do more than just connect companies with the resources they needed,” Rivera-Martinez says. “Ideally, I want to be a resource, help build a company or help a particular organization grow, and invest in companies using my time and connections.” Lacking the operational knowledge to do this, and with encouragement from his mentor Jorge Negron, he decided to pursue his MBA. “Jorge was a Consortium alum from Michigan Ross, and he always talked to me about The Consortium and how it was a great experience, how it really helped him and gave him a lot of tools to be able to help businesses in Puerto Rico,” says Rivera-Martinez, adding that Negron passed away last year. “He was very inspiring in terms of pushing me to apply through The Consortium. His life work and character continue to move forward today. Jorge really helped me realize I had what it takes.” The Consortium, Rivera-Martinez says, aligned perfectly with what he had been doing and what he hopes to do following his graduation from Olin. In addition to helping Latino and other underrepresented entrepreneurs overcome the obstacles they face through better access to resources, his plans include returning to Puerto Rico, where he hopes to help spur growth in his own community — not to mention, spread the word about The Consortium. In addition to helping make their future organizations great, Rivera-Martinez believes he and his Consortium peers also have the moral imperative to do as Negron taught him: “to always inspire others to apply to The Consortium and to be better through their work.” “Business tools are just a way to help and empower others,” he says, “and I think everyone in The Consortium family knows and lives by that.” The post Antonio Rivera-Martinez Wants to Help Entrepreneurs Become Self-Sufficient, Imparting Hard-Learned Lessons from His Own Life appeared first on The Consortium. |
18 Mar 2021, 11:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: First-Year MBAs Open Up About Second-Semester Challenges, Balancing Extracurriculars and Coursework |
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With the second semester at its halfway point, first-year MBAs are becoming masters of time management as they explore their unique business interests while engaging in extracurriculars and assuming leadership roles on campus. We recently checked in with members of The Consortium’s class of 2022 to see how the second semester is going. MBAs Whitney Pollard, Alyssa Buchanan, Bryan Shepherd and Chumar Williams share how the second semester is living up to their expectations, what they’ve learned about themselves and what they are most looking forward to in the weeks ahead. [b]Bryan Shepherd[/b] [b]Emory University, Goizueta Business School[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Bryan-OP-Photo-e1599769232113-150x150.jpg The spring semester is something I have been looking forward to since early in the fall! Jokes aside, it is a relief to be done with virtually all of our core classes, as I now have a solid foundation from which to dive into the electives that best fit my goals. Goizueta matches students to a semester-long client project where we are given an opportunity to solve a real business problem. My own project is focused on strategic management — an engaging challenge both in a traditional, cognitive sense and from an emotional intelligence perspective. I must admit that I have had to better manage my expectations, as I did expect the spring semester to be a bit less time-intensive than the fall, but it feels like core semester 2.0 so far. While this is a bit of my own doing, as I have picked up an extra class and have dove into opportunities on campus, I choose to view a hard schedule as a chance to increase my capacity and efficiency as I look to build habits that will sustain a 30-year career in strategy consulting. To that point, feeling confident in my career goals and priorities before starting business school has been tremendously helpful — both from a recruiting and personal development standpoint. Clear goals in mind, I’m focused on strategy and economics classes this spring. This fills gaps in my business acumen so that I can better communicate with colleagues, while exposing me to the tactical analysis skills I need to improve to generate empirical support for strategy decisions. I strongly believe that strategy leaders have an opportunity to help businesses understand the interconnected nature of value creation and growth with diversity, equity and inclusion and sustainability. Lastly, I have tried to remain outside of my comfort zone and involve myself on campus wherever possible in order to add value. In the fall, I was selected by my peers to serve as the first-year representative for our consulting club and as co-chair for our diversity recruitment weekend. Recently, I was also elected vice president of diversity and inclusion for our Graduate Business Association. I want to help position diversity and inclusion as a strategic advantage for my program and something that improves the experience for all students. [b]Whitney Pollard[/b] [b]University of Michigan, Ross School of Business[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/A91E53F8-EBFD-4D39-8E2D-846DBFE9722A-150x150.jpeg “To whom much is given much is required.” That quote has definitely been top of mind as I have gone through this semester. The new year started, and I found myself struggling to keep my head above water. I thought the first quarter of my MBA year would be the most difficult. However, I quickly learned that not only would my second semester be the most challenging so far, it would also be the most rewarding. I found myself trying to balance class and the demands of extracurricular activities. It was the first time I actually had to decide how I would prioritize social, academic and leadership opportunities. I came to Ross to make an impact on the student body, develop a strong network and gain the skills to be a leader in human capital. Reflecting on my why allowed me to determine what was important for me to focus on this semester. I was able to take two electives — negotiation and business law — which I really enjoyed. I was also able to plan and lead Diversity Week and was elected as the incoming MBA Council president. Your time in business school really goes by fast, and it’s important to remember your goals and use that to manage your time and stay focused. [b]Alyssa Buchanan[/b] [b]The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AD23A0D0-24B1-43E0-967F-6B27D0796791_1_201_a-e1599769313968-150x150.jpg Hello everyone! I hope life has been treating you well. As I approach mid-semester, I must say that my MBA journey thus far has been unusual. I did not have any expectations for this term, which has helped me navigate through these unprecedented times. Alongside everything else happening in the world, Austin experienced a snowstorm that led to water pipes bursting, power outages and below freezing nights. However humbling the storm may have been, we were all happy to see bright and sunny days once it was over. Once power returned and our classes resumed, we all became a tad more resilient and adaptable. First-year student officers are experiencing the joys and triumphs of virtual leadership. For myself, the responsibility has expanded my ways of communicating and taught me how to filter information for the most important details. Having the opportunity to serve in multiple leadership roles is very exciting, yet demanding. I would highly recommend strategizing your responsibilities to fit the group dynamic. This tip has helped my teams feel appreciated, supported and encouraged to fulfill the obligations of their roles. I look forward to sharing with you all the many things that are in the works for the fall semester. Hook ’Em! [b]Chumar Williams[/b] [b]Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Chumar-e1599768986168-150x150.jpeg It’s been a while, but a lot has really fallen into place since my last entry in January. My second semester has gotten off to a much smoother start than the first semester, now that I’m comfortable with the routine and rigor of business school overall. Our class schedule is less condensed than before as well, which has given us a lot more time to focus on recruiting, clubs, networking, etc. One of my favorite things about my newly minted free time has been [more time to] dedicate to our Center for Experiential Learning projects, which simulate real consulting engagements with actual clients throughout the semester. I’ve been working with a local HVAC company to identify and target new markets to enter in the near future, which has been a great intro to high-level consulting leading into my internship this summer. Speaking of internship, I accepted an offer to join ZS Associates Inc. this summer as a strategy insights & planning associate intern within Business Consulting. Accepting this offer, I felt like a significant weight was lifted off my back because the grind of recruiting, networking, casing and overall interview prep was no joke! I came into Olin hoping to get an intro into the consulting industry, so I am more than happy to see that all coming together. Some of my favorite classes here so far have been around the general topics of strategy and marketing, which are two critical functions of my internship that align perfectly. I am more than happy with how The post First-Year MBAs Open Up About Second-Semester Challenges, Balancing Extracurriculars and Coursework appeared first on The Consortium. |
25 Mar 2021, 07:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Christie Julien, Naomi Sanchez & Dorothy Dorton Kittner |
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The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management prides itself on being made up of a diverse range of professionals from across the graduate business education and corporate landscapes. Our Board of Trustees is no exception, with representatives from each of our 20 member schools as well as alumni and leaders from some of our corporate partner companies. Through this monthly series, we encourage you to go behind the scenes with us to get to know members of our Board of Trustees, beyond just their professional titles, as they respond to a series of fun, thought-provoking questions. [b]Christie Julien[/b] [b]Assistant Dean for Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Office of the Dean, University of Virginia, Darden School of Business[/b] [b]How do you start your day every morning?[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Christie-Julien-University-of-Virginia-150x150.jpg Christie Julien Every morning, I wake up, slip on my dog’s collar and a pair of sneakers and load up three podcasts on my phone – The Daily, Up First and What a Day. I then take my dog on a 30-minute walk through the neighborhood while catching up on the news of the day. [b]What item in your office could you not live/work without?[/b] I was recently gifted a set of bluetooth headphones, and it seems very difficult to remember what life was like when they weren’t attached to my skull. The sound quality, the convenience, the comfort, the ability to blast my mood music without disturbing anyone is amazing. [b]When it comes to food, what is your guilty pleasure?[/b] In college, I developed an instant Ramen habit that I haven’t ever been able to kick. I will try different things to enhance the Ramen — adding fresh vegetables, tofu and sauces — but sometimes, there is nothing like the sodium bomb that is instant noodles. [b]Naomi Sanchez[/b] [b]Assistant Dean, MBA Career Management and Corporate Recruiting, University of Washington, Foster School of Business[/b] [b]What is your most unusual or interesting skill or hobby?[/b][b] [/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Naomi-Sanchez-University-of-Washington-e1616088560568-150x150.jpg Naomi Sanchez I tinker around with cello and piano sounds [b]How do you start your day every morning?[/b] I start my day with a bowl of oatmeal and by giving thanks quietly. [b]When it comes to food, what is your guilty pleasure?[/b] Tacos of all kinds — hot sauce and lots of tortillas. Sushi of all kinds — lots of soy sauce, ginger and wasabi. [b]Dorothy Dorton Kittner[/b] [b]Associate Dean & Director of Business Development & Corporate Relations, Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School[/b] [b]If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your time?[/b] https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dorothy-Kittner-Washington-University-in-St.-Louis-e1616088613307-150x150.jpg Dorothy Dorton Kittner I would spend my time supporting a nonprofit for no pay on a part-time basis in the St. Louis region and more time playing tennis, cooking and gardening. [b]What is your favorite quote, and why?[/b] “Always under promise, always over deliver, and then they will be delighted.” This is my personal mantra that I ask of all of those who work for me. [b]What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?[/b] I enjoy listening to the needs of a constituent, seeking resources to support them and then watching them gain greater success because I heard what they were saying and hopefully somewhat met their needs. [b]When it comes to food, what is your guilty pleasure?[/b] A cosmopolitan, lobster and key lime pie. The post Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Christie Julien, Naomi Sanchez & Dorothy Dorton Kittner appeared first on The Consortium. |
31 Mar 2021, 11:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Cornell MBA Jefferson Betancourt Is on a Mission to Show Disadvantaged Youth They Have it Within Themselves to Succeed |
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As a first-generation American and a first-generation college graduate, Jefferson Betancourt has learned much about the American dream. In 1986, concerned about the escalating drug wars, his parents left Cali, Colombia, in search of a better life in the United States. “They decided to take the biggest risk of their lives at the time and move to the U.S. This was a big move for my parents and my older brother, who was 6 at the time, because they didn’t know the language, they didn’t have any financial resources,” he says. “But they thought moving to the U.S. would give them the best opportunity to provide a better life for their family.” Two years after his family landed in Massachusetts, Betancourt became the first person from both his mom’s and dad’s side of the family to be born in the U.S. “My parents named me after Thomas Jefferson because they felt that it was very American and would be fitting for their first American child,” he says. https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Betancourt-Jefferson-e1617119819760-150x150.jpg Jefferson Betancourt But it was in Florida, Orlando specifically, that Betancourt’s life — and education — really began. Growing up in a household of modest means, he was taught by his parents from a young age that education is critical to achieving your dreams. “[My whole life, they told me,] ‘Getting a college education will give you opportunities that we were never afforded. Take advantage of the educational system this country has to offer that your cousins and family members in Colombia do not have access to.’” Betancourt says. Although he attended a “pretty rough high school,” one where he says the majority of students were economically disadvantaged and from minority communities, Betancourt made the most of the experience and defied the odds by going to college. “I graduated with a class of 850 students, of which maybe 100 went on to college and everyone else continued to work or do one or two years of community college,” he says. “It just wasn’t a focus.” It wasn’t until he was studying finance at the University of Florida (UF) that he began to realize how little he knew about the variety of career paths, resources and guidance out there to help people like himself succeed. Through a program called INROADS, Betancourt learned about the importance of a resume and how to create one, how to interview, what a career in business might look like, salary ranges and much more. “It really instilled a lot of confidence in me, and I realized that I always had what it took,” he says. “But it’s this mindset growing up and not being exposed to this type of information or being in those types of circles that deters a lot of individuals from even attempting to pursue more.” Although he says he may have done things a little differently if he could go back, knowing what he knows now — namely, applying to out-of-state universities and pursuing a career in investment banking instead of commercial banking — Betancourt credits his experience at UF and INROADS with getting him where he is today. In 2018, after graduating with a master of science in accounting from the University of Connecticut, and on track for a vice president promotion at Bank of America, he felt he had accumulated the right combination of education and experience to apply to business school. Now about to graduate with his MBA from Cornell University’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, this Consortium member is focused on doing what he can to help young people not unlike himself. Through the Betancourt Scholarship Fund, he is helping students from his high school — Colonial High School in Orlando, Fla. — pursue higher education. Now in its fourth year, the fund is for graduating seniors who will be the first in their family to go to college. “I consider myself very fortunate that I was able to graduate from a great university and pursue a career in finance. I always felt indebted and responsible to help people with similar backgrounds,” says Betancourt. “I thought, ‘What better way than to start a scholarship foundation that’s geared specifically toward my high school, which needs a lot of help and resources?’” But more than providing financial assistance, he strives to instill in these young people that they have it within themselves to go to college and lead successful careers. Betancourt remains heavily involved in INROADS, as well as organizations such as Junior Achievement and The Posse Foundation, and says he is always quick to point out to the youth he works with that “you don’t have to be the smartest in the room, you just have to put in the effort.” “I think in communities across the country that are similar to the one my high school is in, there’s a lot of high-potential, highly talented students who deal with impostor syndrome,” he says. “They think that all of these colleges that people are talking about — really big, prestigious universities — ‘those are for other people, not me.’ That’s the culture that permeates in neighborhoods like the one where I grew up.” https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Jefferson-Picture-2-225x300.jpg Jefferson Betancourt and his wife and Cornell MBA classmate Melanie Tarabay For Betancourt, this myth was further dismantled by his experience getting into Cornell and The Consortium. “I very much thought all of these schools are meant for the elite, not someone who went to Colonial High School or UF. I thought that elite business schools were meant for a very specific demographic of individuals, which is those who went to a very prestigious undergraduate school and who’ve had a very prestigious job,” he says. “But The Consortium really defied this mindset. For me, that was the biggest push to think there’s a place for me in these schools, and The Consortium is an organization that really promotes that.” When researching The Consortium, one blog post in particular really drew Betancourt in and solidified his decision to not only apply to MBA programs through The Consortium but to also pursue investment banking. The article featured Consortium alums Peter Ferrara and Jorge Garcia. “They both went to Cornell, and they talked about how that helped them get into banking,” Betancourt says. “It was great to see two individuals with a similar background as myself — Hispanic and from the financial services industry pre-MBA — featured on The Consortium website and talk about being in the exact place I wanted to be. Ironically enough, I interviewed with them during the fall 2019 recruiting season.” He had the opportunity to interview with Ferrara for an internship at Credit Suisse and ended up working with him in summer 2020. Following his graduation this May, Betancourt will be working alongside Ferrara on the same investment banking group at the company. “Although I had over 100 interviews during the recruiting season, ironically and interestingly, I am going to work on the team with a person I researched prior to applying to business school,” he says. “To me, that is a testament to the MBA network, the Cornell Johnson community and The Consortium [network]. I plan on paying it forward and can hopefully recreate this situation for someone else with a similar background.” Betancourt is grateful for what he has been able to achieve thus far and excited to use his position to empower others to go after their dreams. “I’m going to use that as a platform to further promote the idea that it is 100 percent possible for anyone to get to this point,” he says. “You just have to be convinced that it’s in you, and I think being an example is the best demonstration of that.” The post Cornell MBA Jefferson Betancourt Is on a Mission to Show Disadvantaged Youth They Have it Within Themselves to Succeed appeared first on The Consortium. |
08 Apr 2021, 11:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: The Consortium Announces Addition of Columbia Business School at Columbia University as New Member School |
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The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, a national nonprofit organization focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in graduate business education and American business, is proud to announce the addition of the 21st university to its membership ranks: Columbia University’s Columbia Business School. The Consortium’s Board of Trustees approved the school’s membership on March 25, 2021, which will be effective beginning July 1, 2021. Established in 1916, this top-ranking New York-based institution is one of the oldest business schools in the world and one of six Ivy League business schools. The Consortium works with top-ranked MBA programs around the country to increase the ranks of underrepresented minorities in business education and corporate leadership and looks forward to working with Columbia to further advance this mission. “We are excited to welcome Columbia to our list of top-ranking member schools that are dedicated to advancing opportunities for underrepresented minorities in graduate business education and leadership,” said Consortium Executive Director & CEO Peter J. Aranda, III. “It is clear that Columbia Business School will be a passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic partner in furthering our mission. We look forward to working with Dean Costis Maglaras and his team.” “Business schools like Columbia have a number of essential responsibilities when it comes to enhancing and improving diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Costis Maglaras, Dean of Columbia Business School. “We must endeavor to diversify our own communities with the goal of building a student body reflective of what we want to see in the business world. We must teach students to recognize the value that diversity adds to business. And we must enhance their abilities to lead in a more inclusive and equitable manner. All of these efforts will be strengthened considerably through our partnership with The Consortium, and we are extremely proud and humbled to be a part of their efforts.” The post The Consortium Announces Addition of Columbia Business School at Columbia University as New Member School appeared first on The Consortium. |
15 Apr 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Aisha Hurston Is Proving That Anyone Can Earn an MBA, One Video at a Time |
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Coming from both a disadvantaged and nontraditional background, Aisha Hurston has made it her mission to show others that no matter your background or formal training, it’s possible to earn an MBA. In 2013, Hurston earned her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and is now pursuing her MBA, with a focus on corporate finance and investment banking, at The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business as a member of The Consortium’s class of 2022. Inspired to help other people from similar backgrounds pursue their dream of getting an MBA, she has been creating videos in which she shares her b-school experience. In these videos, which she posts on LinkedIn, Hurston provides insight and advice on the business school process and journey to show others that they, too, can do it — that there are people and resources to help. Each video, she notes, typically gets around 1,000 views. “I’ll have people who reach out to me asking about the process, asking all kinds of questions about my professional history and how to contact The Consortium,” says Hurston. We recently spoke with Hurston to learn more about her background and where her passion for helping others began. [b][/b][b]What sparked the idea for the video series, and what is the focus of your videos?[/b] [b][/b][b][/b]I just felt like it was important as a minority female who comes from an underprivileged background to share my process of deciding to get my MBA and the things I experienced along the way to applying. There is so much to say because I know the things my people have to overcome a lot in order to even apply to MBA programs, so I was really trying to hit those points. Now my videos are turning more into how to apply and then do well; I want to do something on “OK, you’ve gotten in, now what?” Those will be videos about networking and growing your network (even in remote environments), building your confidence as school progresses, resources you may need along the path and building your resource tool kit (time management, health management, mind management). [b]Going back a bit, where did you grow up? How did your experiences as a child influence the direction you decided to go in your career?[/b] I’m from the south side of Chicago. I grew up in a very impoverished neighborhood — which has now become a stellar neighborhood, thankfully, because it’s where the Obama Foundation is. A lot of work has been done in that area over the years, but when I was growing up, it was all poor people. However, we were a very close-knit community. My mother had me very young, so I grew up in a household with my mother, her younger siblings and my grandmother. So, I was very close to my aunts, uncles and my grandmother. I came from a very distressed background; there was a lot of violence around me — I endured a lot of abuse — but I was always told I was a brilliant child. I was always in gifted programs in school, and I learned to read at a very young age. The first thing I read was the newspaper; I hardly read kids’ books. I read the daily news, and so people would tell me how a part of my destiny and life was going to be focused on being an advocate and an example for my community. So when it came to what I wanted my career to be, I’ve always had a heart for justice and advancement. [b]What initially inspired you to pursue law and earn your JD?[/b] It’s not easy to say what initially inspired me because I never knew anything different. I always knew, as far back as I can remember, that I was going to go to law school. Every bit of injustice that I see, even small things that we walk past every day — human trafficking, poverty, domestic violence, all of those things — keep that fire burning within me. So when I went to law school, that was my initial intent: I have to do something about injustice. I just can’t survive in a world where I’m not doing something about it. [b]What led you to go beyond law to pursue business?[/b] After I went to law school, I did contract and advocacy work with the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, but a part of me was not fulfilled because I wasn’t pursuing the business side of me. I wanted to be able to strategize with companies and people to promote growth. I was once in a negotiation and realized I couldn’t understand some of the finance they were talking about. It was then that it became very clear to me that I wanted to get an MBA and what area I wanted to focus on. I just needed to make sure I had the resources. I ended up coming to Wisconsin School of Business, majoring in corporate finance, and now I have an even clearer vision of how to marry the two — business and law. Yes, I’m going into corporate America, but I’m also going to bring everything that my legal background has afforded me in order to enhance everything I’ll do in business. [b]So were you automatically drawn to The Consortium’s mission?[/b] [b][/b][b][/b]Absolutely, because The Consortium affords so much opportunity for people who [may not otherwise have access to such opportunity]. When I considered my life’s story — knowing my vision and being willing to put in the work to make it happen — there was still a gap in terms of having access to what I need in order to make these things manifest themselves, and The Consortium bridged that gap. I didn’t know how important The Consortium was until I became involved. When I became connected with the organization through the University of Wisconsin, I was opened to a world of opportunity and support. I am still amazed at what The Consortium offers. Being a part of the organization has also helped me generate a network of my classmates and peers. They have been a lifeline for me by helping me survive and thrive in my MBA program. The Consortium opens the door for those who don’t even know how to find it. [b]How does The Consortium align with your own goals?[/b][b] [/b] We have the same goals: the advancement and inclusion of diverse people in every aspect of business. That’s the goal I have in my own life. I want people around me — those who come from where I come from — to advance, and I want their voices to be heard and included in the decisions that are made for and around them. [b]How do you hope to help advance the organization’s mission through your work?[/b] I don’t limit The Consortium’s mission to just my work. Because it aligns with my goals, I embrace it in every aspect of my life. Inevitably, my actions will prove The Consortium’s mission to be both necessary and possible. I want to be a great example of a Black woman in business, one who has integrity, one whose voice is worth the investment The Consortium has made in my life, and one who doesn’t negate or forget where she came from, because that will motivate me to help others get to where I am and beyond. There are women who want to do what I’m doing but have no clue how to get here; all they see is their past or present. But if they can see me or somebody like me, or the people who are coming through The Consortium, they can see that their goals are possible. So, the main reason why I started doing my LinkedIn videos is because of The Consortium. I want people to see that there are people like them who are doing what they want to do. I’m an example, and that’s how I keep the mission going. [b]How do you feel like Wisconsin, specifically, is helping you on the path toward achieving your goals?[/b] [b][/b]Wisconsin is invested. Everyone I’ve come across at Wisconsin, from before I even applied to today, has been invested in my academic and professional success, so I’m able to perform well. But also, they hear what we — “we” being Consortium fellows, who make up the majority of minorities in the MBA program — have to say and support us by implementing our ideas for furthering the mission of The Consortium at Wisconsin. I appreciate Wisconsin for being so accepting of us and for including us. I don’t feel tolerated here, I feel valued. [b]With regard to your video series, what do you hope that others gain or learn from your experience and insight?[/b] I want to expose more people to The Consortium, because more people need to know about its existence. I want to make sure that people like me have an example they can see — that I’m doing what I want, but there is hard work involved. I don’t want people to see through rose-colored glasses; I want them to get real insight into what an MBA program demands, and I want to expose them to the business world. I want to expose some of the truths and happenings that I’ve seen taking place in these circles so that people can be aware of what’s happening around them and become more educated in the decisions that are being made [that affect] their lives, and then participate. [b]What has your MBA experience been like thus far, and what have you learned?[/b] The MBA is hard. It’s a lot of juggling and a lot of thinking, and it’s fast paced. I’ve learned so much. The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the value of your network. Networking will help you navigate hard times. Your network can give you answers, it provides you support, and it can give you hope. Those are all things you need in an MBA program. Your MBA program may be kicking your butt, but in the end, you’ll know so much that you’ll be able to apply. You need people to help you, to think through things with you, to just be there — and not all of my support comes from within the program. My mom, my sisters, even my kids don’t have a clue what I’m talking about, but they’re happy to listen. That is invaluable to being successful in my MBA program. [b]What is the best piece of advice you have for prospective MBAs?[/b] I would say, specifically for Consortium MBAs, don’t be afraid. Just because you feel fear doesn’t mean you have to embrace it. An MBA program can seem really scary and impossible to some people, but you can do it. There are people and resources that can help you get through it. I’m one of them — and I’m an example that you should follow your path and get an MBA. The post Aisha Hurston Is Proving That Anyone Can Earn an MBA, One Video at a Time appeared first on The Consortium. |
22 Apr 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Turning Disadvantage Into Advantage: How Tuck MBA Oscar Pearson Faced Adversity and Came Out Stronger |
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Raised in Salinas, Calif., by a single mother of five — a Guatemalan immigrant — who struggled to make ends meet, Oscar Pearson has learned through experience the power of perseverance. “She raised us all without a high school diploma on a $17,000 salary that she still makes today,” Pearson says. “We were on welfare and food stamps and lived in government-assisted housing for most of my childhood.” With a desire to build a better life for himself and his family, Pearson attended college at the University of California, Santa Barbara and, until recently, pursued a career in software sales, working at companies including Oracle and Fastly. But, with a penchant for advancement, he made the decision in 2019 to pursue his MBA. Now a member of The Consortium at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, Pearson has found his calling in product marketing. Following the completion of an internship with Instagram last summer, he accepted a full-time offer to join the organization following his graduation this May. Pearson recently shared with us how his experience growing up shaped his outlook on life and how he hopes to serve as an example for people growing up in similar circumstances. [b]How has your childhood influenced your perspective on life and your career?[/b] Going through what I went through growing up and being able to make it through, I think that everything else in my life has been easy relative to that. And, in a weird way, I’m thankful for growing up in that environment, because I adopted this scrappiness and drive where I looked around and said, “I don’t want the things that my mom has sacrificed to provide for me to be for nothing.” That motivated me a lot growing up, and it continues to motivate me today. I think now my perspective has shifted a bit. When I was younger, it was more about wanting to make the best of the situation I had and using my disadvantage to my advantage. I wasn’t given the resources or guidance that some other people have; the only thing I could do was work harder. If I was ever going to come up short in life it was never going to be because of a lack of effort. But, over time, it’s become less about me furthering myself and more about me being able to serve as a role model for people like me. I’m sure there are young people all over the country, all over the world, who are growing up in very similar circumstances to what I grew up in. I know that sometimes, being in that position, you feel hopeless, you feel like there’s no path for you and that no one can really relate to your plight. So, if at least one person who grew up the way that I did can see the things that I’ve done and hear my story and say, “Well, if this person was able to go through this and come out successful, then I can, too,” then that’s huge for me. [b]Specifically, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?[/b][b] [/b][b] [/b]Educationally, I had no clue what I was doing. For people in my high school, the reality is that college in Salinas, especially in East Salinas, is not something that’s valued by many. Gaining more clarity around what the process is like was a huge challenge for me. There’s other stuff, too, on a more personal level — not being able to afford certain resources, no tutoring, no academic assistance, nothing like that. With my early career, it was the same thing. Nobody in my family had ever worked in a white collar job or in a sales role. I’ve had to figure things out on my own. But all I can do is bust my tail and do the best that I can. [b]When and how did you decide what you wanted out of life, both personally and professionally? Was there a moment in which you realized or was it a culmination?[/b] I think the most private moment I’ve had where I felt a sense of who I was meant to be in the world was when I was back home in Salinas and my UC Santa Barbara diploma came in the mail. I’d just graduated, so I was back home for the summer, and nobody was home except for me. Seeing that gave me this rush of emotions because of everything that had happened before and what I had to battle through to get to that point. I think it was in that moment that I realized, “OK, I’ve come so far, and now I want to keep going further.” I think the professional part has been more of an odyssey. Personally, I think it’s been a combination of things that’s included having the right mentors. My oldest brother, who’s eight years older than me, has kind of served as a father figure, and I’ve had sports coaches, teachers and other people in my life who’ve helped me realize that I have the potential to go as far as I want in life and helped me [find] my inner strength. There’s another person, the father of one of my track teammates, who was an African American male and was working in tech in the Bay Area. There was nobody even in my peripheral network who was an African American male who was in that position. So I asked my teammate if I could connect with his father, and he’s continued to be a good advisor to me. [b]What are your career goals, and what role do you see your MBA playing in that?[/b] I reached this fork in the road where I could either continue down the sales path or pivot to something else. I realized I didn’t want to be in sales forever, so I decided to apply to an MBA program to be able to pivot into something that I was more passionate about, as well as to develop myself as a person. As far as my career goals, I think that once I was able to go to The Consortium’s Orientation Program & Career Forum (OP) and talk to recruiters and go through the whole interview process, I understood that product marketing would be a good use of my skills. That’s not necessarily the end goal; I think what I really want to do is become either an executive or a subject matter expert on branding. I never thought I’d say that, but as I’ve gone through the process and worked as a product marketing manager, that’s something I really want to do. [b]Was there something in particular that sparked your decision to get an MBA? What role did The Consortium play in your decision?[/b] I didn’t know what MBA programs were until some of my friends at Oracle were talking about how they were thinking about applying. Then, when I got to Fastly, the chief operating officer was a Kellogg graduate. I got to know him a little bit more and talked to him about the value of an MBA, and I became really interested in doing it — but, it was so intimidating. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more unsure of myself than when I began looking at MBA programs, because you look at average GMAT scores, and these people just seem so polished — and there were so many aspects to the application process. I just felt so behind. Luckily, one day while at the gym, I noticed a woman with a UC Berkeley Haas water bottle. I asked if she had gotten her MBA there, to which she said yes. After telling her that I was looking to do the same, she recommended I consider applying through The Consortium. What really set things in stone is when I went to The Consortium MAPS event in San Francisco. The fact that they had alums from each of the member schools talk about how The Consortium helped them, being able to meet the admissions officers, being able to meet other applicants who were also nervous, was just so comforting. I understood so much more about the application process after that MAPS event. Then I looked at this table and it said Dartmouth Tuck, and there was Tuck’s admissions director, Amy Mitson. I went over and spoke to her and loved the connection we had — and now I’m here at Tuck. [b]How has your experience at Tuck been transformative?[/b] There’s no Consortium member school that seemed more out of my element than the Tuck School at Dartmouth. I came here because I understood that to grow you have to push yourself to the edge — you have to be uncomfortable to grow. I really wanted to chase that growth opportunity knowing that it was going to be hard. Tuck’s literally as far away from California as you could possibly get. The weather’s different, the demographics are a little bit different, but I wanted that experience. It hasn’t been a total cakewalk, but I think I’ve grown in so many ways in the short amount of time that I’ve been here because I am so out of my element. Working collaboratively with people who are from entirely different backgrounds than myself and understanding how to work with them is going to serve me so well in the future. I think there’s an aversion sometimes from people who are interested in coming to Tuck that “There’s not a lot of people like me in New Hampshire or Hanover, or at Dartmouth.” It’s going to be that way sometimes. So, I want to be able to develop my ability to navigate those environments. [b]You connected with Facebook at the OP, which is how you landed your 2020 summer internship with Instagram. Had Facebook been a company you were interested in working at? What was your experience like there?[/b] Facebook was not one of the companies that was initially on my list, but out of curiosity, I went to their company presentation and was blown away. Everybody was so nice, relaxed and fun, so I went to their booth the next day and spoke to them a little more. I interviewed with them, and it was amazing. They flew me out to Menlo Park, and I got to visit the campus there and speak to more people. It was incredible. One of my interviewers, Jon, was actually a product marketing manager at Instagram, and I just hit it off with him. They offered me the opportunity to join Instagram, and I immediately said yes. Fast forward to the internship; it was remote. It was challenging because I had never done product marketing, and I’d never worked remotely before. But it was fun because it was something that I actually really care about. I ended up receiving a return offer, which was incredibly rewarding because of how far I’d come in just a couple of months. I was able to get an in-hand paper offer, and I accepted it without really even considering applying anywhere else. [b]How do you hope to help others or to give back to those who have also faced challenging circumstances?[/b] One thing I want to do and that I think you have to do is go back to the community that you came from. I think there’s this vicious cycle where people who are able to make it out of some less-than-great neighborhoods and environments leave and don’t return. So, there are lessons that are lost there. I want to be able to reciprocate that by at least visiting Salinas. I want to start a scholarship fund at my old high school, if I can — something small for a handful of students. I want to have a presence there and not be someone who left and turned his back on his community. [b]What advice do you have for people who come from a similar background as you or have faced similar challenges?[/b] I think it’s important to understand that there’s an advantage to their disadvantage. Things [may be] hard; there are going to be challenges you’re going to have to overcome at a young age, and you’re going to feel like it’s not fair and that you don’t really have much chance of success. But what I would like younger people in that situation to think about is that the challenges they’re overcoming now are going to serve them so much in the future, because they’re going to have that mental strength, that moxie, that scrappiness and that resourcefulness to be able to address problems that happen later in life. There are times you’re going to fall, but it’s about picking yourself up and continuing to move forward. The post Turning Disadvantage Into Advantage: How Tuck MBA Oscar Pearson Faced Adversity and Came Out Stronger appeared first on The Consortium. |
29 Apr 2021, 09:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Colleen McMullen, Alex Lawrence & Élida M. Bautista |
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The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management prides itself on being made up of a diverse range of professionals from across the graduate business education and corporate landscapes. Our Board of Trustees is no exception, with representatives from each of our 20 member schools as well as alumni and leaders from some of our corporate partner companies. Through this monthly series, we encourage you to go behind the scenes with us to get to know members of our Board of Trustees, beyond just their professional titles, as they respond to a series of fun, thought-provoking questions. This month, get to know Tepper School of Business’ Colleen McMullen, UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Alex Lawrence and UC Berkeley Haas School of Business’ Élida M. Bautista. [b]Colleen McMullen[/b] [b]Executive Director, Community and Inclusion, Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business[/b] [b]What is your favorite quote, and why?[/b][b] [/b][b] [/b]I have two — one professional and one personal. My favorite professional quote is: “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” —Peter Drucker Why? I believe the culture of an organization is the foundation for which the successful outcomes and strategy of the organization rests. A strong culture activates successful strategies. Culture and strategy nurture one another. My favorite personal quote is: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” —Muhammad Ali Why? We grow, heal and learn from serving others. [b]When it comes to food, what is your guilty pleasure?[/b] I have an unhealthy obsession with Swedish Fish. I may need an intervention. [b]What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?[/b][b] [/b][b] [/b]It was more of an adventurous experience than something I’ve done. I, along with two colleagues, were temporarily “kidnapped” by a rouge taxi driver during a seemingly normal commute while attending a conference in West Africa. We were safely picked up and returned to the U.S. Embassy by a good samaritan after the taxi dumped us on the side of the road 20 miles outside of the city center. [b]What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?[/b] Hands down, connecting with and supporting prospective and current students and alumni. [b]If you found a magic lamp with a genie inside and could be granted three wishes, what would they be?[/b] [list] [*]The cure for cancer (cancer sucks)[/*] [*]The end of systemic racism and white supremacy[/*] [*]Three more wishes [/*] [/list] [b]Alex Lawrence[/b] [b]Dean and Director, MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, UCLA Anderson School of Management [/b] [b]How do you start your day every morning?[/b] I start the day early in the morning (5 a.m.) with a 3-mile hike around my surrounding neighborhood, followed by a 60 meter Peloton spin class (6 a.m.) and finally a healthy breakfast (7:30 a.m.) that always includes fruit and a good cup of coffee. It’s a great way to prepare for a full day of activity in MBA admissions. [b]What is your favorite quote, and why?[/b] “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. When I first learned of this quote many years ago at a younger age, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to me, or could mean to me in the future. I did understand, to some degree, what the history books told us about race relations in the U.S. Even then, I had personal experiences with relatives, close friends and other people that shaped my outlook on how people should be treated. As I have grown older — especially most recently — this quote has resonated even more. Today, when we talk about the importance of effective leadership, the true leaders are those who voice an opinion no matter the personal risk. Those people show integrity, inspire others and are willing to help build an identity and a sense of aspiration. I learned that using your voice in the face of adversity is not easy but that we should all try to do so. Given the different “hats” that I wear on a daily basis at work, at home and in the community, I know many people look to me for some form of leadership. While perfection is not attainable, I try to be the best person I can possibly be every single day. [b]What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?[/b] The best part of my work is the “magic” I witness, starting in high school. I have a chance to provide guidance to young people who may not know about different careers in the business world — management consulting, finance or perhaps owning your own business. I help individuals think about college opportunities that sometimes go beyond the borders of California. I watch as they graduate from top colleges and eventually explore opportunities to figure out what they want to do in life. Sometimes that “magic” leads people to exploring a graduate management education degree, like an MBA. Again, I can lend some advice, but individuals [ultimately] make their own decisions [when it comes] to applying to the right program, getting admitted and graduating from top institutions that lead to a whole new set of adventures. Given my time in higher education, I have witnessed the “magic” time and time again. It may seem like a long journey — but that is my “favorite thing about the work that I do.” [b]Élida M. Bautista[/b] [b]Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Interim, University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business [/b] [b]What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?[/b][b] [/b] My favorite thing is working with our amazing students. But [I also love] witnessing the transformation of students, alumni and colleagues as they internalize the learnings of racial equity and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) work, as well as getting to witness their integration of DEI considerations into how they approach their role and work. [b]If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your time?[/b] If I didn’t have to work, and had the means, I would spend some of my leisure time visiting art museums in other cities, hosting a free-form radio show and working with large cat rescue/conservation organizations (cheetahs, lions, jaguars, servals, etc.). [b]What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?[/b] I was volunteering in a lion conservation program in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. On our weekend off, my roommate suggested we go to the Zambia side for a day tour. I happened to have Zambian cash that a friend gifted me prior to my trip, so I agreed to join her. I had no idea what we were signing up for. We initially were just taking photos as the tour guide pointed out facts. But we soon found ourselves swimming across the top of the Zambezi river and cannon-balling into “Devil’s Pool,” a naturally formed rock swimming pool on a ledge at the top of Victoria Falls. From one side of the pool, the rocks didn’t go high enough, so you could feel the pull of the massive waterfall, which felt like you were going to get dragged down. Once you sat on the very edge, it somehow felt stable. I still look at those pictures and shake my head [in disbelief] that I did that. My other favorite adventurous thing that I’ve done was fishing for piranhas to feed the cayman in Brazil’s Pantanal region. The post Behind the Scenes with the Board of Trustees: Get to Know Colleen McMullen, Alex Lawrence & Élida M. Bautista appeared first on The Consortium. |
06 May 2021, 08:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Through Education, Jesse Meza Found Direction in Life — Now He’s Helping Others Find Their Way |
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Jesse Meza may not have had the same opportunities as other kids growing up, but he’s never let that stop him from going after what he wants. Raised by a single mother on Houston’s north side, in a neighborhood riddled by poverty, crime and drug addiction, Meza found it difficult to stay out of trouble. Basketball, he thought, provided a way out. But, following an injury, Meza realized that if he wanted to escape his circumstances, he would have to redirect his efforts. In education, he found hope. https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_4994-e1620312104446-150x150.jpg By refocusing his time and energy, Meza was able to gain admission to The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), where he studied advertising, and ended up becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. After working in the advertising industry in New York City for several years, he decided to change directions. Meza is now pursuing his MBA as a Consortium fellow at UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he remains heavily involved on campus, serving as the Anderson Student Association’s (MBA student government) vice president of EDI for the class of 2022 and co-president of The Alliance of LatinX Management Association. Meza recently shared with us how his experiences growing up instilled in him a passion for improving access to education for other disadvantaged youth, how he’s working to provide those opportunities through his nonprofit, and where he hopes to go next in his career. [b]What was your childhood like, and how did it affect your perspective on life and its trajectory?[/b] When I think about my youth, I think about poverty and the effect it had on me. It often felt as though I was there because I was supposed to be there, but I eventually came to understand that not all poverty is self-induced; it’s also a result of the capitalistic system we live in. There’s a reason why poor people stay poor. That realization instilled in me a lot of empathy toward others who are disadvantaged in our society. It definitely wasn’t the prettiest childhood. There were a lot of hardships. I remember during the winters, my mom and I would cover the windows in cardboard. I thought of it as a fun winter activity, but the reason we did that was because we didn’t have heat. Growing up, I didn’t really think about education. I didn’t think about where I was going to go with my life for a long time. I just fell into what I saw around me, which was selling or using drugs because that was the norm. When I was 17 years old, I fell for a sting operation set up by the Houston Police Department and was charged with burglary of a vehicle. It sucked, but it was the biggest blessing and catalyst I could’ve hoped for. When I went to jail, a switch flipped in my mind. I realized I didn’t have a lot of people to ask for help and that the only real way that I could see to get out of my zip code was through education. So, when I did go back to school, my senior year of high school, I focused as much as I could on my education. I was working full time at Taco Bell during my last year in school and trying to manage probation. I started to go down the college route. I wrote my application essay for UT one day when I was working the drive thru at Taco Bell — and I was blessed enough to be admitted. [b]Being a first-generation American, as well as a first-generation high school and college student, growing up in the neighborhood that you did, what challenges did you face — particularly with regard to education? How did you overcome those?[/b] My first challenge was the language barrier because I didn’t understand English well enough to learn until I was 10 or 11. I was in ESL classes until I was in the fifth grade. I didn’t grasp certain terms, and I ended up having a pretty bad stutter. I couldn’t say certain words in either language, so the school ended up classifying me as special ed and put me in separate classes. There were so many things going on and I didn’t feel like any of them were explained to me. It made it hard to focus or find interest. I didn’t overcome my language barrier or ability to focus in class until I reached middle school. That really came from getting more comfortable with the things we were reading and talking about. My friend groups also changed throughout those middle school years. My mom put me in gifted classes, and the students I was surrounded by were actually talking about school versus skipping it. It made it a lot more interesting to me, and I think I learned a lot more from them than I did from my teachers. [b]When did you start to notice or develop an interest in advertising?[/b] I originally had an interest in finance and building companies. When I got to UT Austin, I was majoring in finance, but I realized that being in finance meant that you had a very strict code with regard to the way people interact with one another, so I decided to pursue advertising instead. I just felt like it fit my personality a lot better. I felt like I could express myself a lot more but still continue to have an interest in how to build a business, brand or product. [b]So what inspired you to shift course and pursue your MBA?[/b] Well, to take a step back, when I was in high school, it was really hard to get a job, especially when I ended up on probation. They wouldn’t even consider me to be a grocer at Kroger. But once I got my high school diploma, that changed. There was this whole other level of opportunities. And once I got accepted to UT, I felt like there was no way I could ever stop at just one degree. Why would I limit myself to one degree when the doors of opportunity had just opened for me and, therefore, my family? After about five years in the ad industry, it was time. I always knew it was just a matter of time, but I finally felt like I hit a certain threshold in my advertising career where I felt I would be better served doing something else. I wasn’t doing bad in advertising; it was just no longer as fulfilling. I feel like that just comes with reaching middle management, from being limited by how people are willing to put brands out there. Especially prior to last year, prior to Black Lives Matter and George Floyd, there was a lot of fear around equity and diversity; I really wanted to be a part of that change, but I couldn’t do that in the ad industry. I wanted to get my MBA so that I could move into a different sector in a different industry and be able to actually use my voice to create positive change. [b]What are your career aspirations, and how do you think an MBA will help you get where you want to be?[/b] CPG brand management — and my MBA has already helped me to get there. These two years of investing in the MBA have built up my network to move into my second and third job post-MBA, because I know wherever I go to work in brand management won’t be my last job. I am so happy to be here because I can already see my goals coming to fruition. I’ve actually accepted a brand management internship at Procter & Gamble for the summer. [b]What has your experience been like thus far in your MBA program, and what are you looking forward to?[/b] There are a few things I’m really looking forward to. I think the first one is getting to know a lot of the people in my class. There are some really cool people, and I’m looking forward to building more friendships. The second thing is there are just so many cool classes. I want to take some undergraduate courses and possibly some policy and real estate courses. I love learning, and I think those topics are all applicable in different ways. The last thing that I’m really looking forward to, because I’ve spent a lot of time on it while I’ve been here, is building out more diversity, more pipeline programs. One of my goals in life — wherever I am and whatever I’m doing — is to build more equitable spaces for people. I love building programs like the one that’s coming to fruition on May 14, Dialogue on Equity by Anderson. [b]When did your interest in and focus on diversity and inclusion begin, and why is it so important to you?[/b] My interest began as soon as I felt I had a voice to empower others. I started mentoring others as soon as I could while at UT Austin, and during my first year there, I visited my high school twice to speak to students about the college experience. I feel like there are a lot of people who aren’t always given the resources or opportunities to be able to create the lives they want, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have the potential. They just need a guide and some coaching, and they could do so many cool things. I want to do that as much as I can for as many people as I can, regardless of my line of work. [b]You have already been helping young people from similar backgrounds as you through your nonprofit. So, what led you to create the organization and what does it do?[/b] I started a nonprofit to support the students in my high school because I feel like they’re very underserved in that district — and sometimes by the high school itself. I realized there were not a lot of people at UT who looked like me, and there were definitely not a lot of people who look like me who are comfortable making some of the decisions that I’m making. Once I felt I had enough experience, I started putting together a plan to create a nonprofit. A few friends and I put together a board, and we give out scholarships and provide internships once a year. That’s the goal for the time being. I want to see it continue to grow and to provide more opportunities to some of these students who very often haven’t been exposed to much outside of that high school zip code. [b]Ultimately, how do you hope to make an impact?[/b] The lack of opportunity and resources to get into business school isn’t just a challenge when we apply to business schools; it’s a challenge many of us face our entire lives as we enter different rooms, as we enter middle management, as we advance in our careers. I think those of us who have had marginalized life experiences have a lot more power than what we’re told we have, and I would love to empower others to be the difference they want to see. The post Through Education, Jesse Meza Found Direction in Life — Now He’s Helping Others Find Their Way appeared first on The Consortium. |
13 May 2021, 08:00
| FROM The Consortium Admissions Blog: Military Service Inspired Matthew Archuleta’s Dreams of Providing a Home for Veterans, Using His MBA as a Tool |
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For Matthew Archuleta, the experience of growing up outside of Los Angeles and serving in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Green Beret, although quite different from one another, pulled him in a singular direction — toward helping veterans find a home. “I grew up in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the national homeless crisis, where I saw the American dream fade for countless veterans,” he says. “I made a promise to bring my soldiers home from combat and want to help ensure all veterans finally get a home.” https://cgsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Matthew-18-e1620842163799-150x150.jpg Believing that a career in real estate development is the first step to being able to make a difference, Archuleta is now earning his MBA at Yale School of Management as a member of The Consortium’s class of 2022. He recently shared with us how his family inspired his military career, how his military service instilled in him the value of diversity and how he believes his MBA will help him have a greater impact on veterans’ lives.[b] [/b][b] [/b][b]What instilled in you the desire to join the military and to ultimately help fellow veterans?[/b] My father was the commissioner of military and veterans’ affairs for the county of Los Angeles. He was a veteran himself from the ’60s, in the 82nd Airborne Division in the Army. I grew up watching veterans call him any time of the day or night and stop him on the street. Veterans don’t usually call to say good things about their situation — there’s always some problem they need help fixing — and my dad always worked to find a solution. That really instilled in me this desire to see what I can do for people and to realize that no problem is too big or too complex to solve. He did that while he was a real estate agent. So, I also got to see, on the other side of that, him finding homes for happy families. Sometimes those two things met, where he was able to help veterans get housing. Seeing that growing up ended up being more impactful than I realized at the time. [b]Tell me about your journey to the Army. What was that like?[/b] I watched my brother go off to West Point before me, and then, when the time came for me, I was able to follow in his footsteps. I was commissioned as an infantry officer in 2010 when I graduated, and I served in the 82nd Airborne like my father did, deployed to Afghanistan, saw combat, came back and tried out for a unique position where I got the opportunity to essentially do the same role I did in the 82nd in Afghanistan – where I was leading 36 infantry soldiers — but this time it was as a peacekeeper in Kosovo, which gave me an interesting view of that leadership role in both wartime and peace. After that, I tried out for Special Forces because I realized I really liked working with foreign partners, and I believed that was the best way to accomplish our national objectives, our national interests, and really support those who needed it most. I was selected and trained and spent a majority of my time serving in West Africa and, most recently, deployed to the Middle East. I actually left the deployment to see my son be born in October of 2019. Then I decided it was time to hang up the uniform. [b]So what compelled you to follow in your father’s and brother’s footsteps?[/b] I think it ultimately came down to wanting to be a leader. I did a lot of self-reflection and noticed leadership was a role I tried to step into any chance I got. Whether it was being the president of the student body in high school, or even among my peers and friends, I just enjoyed leading, and I knew that this was a way I could do that. And, certainly, I saw the incredible impact the military had in my father’s life. It’s something he credits a lot of his success to, getting him out of some bad neighborhoods growing up and giving him focus and direction. [b]How do you think your childhood and where you grew up shaped your perspective on life as well as your career goals?[/b] First and foremost, growing up in Southern California, I was in a majority-minority neighborhood. So, at West Point, that was my first wake-up call. I was one of 64 graduates in my class of 2010 who was Hispanic or Latino, so it was a huge culture shock to go there and see that everybody’s different. It was through my experience in the Army where I learned that the more diverse perspectives you can bring together, the better and stronger the ideas you’ll be able to come up with — especially in the military, where you have to be able to think and act quickly. Without diversity of thought, you’re never going to come up with innovative solutions to get out of a problem safely. It was that perspective that made me realize how incredibly important it was to foster that type of environment. For that reason, I ran for and was elected as the vice president for my West Point class. It is important to ensure diverse voices are in every conversation. [b]Did your experience at West Point and as a Green Beret help further shape your perspective?[/b][b] [/b][b] [/b]Yes. West Point strips you of your individuality when you show up; that’s the whole purpose of any service or any service academy. They don’t want you to be concerned with yourself. You’re concerned with the team, and you’re concerned with the person to your left and to your right. It’s why the Army is actually, a lot of times, the leader in diversity when it comes to forcing social change, because you build that comradery and that respect with each other, because you’re being forced to solve a complex problem for your own good and forcing people into a room to figure it out. By doing that for a common goal, a lot of times, it brings people together. Having that experience was incredibly impactful because it made me reflect on myself, my values and on becoming more of a team player. West Point really prepares you to be a leader, to be present, to speak well, to respond effectively. That environment is a struggle initially as you’re learning and growing, but it was an incredible opportunity to make lifelong friends. The more I challenged myself, the more challenges I won and the more I failed — which happened all the time — the more I learned to pick myself up and to get it right the next time. [b]Was there a point at which you decided to focus your career on helping veterans? How did you decide that business real estate was the right path?[/b] I would say after that first deployment to Afghanistan; one of my soldiers was killed on that deployment. After I left, I stayed in touch with a lot of those soldiers. But then I heard about one of them developing an addiction problem. Unfortunately that soldier ended up dying a few years ago. I don’t know if something from that deployment stayed with him, but I started thinking about that: the incredible burden that these young men and women take on and then come back home. How do you talk about it? How do you describe it? How do people understand? Do they care? They may not recognize you. And if veterans can’t cope well, they have a list of problems — and then it’s a spiral. They find themselves in hard times. It’s not just about getting them under a roof. It’s about getting them under a roof and then providing them the benefits they deserve from the VA, from local organizations. I see them as one of my soldiers and that makes it personal for me. I want to do whatever I can for them. In fact, I’ve started volunteering here in Connecticut for a fantastic organization called the Columbus House. They are specifically helping homeless veterans, putting them in hotels around New Haven County. That’s extremely important to me, bringing it full circle, seeing what my dad was doing growing up, seeing the effect that he could have just by listening and providing a little bit of compassion. That can really make a difference in somebody’s life. Seeing all of those things come together, I realized it’s what I want to do. [b]How do you hope to help homeless veterans specifically?[/b] I’d love to start a nonprofit someday and really provide that holistic support to homeless veterans. I realized that a focus on finance might be the best way to do that. So I’m looking right now at different finance options, whether that’s investment management, investment banking with a real estate focus — or if that means getting into real estate development. [b]How do you believe your MBA will help you make that a reality? How is Yale helping you get there?[/b] First and foremost, I would say the MBA provides me financial acumen. Having the leadership background is incredibly helpful, but being able to transition that from a military setting to a business setting, I needed that business, that financial background to be able to make that happen — and that’s what Yale School of Management is able to provide me. Yale is incredibly helpful. In the population that matriculated at Yale, I sense the desire to be a leader in business and society. It’s incredibly enriching and frankly very humbling to be surrounded by so many incredible people. Seeing the innovative ways that people want to better the lives of people around them is an inspiration. [b]When you learned of The Consortium, did you feel like your goals aligned with its mission?[/b] Absolutely — and I think about graduates from West Point, me being in a class of a thousand with roughly 64 Latinx cadets. We need to do better, and we need to be a mentor to everyone behind us who wants to do better. We need to be the people who encourage them to do it, because diversity is a strength. It’s our job to help everybody get where we are — and, frankly, surpass us. Especially now that I have a son who’s almost 2 years old, I want him to do everything he wants to do, to never get into a situation where he doesn’t feel comfortable or where he’s looked at differently. He needs all the same opportunities. [b]Do you have any advice for veterans who may be considering pursuing an MBA?[/b] Start early, really focus on the culture of the organization, reach out to the veterans’ networks, get help with your resume, make sure somebody reads your essays, never be afraid to ask for help. Your experiences are very much appreciated in the classroom. The worst any school could ever tell you is ‘no.’ The post Military Service Inspired Matthew Archuleta’s Dreams of Providing a Home for Veterans, Using His MBA as a Tool appeared first on The Consortium. |
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 Wednesday, Apr 24, 2024 11:30am NY / 3:30pm London / 9pm Mumbai Watch earlier episodes of DI series below EP1: 6 Hardest Two-Part Analysis Questions EP2: 5 Hardest Graphical Interpretation Questions
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