Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I am originally from Medina, Ohio, a suburb close to Cleveland. I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Dayton and fell in love. I was extremely involved in my undergraduate years as an RA, a sorority sister and a part of many student-run organizations. I was lucky enough to be chosen by the University of Dayton to come here again for my master’s for free and to teach, guide and program for international and domestic students here on campus.

What has been your experience collaborating with classmates in an online environment?

I actually love being able to collaborate with classmates online. It has given me an opportunity to meet and learn from a wide variety of people. People further in their career, just starting their career, starting their own business, changing their professional directions. This is the best way to learn, grow and network as a business professional.

How has what you’ve learned in the program impacted the work you are currently doing? How will it prepare you to be a leader in your industry?

I currently work in the education field, and my studies here have truly impacted the work I do. I am bringing new ideas in project management, operational strategies, marketing approaches, advertising techniques and statistical analysis to my department. We are focused on international education and have never used these ideas before, but now we can see the benefits of pursuing them. My goal is to continue working in analytical business strategies and global communication. I believe this program has given me the knowledge and the voice to change the way that companies are thinking and help them advance in this constantly changing technological world.

How has MBA@Dayton’s focus on servant leadership influenced the way you approach business?

Servant leadership has always been a big part of my life, and it has become my main leadership style. I work for others, to see the smiles on my students’ faces, to bring people together, and am willing to put in effort to put my co-workers at ease. There is so much more to this world than our individual goals, and this program proves that.

What advice do you have for others considering this degree?

My advice is do it! It will take time, effort and patience, but you will grow as a business professional and as a human being. This program has helped me mature and allowed me to see that my goals were never that far out of reach.

What was it like meeting and connecting with your classmates in person at your first immersion?

It was wonderful to finally meet my classmates in person and put a pixelated video to a hand you can shake. It was fun to be in a room with people who have similar interests, goals and passions in life. I loved hearing about their families, their husbands and wives, their children, their current jobs, their dream jobs, their thoughts on Dayton — all of it made me feel like I truly was a Dayton Flyer.