Meet UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2025

“UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students and alumni are incredibly impressive, inspiring and accessible,” says Hailey Innocent, an interior designer from Florida who was drawn to the school’s holistic approach to real estate programming and opportunities to connect with the industry through the Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate, as well as participate in the Real Estate Fund, case competitions and career treks in her search for an MBA. “The culture is rooted in community and support,” she told Poets & Quants for their “Meet UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2025” feature.

Indeed, from the moment aspiring MBA students begin the admissions process, interacting with the supportive network of UNC Kenan-Flagler staff, faculty and alumni, they are drawn into ‘The Carolina Way,’ a welcoming approach that has student success at the forefront.

“Even before submitting my application, the alumni I met were all very helpful in sharing their stories and their thoughts on how the school enables them to develop their leadership skills through the different centers, concentrations and clubs that UNC Kenan-Flagler has to offer,” notes Jose Velazquez, a Business Unit Finance Controller for Dell Technologies hailing from Caracas, Venezuela. “I’ve been impressed with how everyone is always looking to help each other, either inside of the classroom or outside of it.”

“The emphasis on leadership is crucial as it will equip me with the skills to navigate complex business environments and drive positive change.”

Maria Alejandra Jaramillo, a grade school bilingual teacher from Bogota, Columbia, shares Jose’s outlook, sharing that, “‘The Carolina Way’ is not just something people say, it’s something you feel when you’re around students, alumni, professors and staff at UNC Kenan-Flagler. It defines the way students engage with each other and the wider community. From day one, I always felt very welcome and valued. During the admissions process, I had great conversations with many students.”

One of Maria’s interactions—with the former president of the Latina American Business Association—resulted in her being invited to a Latinx celebration at UNC Kenan-Flagler, which was particularly meaningful for her. “I was celebrated as an immigrant woman of color and had the privilege of meeting other leaders of color. The experience truly solidified my decision to come to UNC Kenan-Flagler.”

Students are attracted to UNC for a curriculum that provides a global perspective. “The school’s commitment to fostering strong relationships and its emphasis on a diverse, collaborative environment were crucial factors in my decision,” states Eduardo Sola, a sales coordinator for Sociedad Nacional de Galapagos, C.A. SONGA’s U.S., Canadian and Hong Kong markets. “This community-driven approach ensures that I develop the cross-cultural skills necessary for success in the global business landscape. It aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations, making UNC Kenan-Flagler the clear choice for me.”

Students also point to the school’s support of the burgeoning growth in technology as a factor in their decision to enroll. “I was drawn to UNC Kenan-Flagler’s proactive approach toward integrating emerging technologies into their curriculum. During my search I was surprised to find that instead of shying away or restricting, the school embraces innovative technology, recognizing its potential to fundamentally reshape the business landscape,” says Coloradoan Ashley Travis, an Intelligence Operations Commander for the U.S. Air Force.

For Alex Bowman, a North Carolinian F/A-18 Fighter Pilot for the U.S. Navy, the ability to attend the innovative dual degree DDS/MBA collaborative programming offered by UNC Adams School of Dentistry and UNC Kenan-Flagler was a slam-dunk. “As a DDS candidate looking to expand my skills beyond clinical care and learn the finer points of operating a business, the opportunity to attend two top-tier institutions was an easy decision.”

Others pointed to the unique consultative STAR Program as a key factor in their choice. The STAR Program played a crucial role in my decision to choose UNC Kenan-Flagler,” notes Oyindamola Modupe Odewuyi, a team lead in Corporate Financial Strategy hailing from Nigeria. “Its appeal lies in the opportunity to make a broader impact by actively assisting business in real-time problem-solving during my academic journey. I view this as a significant stepping stone to replicate successful consulting models in my future career.”

The school’s focus on leadership has been a universal attraction for these representatives of the Class of 2025. Priyanka Gupta, an analyst for Kroll hailing from New Delhi, India, said, “I was drawn to UNC Kenan-Flagler’s robust leadership development program, which focuses on cultivating well-rounded, adaptable leaders. This emphasis on leadership is crucial as it will equip me with the skills to navigate complex business environments and drive positive change.”

It is this last comment that seems to sum up the entire group’s approach to their MBA education. These students see their coursework as a means towards strengthening their business skills—ultimately providing the knowledge and leadership capability to ascend in their career as well as make a positive impact globally. By pursuing a Full-Time MBA that delivers powerful ROI and a global outlook, the Class of 2025 is ready to achieve those goals.

Read the full Poets & Quants Article: Meet UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2025