Chidinma Chikwe ’25 MBA aspires to be a business leader who not only drives profit but also prioritizes both the employees who power her company and the customers who trust her products.

“Coming into the business world, I observed that people who have always focused on data sometimes overlook the human perspective. I want to be the person who can bridge that gap, to say, ‘OK, the data looks good, but how about the people that this data represents?’”

Chikwe, a second-year MBA student from Nigeria, came to the Whitman School after earning a bachelor’s degree in international studies and diplomacy and a master’s degree in cultural studies, as well as several years working with international global advocacy and human rights organizations in Africa and Europe. 

“My nontraditional business school background makes me stand out,” says Chikwe, who has gotten involved with Whitman Women in Business and the National Black MBA Association. “Having a multidisciplinary background that spans both the humanities and social sciences, and working in the nonprofit sector, I see things differently.”

Chikwe believes that’s a positive. She spent the summer as a product marketing intern at Microsoft in Seattle. “During my orientation, that was the first thing that my team said to me: ‘You bring such a unique perspective to the team. Do not hesitate to confidently share your thoughts and contribute your viewpoint,’” she says.

She chose to pursue a business degree because of her interest in technology. “I wanted to expand my horizons,” she says. “I have leadership and qualitative skills, and I was eager to enhance my quantitative abilities because I would like to be a well-rounded business leader.”

At Microsoft, Chikwe created messaging targeted at small- to medium-sized businesses for a new Microsoft product that reimagines the world of work. “It’s my first experience with corporate America and a huge shift from what I was doing previously, but I loved it. Being involved with cross-functional collaboration with engineering and product was something I really enjoyed,” she says.

Chikwe, who chose the Whitman School on the recommendation of a friend, says the experience has exceeded her expectations. “I have felt so supported by faculty and staff and even my fellow students. I think the culture just rubs off such that everyone is looking to assist or direct you when they don’t know the answer,” she says. “It’s been a great year, and I’m looking forward to what the next year brings."

By Renee Gearhart Levy