It’s important to me to pay it forward to a school and a program that has been so important to my life and three generations of my family,...I had such a rich experience, and it gives me a lot of joy to stay connected and help students who are now in the program feel that same connection, too.

Accounting

I’m an entrepreneur, and I’m marketing myself as a brand... I appreciate that my Whitman professors always took me seriously and never wrote me off as just a girl who liked wearing pretty clothes. I’ve applied so much of what I learned at Whitman, like the benefits of forming an LLC, how to read marketing studies on consumer behavior and using analytics, to benefit my brand. All in all, I learned how to make a living doing what I love, and so much of that came from Whitman.

Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises

I’ve benefitted greatly from my role models, so if someone is sincere in seeking out my experience or advice, I will absolutely give them my time. Hopefully, that person will pay it forward, and we’ll continue to create a pattern and legacy that will impact the world.

Finance

My hope is that my pledge to the Whitman School will help other students have the ability to accomplish similar dreams, too.

Accounting and Finance

Focusing my education around NEFCO’s industry gave me the chance to decide if joining the family business was the right thing for me. And then it just made all the sense in the world. —Matthew Gelles

Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises, Supply Chain Management

In every chapter of my life, whether it was Syracuse, business school, the organization or soccer team, it’s always been about the people and relationships and being able to align on that common goal.

Marketing

I always put myself in rooms that I probably didn’t belong in, meaning I would ask the VPs or directors or SVPs if I could sit in one of their strategy sessions or if I could present.

Retail Management

“This made all the difference in planning the future of my business, considering strategic partnerships and creating a road map to stay on track as a busy student and entrepreneur.”

Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises, Design, MBA,

I tell students that there are ways to combine your accounting careers with other interests and passions. Not everyone has to take the traditional public accounting route, but you have to be smart about your career moves... It’s going to be a ride, and it won’t always be linear, so always look two steps ahead to see if the path you’re on will take you where you want to be.

Accounting, Public Relations

As I advanced in my career, I wanted to better hold my own at the leadership table and better defend my piece of the business,” she explains. “I wanted equity—especially as a woman, and I also wanted to balance my creativity with my business chops.

MBA, M.S.