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Sean Connelly

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major: University of Richmond, Business Administration, Marketing

Hometown: Berkeley Heights, NJ

Work Experience: Currently the Head of Sports Sponsorships at AIG. Previously worked for the sports marketing agency MKTG. 

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: Trying as many cheesesteak places as possible, my current favorite is Jim's on South Street.

Why did you choose the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ MBA: In addition to ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥â€™s strong reputation, I was really drawn to the flexibility of the Professional MBA program and the focus on international business.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: I look forward to continuing to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Professional MBA program in my new role.

Dana Schioppo

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major: Stevens Institute of Technology, Quantitative Finance 

Hometown: Freehold, NJ

Work Experience: I am currently employed full-time as a Credit Analyst at Coface North America. I am also a Coface Diversity & Inclusion Council Member. 

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: As a hybrid student, the opportunity to attend classes on campus, utilize the facilities for studying, and interacting with other students has been enriching and rewarding. The school spirit is palpable and has been wonderful to be a part of and experience. 

Why did you choose the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ MBA: I chose ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ because qualities such as intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, global awareness, an open mind, and a creative spirit are strong and promoted within the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ community. 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: To achieve an executive leadership position following the completion of my MBA.

Nikhil A. Menezes

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major: NMAM Institute of Technology, India, Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Institution and Degree: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, Mechanical Engineering

Home Country: India

Work Experience: Currently, I am a Project Engineer for CRODA Inc., a British chemical firm that has a strong focus on manufacturing sustainable ingredients and reversing climate change. My experience includes working for a construction company as a Staff Engineer, focusing on infrastructure upgrades to ports and power plants on the Eastern Seaboard. I enjoy a mix of office work and field engineering, which keeps me on my hands, legs, knees, and toes! I also volunteer with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as my schedule permits.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: I enjoy walking around ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥â€™s campus, being part of the community, and the activities that ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ offers. Events I’ve enjoyed thus far include attending basketball games, playing tennis on campus, attending Socials at The Refectory, and the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Singers Christmas concert. I even had my face painted as a mummy at one of the Halloween events on campus and even won a prize, Go Nova!

Why did you choose the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ MBA: ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ has a strong sense of giving back to the community, the coursework and flexibility of the MBA program, and its reputation with the basketball programs! The Professional MBA with a focus on sustainability offers rich dividends. I've enjoyed the combination of technical coursework and business principles. The faculty have industry experience coupled with advanced degrees.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: My long-term goal is to gain expertise with sustainability firms and consulting.

Richard Lu

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major:  Drexel University, BS in Chemical Engineering

Graduate Institution and Degree: Drexel University, MS in Material Science & Engineering

Hometown: Upper Darby, PA

Work Experience: I am currently a Sr. Process Technology Engineering at Sartomer (Arkema). Previously, I worked at FMC / Livent as a Technical Development Engineer.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: Growing up outside of Philadelphia, I loved walking around the city and exploring different restaurants. While I was at Drexel, my favorite thing to do was running along the Schuylkill Trail. Of course, my route needed to include the Rocky Steps, where you can get a great view of the city.

Why did you choose the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ MBA: As someone with an engineering background, I never had formal education on business concepts and I lacked some fundamental business knowledge, which I thought was crucial to being a well-rounded engineer. I chose ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ because of its flexible Professional MBA program and its close vicinity to my home since I desired to experience an MBA program on campus.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: Upon graduating from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥â€™s Professional MBA program, I hope to continue learning about the business world through an engineer's point of view and apply the knowledge I learned to my future projects. Additionally, I hope to be in a position where I can pursue a managerial role and leverage the soft skill learnings from class.

Rosemarie Olintz

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major:  St. Joseph University, Management Information Systems

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Work Experience: I am currently a Business Intelligence Analyst at Jefferson University Health in Philadelphia. Previously, I spent 11 years working as a Laboratory Technical Coordinator at ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University (Psychology Department). Before working at ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥, I spent 8 years as a Software Engineer at SMS/Siemens Healthcare in Malvern.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: I love the Phillies and our ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Men’s Basketball team!

Why did you choose the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ MBA: I chose ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ for its excellent Professional MBA reputation and for its flexible MBA program.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: I hope to be able to use my AI/ML experience from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ at Jefferson University Health.

Joyce A. Harden

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Specialization: Applied Artificial Intelligence and International Business

Undergraduate Institution and Major: ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University, Leadership with a minor in Japanese Language and Cultural Studies and a minor in Asian Studies

Hometown: I was raised in Savannah GA but have resided in Philadelphia PA most of my life.

 Work Experience: Currently, I am the Coordinator for Graduate Student Experience in the Grad Center at ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University. I use data analysis to make informed choices and improve processes of financial management and accounting principles for budgeting and resource allocation.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: My favorite part of the city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection Philadelphia is the Sports teams, museums, live music, festivals, and amazing food. 

Why did you choose ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥:

I chose ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ because it has been an integral part of my professional career and I was compelled to continue that stride. The ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ School of Business is where I wanted to begin my academic journey by providing me with not only a strong educational foundation but invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. One example: being a part of the National Black MBA Association has introduced me to networking opportunities within and beyond my field of study. 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: 

After graduation, I hope to use the tools I learned and use my platform to give back to our community by assisting others on their academic journeys and fostering a supportive environment through financial literacy and the value of international travel. I am deeply committed to promoting academic excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained at the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ School of Business. I believe that VSB plays a pivotal role in shaping the business leaders of tomorrow.

Jessica Kloss

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MBA Modality: Cohort

Undergraduate Institution and Major: James Madison University, B.S. Health Services Administration

Hometown: Doylestown, PA

Work Experience: For the past 4 years, I have worked at Alliance HP, a boutique real estate investment company based in Bryn Mawr, PA. I am a leasing and marketing associate with a focus on industrial, office, and mixed-use assets. I am passionate about real estate and forming meaningful connections with others who work in real estate. 

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: Attending Eagles games!

Why did you choose ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: I chose ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ because of its stellar reputation and highly ranked Professional MBA program. I did not receive a formal education in business and completing my MBA will positively impact my career growth. ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ has felt welcoming and supportive since the beginning of the admissions process! 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: Following graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥, I plan to continue working for a private equity firm or developer while taking on more responsibility in a leasing role and eventually moving to an acquisitions role.

Alejandro Escobar

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MBA Modality: Fast Track

Undergraduate Institution and Major: ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University with a Major in Finance and Minors in Economics and Psychology

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:ÌýManagua, Nicaragua

Work Experience: For the past year I have been working as a Financial Consultant at Ernst & Young in Philadelphia.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: MBA Networking Events

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: After graduation I’ll be pursuing jobs in consulting, corporate finance, and data analytics.

Riley Homer

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MBA Modality: Flex Track

Specialization: Marketing & International Business

Undergraduate Institution and Major: ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University, Marketing

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Work Experience: As a student-athlete at ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥, I've had the privilege of serving as representative of ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Volleyball on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was chosen by ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Athletics to represent the collective voice of over 600 student-athletes on the Athletics Advisory Committee.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: I love attending the professional sports games here in Philly! I have gone to a game for each Philadelphia team.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥:  Looking to start a career in marketing after completing my MBA.

Alex Fava

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MBA Modality: Hybrid â¶Ä‚â¶Ä‚â¶Ä‚

Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas Christian University – B.S. Engineering with Mechanical Focus

Hometown: Lutherville, MD

Work Experience: ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Student Athlete and MBA Fellow, CEA Technologies, Inc. in Hanover, MD

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: I really enjoy going on walks along the Schuylkill River Trail and exploring the various coffee shops and cafes throughout the city 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥:  I hope to work for a defense company as an engineer. 

Mark Killmeyer

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Specialization: International Business

Undergraduate Institution and Major: NC State University, Marketing and Political Science

Hometown: Cary, NC

Work Experience: Government Affairs Consulting, Non-Profit Consulting

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity:  ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Basketball!  

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥:  Enter the political consulting space as an entrepreneur.

Tim Brown Jr.

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MBA Modality: Hybrid

Specialization: Marketing & Strategic Management

Undergraduate Institution and Major: ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University, Marketing Major with Business Analytics Minor

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Work Experience: I have enjoyed several marketing internships as a ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ student.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line, or ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Activity: I like going to local sports games whether that be the Phillies, Sixers, or Eagles, and of course I love attending ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ games!

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥: I am interested in exploring opportunities within a marketing agency or PR firm, as well as pursuing entrepreneurship.