Celebrating the December 2024 Graduates of Poole’s Jenkins Graduate Programs

On Thursday, December 12, the Poole College of Management will honor the extraordinary achievements of the students graduating from its portfolio of graduate programs. This diverse and accomplished group of 135 graduate students has not only mastered rigorous academic challenges but also embraced opportunities to lead, innovate and make a lasting impact. The graduating class includes 80 students from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, 37 from the Master of Accounting (MAC) program, seven from the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program, seven from the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program, and four doctoral candidates in economics.

These graduates have overcome challenges, balanced responsibilities and seized opportunities that have shaped their personal and professional journeys. Many have pursued demanding careers while earning their degrees, participated in global study programs, or discovered new passions that will guide their futures.

Get to know a few of these remarkable students below as they share their unique stories, achievements and aspirations.

David Beltran – Master of Business Administration (MBA)

For David Beltran, balancing a demanding role as director of R&D at Wanzl—the world’s largest manufacturer of shopping trolleys and luggage trolleys—while pursuing his MBA at Poole College has been both a challenge and a transformative journey. Originally from Torrance, California, David joined the Professional Online MBA program in the fall of 2022, seeking not just a degree, but also meaningful connections and practical opportunities to grow. Alongside his MBA, he has earned a marketing certificate to deepen his expertise.

David describes Poole College as a place where community and student success take center stage, a quality he has come to deeply appreciate. The program’s flexibility has opened doors to unforgettable experiences, including three study abroad programs that have shaped his perspective on global business: In Munich, he explored innovation and marketing by visiting industry leaders like BMW; in Switzerland, he received a closer look at organizational resiliency through visits to NGOs and institutions like the United Nations; and in Brazil, he worked hands-on with local businesses to tackle sustainability challenges, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and B-Corp initiatives.

As graduation approaches, David is eager to take the insights and skills he’s gained at Poole back to Wanzl. His goal is to drive innovation, refine processes and help the company continue to deliver impactful solutions on a global scale.

Sharon May – Master of Accounting (MAC)

Sharon May’s journey to completing the Master of Accounting (MAC) program has been anything but conventional. A Raleigh native and NC State graduate with an undergraduate degree in English and an accounting minor, Sharon began her studies at Poole College in 2004. After completing her minor courses, she joined the MAC program in 2008 but had to step away midway to address a business partnership dissolution. In 2011, Sharon shifted gears and opened her own restaurant, Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar, which has thrived as it approaches its 14th anniversary.

In January 2023, after building a strong management team at her restaurant, Sharon returned to the MAC program to finish what she had started. Even though she faced the challenge of repeating five classes due to expired credits, her determination has paid off, as seen through the impact her education has had on her career.

Sharon credits her education at Poole with helping her navigate the financial challenges of owning a small business, especially during the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience in the program, alongside the support of Poole’s dedicated professors, has given her the tools to guide her restaurant through tough times, and she is now shaping her next career move: starting an accounting and consulting firm tailored to small businesses, particularly restaurants.

Anna-Kate Ladbrook – Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA)

Anna-Kate Ladbrook has embraced every opportunity during her time in the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics program at Poole College, and it has paid off in both her academic and professional growth. Originally from New Zealand, Anna-Kate earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in International Business from the University of Canterbury in 2021. Upon joining Poole College in the fall of 2022, she quickly found that the program not only equipped her with the technical skills needed for success but also gave her the confidence to connect with professionals in the field.

Anna-Kate’s dedication and new-found confidence were evident when she was promoted to a marketing data analyst position at Biltmore Estate while still pursuing her studies. The MMA program’s blend of practical learning and global exposure also allowed her to participate in two transformative study abroad programs. In Munich, she explored innovation and marketing systems, while in Switzerland, she focused on organizational resiliency. Both experiences broadened her understanding of international business and left her with lasting memories and connections.

After graduation, Anna-Kate plans to continue advancing in her role as a marketing data analyst, using her newfound skills to drive impactful change within her organization.

Sophie Sepulveda Trinidad – Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA)

Balancing a demanding career, raising three children, and pursuing a graduate degree is no small feat, but Sophie Sepulveda Trinidad has done so with remarkable success. Hailing from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, Sophie joined Poole College in 2022, bringing with her an impressive academic background, including a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and business administration and an MBA from institutions in Mexico.

As the director of supplier risk management at Teleflex, a global medical equipment company, Sophie was drawn to the MRA program’s focus on practical, real-world applications. The coursework has provided frameworks and strategies that she has been able to implement immediately, enabling her to tackle challenges with innovative solutions. 

Since starting the program, Sophie’s contributions to Teleflex have expanded significantly, including taking on leadership of a global team driving cost-reduction initiatives critical to the company’s competitiveness.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sophie credits the program with igniting a passion for continuous learning and leadership. She plans to mentor future leaders, foster innovation and sustainability in her field, and remain an active member of the Poole College community. 

Yiqing Liu – Econ PhD

Yiqing Liu, a PhD graduate in economics with a focus on environmental economics, has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research throughout her academic journey. Originally from Daye City, China, Yiqing holds a master’s degree in economics from Poole College and another in money, banking, and finance from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Before pursuing her PhD, she taught introductory economics and finance courses as a full-time lecturer at Hubei University of Arts and Science, where she discovered a new interest in research.

In 2016, Yiqing took the bold step of leaving a secure teaching role to join Poole College, transitioning from faculty life to being a student once more. While navigating this adjustment, she valued the faculty’s support, the abundance of career-focused resources, and the close friendships she built with her cohort. Her research assistantship with Dr. Roger von Haefen provided hands-on experience, including a project analyzing stream data points to assess water quality improvements in North Carolina.

Beyond research, Yiqing has pursued extensive teaching opportunities at NC State and Meredith College, where she has developed adaptable methods to meet diverse student needs. After graduation, she will continue her academic journey as a tenure-track assistant professor in economics and data analytics at Meredith. Reflecting on her time at Poole, Yiqing highlights the importance of perseverance and staying focused on one’s goals, a lesson she hopes to pass on to future students.

Learn more about Jenkins Graduate Programs at the Poole College of Management.