The Poole College of Management is proud to introduce the 2025–26 cohort of McLauchlan Fellows. This year, 26 Jenkins Graduate Programs students will take part in the McLauchlan Leadership Experience , a selective leadership development program spanning the spring 2026 semester. Now in its 11th year, the program continues its legacy of fostering leaders equipped with essential skills in personal, team and organizational leadership.
The 26 McLauchlan Fellows—comprising 23 MBA students, two dual-degree students in the MBA and Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program, and one dual-degree student in the MBA and Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program—will engage in a dynamic sequence of experiential learning activities and networking events designed to strengthen leadership capacity across a variety of professional contexts.
This year’s cohort will be the first to complete the newly structured McLauchlan Leadership Experience, with Brad Kirkman , General (Ret.) H. Hugh Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership at Poole College, as the director. Faculty will include Kirkman, Karen Jansen , Missy Makanui , Beth Ritter , and Tom Zagenczyk . The experience begins with a kickoff session and dinner, followed by four full-day Saturday sessions spread over four months. Fellows will move through a leadership journey that includes critically evaluating leadership data and resources, building self-awareness, strengthening social ties to drive impact, and developing actionable solutions to a real-world leadership issue.
Kirkman noted, “The McLauchlan Leadership Experience continues to be the pinnacle leadership development program for Jenkins graduate students. In this new structure, we will focus on the importance of leaders giving back not only to Poole College but to the greater Triangle community as well. It is our aim to leverage this type of leadership development experience to tackle today’s grand challenges.”
The 2025–26 McLauchlan Fellows bring global perspectives and diverse professional experience to the program, with backgrounds spanning industries such as technology, healthcare, nonprofit and higher education, engineering, military service, marketing and more.
Their journey will officially begin with a kickoff reception Friday, January 30 at Hunt Library.
Meet the 2025–26 McLauchlan Fellows below.
Abdul-Rahim Baba Abdul-Mumin Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Previous Education BA Linguistics & Sociology, University of Ghana
About Abdul-Rahim Baba Abdul-Mumin is a second-year MBA candidate with a concentration in innovation management and is pursuing dual certifications in business analytics and marketing. He is a recipient of the Wells Fargo Fellowship 2024 and serves as a graduate assistant for the Poole College of Management.
Raheem has worked and consulted across several industries, including banking, technology, automotive and e-commerce. He has held roles such as marketing officer, digital marketing executive, lead marketing consultant, product manager, senior brand manager, and most recently served as a senior program manager intern with Amazon during the summer of 2025.
Raheem continues to lead through service. While in Ghana, he trained and recruited young people in photography and digital marketing, led several emerging humanitarian organizations, and currently serves as the lead host for the annual FoodCon, co-organized by NC State, Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill.
Personally, he enjoys traveling to new countries and cultures, reading books, and still believes Game of Thrones is the best series of all time.
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Nikolai Beer Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Previous Education BA Criminal Justice, Appalachian State University
About For Nikolai Beer, leadership has never been confined to a single space; it has been shaped in kitchens, communities and cultures around the world. Now pursuing his MBA at NC State University, he brings a decade of global and entrepreneurial experience from Turkey, Denmark, and the United States to the McLauchlan Leadership Experience. Nikolai seeks to explore how empathy, adaptability and cross-cultural understanding drive meaningful leadership and change.
Last year, Nikolai had the opportunity to work with World Central Kitchen in the wake of Hurricane Helene as a contract chef. Over a million meals later, he experienced firsthand how effective leadership can quite literally change the world. Driven by challenge and motivated by meaningful impact, Nikolai seeks opportunities that combine creative problem-solving, strategic thinking and a commitment to creating positive, lasting change.
In his free time, Nikolai enjoys long runs with his dog, hiking with his wife, cheffing at home and daydreaming about his next global adventure.
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Elise Carlsten Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Previous Education BA Biology, North Carolina State University
About Elise Carlsten is an MBA candidate at NC State University who has called Raleigh home for more than a decade. In 2026, she will hold three degrees from NC State, including a Master of Microbial Biotechnology, reflecting her deep connection to the university and its innovative community.
Elise blends a strong scientific background with growing experience in strategy and commercialization. She has engaged across multiple NC State programs, supported early-stage ventures through the NSF I-Corps program, and contributes to the Wolfpack Investor Network. She enjoys evaluating emerging life science startups and their commercialization potential and is driven by the belief that business can be a force for good.
She is currently pursuing a career in consulting, sustainable business development and strategy and is excited to strengthen her leadership abilities while continuing to contribute to the NC State community. Outside of her academic and professional work, Elise enjoys spending time outdoors, being with friends and family and cooking.
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Cristobal CruzMaster of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Instructional Design Specialist, 75th Ranger Regiment
Previous Education BS Organizational Leadership, University of Charleston
About Cristobal Cruz is a second-year Jenkins MBA student concentrating in finance and business analytics. He currently serves as an instructional design specialist and liaison officer for the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he supports enterprise-level training modernization across Army special operations. Over his 18-plus-year military career, Cristobal has held multiple leadership roles and contributed to initiatives that strengthened the Regiment’s force-generation pipeline and improved talent development for future Rangers.
Beyond his professional work, Cristobal is deeply committed to empowering others through service and mentorship. He volunteers as an ambassador for both the 5Foundation and the NC State Jenkins MBA program, where he supports community engagement, student outreach and professional development. He also mentors service members pursuing higher education and career advancement, helping them navigate transitions with clarity and purpose.
Cristobal’s leadership philosophy centers on developing people, building resilient teams, and driving strategic improvement. Looking ahead, he aims to apply his operational experience and analytical training to a career in financial consulting, with a focus on leveraging data-informed strategy to help organizations grow, innovate and lead responsibly.
He resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is the proud father of two children, ages 15 and 10. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, cooking and leatherwork.
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Jenni Davis Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Sr. Marketing Communications & Commercial Excellence Manager, REMA TIP TOP
Previous Education BS Business Administration and Human Resource Management, Barton College, Wilson, NC
About Jenni Davis is a marketing and commercial excellence leader with twenty years of experience across environmental services, manufacturing, and industrial and automotive solutions. She began her career at Waste Industries, later held various roles at Parker Hannifin (formerly LORD Corporation) and now works at REMA TIP TOP North America. Known for cultivating strong relationships and strengthening internal alignment, she has led strategic initiatives that support growth across diverse business units.
Inspired since her undergraduate years to pursue an MBA, Jenni entered the program after gaining extensive corporate experience. Her recent work has centered on organizational cohesion and advancing REMA TIP TOP’s integrated marketing and brand strategies. Jenni will graduate in Spring 2026 with her MBA and graduate certificates in marketing and business leadership. She is also a founding member of NC State’s Graduate Student Parent Association, a member of the NC State chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, and a Jenkins MBA student ambassador.
Raised in Wendell, North Carolina, Jenni now resides in Apex with her husband, Allen, and their two sons, Gabriel and Benjamin. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, reading historical fiction, spending time with her family, their two golden retrievers and tuxedo cat, and visiting Emerald Isle as often as possible.
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Joshua Epperson Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment AI, Data Science and Data Engineering Director, McCormick & Co.
Previous Education BS Chemical Engineering, The Ohio State University
About Joshua is a third-year part-time MBA candidate pursuing a certificate in finance. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
He began his career at McCormick & Co. as a process engineer supporting the taco and gravy seasoning lines before transitioning into data analytics, where he found his long-term passion. Known for quickly learning new technologies and translating complex technical solutions into clear business value, Joshua has led initiatives that improve automation, analytics and digital capabilities across the supply chain. He recently moved into shared services, where he supports enterprise-wide data engineering and data science efforts in an increasingly AI-driven environment.
Originally from Augusta, GA, Joshua relocated to Wake Forest with his wife in 2023. Outside of work and school, he enjoys traveling, disc golf, biking, reading, music, puzzles and building LEGO sets. He is motivated by continuous learning, collaboration and the opportunity to help teams use data to make smarter, more strategic decisions.
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Heather Gaudaur Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Dir, Compensation Project Mgmt and Data Analysis, Duke University and Health System
Previous Education BA Journalism and Mass Communication – Public Relations, UNC–Chapel Hill
About Heather Gaudaur is an accomplished human resources leader with more than 25 years of experience guiding organizations of all sizes in the design and execution of total rewards strategies that foster employee engagement and organizational success.
Distinguished by her ability to translate data-driven insights into actionable solutions, Heather is a trusted advisor who skillfully balances market competitiveness with internal equity to attract, retain and motivate top talent. Her career spans consulting for small and mid-sized businesses as well as progressive leadership roles, from analyst to director, within one of North Carolina’s largest private employers. This breadth of experience underscores her ability to apply ground-up knowledge to the diverse challenges of corporate HR.
In her current role, Heather leads a team of analytics and project management professionals responsible for enterprise-wide initiatives and HR research studies that shape workforce strategy.
A proud native of North Carolina, Heather resides in Cary with her family. She is a Duke employee, a UNC–Chapel Hill alumna, and is completing her MBA at NC State with a certificate in leadership and business analytics, rounding out her “tour” of the Research Triangle’s premier institutions.
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Liz Guenther Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment HR Coordinator, Allied Universal
Previous Education BS Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
About Liz Guenther is passionate about the intersection of people, data and organizational transformation. Originally from Illinois, she is driven by the belief that strong workplaces are built through both analytical understanding and human connection.
Before beginning her MBA journey, Liz studied social work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees with an emphasis in healthcare and community impact. While preparing for a clinical career as a therapist, she unexpectedly discovered her passion for human resources through an internship at The Borgen Project, where she became fascinated by the ways people systems influence organizational culture, trust and long-term success. That experience shifted her path and motivated her move to Raleigh, where she joined Allied Universal as an HR Coordinator supporting employee onboarding and engagement across a large multistate region.
Liz’s approach to HR is rooted in the belief that people are the most important and most complex part of any organization. She sees HR as more than policies and paperwork; to her, it is a chance to build understanding, trust and opportunities that help people feel supported and equipped to do their best work. Her practice focuses on designing processes that are both compassionate and data-informed, recognizing that employees thrive when communication is real and psychological safety is prioritized. She values precision and operational structure while also honoring the human side of work through empathy, patience and curiosity.
For Liz, leadership is about elevating others rather than standing above them. She believes trust is earned through transparency and consistent follow-through and that meaningful progress happens when people feel seen, heard and supported. Her approach centers on listening first, asking thoughtful questions and empowering others with the confidence and support they need to succeed. She is committed to creating spaces where collaboration replaces competition and where growth is measured not only by results but by the development and well-being of the people involved.
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Jamil Hopkins Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Sales Manager, Oxford Gene Technology
Previous Education BS Biology, Winston-Salem State University
About Jamil Hopkins began his career in a cytogenetics lab at LabCorp, where he developed a strong foundation in lab operations and gained technical experience in clinical lab processes. He later transitioned to a contract research organization, where he advanced to a lab team lead role and managed a cross-departmental project to organize a large-scale biorepository. These experiences strengthened his technical expertise and deepened his understanding of collaboration between scientific and business teams.
After several years in the lab, Jamil transitioned to the commercial side of life sciences and now works as sales manager for Oxford Gene Technology, a global biotechnology company. This move allowed him to combine his technical background with his passion for relationship-building and strategic growth. As a professional MBA student, Jamil is focused on developing his leadership and using his scientific and business expertise to provide solutions that improve lives.
Jamil grew up in Cary, NC and earned his biology degree at Winston-Salem State University. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, outdoor activities and camping with his two daughters.
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Jessica Jenkins Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Vice President of General Services, Carolina Solar Services
Previous Education BS Mathematics Education, Appalachian State University
About Jessica Jenkins is the vice president of General Services at Carolina Solar Services, an employee-owned, utility-scale solar operations and maintenance company based in Durham, North Carolina. In this role, she leads human resources, recruitment, safety and information technology, driving operational excellence and alignment with the company’s mission and values.
For nearly a decade, Jessica has been a key part of Carolina Solar Services’ growth and evolution. She spearheaded the company’s B Corp certification process and has developed programs that strengthen hiring, training and performance management across a distributed workforce.
With a background in mathematics education and a passion for purpose-driven leadership, Jessica combines analytical thinking with a people-centered approach to build systems that foster engagement, accountability and sustainable growth. She is deeply committed to cultivating inclusive, high-performing teams and leveraging technology and process improvement to enhance both employee and organizational outcomes.
Jessica lives in Durham with her partner, Sarah, and their three pets. In her free time, she enjoys hiking along the Eno River, seeing live music, and watching Survivor .
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Matthew Johnson Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Supervisor, GIS Data Integrity, Duke Energy
Previous Education Masters Geospatial Information Systems and Technology, NC State University
About Matthew Johnson is a native North Carolinian living in Charlotte and a second-year Jenkins MBA candidate concentrating in business leadership and business analytics. He holds Geospatial Information Systems Professional (GISP) and Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM) certifications. Matthew is an alumnus of NC State University and the University of North Carolina Charlotte, earning a master’s degree in Geospatial Information Systems and Technology and a graduate certificate in Professional Communication and Managerial Skills from NC State, as well as a BS in Geography from UNC Charlotte.
Matthew currently serves as supervisor of GIS Data Integrity at Duke Energy, where he works with and leads a team of approximately 30 employees. He has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams responsible for data quality, process reliability and training across gas operations. In this role, he has driven measurable KPI improvements through Lean methods, structured problem-solving and performance coaching, while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to streamline workflows and strengthen governance.
While Matthew finds fulfillment in his work, he is also passionate about giving back to his community and pursuing personal interests. He devotes much of his limited free time to local education and arts nonprofit organizations in the Charlotte area, believing that education is the ultimate investment in advancing his community. Matthew also enjoys baseball, which he has played throughout his life, football, and all things Star Wars and Pokémon.
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Michele Kandza Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment SAP Sales and Distribution Intern, QUADRIC IT LLC
Previous Education MS in Audit & Control Management, Institute of Management and Economic Growth, Brazzaville, Congo
About Michele Kandza is a globally experienced procurement and operations leader based in Clayton, NC. She is currently completing an MBA at NC State’s Poole College of Management, with certificates in Supply Chain and SAP. Michele brings over a decade of international experience through her work with United Nations missions in three different countries and is currently serving as an SAP Sales and Distribution intern while contributing to business analytics and supply chain practicum projects with Toshiba and Laporex.
At Toshiba, Michele led the design of Intelligent Filtering for Smarter Sourcing workflows that streamlined vendor onboarding, strengthened governance and accelerated procurement cycles. At Laporex, she developed Power BI dashboards to assess production efficiency, uncover performance drivers and support data-informed decision-making. Her career spans procurement, strategic sourcing, contract negotiation and cross-cultural collaboration, driven by a passion for building trust through empathetic leadership and operational clarity.
Outside of work, Michele enjoys multilingual storytelling, volunteering with alumni and supply chain organizations, cooking for her family and exploring ways to make procurement more inclusive and data-driven.
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Jeremy Lahn Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Active Duty Army Officer, Medical Service Corps
Previous Education BA Psychology, Widener University
About Jeremy Lahn is a technology-focused strategist and entrepreneur applying AI, data-driven insights and operational leadership to strengthen community economies. An active-duty Army officer in the Medical Service Corps completing his MBA, Jeremy brings seven years of military experience managing complex medical operations and leading deployments across multiple combatant commands.
Jeremy channels this foundation into marketing and community development work in Littleton, North Carolina, creating opportunities for NC State Poole College students to tackle real operational challenges with local businesses. Mentored by Deb and Edward P. Fitts Jr. (NC State ESI Class of ’61), he connects academic innovation with rural economic development, leveraging AI and digital tools to improve customer engagement and brand experiences across the region.
Preparing to complete his MBA in Spring 2026, Jeremy focuses on AI applications, innovation strategy and organizational execution. Supported by his wife, Morgan, he builds initiatives that blend technology, leadership and meaningful community impact.
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Wesley Lo Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA)
Employment Third Party Risk Program Manager, NetApp
Previous Education BS Business Administration – IT/IS, NC State University
About Wesley Lo drives innovation and resilience as a risk program manager at NetApp, specializing in third-party risk management with 11 years of experience across the technology and banking industries. He develops and implements dynamic, forward-looking risk assessments using predictive modeling techniques. By integrating technical analytics with business strategy, Wesley ensures decision-makers clearly understand and act on risk insights, positioning risk as a strategic enabler rather than solely a compliance function.
Wesley is currently pursuing both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA), a combination that equips him with a comprehensive skill set to help organizations navigate complex risk landscapes while driving strategic growth.
In his personal time, Wesley enjoys playing kickball and mahjong, a game that helps him reconnect with his cultural roots. He has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle for the past seven years and also mentors NC State undergraduate students. Wesley enjoys traveling, supporting local restaurants, and cheering on the Wolfpack with his wife and dog.
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Grace Longwell Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Director of Operations and Finance, Essex Finishing
Previous Education BA Mathematics, College of the Holy Cross
About Grace is the director of operations and finance at Essex Finishing, a mid-market manufacturer of high-end wood products. She oversees the NetSuite ERP and all related business applications, as well as the company’s purchasing and inventory strategy.
With four years of experience working with NetSuite ERP, Grace is passionate about using systems to drive optimization and automation within manufacturing companies. Her previous tenure in implementation at NetSuite gave her experience working with diverse clients and taught her how to map processes, translate them into system architecture, and increase user adoption through repeated training and demonstration.
Grace is pursuing her MBA to enhance her knowledge and expand her toolkit in leadership, finance and strategic thinking. Her previous education in mathematics provides a strong foundation in quantitative analytics and critical thinking that she is eager to build upon. She plans to graduate from the Jenkins MBA program in May 2027.
Grace lives in Raleigh with her fiancé, Noah, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Booker. In her free time, she enjoys heated yoga and Pilates, needlepointing and reading.
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Emily Newcomb Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Associate Director of Annual Giving, Wolfpack Club
Previous Education BS Biology, minor in Mass Communications, Louisiana State University
About Emily Newcomb is a student completing her final year in the Jenkins MBA program with a focus on leadership and organizational change. A passionate advocate for higher education and philanthropy, she is dedicated to fostering connection, compassion and optimism in both her professional and personal life.
Emily currently serves as associate director of Annual Giving at the Wolfpack Club, the fundraising arm for NC State Athletics. In this role, she oversees engagement with more than 3,000 donors and manages leadership annual giving programs that enhance scholarship support for student-athletes. Her work spans fundraising, donor communications, stewardship, and operations, bridging the creative and analytical sides of fundraising. She partners closely with ticketing, marketing, and major gift teams to develop data-driven outreach strategies, streamline donor experiences, and align annual fund efforts with the Wolfpack Club’s long-term vision.
Prior to joining the Wolfpack Club, Emily spent six years with the Tiger Athletic Foundation at Louisiana State University as Assistant to the Vice President of Development, where she coordinated departmental operations and supported major gift initiatives across LSU Athletics.
Originally from New Orleans, Emily enjoys live music, Mardi Gras, traveling, and cheering on the NC State Wolfpack and LSU Tigers.
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Bismark Nii Pardie Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Previous Education BS Agribusiness Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
About Bismark Nii Pardie is a second-year MBA student at NC State University, concentrating in finance and pursuing a graduate certificate in business analytics. He serves as a graduate assistant at the Poole College of Management and contributes to student engagement as a member of the Graduate Students Advisory Board and as a student ambassador for the Jenkins MBA program.
Originally from Ghana, Bismark earned his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and is a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana. His academic background and professional training have developed strong analytical, financial and problem-solving capabilities rooted in both business and technical expertise.
Bismark’s professional experience includes risk management, change management, internal controls, ERP systems implementation, and financial planning and analysis. He began his career as an internal auditor and progressed to finance manager at Ecom Trading, a multinational commodity trading company, where he strengthened internal control systems and led major financial improvement initiatives. Most recently, he worked as an MBA finance intern at Tri-Tech Forensics, supporting key initiatives in financial planning, reporting and process optimization.
Outside of academics and work, Bismark enjoys soccer and mentoring others, reflecting his commitment to teamwork, personal growth and developing others.
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Curt Rask Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Director, Solutions Engineering, Cisco
Previous Education BS Pre-Med and Zoology, North Carolina State University
About Curt is a senior technology leader specializing in building high-performing teams, crafting and executing strategy, and guiding organizations through meaningful change. As the director of solutions engineering at Cisco, he has led teams of 50–150 pre-sales engineers and leaders within a cybersecurity sales organization and is known for helping people unlock potential they often do not yet see in themselves. One of his recent accomplishments includes co-designing the global behavior, competency and leadership framework for Cisco’s 6,000-engineer Solutions Engineering community—an effort that now shapes how excellence is developed, measured, and celebrated across the company.
Grounded in a core philosophy of leaving every person, situation and process better than he found it, Curt brings a servant-leadership approach centered on growth, accountability and durable impact. He lives in Holly Springs, NC with his wife and son, and together they enjoy traveling to new places, discovering new foods and creating lasting memories. In and out of work, Curt values humility over heroics, being kind over being nice, and stepping up to lead without waiting for permission. Looking ahead, he aspires to continue transforming organizations, elevating people and helping teams achieve outcomes they did not think possible.
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Saumya Rathore Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Previous Education BA Journalism and Mass Communication, AMITY University Gurgaon
About Saumya Rathore is a second-year MBA candidate pursuing certificates in marketing and business analytics at NC State’s Poole College of Management. Originally from India, she brings over seven years of experience in corporate events and experiential marketing, where she has developed expertise in creating impactful brand experiences and driving strategic marketing initiatives in fast-paced, client-facing roles.
At NC State, Saumya continues to deepen her interest in customer experience and marketing through practicums and targeted coursework. She is especially energized by work that blends creative problem-solving with analytical rigor and enjoys developing insights to solve real business challenges. Saumya serves as vice chair of the Graduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB), where she plays a key role in advocating for graduate student interests and fostering collaboration across the university’s graduate community. She also holds a graduate assistantship with the Poole College of Management.
Beyond her academics, Saumya enjoys meeting new people and attending events across the university. She also likes exploring new cafés, trying creative hobbies, and traveling to gain new experiences.
She hopes to bring empathy, a collaborative spirit, and a bit of fun to every team she joins.
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Shelby Rieger Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA)
Employment Director of Digital Marketing & Advertising, Lewis Advertising
Previous Education BS Marketing Management, Virginia Tech
About Shelby Rieger is a dual-enrolled MBA and MMA candidate who is also pursuing graduate certificates in artificial intelligence and business sustainability. Originally from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Shelby attended Virginia Tech before moving to Raleigh, NC, in 2020. Her career has been split between technology marketing and agency experience, including her current role at Lewis Advertising.
As director of digital marketing and advertising at Lewis Advertising, Shelby helps clients achieve their marketing goals through new and innovative digital strategies and integrated marketing campaigns. With a passion for analytics and data-informed decision-making, she has built a digital department that focuses on hard data to support emerging marketing trends and strategies. By leveraging these tools, her team helps clients reach their goals and continue to grow their businesses.
When not working or studying, Shelby can be found horseback riding or coaching her students. In her role as a riding coach, she focuses on instilling not only strong horsemanship but also valuable life skills and character development in her students’ lessons. Her philosophy emphasizes horse care and riding skills as a vehicle for lifelong success as both a person and a professional.
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Michael Sbihli Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Engineering Director, First Class Seating and Furniture Products, Collins Aerospace
Previous Education BS Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan
About Michael Sbihli is a Jenkins MBA student pursuing the business leadership certificate. Originally from Michigan and a North Carolina resident for the past 18 years, he brings more than two decades of experience in aerospace and automotive product development, engineering leadership and organizational transformation.
Michael currently serves as engineering director for First Class Seating and Furniture Products at Collins Aerospace, where he leads global teams responsible for designing and delivering premium cabin products for major airlines. Before joining Collins, he held engineering and leadership roles at Honda Aircraft Company, HR Textron, Northrop Grumman, and General Motors, gaining experience across the automotive, military and defense, business jet and commercial aviation industries. In these roles, he contributed to complex certification efforts, large-scale production improvements and cross-functional development programs supporting major product platforms.
He is passionate about strengthening organizational culture, developing future leaders and using technology and digital integration to create meaningful business efficiencies. Through the Jenkins MBA program, Michael is expanding his strategic and executive leadership capabilities as he prepares for broader enterprise-level responsibility.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys mountain biking, trail running and fitness training. He also loves traveling with his family, tackling DIY projects and spending time with his wife and three children.
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Tyler Smith Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Previous Education BS Business and Environmental Studies, Florida Institute of Technology
About Tyler Smith is a first-year Jenkins MBA student and active-duty Medical Service Corps officer with more than 20 years of Army service. Originally from Bell, Florida, Tyler has led in a range of mission-critical environments, from flying Blackhawk helicopters in medical evacuation missions to commanding a company of 100 soldiers and later serving as operations officer for a battalion of more than 500. He is pursuing his MBA to expand his strategic perspective and bring data-driven, adaptive leadership practices back to the military, particularly in areas of operational readiness, medical evacuation planning, and patient movement across the joint force.
In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Tyler represents the MBA Student Association within the Graduate Student Association and serves on committee work that supports collaboration and advocacy across the NC State graduate community. These roles allow him to help elevate the student experience, strengthen peer support networks, and ensure that diverse voices are included in shaping program culture. Tyler is excited for the McLauchlan Leadership Experience as an opportunity to reflect more deeply on his leadership philosophy, learn from fellow student leaders and refine the skills required to develop others with purpose and humility.
Outside of the Army and the classroom, Tyler is deeply rooted in family and community. He and his wife, Sasha, have been married for 13 years and are raising five energetic boys, ages 4 to 15. Tyler is active in Moore County as a youth sports coach, where he focuses on character-building, teamwork and creating positive environments for young athletes. When he is not coaching, he enjoys hiking, camping, basketball and planning the next family adventure.
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Jim Summers Master of Business Administration (MBA)
About Jim has worked in engineering for nearly two decades as both an individual contributor and people leader. He has experience across a wide range of industries, including consumer goods, automotive, and animal health, at companies ranging from startups to well-established organizations. Jim lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife and son.
He credits his varied experience as fundamental to solving problems with curiosity and an open mind. Jim approaches every challenge as an opportunity to grow in ways both big and small and has passed that mindset on to colleagues and connections he mentors. As a leader, he is energized by opportunities to help others discover new ways to shine.
A desire to accelerate his development drew Jim back to school after 20 years away from the classroom. His time in the Jenkins MBA program has been an opportunity to polish, discover and strengthen his skills. At NC State, Jim aims to build on his engineering background with business acumen so he is better positioned to lead organizations.
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Justine Wan Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA)
Employment Experience Campaign Manager, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
Previous Education BS Graphic Design, Drexel University
About Justine Wan is pursuing dual graduate degrees at NC State University, having recently completed her Master of Management in Marketing Analytics and now finishing her MBA with a certificate in sustainability.
Professionally, she serves as an experience campaign manager at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), where she leads marketing initiatives that provide resources to corporate CFOs and CPAs. Her career spans sales, content strategy and business operations, shaped by both in-house leadership roles and her experience as the founder of a creative marketing firm supporting small businesses and nonprofits.
Guided by her belief in human-centered and authentic leadership, Justine values openness, curiosity and shared experiences. She approaches leadership with thoughtfulness and purpose, creating space for others to grow and contribute meaningfully both professionally and personally.
When she is not working or studying, Justine finds comfort in creativity. She paints, writes and experiments in the kitchen, usually with a large cold brew nearby. She believes joy lives in the smallest moments, such as discovering a new café, sharing laughter, or being wrapped in her silk comforter with nowhere to be.
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Jessica L. White Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Assistant Dean, Innovation in Teaching and Learning, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing
Previous Education BS Business Technology Education, The University of Southern Mississippi
About Dr. Jessica L. White proudly calls North Carolina “home,” although she grew up as a “military brat” and was not born or raised in the state. She began her academic journey at The University of Southern Mississippi, focusing on secondary business education. Her passion for teaching and learning led her to pursue advanced degrees in curriculum development, instructional design and educational leadership.
This strong educational foundation positioned Jessica to serve as the inaugural assistant dean for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at the UNC School of Nursing. In this role, she champions initiatives that integrate technology, pedagogy and leadership to enhance faculty and student success.
Jessica aspires to continue advancing leadership in higher education. Her interest in business leadership inspired her to enroll in the online Jenkins MBA program, where she plans to complete the business leadership certificate and graduate in May 2028. She is committed to lifelong learning and looks forward to leveraging her expertise to drive innovation and excellence in academia.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys traveling, spending time with family, reading and pursuing hobbies such as baking and running. She is honored to participate in the McLauchlan Leadership Experience during Spring 2026 and is excited about the opportunities and doors she believes God will continue to open for her future.
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Malak Zaghloul Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Employment Volunteer Fundraising Manager, NC State Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving
Previous Education BS Business Administration, NC State University
About Malak Zaghloul is a first-year MBA student who is passionate about leadership, creativity and helping organizations grow. She earned her BS in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from NC State’s Poole College of Management, where she discovered her interest in using strategy and marketing to connect people and ideas.
As the volunteer fundraising manager for NC State Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving, Malak leads efforts to strengthen alumni relationships and inspire philanthropic involvement. Her previous leadership role at Sherwin-Williams allowed her to develop skills in team management and customer strategy, reinforcing her passion for leadership that drives collaboration and impact. Working with emerging startups has also deepened her interest in strategic marketing and business development, where she enjoys transforming creative ideas into measurable results.
Outside of her professional life, Malak loves reading, traveling and finding inspiration in new places and experiences. Through the McLauchlan Leadership Experience, she looks forward to continuing to grow as a leader who values authenticity, curiosity and meaningful impact.
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