Growing up on Chicago's south side, I've always been that kid who couldn't resist tinkering with anything I could get my hands on. This innate curiosity led me to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Southern California. Post-graduation, I worked in the aerospace industry in California, but it wasn't long before I felt the urge to return home to Chicago. Upon my return, I worked at Motorola for five years, designing the very cell phones that connected people across the world. Yet, amidst the corporate landscape, I couldn't shake off a sense of discontent over the stark lack of diversity in my field.
Compelled by a desire to forge change, I took a bold step in 2008: I left my corporate career in engineering to birth Project SYNCERE, a non-profit aimed at nurturing the next generation of STEM innovators right here in Chicago. The leap from engineering to non-profit management was nothing short of monumental. The learning curve was steep, but my partners and I embraced it head-on, dedicating ourselves to every role needed to ensure our mission thrived.
As Project SYNCERE began to blossom, serving over 3,500 students annually and becoming the largest STEM organization in the city, I knew that my learning couldn't stop there. To propel our vision forward, I set my sights on an MBA from Booth. The Evening Program aligned perfectly with my life's rhythm, allowing me to balance the needs of my organization and family. I was eager for the world-class knowledge and experiences that awaited, knowing they would sharpen my business acumen and enable me to scale Project SYNCERE to new heights.
Chicago Booth’s Part-Time MBA Program presented a compelling option – one that would not only refine my business acumen but also accommodate the balance of my personal and professional worlds. It wasn't just about proximity; it was about finding a program robust enough to fuel my growth without uprooting the life I've built.
Chicago Booth stood out with its promise of a rigorous academic environment and a supportive community, all within the familiar embrace of my hometown. The program's flexibility, combined with its reputation for excellence, made it undeniably the right choice for someone with deep roots in Chicago and a vision that extends far beyond.
To those considering Booth, my advice is simple: Dare to jump in. Approach this journey with a candid acknowledgment of the areas you wish to develop. Prepare to be challenged, to wade through discomfort, and to broaden your horizons. There's no better place to embark on this transformative educational adventure than at Booth, where every step is an opportunity for growth. So, go for it – with honesty, openness to risk, and an eagerness to discover new depths of knowledge.
The Coalition of Minorities in Business (CMB) is a student group on campus geared towards being an advocate for the Black, Latino, and Native American student populations at Booth. They aim to support one another by holding events to foster professional development, while also promoting diversity in the business leadership.
Joining CMB was crucial for me as it offered a sense of belonging within a community that resonates with my intrinsic needs and identity. I recognize the significance of broadening my network and engaging with fellow students regularly. However, it's equally vital to have a supportive community for discussions about personal experiences and challenges. My aspiration to join CMB also stemmed from a desire to contribute resources to the Booth community, aiding others in their own paths. I am committed to fostering communities wherever I am, and establishing one with fellow minority students was a top priority for me.
The social gatherings I've attended with CMB stand out as the most unforgettable experiences. These events provide a relaxed environment for members to genuinely connect with one another. Fostering authentic relationships is one of the most rewarding endeavors in life, and I'm grateful for the chance to truly understand individuals for who they are. The casual atmosphere of these social events allowed us to bond, create meaningful relationships, and form friendships that I believe will last a lifetime.
Black History Month is a time to bring into focus the extraordinary contributions Black individuals have made to our society. While my personal commitment to celebrating our heritage is a daily practice, the month of February offers a unique chance to honor these achievements more publicly and on a wider scale. The traditional portrayal of Black history tends to be limited, frequently focusing only on certain figures within educational narratives. It's important to me to illuminate a broader spectrum of Black excellence, to share stories that are not as widely known, and to support Black-owned businesses. This approach not only deepens our collective historical knowledge but also acts as a beacon for the next generation, encouraging them to continue a tradition of distinction and creativity.
Click here to read more student stories as you discover the endless opportunities available for students in our Part-Time MBA Program.
We recently connected with Samantha Martinez to talk through what her experience has been like as a Chicago Business Fellow. Read on to gather insights from Samantha about tackling an MBA early on in her career.
Samantha Martinez
In celebration of Pride Month, we connected with Booth Pride co-chairs to discuss their involvement in the LGBTQ+ student group, along with what makes Chicago a great place to be during Pride Month.
Celebrating Pride Month with Booth Pride Student Group on Campus
Students in the Booth Evening and Weekend MBA programs share why Part-Time was the choice for them.
Ask A Boothie - Why Did You Choose a Part-Time MBA?