Civic Scholars Student Profile Alexis (Lexie) Lehmann

Why did you choose to pursue your MBA at Chicago Booth?

Booth checked all my boxes for an MBA program with its flexible curriculum and resources for social impact. Chicago is a great place to study economic development. I am impressed by how public, private, and nonprofit groups have mobilized to grow the city’s innovation ecosystem - especially around life sciences and quantum computing.

What are your career aspirations?

I am passionate about building strong regional economies that enable resiliency and economic mobility. Unlocking the potential of America’s cities – especially those in flyover states – holds the promise of creating significant opportunity for underinvested communities and populations, resourcing critical technologies that would not have otherwise reached the market, and solidifying America’s global competitiveness. I plan to be involved in inclusive economic development in a meaningful way.

How do you think that Booth classroom experience will help you in your work/career growth?

Economic development is highly multidisciplinary and constantly changing. Booth’s emphasis on teaching foundational skills across multiple areas of business is exactly the kind of training I need to tackle difficult problems with creativity and accuracy.