Featured EMBA Alumni
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
Patricia Margarido, 2020 Alum
LIFE STAR Program Director, Hartford Hospital
“Transformative” is an adjective that many UConn EMBA alumni use to describe the effect of the program on their professional and personal lives. Alums reference specific courses, the global business immersion, and the capstone executive management project as influential in their successes as business professionals, and they also credit their fellow students and faculty as being impactful. Below are featured alums sharing their “short stories” of the meaning of the UConn EMBA program to them.
Sheela Prasad, 2025 Alum
VP, Partnerships, Teach For America
"Pursuing an MBA mid-career was one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made. I wanted to step outside my established social and professional circles and immerse myself in a community of peers from diverse industries and backgrounds. My classmates brought our professors’ expertise to life. They helped me see how disciplines like accounting, finance, marketing, and data systems truly operate in the field, and how I could immediately apply those lessons within my own organization. Beyond the classroom, I know I’ve built a lasting network I can turn to for friendship, advice, and support throughout my career."
Anthony Brockman
2025 Alum, MS, CPHIMS, Director, Data, Analytics, and Health Information Management, Fair Haven Community Health Care
"As a U.S. Army veteran, I’ve always valued discipline, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Earning my Executive MBA at the University of Connecticut built upon those foundational values and equipped me with the strategic, financial, and organizational insights needed to lead at the highest levels of healthcare and technology. The program enhanced my ability to align people, processes, and innovation, turning vision into measurable results across complex environments. It was a pivotal step in my journey from service to executive leadership."
Annamarie Beaulieu
2023 Alum, MPH, Vice President, Academic Affairs and Connecticut Children's Research Institute
“The EMBA Program has given me the confidence to talk about the fundamentals of our business, a better understanding of how to contribute to our planning efforts in a more innovative and meaningful way, and to always look for opportunities to build and sustain strong teams. I look forward to staying involved with the UConn EMBA program in years to come and supporting new students in realizing their full potential.”
Jasmiry Bennett
2023 Alum, Director, Advanced Practice Provider at Yale New Haven Health
“The UConn Executive MBA program has been a transformative experience and prepared me for the next phase of my professional journey. Professors shared knowledge and practical insights that elevated my ability to think critically and strategically. The program provided a dynamic environment where real-world use cases and coursework sparked thought-provoking dialogue, pushing me to think beyond conventional solutions. I now approach challenges with a sharpened ability to develop and implement strategic plans, make data-informed decisions, and lead with purpose. Perhaps most valuable is the lasting network I’ve built—lifelong connections with driven, insightful professionals. Each step of the program has brought me closer to my goal of becoming a president or CEO, equipping me with the tools, confidence, and perspective necessary to lead with impact.”
Madhavi Gorusu, 2020 Alum
MD, Director, Medical Oncology, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital; Site Director, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute
"The UConn Executive MBA sharpened my leadership and strategic thinking, helping me step into a Vice President role within my organization. Inspired by coursework, I authored a paper on blockchain in healthcare that was recognized as one of the top ten contestants in Innovation Quest. More recently, I advanced into a Director role at a larger organization, where I’ve contributed to significant growth in cancer center services."
Murtuza Lokhandwalla, 2020 Alum
Associate Director, Advanced Engine Technologies, Collins Aerospace
“The UCONN EMBA delivered exceptional value through a fast-paced, structured program that fit my demanding work and personal life. Collaborating with peers from diverse industries broadened my perspective beyond what my career alone could offer. A class trip to South Africa provided global business insights. I highly recommend this program.”
Catherine (Cat) Davis, 2020 Alum
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, The Gold Coast Team at SERHANT
"The UConn EMBA program transformed the way I approach real estate. It sharpened my strategic thinking, enhanced my financial acumen, and gave me the confidence to scale my business. I’m now making data-driven decisions, building stronger client relationships, and leading with clarity. It’s been a game-changer—not just for my career, but for how I show up as a business owner."
José D. García, 2019 Alum
Manufacturing Engineering Director, Pratt & Whitney
“I’ve applied my learning from not only the professors, but also from the diverse cohort that attended the UCONN EMBA program with me. Getting to know them and work with them as we attended class together allowed me to think differently and learn how to apply business tools to find solutions. I now use that thinking in everything I do which I know provided the career advancements I’ve had so far.”
Kurt O'Dell, 2017 Alum
Chief Legal Officer, Moran Towing Corporation
“I joined the UConn EMBA to become a better business lawyer. I knew the law, but the EMBA faculty, classes, and fellow students gave me a deeper understanding of business issues, particularly about how finance drives business. The UConn EMBA increased my visibility at work and enabled me to build my voice. Now, as Chief Legal Officer, I draw upon that knowledge and executive presence to lead the legal group at Moran.”
Peter Chien, 2017 Alum
MD and FACC; Chairman, Specialty Medicine, Dartmouth Health-Cheshire Medical Center
“The UConn EMBA program had a transformational effect on both my professional and personal lives. I was surrounded by talented students from different fields and learned so much from them and the distinguished faculty. I regularly apply what I learned at the EMBA program and have ascended in my professional career because of my education there. I will always cherish the wonderful experiences I had at UConn along with the lifelong friendships that I made.”
Daniel Perez, 2013 Alum
Chief Operating Officer, Amedeo Aviation Management
“As a proud alumnus of the UCONN Executive-MBA program, I can attest to its transformative impact. Having started UCONN’s EMBA program as a working aviation professional, the EMBA program has been one of the best investments in my career. The rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty, and UCONN community truly equips students with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the business world.”
Robert Buckles, 2012 Alum
Retired U.S. Navy Commander and Lead Associate in Defense Technology, Booz Allen Hamilton
"Graduating from the University of Connecticut's Executive MBA program significantly enhanced my ability to work in teams both professionally and academically, a competency difficult to teach, but expertly done at the UConn School of Business. The program's rigorous curriculum and collaborative environment honed my leadership skills, directly benefiting my Naval career and facilitating my transition to Booz Allen Hamilton, where I continue to leverage these competencies in my new role."
Wes Poole, 2010 Alum
Director of Technical Account Management, North America Workday
"As a proud Alum, I had an amazing two years in the EMBA program and so glad I made this investment. It taught me to think about problems and solutions across multiple domains, and through teamwork you can take different approaches to arrive at the best outcomes. ‘Do I crunch financial statements everyday? No.’ But, having the knowledge from the program, I can see the big picture. The EMBA program greatly increased my confidence and decision making. It prepared me well for driving innovation and leadership in the technology and customer success sectors!”
Allen McDonald
2010 Alum, VP Finance, Global Manufacturing, Mullen Automotive
“Earning my degree from the UConn EMBA program sharpened my financial acumen, enhanced my strategic decision-making, and strengthened my leadership skills. This experience prepared me to take on greater responsibility and was the essential credential to reach the VP-Finance level. If I had to offer advice to prospective students, I would say organization and time management will carry you, but applying yourself will be the footsteps necessary to advance your career!”
Marisol Maull, 2009 Alum
Vice President, Subscription and Annuity, IBM Technology Sales, Worldwide
“I am a big believer in learning both on a personal and professional front. Growth Mindset. Comfort zones are called this for a reason; there is an art of making ourselves uncomfortable and personal growth benefits to doing so. UConn’s EMBA academic program helped me develop resilience, discipline, and time management; tools required in a fast-paced business environment. My fellow students from various industries provided an understanding of their perspective on business situations as well as how to position business solutions to other business professions, in for example, lawyers, IT, and health care. EMBA networking led to lifelong friendships, an unexpected benefit of the program and one for which I am truly grateful. Looking for a new challenge, embrace the UConn EMBA, take the jump--- you owe it to yourself!!!”
Matt Fleury, 2007 Alum
President & CEO, Connecticut Science Center
“After 20-years of career progression, my goals turned to executive leadership. Recognizing that the next step would require deeper and more contemporary business management skills, I returned to school for an advanced degree. The UCONN EMBA program supplemented my on-the-job experience with a comprehensive view of organizations and the analytical perspective and tools needed to lead. The program is demanding, but flexible enough to fit into a working professional’s demands.”
Jerrica Chooi, 2007 Alum
“Country Holding Officer, Singapore” for ABB (a Swiss headquartered Multinational Company)
“As an international executive on assignment from Singapore, joining UConn’s EMBA (2005–2007) was transformative. Exceptional professors, immersive global experiences, and classmates with diverse industries profoundly shaped my leadership and provided a solid foundation for my career growth. Even now, back in Singapore - 9,500 miles away - I cherish the lifelong friendships and invaluable learnings from this journey.”
Robin Landsman, 1997 Alum
Head of Leadership Development, Beaumont Bailey
“Earning my MBA was a pivotal turning point in my career. It provided the business foundation, leadership skills, and confidence I needed to transition from my previous role into an entirely new field. More than just technical knowledge, the experience expanded my thinking and offered unparalleled networking opportunities. I developed very special relationships—mentors, peers, and lifelong friends—who continue to support and inspire me today. The EMBA gave me the structure and credibility to change my career trajectory at a time when I needed it most. Looking back, it wasn’t just a degree—it was the steppingstone that transformed my future.”
Robert Sawicki, 1995 Alum
Principal and Founder, Pier 27 Executive Coaching and Talent Consulting, LLC.
"I chose the UConn EMBA program because I wanted to become more fluent in the language of business. The program was rigorous yet practical, covering a wide array of business topics with both academic and business faculty; I could complete it while carrying out my role at a Fortune 100 company, as well as while becoming a new father. The global immersion and the international trip were especially enlightening. During the program, I became more credible to my business peers and internal customers, and even more aware of how successful businesses operate as a system of people, resources, and technology."
Sammy Gonzalez, 2021 Alum
VP, Carelon Growth
“The UConn EMBA program not only enhanced my strategic thinking and leadership skills but also connected me with a diverse network of professionals who continue to inspire me. For anyone considering this program, it's a transformative journey that opens doors to new perspectives and career advancement."
STEM Designated
UConn's MSBAPM is a STEM designated program. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM programs offer blended courses in analytics, technology, operation and business, providing a comprehensive skill set that’s highly sought after across industries. Graduates are well-prepared for exceptional career growth and play a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. in the global economy. The STEM designation also offers extended OPT opportunities for international students, allowing them to gain valuable practical experience in the American job market.
