Background
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, I earned my law degree from the University of Nairobi. I am qualified to practice law in Kenya and a certified commercial law mediator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK & Kenyan branches). I worked with the International Finance Corporation in business environment reform with the Kenya Competitiveness Enhancement Program, and spent a short stint with the Botswana Doing Business Advisory program.
Career Path
Prior to attending business school, I worked with the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) for more than seven years, where I was involved in streamlining business startup and operational procedures. I worked as part of the Kenya Investment Climate Program to improve the ease of doing business in Kenya and also supported the Botswana Doing Business Advisory program on similar initiatives. In addition, I worked in energy, handling legal aspects of developing renewable energy projects for a rural utility in East Africa. As a Kenan Scholar, I shall be working with Vickie Gibbs, executive director of the Entrepreneurship Center, on a project seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the role that diversity plays in the overall performance of startups.
Interests and Hobbies
At Kenan-Flagler, I am part of the MBA Impact Investing Network & Training (MIINT), which is an experiential lab that gives students a chance to learn more about impact investing. I am a fan(atic) of all things sports, especially Formula One racing. I have acted professionally in two plays, and write and act in plays for my home church in Kenya. Adding another feather to my hat, I am now heavily involved in singing the “Baby Shark” song at least three times a day with my wife and son.
Background
I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. My family traveled a lot and we lived in four different countries before settling in San Francisco, California. I went to Los Angeles for my undergraduate degree and studied acting at the School of Theatre, Film, and Television at UCLA.
Career Path
Prior to business school, my nontraditional background included working as an actor, a scuba diving instructor in Thailand, and for Apple. I was lucky to be able to explore different career paths and really discover what I was most passionate about and what I wanted to focus on.
Interests and Hobbies
I am fascinated with human behavior and am really looking forward to delving further into that research as a Kenan Scholar. I am an avid traveler, a huge dog lover and can always be found reading (especially true crime). My other hobbies include scuba diving, skiing and watching movies.
Background
I am a North Carolina native, passionate about building tools and teams to cultivate healthy communities. I studied health policy and management at UNC-Chapel Hill and founded a startup to address patients’ social determinants of health. After graduation, I joined Deloitte in Washington, D.C., consulting with federal agencies and commercial health clients.
Career Path
While at Kenan-Flagler, I am studying healthcare, entrepreneurship and venture capital. Post-grad, I am interested in living in North Carolina and contributing to my community by working at the intersection of healthcare, hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Interests and Hobbies
As a Kenan Scholar, I am researching a topic around the social determinants of health. At school, I am involved in the Dean’s Fellows program, the Consortium, the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, and Carolina Women in Business. In my free time, I enjoy being with family, baking cheese pennies and petting dogs.
Background
I’m originally from Bishopville, South Carolina, a small town about 50 miles east of Columbia. I earned a degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. After graduating, I worked in various partnership marketing roles in sports and for Lowe’s home improvement stores. Before returning to business school, I worked for Aflac insurance for three years in broker marketing communications. As a Kenan Scholar, I will be working with Vickie Gibbs on a project related to inclusive entrepreneurship centers.
Career Path
Throughout my career, I have worked in various marketing-related roles in sports, partnerships and communications. I have consistently helped to cultivate brands and develop product portfolios. While at Kenan-Flagler, I hope to build upon my marketing knowledge and develop a more well-rounded business acumen in areas related to entrepreneurship, strategy consulting and real estate. My future long-term goal is to work as a leading economic development strategist helping companies better serve underdeveloped communities in which they do business.
Interests and Hobbies
I am a classic car enthusiast! I like to visit car shows to admire the designs, artwork and creative craftsmanship. I hope to restore a few cars in the near future. In my free time, I like to travel and explore new places. Later this year, I have plans to visit Israel and Russia. I’m also an active lover of all competitive sports!
Background
I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. I moved to Washington, D.C. and attended Howard University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance. I spent the early half of my career working with nonprofit organizations. Prior to business school, I was an operations director at Morgan Stanley.
Career Path
As an operations director for Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, I focused on process redesign and improving operational efficiencies. I helped support Morgan Stanley’s first mobile banking application and implemented a number of system enhancements across the Private Wealth Management division. Post-MBA, I am pivoting into marketing, focusing on data analytics.
Interests and Hobbies
I am passionate about diversity and inclusion and continue to support efforts to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in the classroom. Outside of championing those causes, I enjoy being outdoors, trying new restaurants with my friends and listening to podcasts.
Background
I grew up in Aba, Nigeria and moved to the United States for college when I was awarded a full academic scholarship at Benedict College. I moved to Columbia, South Carolina and was a dual major in economics and finance and was president of the Economics Awareness Club.
Career Path
I’ve spent most of my career with BB&T Corporation. I started with the Leadership Development Program and subsequently worked in credit analysis, syndicated debt finance and, most recently, as an assistant vice president within the capital markets division. These roles allowed me to develop a strong foundation of financial analysis and gave me experience in creating pitches, modeling and credit underwriting. My intention is to continue a career in finance and to make a positive impact in emerging markets and around the globe.
Interests and Hobbies
The Kenan Scholars Inclusive Entrepreneurship Centers project presents an opportunity for me to work in a very exciting field and explore best practices in making businesses more successful. In my free time I travel to new destinations, watch European soccer, follow global economic and market trends, and read.
Background
Born in Jamaica, I moved to South Florida at a very young age. I attended the University of Florida, majoring in psychology and criminology, which led me to seek an opportunity with Teach for America. Upon finishing my teaching commitment, I transitioned into corporate America, working for JCPenney in several roles.
Career Path
I have eight years of pre-MBA work experience. I taught sixth- and eighth-grade mathematics with Teach for America while getting my MAT in mathematics, and most recently worked at JCPenney’s corporate offices as a senior assistant buyer. My current concentration is marketing with enrichments in data, digital analysis and technology, and sustainable enterprise.
Interests and Hobbies
My primary interests center around traveling with friends, staying fit and finding ways to give back to the community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing Pokémon, reading and binge watching Netflix. Recently, I started listening to The Daily podcast to keep up with current affairs.
Background
I was born in Charlotte, but spent most of my childhood in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. I attended The University of Virginia as an undergraduate, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian studies with a minor in global culture and commerce.
Career Path
My career has mainly been centered around startup operations, strategy and technology in multiple different industries and cities, including Austin, Atlanta and Tryon, North Carolina. I decided to attend Kenan-Flagler to further develop my skills and knowledge in both private investments and business strategy.
Interests and Hobbies
I am passionate about understanding the relationship between law, business and public policy, as well as creating opportunities for underserved areas, especially rural communities. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, live music, late dinners with friends and trying new hobbies. My most recent hobby attempt was gardening.
Background
After spending five years in the medical device sector, I sought a top healthcare-focused MBA to gain better understanding of trends in a shifting, dynamic industry. As a Kenan Scholar, I aim to supplement my access to world-class teaching with applied research that investigates the impact of the opioid epidemic on endemic hospital institutions.
Career Path
My interest in healthcare comes from a long-held desire to see people thrive. I first studied at Duke University, majoring in public policy and global health. After graduation I moved to Memphis, where I worked as a product manager at Medtronic, commercializing new spinal fusion therapies that alleviated patients’ chronic pain.
Interests and Hobbies
I am always interested in learning languages, having studied Spanish, Portuguese and Latin. In my spare time I enjoy reading systematic theology. In Memphis, I trained as an amateur boxer with a former European champion. Finally, I am a big Duke sports fan and have traveled to two national championships.
Dan Drake is the president of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Funds, and chairman of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Fund for Engineering, Technology and Science. From 1967-1998, Dan served as managing director of J.P. Morgan & Co. and continued to consult with the firm until 1999. Dan also served as managing member and chief operating officer of Middlebury Capital Partners LLC from 1999-2001. From 2003-2009, he was the associate publisher of the Nantucket Independent LLC. Dan is currently involved on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Linda Loring Nature Foundation and the Nantucket Shellfish Association, serving as president for both organizations. Dan received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Rochester in 1964 and his J.D. from the Albany Law School of Union University in 1967. Dan was admitted to the New York Bar in 1967. He and his wife Judith reside in Nantucket, Massachusetts.