We take pride in offering one of the most diverse MBA programs in the nation. Our commitment to diversity is evident not only in our student body and faculty but also in the wide range of events we host year-round, especially during Black History Month.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the rich contributions of Black Americans in our community and share stories that advance a deeper understanding of the issues we still face. A vital part of our MBA program is learning through leadership. We design experiences for students to build their skills through clubs, organizations and community service to take an active role in their school culture, learn to lead and represent Rice in Houston.

In 2022, the Black Business Student Association (BBSA) worked overtime to help the Rice Business community celebrate Black History all month long. Throughout the month students were immersed in events that celebrated Black culture, sports and professional excellence.

Check out some of the club activities this past February:

• The BBSA led a social media takeover to share stories of Black students and alumni on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn during the month.
• A kick-off luncheon was dedicated to opening the month-long celebration and featured Ashley Henry ’22 and Kandace Waddy ’22 as guest presenters. They had food from various black and African restaurants as well as a presentation on the importance of knowing your identity!
• A members-only exclusive event at the Toyota Center was sponsored by Julian Duncan ’06, the Rockets’ chief marketing and strategy officer, for a night of networking and fun at the game vs. the Raptors. 
• A member-led community service event was held at Bread Of Life, which is a nonprofit dedicated to providing love, hope, dignity and belonging to Houston’s underserved. 
• A Business and Brushes Luncheon event, co-sponsored by BBSA and The Consortium, embraced the theme of Black Mental Health and Wellness, featuring guest speaker Dr. Danielle Busby from Black Mental Wellness and evolved into a business school vibe with Trap and Paint!
• A special day dedicated to showcasing Black excellence was deemed BBSA Day and the club members sponsored a photoshoot that included professional headshots.
• To conclude the month’s events, BBSA hosted a Partio with Provost Reggie DesRoches, the incoming 8th president of Rice University. He shared new initiatives for the university, historically black university partnerships, his journey, his family and many stories. He could see we have students who care about diversity, equity and inclusion and who are invested in enriching and supporting Rice. 

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A key component of our diverse MBA programs is the opportunity for students to engage in leadership and community activities. During Black History Month, our Black Business Student Association (BBSA) plays a pivotal role in organizing events that foster a deeper understanding of Black history and culture. These activities are not only celebratory but also serve as a platform for dialogue and learning. At the same time the students were celebrating, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was too.

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They co-sponsored a Black History Month Special Lecture with the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Multicultural Affairs Office featuring Dr. Sandra K. Johnson. She spoke to the greater Rice community about Life as a Technology Trailblazer and FinTech Start-up Founder.

Rice Business is proud to celebrate our diverse stories throughout the year and is always working to listen better and join forces to improve more. If you become a Rice MBA, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to participate in events and make your mark. Our diverse MBA programs offer a multitude of opportunities for students to learn from each other and grow together. Whether you're participating in Black History Month events or engaging in our various clubs and organizations, you will find a community that supports and celebrates diversity. You belong here. 
 

Explore Belonging and Engagement at Rice

What was your pre-MBA career?

I was a high school Spanish teacher at Lamar High School in Houston ISD. 

What is your post-MBA career?

I lead Medallia's Healthcare Sales team. We are SaaS company and help organizations deliver amazing customer, patient and employee experiences. 

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

There were many aspects of teaching that I liked; however, I wanted more options, flexibility and economic security in my career. I initially applied to the Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP); however, I ended up deciding to attend the full-time program and leave education. 

Why did you choose Rice Business?

I attended Women's Preview Weekend and was totally sold! I was so impressed by the students, faculty and staff I met. 

How has Rice helped your career to date?

Rice made me feel like I could be anything I wanted to be and empowered me to take my career in any direction I wanted. 

What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?

The women from my Rice cohort have been invaluable to lean on since we graduated 10 years ago. I love how supportive everyone is in our careers, family and other aspects of life. 

What advice would you give to prospective and current MBA students?

Look at the jobs that students got in the prospective program you are looking at. If they seem like jobs you would like, it's probably a good fit for you. And take ALL of the international trips you can! 

What was your pre-MBA career?

Prior to pursuing my MBA I was a publicist and entrepreneur. I started my early career in sports and entertainment and then worked independently helping local nonprofits shortly before business school. 

What is your post-MBA career?

I think my post-MBA work can be classified as community and economic development. In the past ten years, I've worked in the nonprofit, sports and tech industries. My roles have allowed me to work to improve outcomes for social enterprises for people with barriers to employment, oversee community relations and supplier diversity for two Super Bowls, distribute over $112M for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and manage supplier diversity efforts for one of the largest tech companies. 

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

Initially I pursued my MBA because I wanted to gain the knowledge to help me consider and solve problems strategically. I wanted to work on complex issues that I could understand at a macro and micro level. I knew then and my career has demonstrated that these skills have allowed me to work and create impact across industries. 

Why did you choose Rice Business?

No other school came close to Rice when I thought about the people — from my first encounter at a recruiting fair, to the multiple times I visited campus, I was surrounded by incredible people who enriched my experience. I've made life-long friendships with people I've met while attending and as an alum. 

How has Rice helped your career to date?

Over the years I've not only used what I've learned in the classroom, but also called upon my classmates to help me with projects or life pursuits. But it's important that I can also help others with their careers which is why I've contracted Rice MBA graduates who became entrepreneurs for my professional projects. 

What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?

Because of intersectionality, my experience has been centered around being a "Black Woman" in business. It's a life that comes with layered responses and biases from others that I can't always control — how people perceive my intelligence and capabilities based on my name, hairstyle, tone, etc. Because I started my career in male-dominated spaces, my framework for success has been to focus on doing my best work which then made my talent indisputable and can help me open the doors for others (who look like me). 

What advice would you give to prospective and current MBA students?

Resist the urge to follow the crowd as it relates to your career - even if it requires more effort on your part to secure the position you desire. Take the courses that most interest you — even if it is a course outside of business school. You can't get the time you will invest in the process back, so make it worth your time. 

Do you have any other comments or anecdotes you would like to share?

Take advantage of every opportunity that will allow you to grow. Whether it's a case competition, global trek or serving in some leadership position — these opportunities will shape you and give you perspective for your next professional pursuit. 

What was your pre-MBA Industry and function?

Before joining the Rice MBA, I was a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and had finished three years of clinical training. However, before medical school, I worked at Deloitte Consulting for 1.5 years as a strategy and operations business analyst. I primarily focused on the healthcare industry and worked on projects with health plans and providers.

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What will be your post-MBA Industry and function? 

After my MBA, I will be heading to residency and completing my training in family medicine.

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

I knew that pursing my MBA would be a critical step in transforming my ambitions into reality. I aspired to not only continue fast-tracking professionally, but also venturing into entrepreneurship. I knew that an MBA would be the accelerator I needed to achieve my goals. 

Why did you choose Rice Business?

I chose to pursue an MBA because I wanted to gain financial literacy and learn how to make sound business decisions without compromising patient care. I believed that an MBA would allow me to offer unique insights from both the medicine and business standpoint and prepare me to be a stronger physician leader. It was also important to me that I learned from colleagues with different backgrounds and corporate experiences.

What are you most proud of from your time at Rice Business?

I am most proud of recognizing my weaknesses as a leader and seeking one-on-one coaching through the Rice Doerr Institute for New Leaders to improve them. I have been able to implement some of the strategies that I have learned on my internships, and I have received positive feedback on my management style! I am also proud that I have been able to inspire others with my non-traditional journey and encourage underclassmen to embrace more “risky” paths!

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What are you most proud of in your career?

I am proud that I’ve always pursued what I believed in and took leaps of faith when I didn’t have all the answers – with studying abroad, with Deloitte as my first job, with medical school/business school, with my internships. Of course, there were times when I felt extreme imposter syndrome, but there were also times when I felt tremendous growth. Because of my diverse set of experiences, I am more confident in who I am and how my skills can be used to enact change, whether that’s through advocacy, education or mentorship.

How has the Rice MBA helped you in your career?

Rice has challenged me to experience new roles and determine how I can best utilize my MD/MBA in the future. I have had the opportunity to intern at two different startup companies, one focused on maternal health and the other on cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. It’s rewarding to see how my clinical background can help drive business development and strategic decisions.

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What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?

To me, being a woman in business means leading by example and advocating for policies that take into consideration women’s experiences — policies that challenge how we think about the pay gap, maternity leave, work-life balance and gender stereotypes. I also read a book during business school called, “How Women Rise” by Sally Helgesen, which helped me become aware of common habits that I and other women did that held us back in the workplace. My goal as a woman in business is to become a leader who can empower others and create a workplace that is equitable and inclusive.

What advice would you give prospective students who are considering an MBA?

I would say GO FOR IT! And keep an open mind. Business school is about exploration, personally and professionally, and making meaningful connections. Try new things, take on different challenges, be intentional with your time and pursuits.  

What was your pre-MBA Industry and function?

• Oil, Gas & Chemicals 
• Sales Account Management

Post-MBA Industry?

• Consulting 
• Senior Strategy Consultant 

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

I knew that pursing my MBA would be a critical step in transforming my ambitions into reality. I aspired to not only continue fast-tracking professionally, but also venturing into entrepreneurship. I knew that an MBA would be the accelerator I needed to achieve my goals. 

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Why did you choose Rice Business?

I want to make transformative and meaningful change in my community and industry, and I knew that an MBA from Rice Business would help me achieve that. The best thing about Rice is the people. The community that you build during your time in the program become lifelong supporters, resources and, most importantly, friends. 

What are you most proud of from your time at Rice Business?

I am most proud of my on-campus involvement. From serving as president of the Jones Student Association for Professionals, to helping shape the next group of admits through the Ambassador Program just to name a few. Through my involvement I have been able to leave a lasting impact on the community that has changed my life for the better. It was my way of saying thank you, and hopefully leaving the campus a little better than when I entered it.  

What are you most proud of in your career?

I am most proud of my mentorship involvement. I have always had amazing mentors and people who are invested in ensuring I succeed. I feel it is my duty to continue that effort and always reach back as I continue to move upward in my career.

How has the Rice MBA helped you in your career?

The Rice Professional MBA experience has taught me to be agile. Pursuing my MBA and working full time, while starting my own business amid a global pandemic — sounds crazy right? I didn’t know how I was going to do it but I knew that Rice Business would never let me fail. This community provided the support, people, and experiences necessary to force me outside of my comfort zone. I am graduating with an unwavering confidence about myself and my ability to do whatever I set my mind to. 

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What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?

To me, being a woman in business means that I have a responsibility and opportunity to help other women succeed. It means working twice as hard and showing up as my best in every room I enter. Representation matters, and as a woman of color It is my hope that the work I am doing today will help inspire and encourage the next generation of leaders that come after me.    

What advice would you give prospective students who are considering an MBA?

Your MBA experience is yours to own, and you will get as much out of it as you put into it. No more no less. I encourage every potential admit that I meet to find ways to get involved and grow your personal and professional community. Rice provides the people and experiences that will help shape the trajectory of your future. It’s only of benefit if you take full advantage.

Do you have any other comments or anecdotes to share?

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable women and women of color who came before me. Through their sacrifice and determination, they made possibility a reality for so many of us. I owe so much to them and to the next generation of women leaders thereafter.