At the beginning of their MBA journey, five EMBA students met for dinner at Hotel Zaza after team assignments during their first week. During the meal, they stumbled across something unique about their team: they were all born and raised outside the U.S. — India, Italy, Norway, Taiwan and Tanzania — and all of them spoke English as a second language.

It was a revelation. “We’re as diverse as we can possibly be, culturally and professionally,” Panthini Patel said.

“It was clear immediately, we were a team with very interesting backgrounds,” Bamrom Jonathan said. “We all had a lot to share and became very close immediately. We couldn’t wait to bring our families together.”

How teams are born

In the Rice MBA, cohorts in each program are made up of five-to-six-person teams that stay together for two years. When creating teams, the student program office tries to balance the mix by:

• Gender
• Profession
• Company
• Background, so teams include an international or veteran student
• Age, so all teams have the same average age

And then the work begins. For this diverse team of EMBA students, the work included food and family.

They met for dinners in different restaurants that represented each members’ culture, so the others could try new things. Stefano Capponi chose Fresco Cafe Italiano, not far from campus, on a Saturday after class.

“I’m from a big family where you have massive meals, spending hours at the table. And using the table to talk. The idea is that Italian food is simple and laid back but the ambiance is what creates the environment. That’s how I grew up.”

He wanted to show the richness of that life to his teammates. “Fresco is a small joint where you can’t make reservations; it’s always packed; there’s no table service, and you bring your own wine. When I brought the team, they were surprised by the environment. Like, what is this place? It’s not high end. But after the initial shock, they loved the food and the feeling. We stayed for three hours. It was great.”

Classroom conversations

At Rice Business, we believe that diverse teams make the best decisions, a sentiment echoed by Dean Peter Rodriguez. The global perspective in the EMBA classrooms is deepened by its students’ varied career and cultural backgrounds. This diversity is a core strength of our program, leading to richer discussions and more comprehensive learning experiences. 

“It’s a huge benefit to have international participation. It allows the class to learn about how certain business concepts have materialized in various countries and across borders,” Haavard Oestensen said. “In a recent session on macroeconomics, while we were covering international trade, our classmate Larry Rubin was able to share his experience with US-Mexico trade relations from the perspective of his appointment as chairman of The American Society of Mexico. Our classroom sometimes feels like a UN meeting.”

Tsenghui (Leo) Sung added that “the concepts we learn in the classroom are good; the experience and ideas we share are from real life and practical to our day-to-day activities in work.” But it’s the different viewpoints that deepen their studies. “The team is open to discussion and sharing experiences and ideas.”

Personal gains

Of course, the chemistry within a team is a huge benefit to the MBA experience. And setting a tone was intentional from the beginning. Bamrom kicked it off with a pool party at his house. “We have family events with our team where we try different cuisines and share precious moments,” he said. “We’re building lifetime friendships and looking forward to what the future brings.”

Panthini and her husband made an Indian dinner from scratch. “We met in the front yard. The kids played basketball and rode bikes in the neighborhood. We made so many dishes — four to five different curries, vegetables — even though Stefano doesn’t like spicy food. For me, it means so much to show them that I care about them.”

Connections to classmates are what Rice Business' EMBA program is all about. Building and expanding your network will serve you beyond the two years on campus.

Meet the Team

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The world's largest and richest student startup competition will bring together the most promising student ventures from top universities across the U.S. and Europe to compete for more than $1 million in prizes and funding.

The 2022 Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC), hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and the Jones Graduate School of Business, will be back in person and on campus April 7-9.

After two years of virtual competition, the Rice Alliance expects an exceptionally engaged community of over 250 judges, mentors and investors from the Houston community and beyond to turn out for the competition.
 

As we come out on the other side of a long and challenging two years, we're feeling a sense of renewal and energy looking to the future and finding inspiration from the next generation of entrepreneurs who are building a better world.

Catherine Santamaria, director of the RBPC

“This year's competition celebrates student founders with a strong sense of determination — founders who are ready to adapt, build and grow companies that can change the future,” Santamaria said. “We hope their participation will provide guidance and inspiration for our community.”

This year’s startups were chosen from more than 400 applicants and will compete in five categories: energy, clean tech and sustainability; life sciences and health care solutions; consumer products and services; hard tech; and digital enterprise. With students from four countries, the 42 startups represent 31 universities, with 11 universities represented by two different teams. This year’s competition also features eight universities competing for the first time as well as three teams from European universities.

A number of Rice student startups participated in the internal RBPC qualifier pitch event to secure two spots in the RBPC. The 2022 qualifier saw the largest number of applicants, judges and participants in the internal competition’s history, demonstrating Rice’s continued success in fostering an entrepreneurial focus among its students. Rice Alliance awarded a total of $5,000 in cash prizes to the top three teams from the internal qualifier: EpiFresh, Green Room and Anvil Diagnostics. EpiFresh and Green Room received invitations to compete in the 2022 RBPC.

Not only do the startups pitch to a growing community of investors, entrepreneurs and partners, but the teams are also able to network and receive real-time feedback, advice and mentorship during the April event.

Past competitors have raised more than $3.57 billion in capital and more than 259 RBPC alumni have successfully launched their ventures. Most are still in business today, including 40 startups that have had successful exits through acquisitions or trading on a public market.

2022 Rice Business Plan Competition invited teams:

For more information about the 2022 Rice Business Plan Competition, visit rbpc.rice.edu.

What was your pre-MBA Industry and function?

• Entertainment, Voiceover Actor and Podcast Producer

What will be your post-MBA Industry and function?

• Consulting

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

I have always been a curious person. Since I was younger, I would look for new information that would help me understand our world. That mission took me through the sciences, entertainment, entrepreneurship and a variety of hobbies. Along the way, I realized that while I could learn things in isolation, there was greater benefit from learning about their interactions. I view business as a force in our society that connects all topics and fields, and I wanted to learn the intricacies involved; this is what led me to pursue an MBA.

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Why did you choose Rice Business?

I felt welcomed by Rice Business from the beginning. Throughout the application process I was able to connect with current students, alumni and the admissions committee whenever I had questions. I appreciated how available and willing to chat everyone was and wanted to be a part of that type of community. Also, the warm weather in Houston is nice :)

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

Out of everything I have done at Rice Business, I am most proud of receiving internship offers from all of the companies I interviewed with. When starting the MBA program, I was concerned because I have a unique background and knew that I would have to work hard to convey my capabilities. I dove right into the MBA experience by participating in case competitions, signing up for additional tutoring so my grades would reflect what I’ve learned, and spent every weekend on campus doing interview prep. Happily, it all paid off, and I feel like I have met my goals.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I am most proud of making the shift from laboratory scientist into entertainment. My first job offered a very clear and stable career path, but it did not excite me. I had no close connections to the entertainment industry so I had to do all my own research and make my own connections. Pivoting can be intimidating and sometimes it can feel like you will never be ready; taking the leap requires courage and a willingness to face uncertainty.

How has the Rice MBA helped you in your career?

Being a part of the Rice MBA program has allowed me to meet many people in a variety of fields. I never would have had access to some of these people beforehand, and I might not have even known I needed to chat with them! If I have a question, there is someone out there who can get me an answer and someone at Rice Business who will connect me with that person. 

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

For me, being a woman in business means having choices. It is liberating to feel like I can go into new industries or functions and have the ability to get the job done. I am very grateful for all of the women before me who paved the way, took a stand against the nay-sayers and opened up these numerous possibilities.

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

I would tell prospective students to keep an open mind but to really reflect and know who they are before and throughout the MBA experience. There are so many things you can do and ways you can get involved over the two years. It’s physically impossible to take advantage of everything. Having goals, knowing your interests and your values will guide you through all of the many opportunities and help you take advantage of the MBA in a way that’s best for you and your career.

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

Most of us approach an MBA from one point of view – our point of view. I remember thinking about what classes I would take, what clubs I wanted to sign up for, how it could help my career, etc. What’s interesting, is that an MBA, especially a Rice MBA, is not a solo process. In addition to a heavy emphasis on teamwork, I have felt supported every step of the way whether it be from professors, clubs, the Career Development Office, new friends, old friends or family. At the end of the day, the MBA will be for me, but I could not have done it on my own.

What was your pre-MBA Industry and function?

• I have a bit of an unconventional background – I was a corporate litigation paralegal for two years and then a personal chef.

What will be your post-MBA Industry and function?

• Foodtech/CPG industry. I’ll continue running my own company, Berman Foods, as the founder and CEO and may also join another startup.

Clubs and organizations:

• Academic Affairs Chair for the Jones Student Association
• Marketing Director for the Entrepreneurship Association
• Admissions Ambassador

Why did you want to pursue your MBA?

Working in law, I realized how long it takes to effect real change. I decided I could have a more immediate impact by working directly in the market. Simultaneously, I watched as several plant-based companies struggled to scale efficiently and decided I could contribute to our food system by bringing more business acumen to the field. I had no business background and knew I would benefit from joining a full-time MBA program so I could immerse myself in the courses. 

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Why did you choose Rice Business?

Rice stood out to me early on for its entrepreneurship program and genuine emphasis on learning. Once I began communicating with the admissions team and shared with them that I wanted to work in plant-based food, they further set the school apart by describing the many resources available to student entrepreneurs on campus and within the larger Rice community. They were the first and only program that promised to have my back. 

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

The connections I’ve made with my classmates and some of my professors! I’ve had the joy of getting to know so many wonderful people, all with unique backgrounds, perspectives and aspirations. 

What are you most proud of in your career?

Starting my own company and creating a product that customers love! It’s been the coolest experience to watch people trying and enjoying our products. I finally feel like I’m getting to do exactly what I was meant to do with my life. 

How has the Rice MBA helped you in your career?

Rice has helped me in so many ways. My classes, especially those in entrepreneurship, strategy and marketing, have completely reframed how I think about business and brands. The guidance of my professors and classmates has been integral to launching my company. Most importantly, Rice has introduced me to the most supportive community, without whom I would not have had the confidence to do many of the things I’ve tried over the past two years. It’s been a life-changing experience.

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

It should not mean anything different than being a man in business, but it seems to. It’s taught me to advocate for myself. It often means bringing a different perspective to the discussion. It also means that I have a responsibility to bring more women into the room with me whenever I can, and to make everything a little easier for the next generation. 

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

Carefully consider why you want an MBA, and then jump in fully. It helps to have a clear purpose for being here so that you may spend your time accordingly. Prioritize getting to know your peers because that’s the richest and warmest part of it all. 

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

Rice is an exceptional community full of brilliant, fascinating and loving people. I’m so glad I chose this school. Also, there are very few concrete limits to what you can accomplish. Trust yourself and go all in!

New York-based artist Kate Shepherd will give an artist talk at the Menil Drawing Institute Feb. 17 to discuss her work: richly toned works on paper and paintings known for their exquisitely fine lines, spatial complexity and attention to the saturation of the paint. Two of Shepherd’s works are currently on view in “Spatial Awareness: Drawings from the Permanent Collection at the Menil Drawing Institute,” which runs through March 13.

But here at Rice, a new wall painting by Shepherd has joined the university’s permanent collection of public art. “Tricycle Red, Pelican Gray etc., partial octagons” was installed over a week in December in the lobby of McNair Hall at the Jones Graduate School of Business.

It is Shepherd’s first permanent wall painting in a public space and an important acquisition by a living female artist whose work has been exhibited at museums and galleries across the United States and Europe since 1994. Shepherd’s work is also included among the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Menil Collection, the Baltimore Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York.

“Tricycle Red, Pelican Gray etc., partial octagons” joins the work of other significant artists whose wall drawings have been installed on campus, including Sol LeWitt in the Glasscock School for Continuing Studies and, more recently, Ganzeer’s murals in the Baker Institute for Public Policy. As the title suggests, Shepherd’s piece features a striking assemblage of red and gray panels that were inspired by the octagonal rotunda of McNair Hall and the reddish hues of St. Joe brick buildings across campus.

Shepherd was commissioned to create the wall painting by the Jones School as part of the Rice Public Art collection, and worked closely with Frauke Josenhans, curator at the Moody Center for the Arts.

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“I hope that we succeeded in activating the space,” said Shepherd. “I think the mission statement was so clear, and it was inspiring to follow suit.”

The resulting artwork welcomes those entering the Jones School at a pivotal point on campus, just across from the student center and central quad.

“The mission statement was to activate the space with something that felt architectural and something colorful, very lively and something to really greet the people entering with a great sense of complication and joy,” Shepherd said.

The soaring rotunda of the Jones School is a bold architectural statement, the artist said, making it an obvious reference for her own work. Trained in both fine art and architecture, her work often illuminates inherent visual relationships between form and space.

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“It was really fortuitous, because I always like to work off something in the space and as a source of inspiration, and also to make sort of a partnership with the architecture,” Shepherd said.

In both her paintings and works on paper, Shepherd superimposes a matrix of delicate lines on chromatic, planar fields that seem to create three-dimensional spaces. The highly saturated layers of paint — she prefers Benjamin Moore — create a gleaming, almost reflective surface. Despite the minimal means and pared-down forms, her works function on an emotional level, with the large planes of color emanating an almost hypnotic power. 

“I think it creates space within space,” Josenhans said of “Tricycle Red, Pelican Gray etc., partial octagons.” Indeed it almost seems as if one could step into the wall itself, the planes creating roomlike shapes before your eyes.

“And there’s something pretty incredible about the fact that this is her first permanent public piece,” Josenhans said. “It's very exciting, and we are extremely honored to have Kate Shepherd’s work here on campus where everyone can enjoy it.”