New Technology World

“Be persistent and authentic while striving towards building a better world and connecting with others.”

home town: Queens, New York

Fun facts about yourself: My hairstyle is my favorite way to express myself.I love experimenting with colors and styles so month by month it can be difficult for people to recognize me

Faculty and Degree: Georgetown University, School of Nursing and Health Sciences – BS International Health

Where was the last place you worked before entering business school? Diversity Innovation Hub Program Manager, Mount Sinai Health System

Where did you intern in the summer of 2021? Kearney – DC Office

Where do you plan to work after graduation? McKinsey & Company – Generalist Consultant, DC

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business Schools:

• Black Business Student Association Co-President
• Peer Advisor Chairman
• Vice President – Fool Marketing
• VP-ally in cluster Q
• Above & Beyond Award
• 2nd year fellow
• Leadership Fellow

Which academic or extra-curricular activity in business school are you most proud of? I am most proud to have served as co-president of the Black Business Student Association (BBSA). After a year at a hybrid school where he navigated the height of COVID conditions, many traditions were lost and an opportunity for him to rethink BBSA in a way that had not existed before. His freshman class of ours is made up of the most black students in the history of CBS, so he knew he had a unique opportunity to do something special. Being Co-President of the BBSA has allowed me to drive new and exciting initiatives, grow into a leader, and really bring her BBSA to the forefront of her CBS experience across the student body. I was. Our board has allowed him to accomplish a lot in one year and I have grown as a leader.

What achievement of your professional career are you most proud of? I am proud of my final role as Program Manager for the Diversity Innovation Hub at Mount Sinai. For me, the role was the culmination of all my previous work experience in medical technology, public health, and diversity, and it made a huge impact. That’s why we were able to build her program, an incubator for female, black, and Latino founders who build digital health her solutions for New York’s underserved communities. Especially in the early stages of the pandemic, I was content to accept the challenge of creating something from scratch and navigating the possibilities.

Why did you choose this business school? When I was applying to business school, Columbia ticked all my boxes except that I wanted to move away from my hometown of New York. And I realized there’s no better place than CBS. As someone with a myriad of passions, CBS was a place where I was free to explore all of my professional and personal interests through programs at school and opportunities in the city. His CBS access to the highest levels and extensive networks in all industries is unmatched.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Stephen Meier. He has taken Strategy Formulation, Future of Work and is currently taking a Global Immersion class researching African consumers in Ghana. From my first class at the core, Professor Meyer has been one of his most accessible professors and I appreciate the breadth of his expertise in the various classes I have taken with him. He has always made his learning experience relaxing and meaningful at the same time.

Reflecting on your MBA experience, what is one thing you would like to do differently? What is the reason? I went headfirst into everything CBS had to offer: leadership, networking, resources. I have many passions and really appreciate exploring them to the fullest. But if you could go back in time, focus on digging deeper into one or two areas that you’re passionate about, rather than exploring all the breadth of what you wanted to influence. I would love to know what you have achieved.

What’s the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about my school is that it’s a “commuter school” and it’s hard to get to know people. Even with people living in different neighborhoods and social distancing rules, nothing can stop CBS students from gathering and socializing. From clusters to clubs, the community is thriving and don’t miss an opportunity to get involved. There’s always a lot going on and lots of new people to meet. I think most people take advantage of it.

What surprised you most about business school? I was surprised by the diversity of people’s paths here. I thought business school graduates would go straight to Wall Street, but at CBS, they’re using their degrees to work on technology, art, education, sustainability, and more. Business truly touches every aspect of our society and the students at my school are proof of that.

What was one thing you did during the application process that gave you an edge at the school of your choice? I believe I have proven myself as a community builder through my past engagements, essays, and interview presence. I wanted to establish that whatever school I went to, I was going to invest in leaving something better than I found. I think CBS really appreciated that quality in me and has continued to nurture it ever since I was accepted.

Which MBA classmate do you admire the most? I admire Mo Kamaly, who seemed destined to be a friend for life. He is my learning teammate and has been in leadership with me through the Follies, Cluster Boards, and Peer Advisor Programs. I think Mo is a very bright, humble and kind person. He consistently appears on his CBS community, putting the needs of others ahead of his own. He is truly loyal, always keeps his promises, and has been a positive influence on so many people at our school.

Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? One of my best friends, Sonovia Wint, influenced my decision to go to business school. We had the same major in college, so I was able to see how an MBA would open doors for my career and give me many options to make a meaningful impact in society. rice field. She set the example that even though I didn’t have a quantitative background, business school was accessible and I could forge my own path in business school.

What are the top two things on your professional to-do list?

• Launch your startup and become a renowned name in hair care technology
• Invited as a graduation speaker at my alma mater.

How has the pandemic changed your career outlook? Most obviously, the pandemic has emphasized the ability of many of us to work from anywhere in the world. I think this really pushed the globalist argument forward because people realized they could work from the city that best suited them, rather than being tied to a place. It also led us to consider the factors and what the actual working culture is. I think I’ve learned to prefer jobs that offer flexibility and work on reimagining what culture and connections look like across multiple formats. I have come to appreciate the ways in which I can balance my social and personal needs.

What makes Alicia so valuable to the 2022 class?

“Alicia has led the CBS community with influence, intent and purpose. As Co-President of Peer Advisors, he led a team of MBA students dedicated to making the transition of over 600 freshman first grades an enjoyable, beneficial and wonderful experience.Always a positive culture. Alicia was an active participant in the Follies as a dancer and comedic actor, and an irreplaceable leader of the Colombian community and a staunch believer in her agency, she performed with grace and dignity. I am acting.”

Michael Robinson, MBA ’01
Senior Director, Admissions
Columbia Business School