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Itgel Bold, '08

U.S. Army Vet and MBA alum credits Costello for expanding his dreams

Jennifer Anzaldi — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:31:18 +0000

U.S. Army Vet and MBA alum credits Costello for expanding his dreams Jennifer Anzaldi Mon, 11/11/2024 - 09:31

After eight years in the U.S. Army, Allen Taber, MBA ’22, was looking for a way to grow in his career. The Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��AV provided him the tools he was seeking. Taber came to George Mason for an MBA, and left with a new dream of pursuing a doctorate.

Allen Taber, MBA ’22

“George Mason was an awesome experience, especially for someone who wasn’t in school for over a decade,” says Taber. A parent of a young child, Costello offered him the location and flexibility he was seeking. “Professors worked with us. Almost every single professor you had was out there to help students out.”

Prior to coming to Costello, Taber served as a computer detection specialist in the U.S. Army. “I brought the skills I learned in the military to the workplace, which allowed me to become a program manager within the information technology industry,” says Taber. While working as a project manager he quickly realized that if he wanted to grow in his company, he needed an advanced degree.

For Taber, learning the theory behind what he was doing in his position helped to make him a better manager. Taber says his Management Consulting course with Jim Wolfe, associate professor of management and entrepreneur in residence at Costello, was particularly impactful. “We bounced ideas off of each other in the class that I could implement in my current position,” says Taber.

Allen Taber, MBA ’22, in Chile on his MBA Global Residency.

In addition to Wolfe’s class, Taber says his most memorable experience during his time at George Mason was the Global Residency Program to Chile. “We had the opportunity to learn different business operations, and more importantly how a different country operates, both similarities and differences. It was amazing to study in a place you normally would never go,” says Taber. “It was the first time I left the country in 20 years.”

Taber says that not only was the business education experience impactful, but exploring the city and learning about the culture left a lasting imprint as well.

Allen Taber, MBA ’22, spent eight years in the U.S. Army.

After completing his MBA, Taber continued on for his doctorate in business administration at Walden University. “Professor Wolfe was a catalyst to push me into my doctoral studies,” says Taber. “You talk about it, you think about, but having someone who’s been doing it for so many years say ‘Go for it’ is pretty awesome.”

Taber says the MBA program prepared him well for his doctorate. Taber is currently the senior technical project manager for Monture, LLC, and working on completing his doctoral study.

Taber’s advice to students considering the program: “It is never too late to go back to school. While I had great accomplishments in the workplace, having an advanced degree will open up future opportunities that would not be possible without it.”

Photos provided by Allen Taber.

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MBA Program

Military

First-generation alumna and MBA student shares recipes for creating treasured memories in new book

Jennifer Anzaldi — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:14:34 +0000

First-generation alumna and MBA student shares recipes for creating treasured memories in new book Jennifer Anzaldi Thu, 11/07/2024 - 10:14

Born and raised in Paris, France, Ava Uppal, BS Marketing ’19, fondly recalls baking with her mother and turning simple ingredients into heartfelt memories.

Uppal grew up eating her mother’s freshly baked French yogurt cakes for breakfast and enjoyed every bit of it. Now, as a part-time Costello College of Business at ��AV MBA student and a working mother of two children, she’s a small business owner and author of a new cookbook.

Uppal, a self-described dream chaser, is the founder of Baked à la carte, a French bespoke cakes and dessert bar catering company in Washington, D.C. She credits her success in starting and managing a small business to the business education she received at ��AV, and the cadre of amazing mentors she encountered in the business college’s alumni community. “Being a student at Mason was the start of my American Dream journey,” says Uppal. “The alumni network has been a tremendous support to me along my journey, from student to post-graduate.”

“The alumni network has been a tremendous support to me along my journey, from student to post-graduate.”

She began Baked à la carte to carry on her mother’s legacy of spreading love with baked goods, using recipes she learned from her mom and which she now shares in her new book, Baking Memories. The cookbook is a nod to her Parisian roots and her mother’s baking legacy.

Baking Memories is filled with a collection of simple and fun recipes that readers can use to start their own family traditions and create treasured memories. The recipes have a French flair and include a variety of tasty treats—from French-style cakes and cookies to madeleines and other baked goods—all inspired by her beloved mother and Ava’s own life as a first-generation immigrant, George Mason alumna, working mom, military spouse, and entrepreneur.

She and her daughter, Zoya, were recently featured in a Small Business Spotlight segment on WJLA ABC 7’s Good Morning Washington show. During the broadcast, she shared her recipe for French Yogurt cakes with co-hosts Eileen Whelan and Britt Waters. As Uppal demonstrated, her recipes are easy to follow and customizable, which makes them appealing to almost everyone in the family.

Uppal continues to share her creative ideas and recipes as an on-air lifestyle expert and has appeared on television stations including affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.

“There is something special about being in the kitchen and creating,” says Uppal. “The process of baking allows us to explore, express our creativity, and get something delicious at the end.” Uppal also notes that baking appeals to our senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, and even hearing—and can serve as a psychological cue in awakening treasured memories. One of her fondest childhood memories is sitting on the kitchen counter bonding with her sister and late mother, while baking French yogurt cakes.

Uppal expects to complete her Costello MBA in 2025.

In the meantime, she’s focused on building treasured memories with her own family while chasing her dream of growing her business portfolio. Her recipe for personal and professional success includes generous portions of passion, hard work, and balance, which is making quality time for her family and involving her children in her life’s work.

Uppal’s debut cookbook is available for purchase on avauppal.com.

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Healthy recipe content creator found niche while studying at ��AV

Greg Johnson — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 20:48:04 +0000

Healthy recipe content creator found niche while studying at ��AV Greg Johnson Wed, 04/24/2024 - 16:48

Brittany Mullins, BS Marketing ’07, found her professional niche while studying at the Costello College of Business at ��AV. Since graduating, she has founded and run her successful brand, Eating Bird Food, providing healthy recipes and more to her loyal followers.

Brittany Mullins, BS Marketing ’07

When Mullins began her freshman year at George Mason, she was determined to not gain the “freshman 15.” Even though she had always consumed the average American diet, now, she decided, was the time for her to turn over a new page.

As she got into top physical shape, she learned everything she could about health and nutrition, some of it by enrolling in nutrition courses at George Mason. Combining her newfound passion with her marketing background, she would soon establish Eating Bird Food, a platform providing healthy recipes.

With a combined social following of more than two million, Mullins has also published a cookbook and serves as a nutrition coach. Her brand continues to grow as followers recognize and trust her as an expert in her field. Eating Bird Food has been evolving ever since Mullins came up with the initial concept.

“After graduating, I got a job in marketing and also started a food blog to keep myself accountable to my healthy eating,” she says.

As Mullins states on her website, “Eating Bird Food simply means eating a wholesome diet focused on real foods—without labels.” Even though her personal preference is to eat plant-focused meals, she also eats fish and lean meat, enabling her to provide an array of healthy recipes to meet an individual’s own dietary preferences. On her website, she offers detailed recipes, complete with photos and videos, and organized by meal course, protein, diet, and cooking method. Furthermore, followers have the option to purchase a variety of meal plans.

Mullins has clearly found her own recipe for success when it comes to content creation. When asked for tips for someone who wants to break into the space, she says, “I say number one is just to start, and number two is to be really passionate about your topic and to niche down because the market with content creators is really saturated. Find something that is ‘your thing,’ and when people think of this, they’ll come to you for that specific content.” She continues to niche down even more, now focusing on more protein-focused recipes.

Though being her own boss gives her a lot of flexibility—something that the wife and mother of two greatly values—there are many challenges Mullins has to overcome. “I have to wear all the hats and do all the things, like the bookkeeping, taxes, and everything else,” she says. “Whereas if you’re an employee for a company, someone else manages those tasks and you don’t have to worry about all those extra things.” Additionally, she manages a team of four people and then contracts other professionals to accomplish tasks like videography and photography.

Having found her niche in content and amassing a large, loyal, and still growing audience, Mullins is excited to find more ways to expand her business. With a keen eye on updates happening with artificial intelligence and SEO, she’s considering new possibilities from affiliate earnings to expanding her products for purchase. Her expertise on both healthy eating and marketing have earned her a large following, which helps establish a built-in audience for whatever new venture she decides on next.

Learn more about the Costello College of Business

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Marketing Area

Accounting alumna finds acceptance and opportunity at Baker Tilly

Marianne Klinker — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:11:11 +0000

Accounting alumna finds acceptance and opportunity at Baker Tilly Marianne Klinker Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:11

Shabinaaz Mahdi, BS Accounting ’12, discovered a passion for accounting at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��AV. While in school, she was introduced to Baker Tilly, a leading advisory tax and assurance firm, where she has risen through the ranks to become partner.

Fifteen years had passed since high school graduation when Shabinaaz Mahdi decided to return to her education at Mason. Her focus had been on raising her children and adjusting to life after immigrating to the United States from Sri Lanka. Taking night classes at Mason allowed her to keep her priorities in focus while exploring her burgeoning passion for accounting and the career paths where it could lead. After transferring from Northern Virginia Community College, she worked diligently at Mason in joining extracurricular groups, including the GMU Accounting Honors Program, Beta Gamma Sigma, Golden Key International Society, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Additionally, she was named to the Dean’s List in 2010 and 2011.

Shabinaaz Mahdi

The subject of accounting was attractive to Mahdi due to her love of mathematics. “I’m a numbers person, especially being an immigrant and English not being my first language, numbers are a universal language,” she says. It was never a struggle for her to study because she so thoroughly enjoyed the tax work and research. During those night classes, she bonded with her classmates and learned about what kinds of careers could be available for her. She learned even more about the field through an audit and tax internship. Soon after that, she attended a leadership conference and was introduced to Baker Tilly. “Seeing the potential for growth in a mid-sized firm, I applied for a full-time position and received an offer during my senior year, feeling incredibly fortunate to secure employment before graduation,” she says.

Mahdi credits the culture and people of Baker Tilly for her tremendous professional growth. After beginning as staff accountant in 2012, she began her rise through the ranks, finding her strengths and developing proficiency, leading to her recent promotion as partner at the firm. In her current role, she focuses on partnerships and corporations within the professional services industry, particularly law firms. She loves working with her clients, but she also loves working with her colleagues, collaborating with them, and soaking up all the knowledge that she can. Mahdi’s impressive success at Baker Tilly is not at all surprising to JK Aier, senior associate dean and associate professor of accounting at the Costello College of Business, who had her in his intermediate accounting class. “Right from day one, she was motivated to not only do well in the course but also work to understand the subject matter thoroughly by asking clarifying questions.”

As an immigrant, Mahdi had initially felt anxious about being accepted, but she quickly found that her colleagues embraced her. “The firm's inclusive culture has enabled me to find fulfillment in my work by allowing me to be my authentic self, free from pretense or peer pressure,” she says. “This culture of acceptance has fostered a sense of belonging which, in turn, has empowered me to perform at my best.” Baker Tilly promotes a healthy work/life balance for its employees by encouraging effective communication. “Communication is key to make sure you are prioritizing the things that are important to you,” she says. “I always have my Outlook calendar updated which truly helps manage both home and work.” Throughout the year, employees at Baker Tilly make a conscious effort to completely disconnect from work in order to recharge, reset, and relax. And in order to destress and wrap up the work week productively, they avoid scheduling meetings on Fridays.

When Mahdi first arrived in the United States, she only knew her husband and children. Going back to school began as a way to keep herself occupied, but it has since led to an accomplished and rewarding career and a vast network of positive relationships. “I strongly believe that if you give your best effort in everything you do and leave your quality mark on every work product that crosses your desk, work diligently and intelligently, remain open to continuous learning, and stay humble, recognizing that your knowledge is just a drop in the ocean, and, most importantly, enjoy the process, success will inevitably follow when the time is right,” she says. Mahdi has experienced great success following that mindset at Baker Tilly, where she is embraced and encouraged.

Topics

Accounting Advisory Council

Please consider a gift to the Costello College of Business Scholarship Fund to inspire and empower business students at Mason.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Accounting Concentration

Learn more about Mason's Master's in Accounting program

The Donald G. Costello College of Business scholarship luncheon brings together recipients and donors

Marianne Klinker — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:48:55 +0000

The Donald G. Costello College of Business scholarship luncheon brings together recipients and donors Marianne Klinker Tue, 11/28/2023 - 12:48

The scholarship luncheon, held each fall by the Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��AV, brings together scholarship donors with the student recipients of those scholarships.

Along with faculty members and other leaders from across the business college, they share personal stories and challenges as well as plans for the future. On Tuesday, November 7, the latest group of donors and awardees gathered to build connections and share inspiration.

Dean Ajay Vinzé delivers opening remarks.

Following an introduction by Yena Kim, director of academic achievement and innovative learning at the Costello College of Business, and opening remarks from Dean Ajay Vinzé, several donors and recipients addressed the audience about the impact of scholarship in their lives. Mishell Orellana Arispe, a senior studying finance, Salman Funyas, a senior studying business administration and accounting, and Kyle Samuel, a sophomore studying finance were among the students at the luncheon who spoke about their experiences.

“As a proud recipient of two scholarships, I'm incredibly grateful for the gift of time and vote of confidence they've given me,” says Mishell Orellana Arispe, recipient of the Gerald Hanweck Sr. Legacy Scholarship and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Scholarship. “I take these awards as a challenge to get out of my comfort zone and push myself to do better each day.”

"I was hesitant towards adding a second concentration, but I had often heard people say where there is a will, there is a way,” says Salman Funyas, recipient of the Janis S. Reed Endowed Scholarship. “In my case the way came in the shape of another human who made it possible for me to chase my dream of becoming a CPA."

"Being an immigrant, the financial aid opportunities that are available to me are limited, thus you cannot fathom how much these scholarships would aid me in pursuing my dreams,” says Kyle Samuel, recipient of the Kahil Family Scholarship and Emanuel A. Baker Endowed Scholarship.

Stephanie Zimmermann, '93 (center) with scholarship recipients.

Attending the luncheon as a donor of the Women in Business Initiative Endowed Scholarship, Stephanie Zimmermann, BS Decision Science and Management Information Systems ’93, was once in the position of the students in the room. “As a scholarship recipient, I have always been grateful for the gift I received—it was more than just the money—it was the confidence, validation, and recognition received for the work I was doing at that time,” she says. “The opportunity to pay it forward, and to help build the legacy that supports our current and future Costello College of Business scholars is one of the main reasons why I support the mission.”

James R. Beers (second from left) with scholarship recipients.

The James R. Beers Endowed Scholarship is contributed to and supported by James R. Beers and Baker Tilly US. “I very much enjoy meeting and listening to the students and knowing I have helped your deserving students achieve their educational objectives,” says Beers. “I also enjoy visiting with the Mason team who are so important in making this undertaking successful.” Shabinaaz Mahdi, BS Accounting ’12, is partner at Baker Tilly. “This is one of my favorite events to attend because I enjoy talking with the recipients and learning about their journeys and aspirations,” says Mahdi. “Our profession is dynamic, innovative, and growing, and Baker Tilly is committed to helping today's students become tomorrow's generation of business advisors and leaders.”

Jeff Johnson, BS Business Administration ’75, relished the opportunity to sit down with the students awarded with the Johnson Family Endowed Scholarship. “The most impactful thing for me was getting to spend time with some of the scholarship recipients,” he says.

The scholarship luncheon was a rewarding experience for everyone involved. The student recipients thanked and learned from the generous donors who have impacted their education, while growing their professional networks in the process. And the donors were able to get to know the remarkable students whom their scholarships are benefitting. The Donald G. Costello College of Business greatly appreciates the wonderful donors who enrich the lives of our future business leaders.

Topics

Costello College of Business Scholarships

Costello College of Business Students

Scholarships

Students

Give to the Costello College of Business Scholarship Fund

MBA military veterans share how the Mason MBA impacted their careers

Marianne Klinker — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 20:01:54 +0000

MBA military veterans share how the Mason MBA impacted their careers Marianne Klinker Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:01

The Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��AV is committed to the active-duty military service members and veterans who come to Mason to enhance their education.

We caught up with some military veterans who recently graduated from the Mason MBA program who shared the impact the MBA program has had on their career already, and how the Mason MBA could be beneficial for others.

Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott, MBA ’21

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Acquisition Modernization Program Manager, Defense Logistics Agency

Earning an MBA from ��AV assisted with my transition from military to civilian life. The comprehensive management and technical skills acquired during my MBA journey significantly contributed to my hiring as the new Acquisition Modernization Program Manager for the Defense Logistics Agency.  

I believe one of the most valuable factors in gaining an MBA from Mason is expanding your real-time knowledge basis in critical areas to further develop and achieve current strategic goals while concurrently orchestrating future value in an ever-changing world. 

Matt Munsch

Matt Munsch, MBA ’22

Military Branch: United States Air Force 
Current Role: Director, Dark Wolf Solutions 

After graduating from Mason's MBA program, I was able to enter the next phase of my career.  

Shortly after graduating, I joined Google as a Technical Program Manager. After learning and growing with Google, I was able to continue propelling my career forward, joining Dark Wolf Solutions as a Director. 

The Mason MBA program gave me the skills, qualifications, and confidence to continue up leveling my career. Going back to school after more than a decade in the workforce was daunting but I do not regret my decision! 

Bradley B. Son

Bradley B. Son, MBA ’21

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Product Manager, Cyber Platforms & Systems, Defensive Cyber Operations, United States Army 

For myself, the MBA was more than career progression and networking. The aspect of my job in the Army Acquisition Corps requires me to fundamentally understand the aspects of business management to make decisions not only on behalf of my organization, but for the Army and the Department of Defense. My experience at ��AV greatly assisted me in many facets of my profession, which includes leadership, ethics, economics, marketing, information systems and operations management, project management, and many more! I can't thank the incredible organization, my outstanding cohort, and more importantly, the incredible instructors that helped guide me throughout my journey!

John Goetchius

John Goetchius, MBA ’21 

Military Branch: United States Army, Retired 
Current Role: Company Manager 

The Mason MBA program imparted new, useful technical and analytical skills—and the confidence to solve current, real-world business and management problems. I benefited from contact with an engaged, dedicated, highly competent faculty and a smart, diverse group of fellow students. Inside a well-planned curriculum, I found the program challenging—and deeply rewarding. 

Connor Mallon

Connor Mallon, MBA ’23 

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Strategy Consultant, NOVACES 

An MBA and the skillset that accompanied the degree helped me stand out in a saturated and competitive market. The program gave me the edge I needed to hit the ground running in a new career and the confidence to navigate complex challenges and demanding stakeholders. 

Ramon Walker

Ramon Walker, Jr., MBA ’23 

Military Branch: United States Air Force  
Current Role: Intelligence Research Specialist, United States Custom and Border Protection 

The Mason MBA program gave me an opportunity to network and I gained experience and skills that could be applied to reaching the upper echelons of my career field. 

Douglas Chapman

Douglas Chapman, MBA ’22 

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Vice President of Operations, CoreSys Consulting Services, LLC 

The MBA program at Mason enabled me to improve my business skills and expanded my aperture as related to strategic thinking.   

Did you know ��AV is a Yellow Ribbon Participant? Mason provides additional funds to eligible service members to pay education costs without charging your GI Bill® entitlement. Visit Mason's Office of Military Services to learn more about education benefits for veterans.

Topics

University Business Consulting

Learn more about Mason's MBA program

Learn more about VA Benefits at Mason

Meet the Mason Nation: John Tyree

Sarah Holland — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:16:52 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: John Tyree Sarah Holland Thu, 07/20/2023 - 15:16

John Tyree

Job: Consultant, University Business Consulting

John Tyree is a two-time Mason alum and current staff member in University Business Consulting. Photo provided.

John Tyree is one of Mason’s University Business Consulting (UBC) consultants. The university launched UBC in 2020 to help Mason offices reach their goals through increased efficiency, data insights, and capitalizing on opportunities for innovation. Tyree started working at Mason in 2019, but his connection to the Mason Nation dates back to 2010 when he started working on his bachelor’s degree in information systems and operations management. Since then, he has added an MBA and a graduate certificate in business analytics to his resume.

Understanding the ‘WHY’. After graduating from Mason with a BS in in 2013, Tyree returned to Mason as an IT manager. He was inspired to pursue his MBA to, “better understand the ‘why’ of business processes I was supporting as an IT professional. I am able to use the business skills I learned to approach challenges from a higher strategic level.” The move to business consulting, in tandem with his completion of the MBA program, was an opportunity to “round out my business acumen. I’m able to better see how departments interconnect and serve a common mission. And the skills I gained through the MBA program—such as identifying deficiencies in processes and creating improvements—have served me well in my role as a consultant for the university.”

Lessons abroad. The MBA program allowed Tyree to expand his horizons not only through a new career path, but also through experiences abroad. “The most memorable class I took in the MBA program was the Global Residency course,” he said. “We traveled to Singapore to learn from various businesses about operating in a global market. We were able to talk with senior leadership and learn the similarities and key differences about conducting business in different parts of the world.” Tyree and his fellow students also had the opportunity to take guided tours and attend cultural dinners to learn about the country. “The whole experience was a great way to bond with my cohort as well as obtain a global prospective as I continue my business career,” Tyree said.

Part of the process. In his work with UBC, Tyree has the opportunity to see how processes and departments function across the university and, using his expertise in business analytics, he helps them find more efficient and effective ways of operating. “My work is focused on gathering and synthesizing information for our clients so they can make informed decisions on improving departmental organization and efficiencies,” he said. “I do this through various means including executive reports, data analysis and visualization, benchmarking, and general project management.”

Helping Mason succeed. “Consulting” is a broad term, encompassing everything from project management to data visualizations to business planning. Some of UBC's projects include implementing the university's new Strategic Direction and designing key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to measure its progress; coordinating with multiple offices to design, implement, and manage the university's COVID-19 response; and saving the university $1.7M in transportation costs by analyzing shuttle ridership post-pandemic. And at no cost to Mason units—yes, this service is complimentary!—this work is critical to supporting Mason’s mission and helping others do the same.

Macy the golden doodle showing off her Patriot pride. Photo provided.

Puppy love. Tyree is an avid outdoorsman. From roads and trails to rivers and lakes, he cycles and kayaks through state and national parks. And while the great outdoors holds a special place in his heart, his one-year-old golden doodle is his greatest treasure. Macy, named after Mason, walks around her namesake campus with Tyree. “She gets to greet lots of students,” Tyree said, which bodes well for her future application to Mason in approximately two to three years (which is 16 to 24 in dog years!).

Patriots brave and bold! With two Mason degrees and an ongoing career at the university, it’s no wonder that Tyree bleeds green and gold. Over a decade since he began his journey at Mason, Tyree still loves to cheer on Mason basketball. "I've been attending games since 2010. I still root for the green and gold at EagleBank Arena any chance I get!”

Learn more about University Business Consulting

Meet more of the Mason Nation

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November 22, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske
October 11, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024

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Meet the Mason Nation

MBA Program

Faculty and Staff News

Embracing challenges leads accounting alumna to leadership position within U.S. Navy

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:03:29 +0000

Embracing challenges leads accounting alumna to leadership position within U.S. Navy Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 11/08/2022 - 10:03

Ms. Alaleh Jenkins, BS Accounting ’97

Never one to back down from a challenge, Alaleh Jenkins, BS Accounting ’97, immigrated to the United States as a teenager without speaking any English. As a student at ��AV, she enrolled in basic English classes and quickly became fluent in English while also excelling in her other courses. Focused on academics as well as adjusting to and succeeding in a new country, she took advantage of Mason’s job fairs, landing a job at a major CPA firm after graduation. “I got a lot of tough love at my first job and I will be forever grateful to my employer for pushing me out of my comfort zone,” Jenkins says.

Jenkins’ steady and enduring work ethic throughout the years led to her recent designation as the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller (ASN FM&C). In this role, she brought with her lessons learned from the private sector.

“As I tell the FM&C workforce, if you don’t change, you don’t grow. It’s very important that everybody learns to work in different environments, how to work with different cultures, how to be more inclusive, how to work in a very diverse organization, and how to communicate and move forward,” she says. “For me it’s about connecting the dots, integrating, answering questions, and (in her current role) making sure that the Secretary, the Undersecretary, and the rest of the leadership have the information that they need and that I have the monitoring in place across the various areas.”

No two work days look the same for Jenkins, as she reaches out to various layers of the organization. This busy schedule of communicating and coordinating with colleagues across not only the Department of the Navy (DON), but other Department of Defense (DoD) and federal organizations is among her favorite aspects of the job. But the most rewarding aspect for Jenkins is the mission itself.

“I am honored and humbled to be in a position here to support our Sailors, Marines, and civilians who make up the DON – people who have sacrificed everything for us to live the life that we have in this country,” she says. “The common mission of this team makes the organization feel like a family striving toward making it an even better place to work and to support constituents.”

Reexamining her own path, Jenkins recognizes that getting exposure to new ideas, experiences, and people is critical for business students and young professionals to flourish. She doesn’t have the answer to every question, but her character traits and ability to work effectively with individuals from all walks of life has enabled her to be successful in any workplace situation she faces.

“If there are opportunities to expand your horizon and gain experience in different areas, I highly encourage you to seize them,” she says. “You always want to be in learning mode.”

Jenkins acknowledges she didn’t always know what she wanted to do professionally, but her hard work and passion went a long way in building her professional experiences. She encourages students to join clubs and take on leadership positions in order to understand what is best for the team, and how to succeed within that team’s construct.

Though Jenkins sometimes regrets not engaging in more of the fun side of campus culture, she had her plate full working multiple jobs to finance her education. She also took on two internships through Mason in addition to the post-graduation job she secured by attending the school’s job fairs. After recently taking her son on a tour of the Mason campus, she shared that many memories came rushing back. Her years at Mason were a time for self-reflection and growth.

Jenkins embodies the grit and determination of the American dream. Unafraid to make mistakes, she has embraced challenges and thrived.

“I didn’t believe in avoiding responsibility for my mistakes,” she says. “It was me owning it, good or bad, and learning from it and always moving up.” Mason’s geographic location, diversity, career services, and overall opportunities matched the ambition and goals of Jenkins, acting as a launch pad for a remarkable and rewarding career.

Disclaimer: Neither the Department of the Navy nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this article.

On November 16, from 4-6 p.m., the School of Business will host a fireside chat between U.S. Navy Assistant Secretary and Mason alumna, Alaleh Jenkins and Dean Ajay Vinzé. Ms. Jenkins will be joining us on campus at Merten Hall to discuss her unique career journey and how students can best prepare to join the workforce. Click here to register for the event.

Topics

Campus News

MBA alumnus establishes the Michael S. VanPatten Family Endowed Scholarship

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:24:39 +0000

MBA alumnus establishes the Michael S. VanPatten Family Endowed Scholarship Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 11/01/2022 - 11:24

Michael S. VanPatten

Despite living and working in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Michael VanPatten, MBA ’90, never lost touch with Mason. Immediately receptive to post-graduation calls from the alumni relations team, he was eager to connect with alumni and assist students in attaining an MBA. The positive experience he had at Mason, with instructors who had working knowledge in the areas they were teaching, encouraged his continued engagement. “One of my awesome professors who really stood out was Raphael Coleman, and he was dean at the time, which made it even more special,” he says.

As the chief financial officer at True Influence (now part of Anteriad), VanPatten reflects on how instructors in the MBA program went out of their way to give students a leg up. “Another professor who really helped me was Raj Sisodia who taught marketing,” he says. “He shared my paper ‘A Normative Conceptual Model for Marketing Technology-Centered Products’ with acclaimed marketing authors, Al Ries and Jack Trout, and they shared immensely positive feedback with me.” The result was an “A” in the course, but more importantly it gave him exposure and confidence in his skills at a high level. The finance portion of the program prepared VanPatten exceptionally well, and he was excited that he could build upon his background in calculus. “Tools from those finance classes have since helped me convince investors to buy into new programs,” he says.

VanPatten’s zeal for Mason is demonstrated by his communication with students and graduates, establishing his own scholarship, and his participation in a number of Mason alumni get-togethers in the Atlanta area. With the Michael S. VanPatten Family Endowed Scholarship recently established, he is excited to witness the effects it will have on recipients. Working with Carolina Camargo De Luca, the major gifts officer at the School of Business, he was able to lend support to the program in a personal way that fit him best, providing support to high-performing MBA students who have completed two courses in the program.

“Throughout my education I received help from many people, including employers, and I think it’s really important that I give back as well,” he says. Recognized as a Prominent Patriot in 2020, Michael VanPatten is a sterling example of how graduation only marks the beginning of the journey as a Patriot. Soon, MBA students will begin benefitting from his scholarship and author their own stories of success.

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