Sasha McNair, Emory Goizueta’s MBA Class of 2025
Age: 31
Hometown: Washington, DC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UNC Chapel Hill, Psychology & Global Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Tiffany & Company, DEI Manager, Global Talent Acquisition, 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’m the type of person that continuously looks for new challenges in my career, and late last year, I felt myself begin to plateau. As a DEI professional, I had accomplished a lot of the goals that I’d set out for myself. I’d become a public servant fighting for access to healthy foods across the country, I’d built out the DEI capability for the federal practice at Deloitte, and finally, I’d worked for a luxury brand to shape their global DEI strategy from the ground up. Business school seemed like the logical next step as I looked for ways to level up in my career.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Goizueta Business School was a no-brainer for me. With its small class size and world-class professors, I knew that it would give me the best education while providing a safe space for my growth and development. I also loved the emphasis on being principled leaders that are dedicated to leveraging business to make an impact on society. My classmates are some of the smartest people I’ve met, but the underlying theme of the class of 2025 is how humble they are and, most importantly, how much they care about others. They represent a new wave of leaders that will not only be leading huge corporations but will do it with a social impact lens.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Emory Goizueta Business School Class of 2025?
Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated my efforts to bringing an equitable lens into everything I do. It’s how I problem solve, how I leverage critical thinking in conversation, and overall represents the way that I view the world. It’s an asset to MBA programs that are on the cusp of determining the best ways to not only be more inclusive but incorporate DEI into their overall programming and coursework. Goizueta Business School has already begun this journey, and I can’t wait to see how their DEI capability grows even more over the next few years.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
When I was younger, I was a ballerina and danced at the White House, the Kennedy Center, the National Gallery of Art, and the Warner Theatre.
Post-MBA career interests:
Upon graduation from my MBA program, I’d like to leverage my MBA to either break into the technology industry or return to strategy consulting, where I’ll focus on the intersection between people and technology.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely recommend applying through Consortium if you meet the eligibility requirements. Consortium is an opportunity for US citizens who have dedicated their lives to DEI, and through this program, students can acquire scholarships at varying levels to fund their business school education. I don’t think I would’ve been able to attend an MBA program without Consortium’s generous support.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d start the business school journey much earlier! I started the business school application process in mid-November for round 2, but it takes so much more time to figure out what schools make the most sense based on your interests and values, what alumni and current students can give you the real on their program experience, and what program is going to set you up for success to achieve your post-MBA goals.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could’ve skipped the MBA exam process, I would’ve! Juggling that while working full-time and finalizing my essays was tough. However, many programs are still offering waivers for GMAT/GRE, so if you’re applying, look out for those opportunities where you can.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
As I’ve said previously, I’m surrounded by so many impressive students both in my class and in the larger Emory community. Everyone I’ve met truly represents what it means to be an altruistic leader dedicated to improving the lives of those around them. I couldn’t be more grateful for the caliber of people that I’m surrounded by on a day-to-day basis.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
Dooley, a skeleton found in the biology department in 1899, has become the school spirit and an unofficial mascot for Emory University. My first time walking around campus I wondered what a skeleton statue was doing in such a prominent location on my way to the business school.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I haven’t been in school in a while so getting back into the groove of learning, taking exams, and being a student makes me anxious, but the support of the faculty has been above and beyond during my transition.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited about the network that I’m building. I can tell that I’ve met some of my best friends at this school, and I can’t wait to see what our future careers look like and where we end up post-graduation!
