Prenessa Lowery, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2026
Age: 29
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Spelman College, Mathematics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Channel Marketing Manager at Zayo (2 years), where I developed and executed marketing strategies to boost sales through channel partners. Previously, I was a Product Marketing Manager at IBM (2.5 years), leading strategic efforts to launch and market B2B product innovations.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to attend business school because I want to be the kind of leader who not only delivers results but also inspires real change, especially in the world of consumer brands. I’m passionate about marketing and how it can transform the way companies connect with their customers. To do that effectively in today’s fast-paced world, I knew I needed to deepen my financial knowledge and sharpen my marketing skills to make data-driven decisions that grow both brand value and profitability.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Fuqua stood out to me for a lot of reasons. As a top 15 MBA program, it offers a rock-solid foundation in business essentials like finance, marketing, and operations. But what really sealed the deal for me was the sense of community. The “Team Fuqua” culture isn’t just something you hear about, it’s something you feel. Everyone here has a place and a purpose, and we’re all in it to support each other and succeed together. That sense of belonging makes Fuqua feel like a family, where loyalty and support are at the core of everything we do.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I think one of my biggest contributions is my strong mentorship mindset and genuine passion for helping others succeed. With my background in math and marketing, I’ve got this cool ability to balance analytical thinking with creativity. I can break down data, spot trends, and then turn those insights into actionable marketing strategies that drive growth. My time in tech has pushed me to think critically, make bold decisions, and always embrace innovation which are all skills I’m excited to share with my classmates. And, of course, beyond the professional stuff, I’m so ready to dive into Fuqua’s community and contribute to the collaborative, supportive vibe that makes this place special.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a sentimentalist at heart! I absolutely love keeping handwritten letters, postcards, birthday, and holiday cards. Each one is like a little time capsule of a connection or a meaningful moment, and I treasure them all. If you ever write me a card or a letter, you can be sure I’ll keep it forever!
Post-MBA career interests:
I am aiming for a Brand Management role at a leading retail or consumer packaged goods (CPG) company, where I can mix creativity with analytics to build brands that make an impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would 100% attend events and connect with current students and Alumni. These conversations were invaluable in making sure the school was the right match for me, both academically and culturally. Hearing firsthand experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the school’s vibe and helped me picture myself in that environment.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would definitely manage my time and stress around exams differently. It’s easy to feel like everything hinges on your test scores, but the truth is, the right school will see the whole you. Don’t slack off, but don’t let stress take over. Trust the process and, most importantly, trust your journey. Your path is unique, so avoid comparing yourself to other applicants, you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Standardized tests, hands down. But what helped me get through it was a combination of support from fellow applicants, friends, family, and my faith. My faith gave me an extra sense of peace and perspective during stressful times, while my support system kept me motivated and grounded, reminding me that I wasn’t going through this process alone.
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
It’s exactly what I hoped for: everyone is genuinely kind, welcoming, and always willing to help. There’s a sense of community that’s so rare, where collaboration truly outweighs competition.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
How challenging the core classes really are! I knew they would be tough, but they’ve really pushed me beyond my comfort zone in the best way. The rigor surprised me, but it’s all part of the growth process.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m definitely anxious about Financial Accounting, it’s a beast of a class! But it’s also the reason I’m here: to strengthen my financial acumen. I’m ready to tackle it, even if it feels like taming a wild animal at times.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Traveling and exploring the world with my classmates. The chance to experience different cultures and bond with future business leaders from all over the globe is something I’ve been looking forward to since day one.
