Mackenzie Heriford, Emory Goizueta Business School MBA Class of 2026
Age: 31
Hometown: Rock Island, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Illinois, Economics and Spanish
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Prior to joining Goizueta Business School, I worked in the non-profit and education sectors for nine years. I started my post-grad career at Teach For America as a Recruitment Associate for two years before ultimately recruiting myself to join Teach For America as a Math teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana. While teaching for four years, I led the 10th Grade Team as the Chair, founded the Track & Field Team, and led initiatives to support students and teachers. After teaching, I returned to Teach For America for three years as a Recruitment Director, where I managed the recruitment strategy across Louisiana and parts of Texas. My commitment has always been to create equitable opportunities for all students and find spaces to improve our education system.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending the initial part of my career in education, I realized my love of leadership and creating opportunities for all communities. Education is known for having many female leaders, but I realized that this does not span every sector. I recognized the importance of building my leadership skills and business acumen to create impactful change in corporations/organizations on my path toward leadership. I want to ensure companies are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work, and to do that, I must be a voice in leadership. I hope to continue to positively impact communities and create space for all voices to be heard.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
What set Goizueta’s MBA programming apart is the commitment and investment in leadership development through worldwide experiences. For example, the Goizueta Advanced Leadership Academy is an opportunity to learn about being an effective leader through sailing the British Virgin Islands. Goizueta also offers a course where you can partner with women-run coffee farms throughout Central America as an experience to learn about the business firsthand and how crucial equitable practices are in the coffee industry. These are just a few examples of the commitment to the cross-section of leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion I was looking for to ensure I am a socially responsible business leader now and in the future.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe that my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 will be my ability to build strong and authentic relationships with others. I am always dedicated to finding common ground while expanding viewpoints to create a community of collaboration and innovation. My background in teaching will allow me to prioritize bringing everyone together and deeply understanding how to best support each other.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I once went on a 26-mile, 4-pass, 3-day backpacking trip in Colorado. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quite set up for success since I was living in New Orleans at the time, meaning the elevation went from –3 feet to 9,000+ feet above sea level at the trailhead. Despite a pack that was the wrong size, altitude sickness, getting 30+ mosquito bites, and having a deep fear of heights, I still made it through the trip and now know that backpacking is not for me.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in HR Leadership Development Programs as well as Human Capital Consulting.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely connect with admissions teams, current students, alumni, and visit schools, when possible, again. These experiences cumulatively allowed me to find a fit in a school that aligned with my priorities and values. Seeing the common threads and values from all the people involved showed me how authentic a program was.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would remind myself how my experiences might look and feel different than others, but they are still extremely impactful and relevant. There were many times that I felt imposter syndrome and allowed it to interrupt my journey to an MBA because I didn’t have the traditional business background.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the application process, it would have been the GRE and GMAT. I struggled to know what the best test for me was in relation to my specific situation and really felt that it was going to be the biggest hurdle for me to get over. To get through it, I took a class through Target Test Prep, reached out to friends and family for support, and focused on balancing studying in a calm state.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Emory Goizueta community is how inclusive, welcoming, and inviting everyone has been. Since being on campus in July for onboarding, it has been clear how committed the students, faculty, and staff are to creating a strong community. Goizueta is a community where you can be yourself, and all your experiences are appreciated, no matter how “non-traditional” they might be.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
One thing that I have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised me is how incredibly supportive and accessible the faculty and staff are. This was said during the admissions process, but seeing it in practice in class and beyond has been so helpful in getting through the first few months of such a new experience. Our professors are always willing to be there about content and any other support that we have.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about balancing the different parts of the first year in an MBA program. From being back in school for the first time to moving to a new city, there is so much change happening that it can feel overwhelming. What I am making sure to remember is how important it is to live in the moment, embrace the new, and fully lean into the experience.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to build relationships with fellow students; while challenging myself to grow and learn. I love meeting new people and learning from the experiences and knowledge of others. Also, I know that a lot of this experience will be pushing me out of my comfort zone, which I am very excited about!
