Rachel C. Oatis, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Lutcher, Louisiana
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Spelman College, Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Program Analyst, Obama Foundation, 2 years; Senior Program Associate, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, 1 year; Senior Program Analyst, Voltron Data, 2.5 years; Consultant, Almora Advisors, 2 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The vision for my life is clear: create an ecosystem of morally just and culturally competent leaders that contribute to both the public and private sectors. With this vision in mind, I saw the MBA as the next step in my educational journey to achieve this goal. For the past five years, I have been working to obtain industry experience and perspective to prepare for me for the jump to the MBA.
Professionally, I have seen leadership at some of the country’s most notable institutions and worked with notable leaders. Notably, working at Management Leadership for Tomorrow, the office of Congressman John Lewis, the Andrew Mellon Foundation with Elizabeth Alexander as president, and working at the Obama Foundation with leaders such as President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama, and Valerie Jarret, White House Senior Advisor. In addition, my two years at Voltron Data, a tech start-up, heavily influenced my career move as I witnessed the founders’ early ideas develop, flourish, and materialize into a phenomenal business. These experiences have inspired me to pursue my MBA so I can better understand how I can become a better me and how I can become a better leader.
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently in your decision of where to attend?
I chose UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School because it offers the ideal platform to advance my academic and career goals. The Social Enterprise Concentration, in particular, provides the resources and curriculum I need to elevate my professional ambitions. I’m especially excited to engage with the Net Impact Club, where I can apply my background in nonprofit management to support organizations navigating the complexities of double and triple-bottom-line priorities. This experience will broaden my perspective and enhance my ability to develop strong leaders who can build resilient communities—an essential foundation for creating a sustainable and thriving world. The opportunities at Kenan-Flagler will not only strengthen my personal and professional growth but also empower me to make a meaningful impact in my home community in Louisiana and beyond, both nationally and globally.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 lies in my diverse experiences and passion for social impact. Having worked in nonprofit management and with mission-driven organizations, I bring a unique perspective on how business and social good can intersect. I’m committed to fostering collaboration and encouraging my peers to think beyond traditional profit models, focusing on creating value for communities as well.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact that I did not include in my application was that I have taken the TEDx stage 3 times in my life. in 2018, I served as TEDxColumbiaUniversity Curation Officer and Conference Host. In 2022 and 2023 I served as a TEDxUStreetWomen Co-Organizer, Speaker Speach, and Conference Host. These experiences have allowed me to better understand the TED brand and business, further affirming my decision to pursue my MBA.
Post-MBA career interests:
My long-term goal following graduation from KF, I would like to own my own consulting firm advising companies on how to make an intentional investment in their leaders, senior leaders, and younger professionals. The mission for my firm will be to create an ecosystem of morally just and culturally competent leaders who contribute to both the public and private sectors. I plan to offer groundbreaking solutions to the research that will be useful across disciplines and industries.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Three words. Visit Chapel Hill. During my application process after I applied Round 1, I attended Leadership Weekend. This is a weekend of events that includes attending classes, meeting other applicants and prospective students, spending time in the Chapel Hill area, and meeting faculty, students, and program staff. I attended an Applied Improvisation class with Communications faculty member, Greg Hohn. In addition, on Day 2 of Leadership Weekend, I attended a Marketing & Communications class with core faculty member, Dr. Kristopher Keller, I am taking Dr. Keller’s class in my first Mod and it’s going great! During my free time, I took the opportunity to tour potential apartments and really put my “feet” on the ground and see what it would be like to attend UNC Chapel Hill. I am so glad that I had those experiences to bring me closer to the Tar Heel community and experience my new life in advance.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently during the application process would be to give myself way more time to study for the GRE (or GMAT if that floats your boat) write out my essays and reach out to recommenders. Although I did get everything completed on time, these tasks take a great deal of time and intentionally. Giving myself more time would have made the process much easier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One thing I could have skipped would have been the waiting process of hearing back from schools. I applied to 7 schools through the support of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. Waiting to hear back from schools (especially during the holidays was tough) but, I leaned on the support of family and friends to help me get through it. I would turn to them when I hear back that others were getting their admission letters to some of my top schools.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community was that this school has a strong sense of genuine friendliness and collaboration and also the rigor and demand is on! My classmates are top-notch and the faculty and staff are incredibly accomplished and brilliant. As I have integrated into the Kenan-Flagler community I have been inspired by the intellect and brilliance that is all around me and how I get to be a member in this community.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about UNC Kenan-Flagler has been how deep school pride runs in Chapel Hill. I have noticed this not only across campus but, in local grocery stores and restaurants. When I meet people in the RDU area through various networks there faces are lit up at UNC Chapel Hill.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The one thing I am most anxious about is how I will say no to so many wonderful opportunities. From opportunities to travel globally with classmates to taking advantage of career treks and career lunch labs. Time is proving itself to be the biggest hurdle of my first year in my MBA, and I hope this will get better as time goes on.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The one thing I am most excited about in my first year is recruiting season and the opportunity to reinvent myself within my professional network while creating a new professional community. In addition, I am looking forward to meeting more industry professionals, connecting with Kenan-Flagler faculty members, and learning from organizations such as the Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability and NCGrowth to better understand and define my professional goals.
