Gabriel Evans, ASU Carey Evening MBA Class of 2026
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Swarthmore College, Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology
Graduate Institution and Major: Master in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Arkansas
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Over ten years, including internships, full-time work, and various leadership roles: Chair for the Cultural Committee of the CRN Alumni National Leadership Council; Participant in the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Transformative Water Leadership Academy; Governing Board Member of the Black Water Professionals Alliance; Involved with AWWA’s Workforce Committee and the Arizona Water Association’s Water Workforce Taskforce; Recent appointment to AWWA’s Management Standard Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Practice; Current position at the US Water Alliance
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to attend business school stemmed from my passion for solving systemic issues affecting the water industry and its communities. My experience with COVID-19 really shifted my perspective on sustainability and the importance of social-ecological environments. Soon after my master’s, I realized that good ideas are only good as long as they are sustainable, and financing is a large part of that. Thus, I understood I needed to develop stronger business acumen to meet the sustainability goals I saw as necessary.
Why did you choose ASU Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As a nontraditional student who is always balancing financial responsibility, I chose ASU WP Carey because of the different options available. I knew that if something were to change in my life, there could be some sort of program flexibility. Additionally, ASU’s larger focus on STEM and innovation was attractive because I was currently working in that field and wanted to learn more in and outside the classroom.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your graduating class?
I bring a unique blend of experiences from my work and experience. I have a strong commitment to social and environmental sustainability and different leadership opportunities to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. I have a good amount of conducting research, consulting, and leading within diverse professional organizations, which enables me to offer a distinctive perspective on workforce development and social change.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was a theatre kid, and I really enjoy good screenwriting both in film and on stage.
Post-MBA career interests:
I hope to build initiatives and programs that address larger sustainability issues such as water workforce and affordability issues. I am most focused on becoming a leader in sectors where I can work to can drive innovation, equity, and sustainable practices.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to people who have completed an MBA. Learn from their experiences. Find the similarities and differences in their journeys and reflect on how best to use those stories.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Applied sooner.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The nervousness or the doubt of my success. What helped me was talking to people about why they applied and crafting my story.
What is your initial impression of the ASU Carey students/culture/community?
They care and what you to succeed.
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
They care about what you need to succeed and have many resources.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Statistics.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Cultivating a strong and diverse network of peers and future colleagues.
