Students + Alumni
Whether pursuing the sustainable business emphasis now, or equipped already with this critical distinction on their résumé, our students and alumni are helping to transform business. We are proud to share their stories.
Khary Dvorak-Ewell (MBA Candidate 2010)
Development Director, Mama Hope
“Through the program I have gained a deep understanding of the triple bottom line; issues and strategies that focus on the bottom of the economic pyramid, and strategically incorporating environmental sustainability into business.”
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Efrat Stark (MBA 2008)
Corporate Sustainability Marketing Manager, Autodesk
“Try to get the most out of the MBA program while you are still in school by applying what you learn outside of the classroom. Seek ways to incorporate your interests (whether it be sustainability or something else) into internships and class projects. Take advantage of your student status and class projects as a way to engage with organizations and get your foot in the door.”
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Luke Wilson (MBA 2010)
Co-Owner + COO, b(earth) Clothing, LLC
The program “genuinely opened my eyes to so many things, and made me think about how I could implement sustainability initiatives in both the work environment and in my everyday activities. It showed me what other businesses and people are doing to make a better impact on the environment and in the community, and that there are still many opportunities out there.”
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Joanne Panchana (MBA Candidate 2012)
Program Manager, PG&E
"The program has enabled me to apply business concepts as change drivers for sustainability.”
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Ryan Dulon (MBA 2009)
Law Firm Consultant, Thomson Reuters
Ryan recommends that current students identify companies of interest and “figure out how to get a foot in the door.” Additionally, he encourages students to “develop your vision and be ready to support it.”
Laurel Peacock (MBA Candidate 2010)
Consultant, Blu Sky Sustainability Consulting
“It is encouraging to see my classmates so determined to bring sustainability into their area of expertise; whether it's finance, marketing, or IT.”
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Roopa Batni (MBA 2009)
Program Analyst, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Roopa recommends that students, "Set personal and professional goals now and be active in taking steps to achieve those goals—the best fit is when what you do professionally helps you to develop within your personal life. Find something you enjoy doing, because as Confucius said: If you enjoy what you do, you will never work another day in your life!"
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Barbara Boccia (MBA 2009)
Compliance Manager - Private Bank at Silicon Valley Bank
"SF State's sustainability program teaches us that you can be a 'change agent' regardless of your specific role in a company. Meet as many people as you can, stay in contact, let them know when you need something, and likewise extend a hand once you are positioned."
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Lessa Manotti (MBA Candidate 2010)
Graduate Assistant, MBA Emphasis in Sustainable Business
Lessa chose SF State's MBA program because sustainability is deeply engrained in the courses.
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Alison von Schlieder (MBA Candidate 2011)
SF State Net Impact Chapter Leader
"Businesses that include sustainability into their strategies and business models are not only doing the right thing, they are creating an invaluable competitive advantage.”
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Mary Tam (MBA 2009)
Development Officer, Mercy Corps
“I’ve applied a number of useful skills acquired through SF State’s EMBA program, such as cross-cultural communication and data management. My work here is particularly reminiscent of the social enterprise case studies from our sustainability course.”
