Complete this sentence, "If not for MLT..."
If not for MLT, I would not have had the same career trajectory in tech, and I would not have had awareness of the continuous game plan and development necessary for the corporate environment. Additionally, if not for MLT I would have not met my wife :-)

Please describe the impact MLT had immediately upon completing your program.
MLT gave me the confidence, focus and support network to gain acceptance at a range of top business schools, and it kick-started my post-MBA career exploration.

How has MLT changed the financial/economic trajectory for you and your family?
The MLT MBA Prep program setup me up to work for leading tech companies, as I transitioned from the government/military sector to the private sector. This transition put me on a greater upward trajectory.

Has MLT elevated your personal and professional aspirations? If so, please provide an example.
From a personal perspective, MLT inspired me to stay actively involved, by volunteering as a regional leader in the San Francisco Bay Area for the last six years. Also, MLT’s approach to coaching personally inspired me to seek opportunities to coach. Specifically, this inspiration has led me to participate in a range of coaching opportunities—from coaching teens in Oakland, to being a professional career coach at Harvard Business School.

How has MLT's community helped advance your personal and/or professional happiness?
Being connected with MLTers and MLT staff in the local area has helped me get through professional transitions which, has led to better career satisfaction. The support network via MLT has been very helpful, helping me to realize I am not alone in my career journey.

Speak to a challenge MLT helped you overcome and how did that help your trajectory (i.e. confidence that you belong, growth mindset, vulnerability).
When I was deciding to change companies and job function, several folks from the MLT community served as a sounding board. They gave me a third-person perspective and, ultimately, the confidence to make the move in a thoughtful and strategic way.

Have you helped advance vulnerable people on their path to economic mobility? If so, how?
Yes, over the last several years I have mentored and encouraged mid-level engineers to make the shift toward leadership roles in tech. This has taken the form of either encouraging mentees to seek business school or coaching them through career jumps. These two paths have led to more visible roles, higher compensation, and economic mobility.

Share 2-3 ways you've been able to accelerate your organization's journey toward greater diversity and inclusion.
At my current company, I am one of the main advocates for MLT, and volunteer to find ways for my company and MLT to collaborate and grow the relationship. Additionally, I am usually the first to volunteer for any corporate event in which we can work with MLT. Outside of MLT, but within my company, I am a part of a corporate effort to build more mentors and mentee relationships in underrepresented communities within the company.

Share your favorite song, movie, or book, and why it appeals to you.
Jay-Z, “My 1st- Song .” It is a song that reminds me that each new project or assignment needs to be tackled as if it is my first project. The song is a reminder that It is easy to become complacent, but if I choose to be in the corporate game, I need to stay scrappy and hungry for success.

What is your superpower?
I am good at listening. Being able to absorb and listen to various perspectives, objectively, has helped me tremendously in building bridges with teams and making informed decisions.

What gives you hope? Each year, it is inspiring to meet the next MLT class that is excited to change the world. It is a signal to me that the pipeline of MLTers is growing and expanding.