Alumni News
2025 Alumni Award Winners Recognized
04-11-2025
Three School of Business alumni were recognized for outstanding leadership, service and impact at the Board of Visitors spring meeting. We check in with the winners to explore the significance of their achievements.
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Marc Villegas (MBA ‘05), senior brand director at Procter & Gamble, embodies the values of integrity, character and ethical decision-making, making him a deserving winner of the 2025 Judson D. DeRamus Distinguished Alumni Award. In hi…
Wake Forest Network Helps Alumnus Connect with Business Partner
11-18-2024
Russ Kratzer (MBA ’18), Chief Operations Officer & Co-Founder, SupplyTrust Technologies
Wake Forest Network Helps Alumnus Connect with Business Partner
Describe your professional journey.
Following my undergraduate experience at Columbia University, I served in the Peace Corps, which sent me to China. I was so inspired by that experience that I pursued a master’s degree in Chinese after working in Washington, DC. Upon completing my degree, I found myself looking for job oppo…
Every Connection Matters: How Wake Forest Opened Doors for Leah
03-05-2025
Leah Wyrick (‘22), Founder & CEO, Three Strands Recovery Wear
Every Connection Matters: How Wake Forest Opened Doors for Leah
You are the CEO of Three Strands Recovery Wear. What inspired you to start your own business?
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 16 years old; in 2016 she had a mastectomy and three subsequent surgeries due to complications. At that time, I was young, but old enough to understand that something was not right – I knew I had to be there for…
Alumna Encourages: “There is Never Just One Path.”
03-14-2024
Shana Gregory (MBA ‘22), vice president of human resources and diversity officer at Allegacy Federal Credit Union, speaks with School of Business Alumni Council member Stephen Klemash (‘20), about her unique path to the MBA, how she developed her personal leadership philosophy and the best advice for making an impact, no matter your role in the organization.
Stephen: Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
Shana: When I moved to the Winston-Salem area, I was in the process of changing ind…
Remembering Stan Mandel
01-18-2024
Carling Boyles Pinckney (MBA ‘13) fondly remembers her time with Stan. “He wore his heart on his sleeve. You could talk to him about anything. He stressed the importance of relationships and growing and nurturing your network. His excitement for creativity and thinking outside the box inspired me. He was truly one of a kind, and I am fortunate to have had Stan in my life.”
Three alumni reflected on their experience as students pursuing their degrees.
School faculty have similar recolle…
Alumnus Advises to “Fail Fast, Fail Often and Remain Humble.”
01-11-2024
Jackson Prentice (JD ‘07, MBA ’07), chief portfolio officer and executive vice president at Carr, speaks with Ashley Rogers, director of acquisitions for Residential Capital Partners and School of Business Alumni Council member, about his lifelong quest for knowledge and how it was nurtured at Wake Forest.
Ashley: Could you provide some thoughts on your early background and how that experience led you to attend Wake Forest?
Jackson: I grew up in the DC area and attended college in New…
#YesYOUcan: Alumna finds the power in failure (and tools)
08-11-2023
Tara Schiphof (MSM ‘20)
Tara Schiphof (MSM ‘20), assistant channel manager at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., speaks with Carrie Ross, associate director of alumni engagement, about how she is challenging others’ views of failure with her #yesYOUcan initiative. A former professional ballerina, Tara was recently crowned Miss Georgia, all while professionally upping her power tool game.
Carrie: Tell us about your current role at Stanley Black & Decker (SB&D). Tara: I am an ass…
MSBA Sweeps 2023 Alumni Awards
05-25-2023
Emily Batista (MSBA ‘18) and Sean Clune (MSBA ‘18) are the recipients of our 2023 alumni awards. Carrie Ross, associate director, School of Business Alumni Engagement, connects with Emily and Sean after their recognition.
Carrie: Emily, you won the Judson D. DeRamus Distinguished Alumni Award and Sean, you won the Center for Analytics Impact Award. Why do you think you were selected?
Emily: I enjoy fostering an environment of community, particularly with the things I choose to spend my…
The Innovative Marketer Reflects on Her Best Advice, “It’s All About the People.”
06-28-2023
Stephanie Jack (‘13), director of marketing and product innovation at Bowery Farming, speaks with Carrie Ross, associate director of alumni engagement about her passion for working with mission-minded startups looking to disrupt their industry. Along the way, she has learned, “It’s all about the people” – who you work with, for and around to reach that common vision.
Carrie: How did Wake Forest end up on your radar?
Stephanie: My brother went to Wake Forest and graduated in 2008. I lov…
