Alumni News
Alumna’s Lifelong Leadership Keeps Her “in the Arena”
01-09-2025
Dana Alligood (MBA ’97), Executive Director, WFU Center for Private Business
Alumna’s Lifelong Leadership Keeps Her “in the Arena”
You have a unique connection to Wake Forest. Can you please provide a brief overview of your ties to Wake?
My family connections to Wake Forest run deep. I attended Wake Forest for my MBA, and my husband, Jeff, is an alumnus. But my connection to Wake goes far beyond just my graduate degree and my husband’s undergrad experience. My mother and grandfathe…
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 Keeps an Open Mind to Opportunities
04-24-2024
Shaowei Tu (MSM ‘15), senior partner account manager, Global ISVs at Amazon Web Services, speaks with School of Business Alumni Council member Molly Rutledge (‘04, MSBA ‘20) about his perspective moving from Taiwan to Virginia with his family when he was young, working in London for two years during the height of the pandemic and not losing sight of the opportunities afforded to him in the United States. Of his time at Wake Forest, he reflects that it’s “the people I met along the way” that…
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…
Alumnus Believes Mindset Drives Success
04-28-2023
William Wang (‘18), chief of staff and commercial director at Oliver Wyman, speaks with Alumni Council member Solomon Cole (‘04, MSA ‘05) about his experience at Wake Forest, the leaders who influenced his journey and why mindset is the key to success. William is also a member of our School of Business Board of Visitors.
Solomon: After graduating from the Shanghai Pinghe School, you came to the United States for college. How did you choose Wake Forest, and did you visit campus before deci…
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…
