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Alana M. Williams shared thisHorns up!! #hookemAlana M. Williams shared this📰 More great rankings news for #TexasMcCombs! 😍 It is another year, another #top20 ranking for the #FullTimeMBA at the Texas McCombs School of Business. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, #texasmccombs landed at #18 out of 134 full-time MBA programs nationwide. 🥇 Among public institutions, McCombs tied for No. 4 alongside UCLA and once again earned the #1 spot in Texas, followed by The University of Texas at Dallas (No. 23) and Rice University (No. 29). No other Texas school landed in the top 20. 🎇 Even more meaningful: this marks the 22nd consecutive year the #HildebrandMBA has ranked in the top 20 overall and in the top five among public schools. A huge congratulations to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni—this consistency speaks to the strength of our community and the impact of a McCombs MBA. 👉 Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g2dCKfuB Dean Lillian Mills Urooj Khan Tina Mabley Harlie Collins Jonah Everett Sabrina Martinez Rebecca St Nicholas Shelby Skolaski, MA Stacey Batas Patrick Olson, MPAff Johnny Moreno
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Alana M. Williams reposted thisAlana M. Williams reposted thisBack in 2020, when Covid took away the opportunity for students to interview, I started a resume book for students who were looking for full‑time employment or internships. This year’s edition is attached to this post. As you know, this is a tough job market for young people. So what can you do? Take a look at the resume book. Even if you don’t have a job lead or a contact, reach out to a student if you have an idea for them. Repost the resume book or pass this along to someone who might be able to help. This resume book includes the resumes of my students from The University of Arizona (both graduating seniors and graduate students) as well as graduate students from The University of Texas (whom I taught this past summer). The Arizona students are mostly finance majors. The Texas students were in the graduate Marketing program (MSM); I taught the finance course in that program. Most of these students from both schools are willing to relocate. If you can help any of these students, it’s a great thing to do. Thanks!
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Alana M. Williams reposted thisAlana M. Williams reposted this🤘 We like to say we're in the Talent Business! 🤘 If you're hiring this year, now is an excellent time to connect with Texas McCombs School of Business talent. Our MBA students bring sharp analytical skills, real-world perspective, and the drive to create immediate impact. They're equipped with strong fundamentals and ready to tackle complex challenges from day one. As we strengthen connections with our employer and alumni networks, we're excited to showcase the caliber of talent our programs develop. Whether you're building teams for full-time roles, exploring internship opportunities, or seeking project consultants, we'd welcome the chance to introduce you to our exceptional students. Interested in learning more? Let's connect! 🤘You can tap into our full portfolio of talent: MBA, MS, BBAs etc. #TexasMcCombs #MBATalent #BusinessLeadership #Hiring #LonghornLookingforTalent
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Alana M. Williams reposted thisAlana M. Williams reposted thisThe College Sports Commission is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our growing team. You can find more information about the role and how to apply below. - Summary: The CSC Staff Attorney role will be focused on review and analysis of third-party NIL deals with student-athletes. This work will take the general form of making frontline legal determinations on NIL deals under the supervision of CSC leadership and serving as a legal generalist with responsibilities related to legal analysis and drafting. This role will be based in the Tyson’s Corner area of Northern Virginia and requires regular in-office attendance. - Qualifications: Candidates must hold a J.D. and be licensed to practice law, with 1-3 years of relevant experience. - Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $175,000. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. Starting salaries for new employees are frequently not at the top of the applicable salary range. The CSC offers a benefits package including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision), 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. - To Apply: Complete all required fields in the form (linked in comments) by Friday, February 13, 2026
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Alana M. Williams shared thisOh my! Thank you so much Rodrigo Malta for this shout out!Alana M. Williams shared this🤘 On the day we are set to release the majority of our Round 1 Texas McCombs School of Business #MBA application decisions, this story about MBA alumna Alana M. Williams reminds me how fortunate our admissions team is to play a role in the trajectory of so many incredible individuals! 👉 Learn more about her inspiring path here → https://lnkd.in/gGe57Uwv and listen to her conversation on the #McCombsMade podcast here → https://lnkd.in/grsxnt-q #hookem #whatstartshere #whymccombs #hildebrandmba Tina Mabley Stacey Batas Johnny Moreno Patrick Olson, MPAff Jaden Felix
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Alana M. Williams reposted thisAlana M. Williams reposted thisThe countdown is on! Next Friday, September 19, we’ll gather for the 3rd Annual McCombs Black Alumni Association Gala: In Bloom. This evening will bring together alumni, friends, and community partners to celebrate connection, leadership, and the momentum we've built over the last 3 years. Highlights of the night: - Keynote from global executive Lanaya Irvin (MBA ’08) - Reflections and toasts from Jaden Felix and Professor Emeritus Michael Clement - The presentation of the very first MBAA Scholarship 🙌🏾 Date & Time: Friday, Sept 19 | 5:30–9:30 PM Location: AT&T Conference Center, Austin, TX Tickets available through Friday, Sept 12 Can’t join us in person? You can still make an impact: Sponsor a student ticket ($125): https://lnkd.in/g2MGft2n Contribute to our Silent Auction: https://lnkd.in/g2X7FXG7 Donate to the MBAA Scholarship Fund: https://lnkd.in/gaxeWyVk I'm excited to have the space to honor how far we’ve come, and to keep building opportunity for the Black McCombs community. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gBpSndGy Alana M. Williams Arthur Mills IV Jeff Okeke Caroline Okocha Max Gilles Asenath Francis Taylor Thompson Launa (Wood) Bilal, PHR, SHRM-CP Korey Wallace, MBA Brian AM Williams
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Alana M. Williams reposted thisAlana M. Williams reposted this🚨 Keynote Speaker Drop! 🚨 The McCombs Black Alumni Association invites you to our 3rd Annual MBAA Gala on Friday, September 19, 2025, during McCombs Homecoming Weekend. This year’s theme, In Bloom, celebrates growth — personal and collective — and the work we continue to do to lift each other up. We are so excited to welcome Lanaya Irvin ‘08 as our keynote speaker. Lanaya is a global business executive and former CEO of Coqual, a leading think tank on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. She spent over a decade in banking and markets at BofA Securities, serves on Morgan Stanley’s Institute for Inclusion Advisory Board, and co-chairs the Human Rights Campaign’s Business Advisory Council. She also sits on the board of Outright International and has been named to Fast Company’s Queer 50 and Crain’s New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives. Her thought leadership has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, The New York Times, and more. Date: Friday, September 19, 2025 Time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (including cocktail hour & dinner) Location: AT&T Conference Center Register here 👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/gUCugv7J
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Alana M. Williams reposted thisAlana M. Williams reposted thisLonghorns and friends! Our 2025 MBAA Gala website is live 💃🏾 We’re excited to share that this year, the Gala will take place during McCombs Homecoming Weekend on September 19. Tickets available now! 🤟🏾🧡 Link to website: https://lnkd.in/gBpSndGy Alana M. Williams Max Gilles Arthur Mills IV Jeff Okeke Travis Washington, MBA, PMP Kenny Okeke, PMP Alyssa V. Buchanan Taylor Thompson Jaenero Gaither, MBA Caroline Okocha Asenath Francis Launa (Wood) Bilal, PHR, SHRM-CP Oshane Mcrae John N. Doggett Rodrigo Malta Tina Mabley Bernice C. Ashley Jones
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Alana M. Williams reacted on thisAlana M. Williams reacted on thisGrateful to have been part of the Morgan CARES partnership & development workshop alongside so many powerful changemakers across Baltimore. The conversations were thought-provoking, the connections were real, and the passion for community impact was undeniable. What stood out most? The shared vision. A room full of social entrepreneurs committed to showing up for our communities—especially those too often overlooked. No waiting. No excuses. Just intentional, purpose-driven action. This is what it looks like when we decide to be the change. This is how impact begins—together. #intentionality #purposedriven #morganstate #baltimore #community Tranquil Essence Morgan State University Eileen Delgado, LMSW David O. Fakunle II, Ph.D. Shymaine Davis, CPA Dr. Tina Kelly Kimberly Warren Tori Ibrahim
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Alana M. Williams reacted on thisAlana M. Williams reacted on thisI’m incredibly grateful to share that my memoir is a finalist for the 2025 INDIES Book of the Year Awards from Foreword Reviews. Independent publishing is full of bold, meaningful work, so this recognition feels especially meaningful. Thank you to everyone who has read, supported, and encouraged this journey. Winners announced in June. Stay tuned. https://lnkd.in/eqGKDxvx #indiepublishing #authors #indieauthors #bookawards #memoir #gratitude
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Alana M. Williams reacted on thisAlana M. Williams reacted on thisWe were happy to be a part of the UMBC Career Center Humanities and Social Sciences Industry Fair. It was a pleasure to meet students interested in our legal and non-legal work. Our long-time student volunteer, Arusa Malik (L), joined our communications director, Ijeoma Nwatu (R), for this event.
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Alana M. Williams liked thisAlana M. Williams liked thisI was back at The University of Texas at Austin last Friday with the Wall Street for McCombs (WSFM) Leadership Program class. This year's was extra special and fun – the program's 10th class ... and I've been fortunate to speak with all 10 :) The straight talk has focused on career building and navigating decision points, including overcoming setbacks. 650 amazing students have now gone through the innnovative WSFM program. Huge kudos to Xavier Sztejnberg for putting UT and McCombs students firmly on the map with Wall Street firms over the past decade – 120 NYC BBA IB interns in 2026 vs. 6 in 2017. Cool moment also seeing a childhood friend's daughter, Aashna Gautam, in the class! 🤘🤘
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Alana M. Williams reacted on thisAlana M. Williams reacted on this📰 More great rankings news for #TexasMcCombs! 😍 It is another year, another #top20 ranking for the #FullTimeMBA at the Texas McCombs School of Business. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, #texasmccombs landed at #18 out of 134 full-time MBA programs nationwide. 🥇 Among public institutions, McCombs tied for No. 4 alongside UCLA and once again earned the #1 spot in Texas, followed by The University of Texas at Dallas (No. 23) and Rice University (No. 29). No other Texas school landed in the top 20. 🎇 Even more meaningful: this marks the 22nd consecutive year the #HildebrandMBA has ranked in the top 20 overall and in the top five among public schools. A huge congratulations to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni—this consistency speaks to the strength of our community and the impact of a McCombs MBA. 👉 Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g2dCKfuB Dean Lillian Mills Urooj Khan Tina Mabley Harlie Collins Jonah Everett Sabrina Martinez Rebecca St Nicholas Shelby Skolaski, MA Stacey Batas Patrick Olson, MPAff Johnny Moreno
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Alana M. Williams reacted on thisAlana M. Williams reacted on thisBack in 2020, when Covid took away the opportunity for students to interview, I started a resume book for students who were looking for full‑time employment or internships. This year’s edition is attached to this post. As you know, this is a tough job market for young people. So what can you do? Take a look at the resume book. Even if you don’t have a job lead or a contact, reach out to a student if you have an idea for them. Repost the resume book or pass this along to someone who might be able to help. This resume book includes the resumes of my students from The University of Arizona (both graduating seniors and graduate students) as well as graduate students from The University of Texas (whom I taught this past summer). The Arizona students are mostly finance majors. The Texas students were in the graduate Marketing program (MSM); I taught the finance course in that program. Most of these students from both schools are willing to relocate. If you can help any of these students, it’s a great thing to do. Thanks!
Experience
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Education
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Licenses & Certifications
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Licensed to Practice Law in New Jersey
New Jersey Courts
Issued -
Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Level II (FAC-C)
Defense Acquisition University
Issued -
Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Level I (FAC-C)
Defense Acquisition University
Issued
Volunteer Experience
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Board Member
New York/Bay Area for McCombs
- Present 9 years 9 months
Education
Inaugural Class of Wall St for McCombs MBA, 2016
New York for McCombs, Investment Banking Vertical, 2018-2020
Bay Area for McCombs, Cross-Board Technology Vertical, 2021- -
Peer Advisor
Forte Foundation
- 1 year 9 months
Education
Peer Advisor MBA Class of '23
Peer Advisor MBA Class of '24 -
Executive Board Member
National Black MBA Association, Washington, DC
- 2 years 9 months
Economic Empowerment
Led planning of two Entrepreneurship Expos, one of which was was recognized by the national organization. Prepared weekly e-newsletter reaching 3,000+ circulation to advertise upcoming programs, events and initiatives.
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Executive Board Member
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, Zeta Tau Sigma Chapter
- 7 years 4 months
Avid executive officer and committee chairwoman since 2009. In May 2014, recognized by the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Maryland as a member of the Centennial Honor Garden for substantial contributions made as an undergraduate chapter member and alumna.
Basileus (President) 2014 - 2016: Lead the chapter in executing all required national and regional programming, increasing and retaining membership and managing budget to execute chapter initiatives…Avid executive officer and committee chairwoman since 2009. In May 2014, recognized by the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Maryland as a member of the Centennial Honor Garden for substantial contributions made as an undergraduate chapter member and alumna.
Basileus (President) 2014 - 2016: Lead the chapter in executing all required national and regional programming, increasing and retaining membership and managing budget to execute chapter initiatives.
Anti-Basileus (Vice President) (2012 - 2014): Executed, organized and taught the new membership training course to a total of 10 members in 2013. Recruited 15 new and inactive sorority members to join the sorority chapter to increase our active membership to 50 members (11th highest in the national sorority).
2nd Anti-Basileus (Advisor of the University of Maryland Undergraduate Chapter) (2010 - 2012): Rebuilt relationship between the chapter and administration as well as guided recruiting efforts to increase membership from 1 to 3 members in 2012. Due to the sustained chapter presence, the chapter's membership increased to 9 in 2013.
Sigma Youth Symposium Program Co-Chair (2009-2011): Executed day-long youth event to encourage and educate students between the ages of 12 - 18 years old on topics of financial literacy, healthy lifestyles and self-esteem.
Courses
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Investment & Portfolio Management 3 Credits
FIN-427-A
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Legal Aspects of Business (3 Credits)
BUS 309-R & BUS 309-A
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Money & Banking
FIN 317-Z
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Principles of Financial Management (3 Credits)
FIN 301-B
Projects
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COO & Financial Ops w/ Patricia Scott Law ALPC
− Build 12-24 Month Projections
− Establish Scenario Analysis Based on Strategy
− Review Existing Annual Budget or Establish Annual Budget
− Evaluate Cash Flow and Address Planning Questions (i.e. employment, etc.)
− Prepare Pricing Analysis
− Review Unit Economics
− Company Wide KPIs
− Finance-Strategy Related Goals & KPIs
− Monthly Financial Statement Analysis
− Meetings - Weekly, Bi-weekly or Monthly
− Discuss financials, operations, strategy and ongoing…− Build 12-24 Month Projections
− Establish Scenario Analysis Based on Strategy
− Review Existing Annual Budget or Establish Annual Budget
− Evaluate Cash Flow and Address Planning Questions (i.e. employment, etc.)
− Prepare Pricing Analysis
− Review Unit Economics
− Company Wide KPIs
− Finance-Strategy Related Goals & KPIs
− Monthly Financial Statement Analysis
− Meetings - Weekly, Bi-weekly or Monthly
− Discuss financials, operations, strategy and ongoing projects
− Advise on Capacity Planning (Hiring, Scope of Work, etc. as it relates to financials and
efficiency)
− Mutually agreed upon business and/or finance tasks -
Tillson & Shaw Legal Counsel
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Apple - Impact Accelerator
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Created a financial alum education program about using debt/equity to grow business in partnership with a major consulting firm.
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Apple - Recruiting
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Diversity recruiting to operations rotational program and Management Leadership for Tomorrow Fellows.
Description: The Operations Rotation Academy program offers early career professionals the opportunity to participate in a 12-month rotational program. Participants immerse themselves within the Operations team, gaining exposure to different business challenges with a high level of visibility to key stakeholders and leaders through various projects and teams. Participants also have the…Diversity recruiting to operations rotational program and Management Leadership for Tomorrow Fellows.
Description: The Operations Rotation Academy program offers early career professionals the opportunity to participate in a 12-month rotational program. Participants immerse themselves within the Operations team, gaining exposure to different business challenges with a high level of visibility to key stakeholders and leaders through various projects and teams. Participants also have the opportunity to grow with mentor support.
■ Seeks candidates with a minimum of two years of experience in data science, supply chain, or technical fields with a BS or MS in Business, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Data Science, Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, or Supply Chain. -
Apple - Cross-Functional Lead (Operations)
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Constructed a mini-supply chain to build equipment to support Apple features. (2020-2022)
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Cryptocurrency and the Impact of Regulation - Co-Coordinator/Planner (Presentation)
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Hosted by: Bay Area for McCombs and NY for McCombs
PANELISTS:
Scott Bauguess, Director, Program on Financial Markets Regulation, McCombs School of Business
Cesare Fracassi, Director, Blockchain Initiative, McCombs School of Business
Samuel Proctor, CEO, Genesis Block
■ AGENDA: Welcome / Panel, Q&A / Wrap-Up / Tech Vertical Overview / Networking Breakouts w/ Crypto Professionals (Optional) -
Evercore Technical Excellence Committee
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Selected to join the inaugural committee that develops curriculum for ongoing analyst and associate training in quantitative analyses with a group of bankers from various teams and seniority levels.
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Evercore - Recruiting
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■ Served as Texas MBA recruiting lead by preparing candidates and advocating for summer and full-time offers.
■ On Diversity committee for people of color and women; prepared candidates and advocated for summer and full-time offers.
■ Visited MBA programs for on-campus recruiting. -
Civic Tech Hackathon - Founder / Lead Planner
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■ Civic Tech Hackathon - Founder / Lead Planner (2018) - the University of Texas, McCombs School of Business
Activity: Planned and executed a campus-wide technology-based sustainability initiative and wrote a thought paper on the university's role in local sustainability issues.
Description: The Texas McCombs 3P Hack is designed to be a high-energy, collaborative event drawing in participants from the University of Texas, Austin, and the City of Austin. Attendees are given challenges to…■ Civic Tech Hackathon - Founder / Lead Planner (2018) - the University of Texas, McCombs School of Business
Activity: Planned and executed a campus-wide technology-based sustainability initiative and wrote a thought paper on the university's role in local sustainability issues.
Description: The Texas McCombs 3P Hack is designed to be a high-energy, collaborative event drawing in participants from the University of Texas, Austin, and the City of Austin. Attendees are given challenges to discuss over two days and present to a panel of judges on the second day.
■ Throughout the event, participants work in small teams with the support of subject matter mentors who encourage progress and provide intel on how to navigate hurdles. In addition, signature keynote speakers who provide additional insight on the specific hack problem statements are included.
■ The 1st annual Texas McCombs 3P Hack engages the best resource in Austin - the collective community of people - to work together and develop solutions to some of the challenges faced on campus and in the city. -
Accenture Federal Associate - Senior Associate (Federal Public Health Care)
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Managed all 21 subcontracts for two prime contractors to support Federal Public Health Care initiatives and regularly interacted with small business owners to staff contracts. (2012)
Prepared contract management response to federal client within 16 hours of data breach and engaged program manager and legal advisor to mitigate data exposure. (2012) -
Army Research Laboratory - Procurement Analyst Rotation
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■ Created and implemented a contract audit system that ensures compliance with agency standards and drafted 10 form templates for contracting professionals.
■ Conducted training for approximately 20 contracting professionals to improve acquisition practices.
■ Reviewed Justification and Approval documents, Limited Sources Justifications, and Determination for Waivers for Multiple Award Contracts and provided feedback; located errors and returned to the buyer for…■ Created and implemented a contract audit system that ensures compliance with agency standards and drafted 10 form templates for contracting professionals.
■ Conducted training for approximately 20 contracting professionals to improve acquisition practices.
■ Reviewed Justification and Approval documents, Limited Sources Justifications, and Determination for Waivers for Multiple Award Contracts and provided feedback; located errors and returned to the buyer for correction.
■ Developed organizational electronic file and contract approval system for personnel to securely administer and manage over 500 contracts per year. -
Army Contracting Command - Senior Contract Specialist (Research and Development)
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Collaborated with Small Business Innovation Research program to train technology start-up leaders on proposal preparation and budget forecast for future contract opportunities. (2007-2012)
Conducted negotiation analysis of proposal submissions to advise senior leadership in contract discussions for multi-million dollar defense contracts. Collaborated with attorneys on issues regarding intellectual property, software license, and copyright agreements to negotiate the rights and use of…Collaborated with Small Business Innovation Research program to train technology start-up leaders on proposal preparation and budget forecast for future contract opportunities. (2007-2012)
Conducted negotiation analysis of proposal submissions to advise senior leadership in contract discussions for multi-million dollar defense contracts. Collaborated with attorneys on issues regarding intellectual property, software license, and copyright agreements to negotiate the rights and use of product deliverables.
Honors & Awards
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MBA Launch Mentor Program
Forte Foundation
Recognized by Forte for Mentorship – MBA Launch Mentor Program, 2021, Forte Foundation
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Best & Brightest MBAs: Class of 2018
Poets & Quants
Recognized by Poets & Quants, Best & Brightest MBAs: Class of 2018
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Student Leadership & Service Awards
University of Texas, McCombs School of Business
Voted by peers to receive 1 of 5 Student Leadership & Service Awards (Class of 265 students) 2018, the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
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National Black MBA Association-Consortium for Graduate Studies Fellow 2016
Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
National Black MBA Association-Consortium for Graduate Studies Fellow 2016, Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
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Centennial Honor Garden 2014
University of Maryland, College Park Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Centennial Honor Garden 2014, University of Maryland, College Park Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Honored by the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Maryland as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority for substantial contributions made as an undergraduate chapter member and alumna
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Entrepreneurship Channel Award 2014,
National Black MBA Association
Entrepreneurship Channel Award 2014, National Black MBA Association
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Booker T. Washington Scholar Award for Highest GPA of Graduating Member
Black Law Students Association
Black Law Students Association Booker T. Washington Scholar Award for Highest GPA of Graduating Member 2012, University of Baltimore Law Black Law Students Association
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Graduated Cum Laude
University of Baltimore Law
Graduated Cum Laude 2012, University of Baltimore Law
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Acknowledged as a Top Ten Finalist, National Taxation Moot Court Team
Byron L. Warnken Moot Court Competition
Byron L. Warnken Moot Court Competition, Acknowledged as a Top Ten Finalist, National Taxation Moot Court Team 2010 – 2011, Placed sixth out of 100 student participants in Moot Court case competition that evaluated a written and oral argument, University of Baltimore Law
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Maryland Medallion Society & Recognized as Top Twenty Leader
University of Maryland, College Park
Recognized as Top Twenty Leader on Campus 2007, University of Maryland, College Park
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Omicron Delta Kappa
Omicron Delta Kappa
Inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa 2006, Name engraved on McKeldin Mall Campus Fountain
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Dr. Yvette Freeman Davis
𝗢𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 | 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟱, 𝟭𝟵𝟯𝟯 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘃. 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱, 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 — 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. On March 15, 1933, the NAACP launched a groundbreaking legal challenge against educational segregation by filing suit against the University of North Carolina on behalf of Thomas R. Hocutt, a young Black student denied admission to the School of Pharmacy because of his race. The case, Hocutt v. Wilson, became one of the earliest major legal efforts to challenge segregation in higher education in the South. The facts: Thomas R. Hocutt, a 24-year-old student at the North Carolina College for Negroes (now North Carolina Central University), applied to the UNC School of Pharmacy. He was academically qualified. But because he was Black, he was denied admission. In response, the NAACP stepped in — not only to support one student, but to challenge the legal architecture of Jim Crow. The legal team behind the fight The lawsuit was led by Durham attorneys Conrad Pearson and Cecil McCoy, with key support from NAACP legal strategist William Hastie, recommended by the legendary Charles Hamilton Houston. This was not just a case. It was part of an emerging legal blueprint. Why the case was lost — and why it still mattered The case was dismissed on a painful technicality. The president of the North Carolina College for Negroes, James E. Shepard, refused to release Hocutt’s transcript — a required document for admission. Without it, the court ruled that Hocutt had not met the university’s technical admissions requirements. So yes, the case was lost. But the truth is deeper than the ruling: The legal challenge itself was a victory of courage. Because in 1933, in the Jim Crow South, simply bringing this case required extraordinary boldness. The legacy Though Hocutt v. Wilson did not immediately desegregate UNC, it helped lay the legal groundwork for future NAACP challenges to segregated education. It was an early crack in the wall of “separate but equal.” And that wall would continue to weaken until Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Reflection March 15, 1933 reminds us that not every important legal battle ends in immediate victory. Some cases lose in court… but still win in history. Thomas Hocutt may not have won his case that day, but he helped move the nation closer to justice. And that matters. 🔁 I invite your thoughts and respectful reflections. ♻️ Like, comment, or repost if this resonates. 💁🏽♀️ Follow me, Dr. Yvette Freeman Davis, for reflections on leadership, culture, and everyday excellence. 🌹 #OnThisDayInBlackHistory #March151933 #ThomasHocutt #NAACP #HocuttvWilson #EducationalJustice #BlackHistory #CivilRightsHistory #BrownvBoard #LeadershipAndLegacy #EverydayExcellence #TGBTG 🙌🏽
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Dr. Teresa Lao
A new peer-reviewed publication this year: Buchanon, M., Presley Bone, B., Levitt, K., & Lao, T. (2025). Perspectives on Career Advancement Among African American Women Leaders in STEM: A Single Case Study. Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management, 25(2), 83–92. https://doi.org/10.21818/001c.142914
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Eidalia González-Tosado
🔌🌞 What is Puerto Rico’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and why should you care? Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or just tired of unpredictable electric bills, Puerto Rico’s IRP directly impacts your future. The IRP is more than an energy plan. It’s a 20-year blueprint that defines how we generate, distribute, and transition our energy system, balancing reliability, cost, and sustainability. From retiring outdated fossil fuel plants to increasing our renewable capacity and preparing for climate risks, the IRP shapes the energy landscape that powers every corner of our island. 🎥 In this short video, I explain what the IRP is and why staying informed is key to understanding where Puerto Rico is headed. 🔎 Watch now and let’s start the conversation. 💬 What questions do you have about Puerto Rico’s energy future? Drop them below! #energytransition #PuertoRico #IRP #resilience #sustainability #cleanenergy #regulatoryinsight #infrastructureplanning Ferraiuoli LLC
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Rhonda Barton, M.B.A.
One of the many great things about the George Mason University – Costello College of Business is the focused Centers including the Baroni Center for Government Contracting. Take a quick moment and join Mike Derrios, Executive Director, on the journey of all things GovCon with this short video.
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National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable
Leadership + Global: Alumni Ambassador Roundtables “Your network is your net worth.” — Robert F. Smith Our National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable network is strengthening global connections through Alumni Ambassador Roundtables—virtual and in-person gatherings where HBCU graduates in key cities mentor current students, share market insights, and foster institutional partnerships. Here’s how this movement is accelerating leadership development: Strategic City Hubs • Ambassador groups in Atlanta, London, Lagos, and Dubai convene quarterly to discuss local industry trends, career pathways, and best practices for supporting emerging HBCU talent. Mentorship & Career Mapping • Alumni share their professional journeys—challenges, pivots, and successes—advising students on resume refinement, networking strategies, and entry into competitive sectors. Market Intelligence for Curriculum Design • Insights gathered during roundtables inform curriculum updates: emerging finance regulations in Europe, digital-payment innovations in Africa, or sustainability mandates in the Middle East. Co-Creating Experiential Opportunities • Ambassadors facilitate internships, consulting projects, and job-shadow days with their employers—opening doors to real-world experience in diverse markets. Sustained Community Engagement • Each roundtable concludes with a “next-steps” action plan: targeted introductions, resource sharing, and a timeline for virtual workshops, ensuring ongoing collaboration beyond the event. Why It Matters By mobilizing alumni as ambassadors, NHBCUBDR creates a living bridge between campuses and a global professional ecosystem—empowering students to lead with confidence and a truly international perspective. National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable www.hbcubusinessdeans.org #NHBCUBDR #LeadershipAndLegacy #GlobalPartnerships #AlumniAmbassadors #HBCUExcellence
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Natalie Roisman
Please share with recent federal government lawyers who may be interested in pursuing a Tech LL.M.! You may have seen that Georgetown University is offering a number of resources for current or recent federal workers. As part of this effort, Georgetown University Law Center has announced a substantially reduced LL.M. tuition rate of 50% to lawyers who have a J.D. from a U.S. accredited law school and have recently left government service. (Applicants through this program also may request an application fee waiver.) Specifically, at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy, we are excited that this discount will apply to the Technology Law and Policy LLM degree program! Applications are due July 1 for a Fall 2025 start, and we invite you to join us for an information session dedicated to recent federal workers considering the Tech LLM program on May 21, 12-1 PM ET.
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