Current MBA/MSF Fellows

Lauwinda Cherilus, MBA 2026 

MBA Fellow  

Entrepreneurship | Sustainability | Mental Health and Leadership 

Lauwinda Cherilus is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2024–2025. 

Cherilus is a first-generation college student. She is currently pursuing her MBA while serving as a recruiter for the NJ Department of the Treasury. Since immigrating to the US from Haiti in 2019, she has become passionate about helping others in both local and global communities by forming connections and supporting people in attaining their goals. Cherilus brings her leadership skills and passion for community to her Fellowship at Rowan University. 

In 2023, Cherilus earned her BA in Business Administration from Rowan University’s William G. Rohrer College of Business. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted extensive research on how student transportation methods impact mental health and financial well-being. Experiencing a car accident that affected her ability to commute became the catalyst for creating a solution for students facing transportation challenges. In 2023, she cofounded Baron Rides, a tech and transportation service that helps students from the same community carpool to school. 

Cherilus actively volunteers as a social media coordinator at All Things Are Possible Foundation (ATAP), where she helps youth learn about STEAM education and gain marketing skills. She also volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), where she raises awareness of Type 1 Diabetes, fundraises, and advocates for lower insulin prices. 

In 2023, Cherilus participated in an innovation lab, Unite 2030, where she collaborated with young leaders worldwide. Her team developed a solution to help nursing women in Mali, Africa, who suffer from anemia due to a lack of resources. This experience deepened her understanding of global challenges and sustainable solutions and underscored the importance of cultural diversity in problem-solving. Working with peers from different backgrounds broadened her perspectives and enhanced her creative thinking. 

Franck J. Gérard, MBA 2027

MBA Fellow  

Outside-the-box Thinker | Leader | Problem-solver

Franck J. Gérard is the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2024–2027.

Franck presently serves as Director of the Enterprise Project Management Office at Holman. With nearly 30 years of specialized expertise in organizational project management, Franck is a seasoned practitioner and instructor. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, Franck hopes to bring his distinctive blend of leadership, dedication to community impact, and project management expertise to his Fellowship at Rowan University. 

Beyond technical proficiency, Franck exhibits outstanding leadership by inspiring, motivating, and guiding team members. He cultivates commitment, team-spirit, and trust, elevating the consistency, predictability, and efficiency of project delivery.  
 
Franck is committed to community service. Annually, he, his family, and members of his team engage in an all-day volunteer event—poised to benefit nearly 350 families; on a biweekly basis, he and his wife Traci open their home to invest time in sharing a meal and encouragement with people from all walks of life. Such challenging yet gratifying experiences keep on sparking his interest in an eventual career transition into academia. For Franck, in the words of Pulitzer-Prize-winning biographer and political scientist James MacGregor Burns, Leadership is “one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth.”  

Tomas Lazicki, MBA 2025

MBA Fellow  

Responsible Leadership | Sustainability | Operation Analytics

Tomas Lazicki is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2024–2025.  

Tomas Lazicki is an emerging leader in business and environmental responsibility. He is an advocate of sustainable business growth, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable business operations. He plans to develop his sustainable business operations expertise during his MBA Fellowship to ultimately promote positive change in the corporate world.  

Tomas received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Rowan University in 2024. While working on his undergraduate degree, Tomas was actively involved in outreach programs in his community, from assisting at food drives to providing comfort and care for children with illnesses to uplifting elderly through gardening projects and property upkeep. In 2024, Tomas worked as an intern at American Water, a public utility company that provides water and wastewater services in the region. In that role he assisted with compliance tracking and launching safety initiatives. Prior to his role at American Water, Tomas worked on the Bollock Gardens Project as a sustainable agriculture intern. His work on these projects enhanced environmental impact and operational effectiveness for both businesses.  

His academic background and practical expertise provide him with a unique viewpoint on the process of implementing sustainability into business operations. Tomas is keen to work with groups and individuals who share his vision for a more sustainable future.  

Luke Molnar, MBA 2025

MBA Fellow  

Big Data | Sustainability | Transportation Engineering 

Luke Molnar is the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2024–2025.

Luke received his Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rowan University's Martinson Honors College in 2022. Upon graduating from Rowan University, he pursued a Master's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Villanova College of Engineering. He graduated in 2024. During his academic career, Luke contributed to many research publications. His research specialties include transportation data, pedestrian safety, and biofuel production.  

Inspired by the intersection of business and transportation engineering, Luke returned to Rowan University for the 2024–25 academic year. He has joined the Rohrer College of Business as an MBA Fellow. Luke plans to use his time as an MBA student to help advance the Fellowship program and to gain an improved understanding of business practices.  

Ronald Ngwashi, MSF and MBA 2026

MBA/MSF Fellow  

Risk Management | Optimization of Resources | Nonprofit Co-founder 

Ronald Ngwashi is the recipient of an MBA/MSF Fellowship for 2024–2025.

As a dedicated advocate for positive change at the community level, Ronald is committed to impactful initiatives and sustainable development. With a Master of Science in Engineering from the African University of Science and Technology, generously funded by the African Development Bank and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, his career has been devoted to making a difference through nonprofit work. 

Motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society, Ronald participated in the "December to Remember" orphanage outreach program. This experience inspired him to address the needs of those displaced by conflict in Cameroon, leading to the establishment of a nonprofit organization focused on providing financial assistance and vocational training for empowerment. During Ronald’s pursuit of a Master’s in Engineering, he remained committed to the cause, organizing remote training and boot camps.  

Upon relocating to the United States in 2022, the goal was clear—to merge engineering skills with financial expertise. In 2023, he joined Mustard Seed Impact International as the Financial Secretary, expanding community reach and assisting those in need. Ronald's role involves developing and implementing mission-aligned strategies and ensuring transparent and accountable financial practices. Collaborating closely with fundraising teams, he provides financial insights to optimize strategies and enhance overall efficiency of the organization. As the Financial Analyst for People Assisting The Homeless (P.A.T.H.) in California, Ronald leverages financial acumen and engineering skills to contribute to efforts aimed at ending homelessness. In every role, whether coordinating fundraising efforts, organizing training programs, or serving as a financial leader, determination and empathy drive him to make a lasting difference.  

Siena Rampulla, MBA 2025 

MBA Fellow  

Entrepreneur | Tech Start-Up | Safety Advocate

Siena Rampulla is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2023–2025.

Rampulla completed her BA in Psychology from Rowan University’s Martinson Honors College in 2023. While spending a semester in Italy, Rampulla gained knowledge on the intricacies of business culture in other countries, which will aid in her Fellowship work with the Jamk Institute of Bioeconomy in Finland.  

After witnessing first-hand the dangers of being a woman on a college campus, Rampulla was inspired to create a solution, PULLATracker, a mobile application that helps women feel secure on college campuses. Her invention led her to Rowan’s business community with the New Venture Competition. She entered her start-up and won first place in 2023. The awarded grant prize funding is allowing Rampulla to complete her vision of having a safety app on campus ready for Spring 2024. 

Rampulla volunteers at SERV (Services Empowering Rights of Victims) as a Confidential Sexual Violence Volunteer, offering support to those in need. During her undergraduate studies at Rowan, she was a member of the CEO Club, President of the Panhellenic Council, and long-time anchor for the Rowan Television Network. Her degree and start-up endeavors made Rampulla passionate about the mix of psychology and business. 

Past MBA/MSF Fellows

Aarushi Gupta, MBA 2024 

MBA Fellow  

Sustainability Communication | Community Development | Responsible Leadership

Aarushi Gupta was the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2023–2024.

With her background in environmental studies, her passion for sustainability communication and community engagement, and the business skills she developed in the MBA program and as a Fellow, Aarushi hopes to help people become responsible leaders within their communities. 

While an undergrad, Aarushi discovered the power that strong, connected communities can have on their surroundings through her work with the Rowan Community Garden and Rowan Environmental Action League (REAL). Aarushi wanted to become part of the effort to lead the higher education industry towards environmental and social sustainability.

Aarushi completed her bachelor’s degree from Rowan University, majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. As part of completing her MBA, she pursued a Concentration in Sustainable Business, blending her forward-thinking business mindset with her passion for positive social change. 

Larah-Ann Petersen, MBA 2024 

MBA Fellow  

FinTech Innovation | Data Science | Responsible Leadership

Larah-Ann Petersen was the recipient of the MBA Fellowship for 2023–2024.

While pursuing her MBA, Larah-Ann worked as the Graduate Assistant for the Department of Finance and Accounting at Rohrer College of Business. Larah-Ann has an interest in private equity, risk management, and FinTech. She is passionate about integrating data science into the financial industry and innovating current FinTech policies and practices. Larah-Ann wants to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas currently plaguing the FinTech industry, and she aims to find better ways to mitigate risks associated with information breaches and ensuring consumer data is used and stored responsibly.  

In 2022, Larah-Ann graduated from the College of Science and Mathematics at Rowan University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. As an undergraduate, she developed a passion for data science, statistical analysis, and writing code. She also worked as a bioinformatics research assistant. Larah-Ann plans to make a career in private equity or risk management to gain a more profound understanding of the industry before venturing into consulting.  

Robert "Bill" Rodgers, MBA 2024

MBA Fellow  

Navigating Technological Frontiers | Strategic Vision | Business and Cybersecurity Integration

Robert “Bill” Rodgers was a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2023–2024.

He pursued an MBA with a focus on Management Information Systems (MIS). Motivated by a desire to comprehend the intricacies of business operations, Bill aimed to integrate his technical expertise and growing business acumen with evolving technology while fulfilling the MBA Fellowship program. 

In 2017, Robert "Bill" Rodgers transitioned from a thriving career in Real Estate Appraisal to embark on an enriching academic journey at Rowan University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Computing and Informatics in 2021. He also attained a Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Cybersecurity and Emergency Management during his undergraduate studies. Bill went on to complete a master's degree in Cybersecurity. While working in the defense industry, Bill excelled in roles such as System Administrator, Information System Security Manager, and System Engineer, reflecting a deep understanding of technology. 

Bill’s journey from real estate appraiser to cybersecurity expert illustrates his adaptability, resilience, and dedication to continuous learning. His journey from defense roles to completing an MBA reveals his unwavering commitment to professional evolution, strategic vision, and acquiring the skills needed for success in the dynamic landscape of technology and business. 

Zachary Rouhas, MBA 2024 

MBA Fellow  

Sustainable Business Strategist | Systematic Change Agent | Corporate Responsibility

Zachary Rouhas was the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2023–2024.

He is from the suburbs of Chicago and initially attended Southern Illinois University before enlisting in the United States Army as an M1 Abrams Tank Crewman. After a decade of service and three deployments he transitioned from service back to academics. He graduated from Rowan University School of Earth & Environment Summa Cum Laude with his BA in Environment & Sustainability Studies in May 2023. Through his service he has been exposed to the ravages of human-caused climate change on a global scale, and seeing these things made him extremely passionate about protecting the environment and doing so in the most impactful ways possible. He recently worked as a Research Assistant for Rowan University on a deep dive into the Pinelands Development Credit Program origins, and potential paths for future applications for a book being published in winter 2024. Collaborating with large companies to reduce their environmental impact is the focus of his research and future career. Working to be an agent of change to help close the gaps between people, planet, and profit within these companies is the desired result. He believes the onus is on corporations to help lead the way towards a more sustainable economy, and the ability to convince them of this will be a direct result of his MBA degree completion.  

Sarah Atai, MBA 2024

MBA Fellow  

Enhancing Lives | Responsible Leadership | Nonprofit Management 

Sarah Atai was the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2022–2023.

Originally from Uganda, her background in public administration and nonprofit management led her to work for a nonprofit community outreach organization with partnerships between the United States and Sarah's home country. Sarah managed services that included after-school childcare and instruction on life and career skills—designed with the potential to evolve into revenue sources for children and their families. Her early career journey of working with orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda within nonprofit organizations allowed Sarah to develop a vision and goal that would grow her skill set so she could plan more strategically to make a greater impact. She was awarded an internship opportunity with an affiliated nonprofit in the United States and spent the next year working tirelessly to learn all she could about nonprofit development. After arriving at Rowan, she earned an RCB Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS) in Business and then continued her education by earning an MBA.  

To read about Sarah's background and Fellowship initiatives, click below.   

Jake McFarland, MBA 2024 

MBA Fellow  

Data Analytics | Technologist | Forward-thinker 

Jake McFarland was the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2022–2023.

His mindset for sustainable advancement paired with data analytics was a welcome addition to the Rohrer Graduate Business community. Jake has a strong interest in data, technology, and analytics and how these can be utilized to serve the greater good. In his Fellowship role, Jake set his intention to build strong relationships, learn more about sustainable decision-making, and gain valuable knowledge in his area of concentration, Data Analytics.  

Jake has a passion for not only advancing his own career, but for also being a mentor for other MBA students and like-minded professionals. Jake has over 7 years of experience in team management, Information Technology (IT), software development, and project management. He sees data analysis and data science as the keys to making major positive impacts for social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Currently, he is a Digital Acquisition Analytics Manager at Comcast, working to create and manage end-to-end processes for the acquisition data, and manages the analysts on his team.  

To read about Jake and his Fellowship initiatives click below! 

Michelle Martinez, MBA 2022 

MBA Fellow 

Venture Capital | Financial Equity Advocate | Economic Development 

Michelle Martinez was the recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2021–2022. In this role, she sought to leverage her professional experience to normalize financial literacy and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the finance industry. In her experience dealing directly with clients and later as a regulator, she had come to witness the widening financial inequalities that lead people to make such different quality of life choices. While observing this phenomenon over a decade, she had also been quietly studying the steps financial intermediaries can take toward closing the widening gaps. 

During her time as an MBA Fellow, Michelle was also working full time in her role as Associate Principal Examiner for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Michelle provided investor protection and market integrity by examining brokerage firms for compliance with FINRA and Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) rules, as well as federal securities laws and the rules of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking board. Her core competencies included surveilling and testing member firm operational and financial books and records for control weaknesses and sales practice misconduct in conflicts, overcharging, misappropriation, suitability and money laundering. Since completing her MBA, Michelle has joined the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) as a Product Officer for Venture Programs to support the expansion of collaborative partnerships with venture capital fund managers to build a stronger and fairer NJ economy. 

To read more about Michelle's background, and Fellowship initiatives, click below.   

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