Current MBA/MSF Fellows

Lauwinda Cherilus, MBA 2026 

MBA Fellow  

Strategic Leadership | Inclusive Innovation | Entrepreneurship 

Lauwinda Cherilus is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2024–2026. 

A first-generation college graduate and Haitian immigrant, Cherilus brings a global perspective, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong sense of purpose to her work as a recruiter for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury and as a rising leader in the Rowan MBA program. She is pursuing her MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship while actively contributing to mission-driven initiatives at Rowan University and beyond.

As Lead Fellow on two Strategic Impact Projects with the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and PAWS Farm Educational Center, Cherilus has guided teams through high-impact work to support community-based animal science education. She led a semester-long engagement to build a full business plan and, in a second phase, managed a 50-day cross-functional strategy sprint with six project leads. Her leadership resulted in the creation of a five-year financial forecast, grant and fundraising strategies, retail development plans, and a new “Anyone Can Be a Vet!” branding platform. She also helped launch the PAWS Pathway Program to connect underserved K–12 students with careers in veterinary medicine and STEM.

Cherilus has also collaborated on additional Fellowship projects, including sponsorship outreach for National Girls and Women in Sports Day, alumni engagement strategy development, and fundraising research for TEDxRowan. In every role, she is known for bringing energy, insight, and thoughtful collaboration to her teams.

A committed changemaker, Cherilus is the cofounder of Baron Rides, a carpooling platform for students—an idea she developed after personally experiencing the challenges of commuting during her studies. She volunteers with the All Things Are Possible Foundation, supporting youth in STEAM education and marketing, and with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where she advocates for awareness and affordability in care.

Cherilus also serves as an Ambassador for the Rohrer College of Business, the MBA Program, and the Fellowship Program.

Her achievements have been recognized through awards from Unite 2030, Bard College’s C2C Fellowship, and Rowan’s First-Gen Symposium.

She earned her associate’s degree from Rowan College at Burlington County, completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration: Global Business and Leadership at Rowan University, and is currently pursuing her MBA in Entrepreneurship.

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 J. Gérard is a seasoned project management professional, instructor, and leadership development expert with nearly 30 years of experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and academic settings. As Director of the Enterprise Project Management Office at Holman, Franck leads enterprise-wide efforts to optimize project delivery, develop strategic talent, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. He is also a long-time consultant, published author, and PMP®-certified educator who has trained thousands of professionals across industries and countries.

As a Fellow in Rowan University’s MBA Fellowship Program, Franck has made an extraordinary impact through both individual projects and cross-cohort mentorship. He served as lead Fellow on a major internal initiative—Developing Project Management Best Practices for Enhancing Social Impact Projects (SIPs)—in which he designed and delivered workshops, one-on-one coaching, and team-based mentoring for all Fellows. His efforts significantly elevated the planning, execution, and professional value of SIPs across the program. In upcoming semesters, he will be generating enduring tools and training materials for future cohorts.

Franck also led a curriculum development and training Fellow project with Samaritan, a regional nonprofit specializing in end-of-life care. He designed a five-week project management course tailored to the organization’s staff and goals, delivering instruction, resources, and evaluation tools that continue to be used for internal training. His approach combined “better practices” with hands-on facilitation to support real-time learning and application.

In addition to these signature Fellow projects, Franck has contributed to numerous Fellow project teams by providing strategic input, frameworks, and support across disciplines—earning praise from Fellows for helping them grow as professionals both within and beyond the Fellowship.

Fluent in French and deeply committed to service, Franck brings a global and human-centered perspective to every initiative. Whether advising executives, mentoring emerging leaders, or delivering training that bridges theory and action, he inspires those around him to think strategically, act with integrity, and lead with purpose.

We are proud to have Franck as a continuing MBA Fellow and a cornerstone of our Fellowship community. His contributions are shaping not only the success of our current projects, but the evolution of the program itself.

Isabella Giampetro, MBA 2026

MBA Fellow  

Entrepreneurship | Sustainability | Women's Empowerment

Isabella Giampetro is the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2025–2026. 

Isabella Giampetro is a creative strategist and emerging leader in business innovation, nonprofit storytelling, and women’s empowerment. A 2024 Rowan University alumna with a BA in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship, Isabella is now pursuing her MBA at the Rohrer College of Business.

During her Fellowship, Isabella has taken on leadership roles in multiple Social Impact Projects (SIPs) that blend purpose, strategy, and digital transformation. She was the lead Fellow on a strategic initiative with TixForGood, helping the mission-driven startup clarify its business model, audit and enhance its digital presence, and implement AI-powered storytelling tools to better serve nonprofit partners. She also led the revitalization of National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Rowan, conducting institutional research and stakeholder engagement to reimagine the event as a campus-wide celebration of inclusion and leadership.

Isabella has contributed meaningfully to several additional Fellowship initiatives. These include three strategic planning and community engagement projects with PAWS Farm Educational Center and the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as two technology-forward initiatives with OTC Services focused on disability advocacy and nonprofit foundation planning.

Known among peers and project partners as proactive, high-energy, and well-organized, Isabella has also spearheaded the early development of the Rowan Business Mentorship Program, a student-led initiative designed to connect early-career students with alumni mentors. Her work on the program’s concept and structure—including phased implementation, alumni engagement strategy, and event planning—will continue into the next academic year as the Fellowship supports its launch.

Isabella’s Fellowship experience reflects her dedication to values-driven leadership and actionable impact. Whether advancing inclusive programming, building digital strategies, or contributing to collaborative project teams, she consistently brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a clear sense of purpose to every endeavor.

With a strong foundation in marketing and entrepreneurship, and a growing track record of impact, Isabella is poised to make meaningful contributions wherever innovation, communication, and community intersect.

Ronald Ngwashi, MSF and MBA 2026

MBA/MSF Fellow  

Mission-Driven Finance | Social Impact Strategy | Community Development

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

Ronald Ngwashi is a dynamic finance professional and social impact strategist whose work blends financial acumen with a deep commitment to community development. Currently pursuing both his MBA and MS Finance at the Rohrer College of Business, Ronald brings a global and mission-driven perspective to every Fellow project. Though based in California, Ronald complements his primarily virtual Fellowship work with purposeful visits to Rowan’s Glassboro campus each semester—strengthening relationships with Partner organizations, Fellow peers, and university stakeholders.

His Fellowship portfolio includes spearheading the development of a 501(c)(3) foundation for OTC Services to expand support for adults with disabilities, integrating assistive technologies into residential care programs for OTC Services, and crafting an engagement and revitalization strategy for the Paulsboro Pride Neighborhood. Ronald also led a corporate-aligned fundraising campaign for the Pegasus Education Foundation, securing support for STEAM centers in under-resourced public schools. At TixForGood, he redefined nonprofit partnership development by building data-driven community engagement strategies and designing fundraising models that transformed donated event tickets into philanthropic assets.

With a background in engineering, Ronald previously co-founded a nonprofit in Cameroon to support conflict-displaced communities, delivering vocational training and financial assistance. He currently serves as Staff Accountant at Essential Access Health and as Financial Secretary for Mustard Seed Impact International. Across each role and project, Ronald demonstrates his commitment to inclusive economic development, sustainable funding strategies, and values-driven financial leadership.

Ronald holds a Master of Science in Engineering from the African University of Science and Technology, funded by the African Development Bank and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Joshua Perry, MBA 2026

MBA Fellow  

Biomedical Engineering | Healthcare Innovation | Operations Leadership

Joshua Perry is the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2025–2026.

Joshua Sell, MBA 2025 

MBA Fellow  

Veteran Leadership | Community Advocacy | Nonprofit Development

Joshua Sell is a recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2025.

Past MBA/MSF Fellows

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 a purpose-driven leader whose work spans environmental sustainability, economic development, and operational strategy. A 2025 graduate of Rowan University’s MBA program and a recipient of the MBA Fellowship, Tomas brings a unique perspective rooted in his undergraduate training in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Rowan University.

Throughout his Fellowship, Tomas served as lead Fellow on two standout Social Impact Projects (SIPs). In partnership with the Center for Responsible Leadership, he investigated strategies to inspire sustainability practices within the golf industry—analyzing behavioral and operational drivers, leading interviews, and preparing findings for publication. He also collaborated with the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund (RIVF) to strengthen internal operations and expand economic opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs and small businesses across southern New Jersey.

Tomas contributed as a team member on several other impact-driven projects, including a multi-stage initiative with the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and PAWS Farm Educational Center, where he supported strategic planning, program design, and fundraising models to enhance STEM-based educational programming. He also assisted in a campus-wide project to revitalize National Girls and Women in Sports Day, helping develop event recommendations to advance gender equity in sports and leadership.

Known for his professionalism, thoughtful insights, and collaborative approach, Tomas was selected as the graduate student spotlight speaker at Rowan’s 2025 Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) induction ceremony, where he reflected on the value of ethical leadership and academic excellence in the graduate student experience.

Tomas’s project partners consistently praised the environmental sustainability lens he brought to each engagement—connecting big-picture goals to actionable strategies that align with corporate responsibility and community values. He applied those same strengths to his career, recently joining American Water as an Associate Analyst for Engineering after a successful internship with their Planning Engineering team.

With a strong foundation in sustainability, innovation, and data-driven decision-making, Tomas is well-positioned to drive impact across sectors. We are proud to count him among our MBA alumni and look forward to seeing how he continues to lead with purpose in the years ahead.

Luke Molnar, MBA 2025

MBA Fellow  

Big Data | Sustainability | Transportation Engineering 

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

Luke Molnar is a data-driven researcher and sustainability advocate whose interdisciplinary expertise bridges civil engineering, artificial intelligence, and business strategy. Luke holds a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rowan’s Martinson Honors College and an M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Villanova University. He recently completed his MBA and was selected to serve as the Rohrer College of Business Commencement Speaker for the graduate ceremony in 2025.

As an MBA Fellow, Luke led two advanced-stage Social Impact Projects (SIPs) at the intersection of AI and social equity. In collaboration with Rowan’s Center for Sports Communication and Social Impact, he authored a comprehensive report on the cost, functionality, and inclusion challenges of AI tools in sports, with a special focus on underserved sports and organizations. He then led a Stage 2 initiative to revise findings for academic publication and conduct interviews with media and sports organizations to inform a strategic case study for equitable AI adoption.

Luke also served as lead Fellow on a cross-disciplinary SIP with Rowan’s Center for Responsible Leadership, where he collaborated with faculty to explore how AI can support corporate sustainability reporting. His work included ethical AI integration, data model development, and stakeholder outreach—laying the groundwork for research dissemination and practical applications in environmental and governance transparency.

As a contributing team member, Luke supported three additional SIPs: developing fundraising and operational strategies for PAWS Farm Educational Center, advancing STEM-based education through Rowan’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, and revitalizing National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Rowan’s campus through programming and outreach.

Known for his curiosity, collaborative mindset, and commitment to meaningful impact, Luke brought academic rigor and positive energy to the Fellowship. Through his public speaking, research leadership, and mentoring of peers, he has helped define what it means to lead with both insight and humility.

We are proud to count Luke among our MBA alumni and look forward to the innovation and impact he’ll continue to drive in the years ahead.

Siena Rampulla, MBA 2025 

MBA Fellow  

Entrepreneur | CEO & Founder, Hot Girl Safe and PULLATracker | Advocate & Public Speaker

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

Siena Rampulla is a dynamic entrepreneur and campus safety innovator who recently earned her MBA from Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business. She also holds a BA in Psychology from Rowan’s Martinson Honors College.

As the founder and CEO of Hot Girl Safe and PULLATracker, Siena blends business strategy, lived experience, and her psychology background to reimagine campus safety for a new generation. Her passion for resilience, empowerment, and innovation has brought her to stages across the region—including serving as a Fellow lead and as a featured speaker of the inaugural TEDxRowan University, emcee of the Rohrer New Venture Expo and Competition, and advocate for student wellness and belonging.

During her Fellowship, Siena led and supported a wide range of Social Impact Projects (SIPs), including a strategic initiative with TixForGood to elevate nonprofit fundraising and a data analysis study with Startup Leaders to enhance regional economic development. She collaborated with PAWS Farm Educational Center and the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine on educational business planning, branding strategy, and impact frameworks, and helped reimagine National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Rowan to promote gender equity and student engagement.

Beyond project work, Siena served as an Ambassador for the MBA Fellowship and MBA Program, representing Rowan’s graduate business community on campus and throughout the greater Philadelphia entrepreneurship ecosystem. She also mentored incoming Fellows, contributing to a strong sense of community and shared purpose across the cohort.

Known for her energy, poise, and collaborative spirit, Siena leaves a lasting legacy at Rowan. We look forward to seeing her mission-driven leadership expand even further in the years ahead.

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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