Fellow Bios
Fellow Bios
RCB Fellow Bios
Scholarship Funding | Leadership Development | Empowering Change Agents
Current MBA/MSF Fellows
Dylan Bauer, MBA 2027 
MBA Fellow
Entrepreneurial Leadership | Sustainable Innovation | Community Impact
Dylan Bauer is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2025–2027.
A mission-driven entrepreneur and values-based leader, Dylan brings a deep passion for sustainable business and social impact to the RCB Fellowship Program. With a long-term goal of launching hemp-based ventures—including a fully sustainable clothing brand—he is committed to building companies that are environmentally responsible, ethically operated, and grounded in community outreach.
Through the Fellowship, Dylan is expanding his expertise in finance, marketing, and venture leadership to prepare for a career at the intersection of innovation and impact. Currently, he serves as a Business Operations Associate at BLISS CO, a New Jersey-based cannabis cultivation and manufacturing company. Working closely with the CEO, Dylan supports marketing, sales, logistics, and strategic planning to help scale statewide operations. His approach is hands-on, collaborative, and driven by both purpose and performance.
As an undergraduate at Rowan University, Dylan earned a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and served as President of the university’s chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), leading the organization to international recognition and earning him a place on SSDP's National Board of Directors. In collaboration with fellow students and community partners, he helped raise over $18,000 to fund initiatives such as a campus-wide Cannabis Industry Networking Night and a local expungement clinic for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses. These experiences continue to shape Dylan’s commitment to using entrepreneurship as a tool for social and environmental change.
Joshua Bradley, MBA 2026 
MBA Fellow
Passionate Visionary | Digital Enthusiast | Entrepreneur & Founder
Joshua Bradley is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2025–2026.
A creative entrepreneur and detail-oriented strategist, Joshua brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the RCB Fellowship Program—blending finance, marketing, and psychology to build brands that connect deeply with audiences and deliver measurable impact. With a long-term goal of leading in brand management and digital engagement, he is focused on deepening his expertise in consumer behavior, analytics, and strategic storytelling.
Joshua is the cofounder of Butterfly Effect, a mission-driven sustainable fashion house that sold out its debut collection. The brand celebrates individuality, aiming to complement personal style while embracing community through diversity and inclusion. By uniting people under a shared identity, Butterfly Effect seeks to make a meaningful difference in both fashion and society. He also founded MediaByJB, a digital media venture that offers photography, videography, and content strategy services to small businesses and campus partners. Across both ventures, Joshua demonstrates a strong commitment to intentional branding, operational discipline, and audience-centered design.
Prior to beginning the MBA, Joshua worked as a Digital Content Creator with Rowan University’s Marketing team, where he developed campaign visuals and managed cross-platform content to support university outreach. He also played a key role in founding Phi Chi Theta at Rowan—a coed business fraternity built to foster a community of like-minded individuals—laying a foundation in business communication and systems thinking.
Graduating summa cum laude from Rowan University with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Psychology, Joshua was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma and recognized with multiple honors, including the Rob and Angela Sontz Scholarship and the Mark Spinelli Accounting Excellence Scholarship. Through the Fellowship, Joshua is sharpening the innovation, leadership, and open-minded thinking needed to lead modern brands with passion, precision, and creativity.
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.
Jacqueline DeLorenzo, MBA 2027 
MBA Fellow
Mission-Driven Entrepreneurship | Social Impact Marketing | Community Leadership
Jacqueline DeLorenzo is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2025–2027.
A purpose-driven entrepreneur and marketing professional, Jacqueline brings a deep commitment to community-centered business and values-based leadership. As the founder of Molly’s Matcha, she has built a brand that integrates wellness, ethical sourcing, and animal advocacy. From international product development to strategic partnerships with dog rescues and local nonprofits, her work reflects a passion for using business as a platform for social good. Through the RCB Fellowship Program, she is expanding her expertise in branding, marketing analytics, and innovation strategy while preparing to scale her venture and amplify its impact.
Jacqueline most recently served as a Volunteer Programs Manager at Jersey Cares, where she oversaw statewide collection drives and supported high-impact volunteer initiatives. She managed social media for the organization’s 22,000+ followers, created content for the youth ambassador program, and leveraged CRM tools to drive engagement and reporting. Jacqueline also supported volunteer events in collaboration with the corporate partnerships team, working alongside employees from partners such as the NBA, NFL, UBS, and Fidelity Investments. Her role with Jersey Cares has now evolved into a volunteer capacity as she shifts her focus to growing her mission-driven business and contributing to strategic impact projects through the Fellowship Program. In her community, Jacqueline serves as a girls’ varsity and JV soccer coach, mentoring young athletes and giving back to the team she once captained.
Jacqueline earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Rowan University, graduating magna cum laude and receiving multiple honors, including the Gerald B. Shreiber Scholarship. During her time at Rowan, Jacqueline served as Senator for the Rowan American Sign Language Club and Public Relations Officer for the CEO Club. Her leadership roles on campus, combined with hands-on experience in nonprofit work, coaching, and brand-building, have shaped her into a collaborative, mission-aligned professional committed to making meaningful change.
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.
Danielle McManus, MBA 2027
MBA Fellow
Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship | Creative Strategy | Community Engagement
Danielle McManus is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2025–2027.
A heart-led entrepreneur fueled by creativity and connection, Danielle brings purpose and passion to every project she takes on. As the founder of La Belle Vie Bakery, she is building a French-inspired bakery that blends high-quality desserts with a welcoming café atmosphere, all while giving local artists a space to shine. Her goal is to create an inspiring and sweet space rooted in hospitality and purpose, where creativity flourishes, community thrives, and small business dreams take flight. Through the RCB Fellowship Program, she is expanding her expertise in branding, business strategy, and nonprofit collaboration as she continues to grow her entrepreneurial vision.
Danielle has over seven years of experience working as a barista and culinary instructor, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service, leadership, teaching, and hands-on kitchen experience. She also manages part-time roles as a nanny and small business vendor, balancing her creative pursuits with operational discipline. In 2024, she represented Rowan University at the International Council for Small Business Academy in Berlin, where her team won the Judges’ Choice Award for their social enterprise pitch. She was also a finalist in the Rohrer New Venture Competition for her work with La Belle Vie Bakery.
Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from Rowan University, graduating cum laude, after transferring from Atlantic Cape Community College with highest honors. Known for her positive energy, grit, and heart-centered leadership, she is committed to building ventures that uplift others and reflect the values of creativity, connection, and community.
Ace Mitchell, MBA 2026 
MBA Fellow
Faith-Based Leadership | Policy-Driven Impact | Community Empowerment
Allen "Ace" Mitchell III is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2025–2026.
A servant leader at the intersection of public policy, youth mentorship, and entrepreneurship, Ace is passionate about building systems that uplift underserved communities. As the Founder and Director of Future Kings, he leads a mentorship initiative for young men, centered on discipline, financial literacy, leadership and brotherhood. Through the RCB Fellowship Program, Ace is focused on scaling sustainable impact efforts through business strategy, civic innovation, and cross-sector partnerships.
Ace currently serves as a Legislative Aide in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he conducts bill research, handles constituent advocacy, and supports strategic policy initiatives, including work on housing equity and small business development. Trusted by senior staff, he is regularly called upon to translate community needs into actionable legislation.
As the President of the NJ Annual Conference Young People’s Division (YPD) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ace leads youth across 50+ churches, organizing statewide conferences, service projects, and intergenerational mentorship programs. He is also a Licentiate in the AME Church, blending faith, policy, and purpose-driven leadership across every space he enters. In addition to his formal roles, Ace is a community organizer who has hosted community events in many aspects.
A graduate of Rowan University with a BA in International Studies (International Business & Economics Concentration), Ace is currently pursuing his MBA with Concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Finance. He aspires to attend law school following graduation while pursuing a dual JD/MBA with a focus on international and corporate law. As a mentorship philosopher and cultural builder, he is committed to restoring brotherhood, accountability, and leadership in a society that often forgets what manhood means. He is committed to using his time in the Fellowship to build initiatives that serve both people and policy—amplifying purpose, economic justice, and community empowerment.
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 Perry is a mission-driven innovator and operations leader who brings together expertise in biomedical engineering, entrepreneurship, and healthcare strategy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Business from Rowan University.
As Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of 4U Medical, Joshua leads the development of patient-centered technologies that improve experiences in ambulatory infusion centers. His work bridges smart design with operational efficiency—an approach he also brought to life through multiple Social Impact Projects (SIPs) during his Fellowship.
Joshua served as lead Fellow on an initiative with the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and PAWS Farm Educational Center to strengthen financial sustainability and educational outreach. He developed a detailed retail and activity space plan and co-authored a fundraising strategy that is now guiding real-world implementation.
He also supported two projects with OTC Services, contributing to a strategic plan to launch a foundation for individuals with disabilities and co-developing a roadmap for integrating smart, assistive technologies into OTC’s programs and residential homes. In collaboration with the Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Joshua co-led an initiative to expand entrepreneurial thinking across campus, helping launch the university’s first Entrepreneurship Student Advisory Board and mentoring students through pitch workshops and startup ideation sessions.
Joshua is known for leading through influence, collaborating across disciplines, and bringing purpose-driven energy to every engagement. As an Ambassador for the MBA Fellowship and MBA Program, he has represented Rowan across campus and in the greater Philadelphia innovation ecosystem—leaving a lasting impression on students, faculty, and community partners alike.
Praised by partner organizations for his strategic thinking, follow-through, and impact, Joshua continues to be a catalyst for innovation at the intersection of health, technology, and equity.
Christopher Spicer, MBA 2026
MBA Fellow
Resilient Leadership | Community Engagement | Analytical Problem-Solving
Christopher Spicer is a recipient of the MBA Fellowship 2025–2026.
A disciplined leader with a background in engineering and collegiate athletics, Chris is focused on developing inclusive, high-impact solutions that benefit communities and foster long-term growth. Through the RCB Fellowship Program, he is building on his strengths in teamwork, systems thinking, and strategic communication to prepare for a career that bridges business leadership with social impact.
Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University, where he also competed as a four-year NCAA student-athlete on the men’s soccer team. His academic and athletic paths demanded a rare combination of resilience, time management, and persistence. Whether solving complex technical problems or leading from the field, he consistently demonstrated focus, accountability, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
A hands-on learner, Chris contributed to a multi-semester senior design project building a BAJA vehicle to compete nationally—an experience that deepened his skill in collaboration, innovation, and high-stakes project execution. He’s equally committed to supporting and uplifting others, having mentored teammates and peers throughout his time at Rowan.
Now pursuing his MBA full-time, Chris is especially interested in initiatives that advance community engagement and small business development in South Jersey. With a long-term goal of leading mission-driven teams or launching a business of his own, he is using the Fellowship as a platform to apply his skills to real-world challenges while continuing to grow as a purpose-centered professional.
Past MBA/MSF Fellows
Joshua Sell, MBA 2025 
MBA Fellow
Veteran Leadership | Community Advocacy | Nonprofit Development
Joshua Sell was the recipient of an MBA Fellowship for 2025.
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.