Fellows Reflect On Fellowship Initiative Experiences

Sarah Atai, MBA 2023

"Aside from my personal aspirations, what motivates me is the support I receive from my program coordinator, dean, supervisor, and the people I meet along the way. Their encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support have pushed me toward realizing my potential and achieving my dreams."

Enhancing Lives | Responsible Leadership | Nonprofit Management

Sarah’s Fellowship initiative includes consultative work for Samaritan, a not-for-profit organization that provides support to families in end-of-life care in comfort and dignity through a myriad of services and a team of experts. 

When I first started the Fellowship, I was uncertain about what to expect. However, I was optimistic and eager to learn and grow from the experience, as promised by the Fellowship program's description. 

Through attending various meetings, gatherings, and conferences, I have gained rich insights and knowledge. The intentional mentorship provided by the program has been invaluable in providing me with guidance and support. Hence, helping me shape my aspirations into clear goals.  

The initiatives given to me have been challenging but have allowed me to learn and develop my skills and experience. Working with the Samaritan staff and collaborating on assigned projects has been an enriching experience. I have been able to increase my knowledge and develop new skills while working towards a common goal. 

Aside from my personal aspirations, what motivates me is the support I receive from my program coordinator, dean, supervisor, and the people I meet along the way. Their encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support have pushed me toward realizing my potential and achieving my dreams. 

Overall, the Fellowship has been an eye-opening and enriching experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and to work towards becoming the best version of myself. 

Read More About Sarah

Jake McFarland, MBA 2024

"Fellowships are a stepping stone to great things because they allow you to explore topics that inspire you."

Motivated | Technologist | Forward-thinker

Jake’s Fellowship initiatives entail curating Ask Me Anything and leading Expert Webinars to present to current RCB students and alumni, as well as the local community. 

Berton Braley once wrote: Don’t worry and fret, faint hearted,/The chances have just begun,/For the best jobs haven’t been started,/The best work hasn’t been done.  

There is always opportunity to find something new to learn and a new problem to solve. It is the main motivation behind why I chose to pursue a Fellowship. I wanted to challenge myself to new things and take on leadership opportunities for the betterment of myself and Rowan. 

On top of being a current MBA student, my Fellowship initiatives keep me actively involved with other students and alumni while trying to organize and proctor an Ask Me Anything series and moderating a webinar panel. I am also involved in mentorship programs where I learn from former executives and current senior leadership. I have had the opportunity to ask CEOs insightful questions in front of audiences to prepare for my own initiatives. From all of these experiences, I have learned how to be a better networker, how to be a better leader, how to ask more insightful questions and, most importantly, how to think critically. All of this has led me to not only becoming a better employee, but also a more well-rounded person. 

Fellowships are a stepping stone to great things because they allow you to explore topics that inspire you. You could pursue research opportunities with professors, develop new events, take leadership roles in hosting events in person or online, and so much more. This work is impactful because your efforts directly affect the culture of the college. This work is satisfying because you can explore so many avenues while creating lasting change. This work has potential because it is open-ended and rewarding. 

A Fellowship like this is a chance to explore what makes you passionate about your future. Who doesn’t want that opportunity? 

Read More About Jake

Mentors On Their Involvement with the RCB Fellowship Program

Greg Payton

"As a mentor, my motivation stems from my strong belief in the value of mentorship and education. I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these bright, ambitious individuals."

Empowering Change Agents | Professor | Innovator

As a proud mentor in the MBA/MS Fellow Program at Rowan University, I am honored to share my experience and wholeheartedly endorse this exceptional opportunity for future candidates. This program has consistently shown its potential to exponentially expand the horizons for those fortunate enough to be chosen as Fellows, paving the way for unparalleled growth, social impact, and satisfaction in their professional and personal lives. 

Throughout my tenure as a mentor, I have been continually inspired by the transformative power of this program. Fellows have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a stimulating environment, rich with diverse perspectives and practical learning experiences. The MBA/MS Fellow Program's robust initiatives empower candidates to not only develop critical thinking and leadership skills but also to build a strong foundation in volunteerism, marketing, and management. 

As a mentor, my motivation stems from my strong belief in the value of mentorship and education. I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these bright, ambitious individuals. It brings me immense satisfaction to witness each Fellow’s development, knowing that the knowledge and guidance I share contributed to their success. 

My passion for mentoring in the MBA/MS Fellow Program is fueled by the fascinating stories, backgrounds, and aspirations of the Fellows. Each interaction with them is a learning experience, reminding me of the limitless potential that lies within every individual. This program is the catalyst that allows these talented students to realize that potential, unlocking doors to a world of opportunities and enriching their lives in ways they never before imagined. 

In conclusion, the MBA/MS Fellow Program at Rowan University is an extraordinary platform for Fellows to accelerate their personal and professional growth. The camaraderie, support, and wealth of knowledge available in this program are truly unmatched. I am honored to play a role in shaping the future leaders and change agents of tomorrow and am confident that this program will continue to leave an indelible mark on the lives of its participants. 

Read More About Professor Payton

Partner Organizations Discuss Collaborating with RCB Fellows

Joanne Rosen 

Chief Marketing & Public Affairs Officer 

Samaritan: Life-Enhancing Care

On behalf of Samaritan, I extend sincere thanks and appreciation to MBA Fellow Sarah Atai, Professor Greg Payton, Dean Sue Lehrman, and Assistant Dean Jennifer Maden of the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University. Among other projects, Sarah has been collaborating with our Samaritan Diversity Committees to advance our organizational Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, and Access.  

Sarah’s collaboration and enthusiastic support have extended across many aspects of our Commitment, from strategic planning, community engagement, and staff recruitment. Sarah has also supported Samaritan’s global partnership with Kawempe Home Care, based in Kampala, Uganda, coincidentally her own country of origin. Eager to contribute, and eager to learn, Sarah even joined our golf tournament committee to support our this fundraising opportunity.  

In collaboration with Professor Payton, Sarah’s work with our Samaritan team builds on the success of another Rowan student project in support of our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity and Access. In 2022, Arielle Gsell developed and led an interdisciplinary group of Samaritan clinical and administrative professionals through a strategic sprint process to identify priority strategies for increasing access to Samaritan’s healthcare services for Camden City residents. The Samaritan team launched the “Listen, Learn, Act” process for utilizing feedback and recommendations from our patients and their families, staff and volunteers, and members of the community.  

As a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare provider, our Samaritan team appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with Rowan’s intelligent and motivated students!  We learned from their insightful and innovative contributions, and we are confident that they will continue to succeed as they complete their education and enter the workforce. Thank you, Rowan! 

Read More About Samaritan