babson college

Michelle completed the two year MBA program at the country’s #1 School for Entrepreneurship—the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College.  Focusing on international entrepreneurship, Michelle was equipped with the tools to manage innovation in the global marketplace.

Michelle participated in Babson’s integrated curriculum where instead of approaching business in functional blocks—marketing, finance, operations, etc.—the business development cycle is traced using a multi-functional approach via four modules:

1. Creative Management in Dynamic Organizations
2. Assessing Business Opportunities
3. Designing and Managing the Business System
4. Managing Business in a Changing Global Environment

During the second year of the program Michelle complemented the first year's curriculum with courses such as:

Babson's business programs have propelled many entrepreneurs/intrapreneurs to success, including:

• Bob Davis, President and Founder,  Lycos, Inc.
• Arthur Blank, President and Founder, Home Depot, Inc.
• Steve Spinelli, Co-Founder, Jiffy Lube International, Inc.

couri foundation

As the Co-Founder of Duty Free International, Inc. the now retired John Couri annually selects 20 MBAs to attend his Summer MBA Program to better understand "entrepreneurship behind the scenes."  Nestled in the quiet of Jackman, Maine’s Sky Lodge, Michelle dialogued with entrepreneurs and CEOs about designing legal frameworks, structuring corporate deals, and establishing infrastructures as well as their secrets to success for competing in the global marketplace.  Some of the guests included:

• Joel Sherman, President and CEO, Nat Sherman, Inc.
• Charles Perrin, Former Chairman and CEO,  Avon Products, Inc.
• Donald Gruhn, Forner Specialist , New York Stock Exchange

spelman college

Michelle sharpened her writing skills and critical thinking skills by completing a B.A. in English with a concentration in Management and Organization at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.  Through courses such as:

Michelle was exposed to literary thought leaders of antiquity as well as principles shaping the business world of today. 

Michelle complemented her education by becoming active in the community.  As President of the DC Metro Club, Michelle led the transformation of the organization from one that was primarily social to one that participated in tutoring programs, sponsored fundraisers and developed a network away from home for students in the Atlanta University Center (AUC).  As part of the FREEDOMFEST Coalition, Michelle worked with organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to reclaim the original focus and platform of a popular Atlanta spring break weekend. 

univeristy of nairobi

Michelle complemented her undergraduate education with a year of study in Kenya, East Africa.  Through a program in conjunction with the University of Nairobi, Michelle completed courses including:  Kenya Culture and Society, East African Literature and African Political Economy and also conducted ethnographic research and an independent project on culture as it shapes language. 

Michelle experienced the wide variety of Kenyan life by living with five different families during her time in the country.  She also journeyed though much of the countryside and traveled to places including Mombasa, Nairobi, Lamu, Maralel, Malindi and Kiwiu Island.  Complementing her travel and studies, Michelle also worked with the Kenyan Human Rights Commission and left the country fluently speaking, reading and writing Kiswahili.