MBA AMBASSADORS

Sean Connelly

Contact Sean via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major: University of Richmond, Business Administration, Marketing

Hometown: Berkeley Heights, NJ

Work Experience: Currently the Head of Sports Sponsorships at AIG. Previously worked for the sports marketing agency MKTG. 

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: Trying as many cheesesteak places as possible, my current favorite is Jim's on South Street.

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: In addition to Villanova’s strong reputation, I was really drawn to the flexibility of the Professional MBA program and the focus on international business.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: I look forward to continuing to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Professional MBA program in my new role.

Max Rotondo

Contact Max via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major: Cabrini University, Business Administration and Finance 

Hometown: Lower Merion, PA

Work Experience: I started my career at SEI Investments company in operations, and from there moved onto Munich RE Group, which is the number-one reinsurance firm in the world. When I was with Munich RE Group, I worked on numerous projects, but two of my biggest accomplishments were working with senior-level leadership in a combined effort to set up a new system to receive and deliver mail to reduce costs and delivery times. I have also worked directly with the Head of Service Delivery to set up and enhance better communication pathways with customers and vendors. Additionally, I’ve spent some time working for my family’s construction company both on-site and in the office, where I was able to learn about keeping the books, how to estimate costs for renovations, and how to manage projects. 

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: There are so many awesome activities that the area has to offer. Some of my favorites include Made in America, sporting events like the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, and Sixers, and The Villanova Graduate Student Association which is a great way to meet your fellow grad peers and have fun.

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA:I chose Villanova because they have an excellent reputation, and their Professional MBA specializations align with my future career aspirations. As a local to the area, I was excited to hear about the leadership and networking opportunities available on campus, and the peer mentoring offered at VSB. I was also fortunate enough to be offered a fellowship.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova:  Upon graduating Villanova with my MBA, I hope to start working with a private equity/financial services firm in their investment banking, consulting, and/or realty management division. I also plan to get my Master’s in Finance. 

Dana Schioppo

Contact Dana via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major: Stevens Institute of Technology, Quantitative Finance 

Hometown: Freehold, NJ

Work Experience: I am currently employed full-time as a Credit Analyst at Coface North America. I am also a Coface Diversity & Inclusion Council Member. 

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: As a hybrid student, the opportunity to attend classes on campus, utilize the facilities for studying, and interacting with other students has been enriching and rewarding. The school spirit is palpable and has been wonderful to be a part of and experience. 

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: I chose Villanova because qualities such as intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, global awareness, an open mind, and a creative spirit are strong and promoted within the Villanova community. 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: To achieve an executive leadership position following the completion of my MBA.

Nikhil A. Menezes

Contact Nikhil via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major: NMAM Institute of Technology, India, Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Institution and Degree: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, Mechanical Engineering

Home Country: India

Work Experience: Currently, I am a Project Engineer for CRODA Inc., a British chemical firm that has a strong focus on manufacturing sustainable ingredients and reversing climate change. My experience includes working for a construction company as a Staff Engineer, focusing on infrastructure upgrades to ports and power plants on the Eastern Seaboard. I enjoy a mix of office work and field engineering, which keeps me on my hands, legs, knees, and toes! I also volunteer with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as my schedule permits.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: I enjoy walking around Villanova’s campus, being part of the community, and the activities that Villanova offers. Events I’ve enjoyed thus far include attending basketball games, playing tennis on campus, attending Socials at The Refectory, and the Villanova Singers Christmas concert. I even had my face painted as a mummy at one of the Halloween events on campus and even won a prize, Go Nova!

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: Villanova has a strong sense of giving back to the community, the coursework and flexibility of the MBA program, and its reputation with the basketball programs! The Professional MBA with a focus on sustainability offers rich dividends. I've enjoyed the combination of technical coursework and business principles. The faculty have industry experience coupled with advanced degrees.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: My long-term goal is to gain expertise with sustainability firms and consulting.

Richard Lu

Contact Richard via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major:  Drexel University, BS in Chemical Engineering

Graduate Institution and Degree: Drexel University, MS in Material Science & Engineering

Hometown: Upper Darby, PA

Work Experience: I am currently a Sr. Process Technology Engineering at Sartomer (Arkema). Previously, I worked at FMC / Livent as a Technical Development Engineer.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: Growing up outside of Philadelphia, I loved walking around the city and exploring different restaurants. While I was at Drexel, my favorite thing to do was running along the Schuylkill Trail. Of course, my route needed to include the Rocky Steps, where you can get a great view of the city.

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: As someone with an engineering background, I never had formal education on business concepts and I lacked some fundamental business knowledge, which I thought was crucial to being a well-rounded engineer. I chose Villanova because of its flexible Professional MBA program and its close vicinity to my home since I desired to experience an MBA program on campus.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: Upon graduating from Villanova’s Professional MBA program, I hope to continue learning about the business world through an engineer's point of view and apply the knowledge I learned to my future projects. Additionally, I hope to be in a position where I can pursue a managerial role and leverage the soft skill learnings from class.

Rosemarie Olintz

Contact Rosemarie via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major:  St. Joseph University, Management Information Systems

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Work Experience: I am currently a Business Intelligence Analyst at Jefferson University Health in Philadelphia. Previously, I spent 11 years working as a Laboratory Technical Coordinator at Villanova University (Psychology Department). Before working at Villanova, I spent 8 years as a Software Engineer at SMS/Siemens Healthcare in Malvern.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: I love the Phillies and our Villanova Men’s Basketball team!

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: I chose Villanova for its excellent Professional MBA reputation and for its flexible MBA program.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: I hope to be able to use my AI/ML experience from Villanova at Jefferson University Health.

Payton Woodward

Contact Payton via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Undergraduate University and Major:  University of Arkansas, BSBA in Finance

Graduate Institution and Degree: Master of Science in Finance, Villanova University

Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: I love almost any sports games and finding new restaurants! 

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: I chose Villanova for many reasons, but the main deciding factors came down to the people and the resources Villanova provides the students. From the moment I started looking into the MSF program, everyone was more than willing to help me and truly wanted me to succeed. When transitioning into the MBA program, it was a no-brainer because I knew I was not ready to finish learning from the amazing staff. Villanova also assists you in connecting and building relationships with alum and mentors. 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a career in Corporate Finance.   

Nick DiGalbo

Contact Nick via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Fast Track Center City Cohort

Undergraduate University and Major:  La Salle University, BS in Accounting

Hometown: Mullica Hill, NJ

Work Experience: As a licensed CPA, I have 10 years of experience in various accounting roles. I am currently a Commercial Financial Planning & Analysis Manager for Delaware River Partners.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: love riding my bike, walking my dog in the parks, and tailgating Eagles games!

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: I chose Villanova for the strong alumni base, exceptional academic reputation, and the Global Practicum program.

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: I hope to continue growing in the finance world, eventually becoming a CFO.

Joyce A. Harden

Contact Joyce via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Specialization: Applied Artificial Intelligence and International Business

Undergraduate Institution and Major: Villanova University, Leadership with a minor in Japanese Language and Cultural Studies and a minor in Asian Studies

Hometown: I was raised in Savannah GA but have resided in Philadelphia PA most of my life.

 Work Experience: Currently, I am the Coordinator for Graduate Student Experience in the Grad Center at Villanova University. I use data analysis to make informed choices and improve processes of financial management and accounting principles for budgeting and resource allocation.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: My favorite part of the city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection Philadelphia is the Sports teams, museums, live music, festivals, and amazing food. 

Why did you choose Villanova:

I chose Villanova because it has been an integral part of my professional career and I was compelled to continue that stride. The Villanova School of Business is where I wanted to begin my academic journey by providing me with not only a strong educational foundation but invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. One example: being a part of the National Black MBA Association has introduced me to networking opportunities within and beyond my field of study. 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: 

After graduation, I hope to use the tools I learned and use my platform to give back to our community by assisting others on their academic journeys and fostering a supportive environment through financial literacy and the value of international travel. I am deeply committed to promoting academic excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained at the Villanova School of Business. I believe that VSB plays a pivotal role in shaping the business leaders of tomorrow.

Montea Roundtree

Contact Montea via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Hybrid

Specialization: AI/ML and Business Analytics 

Undergraduate Institution and Major: Villanova University, Leadership

Hometown: Philadelphia PA

Work Experience:

I am the Assistant Director of Campus Safety at Harcum College, and I am also a full-time emergency dispatcher at Villanova University's Department of Public Safety. 

Why did you choose the Villanova MBA: 

Ever since high school, I've dreamed of attending Villanova. With determination and grit, I realized that dream and completed my undergraduate studies here. Naturally, transitioning to the MBA program and aiming to become a SuperNova was the next step for me. While the MBA is undeniably top-notch and among the best both in the state and the country, it's more than just the academics that make Villanova unique. There's a genuine, palpable sense of community here; from the students to the upper echelons of the administration, there's a distinctive warmth and approachability. Thanks to the resources and support from faculty and staff, I've reached milestones that I firmly believe wouldn't have been possible elsewhere. As for the MBA program? It's remarkably adaptable, offering everything from hybrid and online courses to in-person classes, ensuring there's a fit for everyone, regardless of where they are in life or their careers.

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: The area has many things to do but one of my favorite things to do is go to the movies. I also like to ride my bike through the city and many off-road trails. 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: 

Upon completing my MBA with specializations in AI/ML and Business Analytics, I intend to secure a role that synergizes my deep understanding of these technologies with business applications.

Jessica Kloss

Contact Jessica via Email or LinkedIn

MBA Modality: Cohort

Undergraduate Institution and Major: James Madison University, B.S. Health Services Administration

Hometown: Doylestown, PA

Work Experience: For the past 4 years, I have worked at Alliance HP, a boutique real estate investment company based in Bryn Mawr, PA. I am a leasing and marketing associate with a focus on industrial, office, and mixed-use assets. I am passionate about real estate and forming meaningful connections with others who work in real estate. 

Favorite Philadelphia, Main Line or Villanova Activity: Attending Eagles games!

Why did you choose Villanova: I chose Villanova because of its stellar reputation and highly ranked Professional MBA program. I did not receive a formal education in business and completing my MBA will positively impact my career growth. Villanova has felt welcoming and supportive since the beginning of the admissions process! 

Goals or plans for a career after graduation from Villanova: Following graduation from Villanova, I plan to continue working for a private equity firm or developer while taking on more responsibility in a leasing role and eventually moving to an acquisitions role.