The Executive MBA experience at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business goes far beyond classes and coursework.
At the heart of this enriching experience is the Executive MBA Student Leadership Team, a group of dedicated student leaders who play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s impact and direction. The team's responsibilities include facilitating open communication between students and administrators, fostering professional and personal development, and organizing valuable networking opportunities. The board’s work ensures that each Executive MBA student makes the most of their time in the program.
Meet the members of the 2025 Executive MBA Student Leadership Team, each bringing a unique perspective and area of expertise to their role.
Alvaro Fuenzalida, Career and Academic Representative
Alvaro works to enhance career development and academic initiatives, ensuring students have the resources and support needed to succeed both in the program and in their careers.
- Hometown: Viña del Mar, Chile
- Previous education: Computer Science, Universidad de Viña del Mar
- Career: VP, Software Engineering GenAI, AIG
- Talk to Alvaro about:
- Family life with a 9-year-old son
- Passion for outdoor cooking and golf
- Love for leading wedding dance floors
- What brought you to the Executive MBA program? 10 years after my last master’s, I wanted to sharpen my skills again and earn an MBA. I chose Scheller due to its technical scope and world-class education.
- What have you gained/hope to gain from the program? Coming from abroad, I’ve learned so much about U.S. finance and accounting, which is very different from Chile. However, the greatest win has been the amazing cohort I get to be with every weekend we have classes.
- Favorite leadership quote: "There’s no greater joy in the world than the feeling of helping others." – David Fischman
Zara Rose, Community Service Representative
Zara leads initiatives that foster community engagement and student collaboration, creating a culture of giving back and strengthening relationships within the cohort.
- Hometown: Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq
- Previous education: Neuroscience and Computer Science, Georgia Tech
- Career: Previously AI Product Manager, Samantha AI, and Product Manager, Meta
- Talk to Zara about:
- Passion for oil painting as a creative outlet
- Books about business strategy, psychology, and literature
- AI, fashion sustainability, and vintage cars
- What brought you to the Executive MBA program? As a Georgia Tech undergrad alum, choosing Scheller for my Executive MBA was a no-brainer. The location, quality of education, and name recognition I gained from my undergraduate degree made this the obvious next step in my journey. Beyond that, the cohort format was a huge draw—it provides the structure to build and maintain deep relationships, something that is important to me both professionally and personally.
- What have you gained/hope to gain from the program? So far, I’ve deepened my understanding of financial strategy, leadership dynamics, and sustainable business models. More than anything, I hope to gain the confidence to scale businesses—whether it’s a startup or an established company. I want to sharpen my ability to make high-impact decisions and lead with clarity in complex environments.
- Favorite leadership quote: "A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." – Lao Tzu
Kiba Polk, Networking and Social Representative
Kiba is responsible for leading social and networking initiatives, helping peers enhance their personal brands, and fostering connections that extend beyond the program.
- Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee and Minnesota
- Previous education: Computer Science, St. Thomas University; Business Administration, American Intercontinental University, Analytics, Syracuse University
- Talk to Kiba about:
- Passion for sports (former track and field athlete)
- Previously owned companies in sports and technology
- Strong values in faith and family
- What brought you to the Executive MBA program? I chose the Scheller Executive MBA program because its name, brand, and network strongly resonate with me. Attending Georgia Tech has always been a dream of mine. Initially, I aspired to play sports at Georgia Tech, but life took a different path. Growing up with humble beginnings, I learned the values of grit, resilience, and determination—principles that have shaped my personal and professional journey. I firmly believe that anything is possible with vision, hard work, and perseverance. If you dream big and speak it into existence, it will eventually manifest into reality. One of my long-term aspirations is to become a CIO or CTO. However, I have always understood that achieving this goal requires more than just dedication; it demands access to the right resources, mentorship, and a strong professional network. Pursuing an Executive MBA is a critical step toward realizing this vision. The program’s innovative curriculum, esteemed faculty, and dynamic network will provide me with the strategic leadership skills and industry connections necessary to elevate my career and make a lasting impact in the world of technology.
- What have you gained/hope to gain from the program? Through the program, I hope to build lasting relationships with my classmates, faculty, and staff. Beyond expanding my professional network, I aspire to make a meaningful impact by contributing to leadership boards, sharing insights, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Additionally, I seek to enhance my leadership skills and grow both personally and professionally. This program will help me evolve into a more effective leader, equipping me with the knowledge, strategic mindset, and personal development needed to drive transformation in my career and beyond.
- Favorite leadership quote: "Leaders are made; they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile." – Vince Lombardi
Robert Adu-Marfo, Alumni Representative
Robert is dedicated to strengthening alumni engagement and networking for current and former students. His role helps build long-term professional connections that benefit both individuals and the program.
- Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
- Previous education: Computer Information Systems, Devry University
- Career: Program Director, Office of Instructional Technology, Atlanta Public Schools
- Talk to Robert about:
- Travel, reading, and outdoor activities
- Serving on the board of Market 166, a community-owned grocery store
- Global business, social impact, and leadership development
- What brought you to the Executive MBA program? The program’s reputation, alumni network, and Global Business specialty.
- What have you gained/hope to gain from the program? I’ve gained awareness of executive business principles and practices. I hope to further expand my professional network and access to industry experts.
- Favorite leadership quote: "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." – Warren Bennis
Luke Pollock, Administrative Representative
Luke serves as the key communication pathway between the class and program administrators. His focus is on improving the student experience by facilitating the interaction between students, faculty, and staff.
- Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
- Previous education: Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech
- Career: Sales Operations Manager, JBT Marel
- Talk to Luke about:
- Family life with two young daughters
- Serving on the executive board of a local non-profit
- Passion for weightlifting and golf
- What brought you to the Executive MBA program? As a Georgia Tech alumnus, I’ve seen firsthand how a Tech degree can propel a career. With the Executive MBA program’s high national ranking and impressive ROI compared to peer programs, it was a no brainer.
- What have you gained/hope to gain from the program? I came into the program with the hope of gaining a better understanding of how to run a business to complement my technical background. However, being just over a semester into the program, I have taken so much more away from this experience. I see my view of business and my career evolving and the connections and network I’ve developed here have been tremendous.
- Favorite leadership quote: "Never waste a failure. Sometimes the best lessons you learn are when you do have failings. You can always learn more when you don’t do something exactly right." – Nick Saban