Alumni & Friends News

How can a workplace be more than just an office? Through the creative vision of alumna Rachel Friedman (EMBA ’02), who believes that a company’s brand, culture and workforce are all integral to creating a workplace that’s modern, appealing and authentic.

Former Green Beret Adam Carr (BA ’06, MBA ’19) took his elite military career to the executive suite so he could help build a safe space for veterans and first responders to transform their lives, and now he hopes to do the same for businesses, schools and private industry.

First impressions matter. Lori Castillo wasn’t anywhere near Ohio when Fisher showcased its commitment to student diversity, equity and inclusion. That lasting impression heavily influenced the Texas native’s decision to become a Business Buckeye.

Aisha Allen (BSBA '99, EMBA '14), vice president of culture, engagement and inclusion and chief diversity officer at OhioHealth, discusses her experience leading change management efforts within the diversity, equity and inclusion space.

Alumnus Mark Duhon (BSBA ’88) is putting his business degree to work leading a Chicago nonprofit organization that is successfully bridging the economic and educational gap for first-generation college students.

As an undergraduate student, Rachel Hartley (BSBA ’19) made sure global experiences were integral to her education at Fisher. Now, lessons learned from those experiences are continuing to pay off for her in the global software industry.

During his professional career that has now spanned more than 12 years, Bill Curry (BSBA '08) has had the opportunity to work with countless individuals and families navigating them through financial opportunities that have set them up for security well into the future.

An idea hatched among friends sparked Travis Smith (BSBA '99) to consider a new way to build wealth while helping anyone build a portfolio. The idea? Tribevest, a Columbus-based group-investment platform that launched in 2018 to help groups of investors create their own limited liability company (LLC), open a bank account, interact, vote and invest all within 48 hours.  

Women of the Wayuu culture in La Guajira, Colombia, have an advocate with a head for business, a heart for service and a love of fashion. The benefits sparked by Amber Hammond (BSBA '15) are rippling out within their community.

 As a student, Josh Meyer (BSBA ’13) completed a global internship experience at a small company in Australia. Eight years later, he was promoted to CEO. What’s his secret? Kaizen.

Sarah and Bryan Martin dispel an accounting myth, dispense advice to Fisher students and reflect on the impact Fisher’s Accounting Honors program had on their personal and professional lives.

Receiving the 2021 Pace Setters Executive Award gave Elicia Azali (BSBA ’05) an opportunity to reflect on the way Ohio State and Fisher impacted the story of her personal and professional growth.

As Melinda Whittington (BSBA ’89) transitions from CFO at La-Z-Boy Inc. to become the company’s next CEO, learn how her experience as a top finance officer shaped her outlook on issues including social responsibility, the COVID-19 pandemic and ethics.

Part of Ohio State for 60 years, Barbie Tootle has watched as our society and Ohio State underwent a cultural revolution. As a freshman in what was then the College of Commerce, she had no female professors and few women in her class. Today, with the second woman leading Ohio State as its president, Barbie recognizes how far the institution has progressed.

Thaddeus Spratlen (BSBA ’56, MA ’57, PhD ’62) built his career teaching business students and engaging the business community to help create, enhance and sustain the marketplace for underrepresented communities. Read more about the lasting impact this trailblazing alumnus continues to make.

Amber Hammond (BSBA ’15) knows an entrepreneur’s motivation can strike from the most unexpected places — an idea developed over a cup of coffee with a friend and scribbled on a paper napkin; a well-planned digital presentation for a class; or as Hammond knows, it can come from a seed planted following a global experience that uncovers a whole new world through the eyes of a different culture.

Two Fisher alumni share their story of connecting through a college program, and across an ocean, as mentor and mentee.

As part of the “There’s a Better Way” podcast, Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence, program sat down with Terry Kayobotsi (MBOE '17, EMBA '19), technology analyst with Nationwide Insurance. Hear why Terry chose to pursue not only his MBOE but also an EMBA, and how his Fisher experience has had an impact in his professional career.

Embracing change took Fisher alumna Dawn Lyons (BSBA ’01) from a career marketing consumer product goods to leading an Emmy award-winning team with passion and purpose.

Burdened with the challenges many athletes face upon retirement, Mike Doss (MBOE '19) has successfully transitioned to the real estate space under Bob Weiler.

Go behind the scenes inside Ohio Stadium as Joe DiPietro (BSBA ’04) talks about how empty seats this fall provided a new and creative opportunity to connect Ohio State fans. His venture not only gave football fans a safe way to show their support, but it also provided a meaningful way to connect generations of Buckeye family and friends.