The Dean’s Leadership Academy Alumni Network bridges generations of leaders

Members of the Deans Leadership Acadamy Alumni Network Board pose in front of a sign that says Charting Your Path.

What began as a simple idea to reconnect alumni of The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Dean’s Leadership Academy (DLA) has grown into a vibrant community of engagement and mentorship.

Early in 2025, seven DLA alumni came together with a shared vision: to create opportunities for graduates to gather, share experiences and support current students. Their energy quickly inspired others, and the DLA Alumni Network was born.

“It’s been incredible to watch this take shape,” said Adam Othman (BSBA ’19), a founding member. “When I was in college, DLA was a gamechanger for me. It helped bridge the gap between theory and practice and gave me the foundation to lead with purpose. Years later, helping to build this network feels like a full-circle moment.”

The network’s vision came to life with their first alumni, student and faculty event: Charting Your Path, a day of learning, reflection and connecting across generations of leaders. Participants representing various professions and leadership experience shared their career journeys in panel discussions and interactive dialogue. 

Two students and an alumnus are seated as part of a panel discussion. The students are holding microphones.
Alina Mueez (BSBA '25), fourth-year student Zachary Bleifer and Shaden Elwazani (BSBA '21) talk about leadership.

Highlights included the Real Leadership Panel, featuring John J. Schaffner, academic director of the Fisher Professional Development Coaching Program and a senior lecturer in management and human resources; alumni Shaden Elwazani (BSBA ’21) and Alina Mueez (BSBA ’25); and fourth-year student Zach Bleifer, who discussed their leadership journeys. Attendees also took part in Real Conversations, an interactive dialogue exploring lessons learned and leadership challenges. Derek McCurdy (BSBA ’21) and Nasser Tahat (BSBA ’25) led Real Growth Reflections, a session designed to help participants synthesize and apply business insights in their own journeys. 

Jen Knox Shanahan, program manager of the Dean’s Leadership Academy, saw the gathering as a way to celebrate the legacy of principled leadership at Fisher. 

“It all began as a discussion with Adam and then discussions with other alums,” she said. “I don’t think any of us could have imagined how quickly it would grow into something so impactful. This inaugural event is, no doubt, the start of something lasting and meaningful for generations of DLA students and alumni to come.”

Emily Gu, a fourth-year student and Dean’s Leadership Academy ambassador, collaborated with the alumni board, Shanahan, and the Fisher Leadership Initiative to work behind the scenes to make the event a success.

“Through my collaboration with the alumni board as a leadership assistant, I gained meaningful insights into professionalism and the power of genuine human connection,” said Gu. “I was truly inspired by the alumni’s passion for empowering DLA students and their unwavering commitment to the program’s continued growth. The alumni board truly felt like a family, offering encouragement and affirmation.”

Stephanie Ahrnsen (BSBA ’24), one of the founding alumni board members, said the event helped her rekindle a meaningful connection to the program. 

Students, alumni and faculty sitting at round tables eating lunch.
Students, alumni and faculty gathered in the Daley Pavilion for the DLA Alumni Network's inaugural program.

“The Charting Your Path event meant so much to me as a DLA alumna,” said Ahrnsen. “After I graduated, I felt too distanced from the program that I loved. Through this event, I’ve reconnected with not only my passion for leadership but also with amazing professors, students and alumni that I have the honor of calling my friends.”

The inaugural program exceeded Othman’s expectations.

“The energy in the room was remarkable,” he said. “It reminded us how powerful it is to find spaces where you can grow vulnerably and authentically with others who share your passion.”

Charting Your Path was the culmination of efforts by the founding board, including McCurdy and Elwazani, who catalyzed the Dean’s Leadership Academy Ambassador Program; Othman, who gave a memorable keynote and concluded the event; and Nicole Kuan (BSBA ’25), Vinny Costanzo (BSBA ’23), Ahrnsen and Tahat, whose time, dedication and contributions made the event possible.

The DLA Alumni Network looks forward to expanding opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and principled leadership development in the future.

“We’re planting seeds, and the garden is just beginning to bloom,” said Othman.