Where are you from?
I’m originally from the greater Boston area, but spent my formative years in Nagoya, Japan. I came back to New England for my undergraduate studies at Brown University and most recently spent four years in NYC.
What did you do pre-SOM?
I was working in the fashion industry as senior merchandiser and planner at Dover Street Market/Comme des Garçons.
What interested you in pursuing an MBA and what led you to choose SOM?
While I had started my career with a product focus, as the business and my position grew I realized that I was more interested in the strategy-level issues within the retail industry; I decided to pursue an MBA to complement my specific luxury retail savoir faire with a wider scope of core business skills. I chose SOM because it recognized the value of having a student body with diverse professional and personal backgrounds. I knew that I would be able to learn so much from my classmates and be able to share my own expertise in return.
What can we find you doing on a weekend?
I’m probably on State Street, enjoying a drink at Oak Haven with my roommates.
When the world reopens, where is the first place you’ll go?
Ireland. I had a family trip planned for April, and we’re hoping to still make it happen!
What advice would you give prospective students?
Know that your non-traditional background doesn’t put you at a disadvantage—if anything, you’ll have unique talents and insight that will be welcomed by your SOM classmates.
