2024 Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board Nominees

The slate of proposed nominees to join the Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board includes a broad range of highly accomplished individuals with careers exemplifying leadership in business and society, and with demonstrated service and commitment to Yale SOM. The nominees were selected following an open call for nominations from the broader alumni community, followed by a thorough evaluation process by the Alumni Advisory Board.

The proposed nominees to join the Yale School of Management Alumni Advisory Board are:  

• Richard Dietrich III ’97 
• Jessica Strauss ’09
• Pascal Rogers Su ’22

Please vote on the confirmation of the slate of nominees to the Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board for a three-year term beginning in June 2024.  You may either approve the appointment of the full slate of nominees, withhold your approval from the entire slate of nominees, approve only some of the nominees, or abstain.

Thank you for participating in the confirmation of our new Alumni Advisory Board Members.

The nominees’ statements of interest are included below.

To learn more about the Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board.

To contact the Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board, please email: somalumniadvisoryboard@yale.edu

Richard Dietrich III ’97 

I graduated from Yale SOM in 1997. When I arrived in the Fall of 95, I did not expect just how big an impact the school and community would have on my life. This was the old Yale SOM, when the degree was an MPPM (Masters in Public and Private Management). It was in the old building with the Hall of Mirrors and lower floor computer lab. It was a a place of warmth and togetherness. I met my wife at SOM, both getting to know each other during crew practices on the Housatonic River or at Yale's Payne Whitney Gym. 

What had separately attracted both of us to Yale for graduate school was the focus that it had on the public sector and on making business more considerate of a double bottom line, of doing good while doing well. By the time we graduated, Yale offered the choice of an MBA instead of MPPM and from then on it was an MBA. My life after business school has included a lot of work in the public sector, as well as work to bring business solutions to provide for the public good. I could not imagine a better education for this path. At the same time it was the experience at SOM that pushed me along in these directions. 

Now in its current incredible space SOM continues with its original DNA, offering an expanded yet still warm community of togetherness. SOM is a world class business school, offering the leaders of tomorrow exactly what they need. I want to give back further to this community by serving on the SOM Alumni Advisory Board.

Jessica Strauss ’09

I am delighted to express my keen interest in serving on the Yale School of Management (SOM) Alumni Advisory Board and I appreciate the opportunity to share my commitment, past volunteer involvement, and the unique skills I will bring to the table.

My connection to Yale SOM has been profound, extending far beyond the academic realm. As an engaged and proud alumna, I have actively sought opportunities over the past 15 years to give back to the university that has both been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional trajectory as well as enhancing its ranking across full-time MBA programs.

• Regarding career mentorship, I have been actively involved in mentoring both current SOM students and alumni who are navigating career prospects in my field and lending support to those seeking to move to Canada. I believe that anything is possible with the right coach and it has been my pleasure to actively help those that are reaching out.

• Regarding global chapters and for the broader Yale community, I have hosted numerous alumni events in Ottawa and have been leading our unofficial Yale Alumni Chapter (I’ll shortly formalize this chapter). This engagement has enabled me to foster collaboration with the Toronto alumni chapter and serve as a liaison for those seeking to be more active within our SOM community.

• Regarding promoting Yale SOM, it has been an honour for me to have engaged SOM faculty on contract. In doing so, I foster academic research by expanding SOM’s visibility. I have ensured that any SOM research is fully credited so as to secure the assets of the University and encouraged my colleagues to further engage with SOM faculty and researchers. I continue to learn so much from the brilliant minds even still!

These experiences have afforded me the chance to engage with current students, reconnect with fellow alumni, and contribute to the vibrant community spirit that defines SOM. Through my involvement, I have witnessed the impact of our alma mater on individuals' lives and the broader community, reinforcing my belief in the Yale SOM’s mission, vision, and values.

If selected to serve on the Alumni Advisory Board, I bring a unique set of skills and perspectives developed through my professional journey and volunteer engagements. My background in public sector management and leadership has provided me with a strategic understanding of key challenges that SOM faces including a competitive recruiting landscape, retention of integral faculty, the role of AI as it regards research and asset securitization, and SOM’s place in the broader international community. I am eager to leverage this expertise in contributing to the board's objectives. 

One of my strengths lies in coordinating complex teams. In my current role within the Government of Canada, I lead a large inter-departmental team of 40 people. This team further coordinates stakeholder inputs from the private sector, Indigenous communities, and sub-national governments to deliver a large government policy as part of this government’s election platform and mandate commitments. My leadership style and team building capabilities through this initiative earned me the highest award in my department. These skills have been honed through my professional experiences, and I am confident in their applicability to the committees within the Alumni Advisory Board. Whether it be shaping admissions policies, providing career guidance, enhancing communications strategies, fostering global connections, or participating in the nominating process, I am enthusiastic about contributing meaningfully to the growth and success of Yale SOM.

In addition to my skills, my perspective as an alumna who has navigated the challenges and opportunities post-graduation starting with the housing crisis in 2008 to the current complex geopolitical environment will bring a valuable dimension to the Alumni Advisory Board. I understand the evolving needs of alumni in different stages of their lives and careers, and I am
committed to ensuring that the Alumni Advisory Board remains responsive to the diverse interests and aspirations of our alumni community. In conclusion, my dedication to Yale SOM, coupled with my experiences and skills, positions me as a passionate and capable candidate for the Alumni Advisory Board. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the university's legacy and sustaining a strong alumni network.

Pascal Rogers Su ’22

My journey with Yale SOM has been a profound and transformative one, and I am dedicated to giving back to the institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping my career. Over the years, I have actively engaged in various volunteer roles that have deepened my connection to the Yale SOM community and allowed me to witness the incredible impact of our alumni network.

As a Career Advisor with the Career Development Office, I had the privilege of guiding current students through the intricacies of their professional paths. I firmly believe that our alumni network's strength lies in our ability to support one another in achieving our career goals. With my background as a CPA and CFA, I bring a strong financial skillset to the table that can be invaluable in assisting our alumni community. I am committed to continuing this work on the Alumni Advisory Board, where I aim to contribute to innovative initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of our alumni community, particularly in areas where financial expertise is crucial.

In my role as an Admissions Interviewer, I have had the honor of playing a part in selecting the next generation of leaders who will carry forward Yale SOM's values and mission. This experience has given me a profound appreciation for maintaining the high standards and values that make Yale SOM a world-class institution. I am eager to bring this perspective to the Alumni Advisory Board, where I can contribute to discussions on strategies for upholding the school's unique identity and reputation.

Additionally, my involvement as a member of the Reunion Planning Committee has allowed me to witness the power of bringing alumni together to celebrate shared experiences and accomplishments. Reunions serve as a critical opportunity for alumni to reconnect with each other, renew their ties to the school, and reinforce their commitment to our shared values. My financial expertise has proven invaluable in budgeting and financial planning for these events, ensuring they are financially sound and provide meaningful experiences for all participants.

Joining the Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board would be a natural extension of my commitment to giving back to the school that has profoundly influenced me as a leader. My experiences as a Career Advisor, Admissions Interviewer, and Reunion Planning Committee member have allowed me to witness the direct impact of alumni engagement on the Yale SOM community. I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my financial skillset, dedication, and passion to contribute to the strategic direction and initiatives of the Alumni Advisory Board.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the Board, leveraging my financial expertise to further strengthen our alumni network and the school's impact on society while continuing to support Yale SOM's mission.