100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler

So proud of our fellow 100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler member Rachael Knott Tucker for her keynote address on organizational principles to drive growth using Saturday Night Live as a case study. It is wonderful when you have a leader that combines intelligence with humor to move the ball forward!

?? This #NewMemberMonday we are excited to welcome Cassandra Lambeth Braxton, Ph.D., MBA ('18) to 100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler! Cassandra?has extensive experience in the biotech/biopharma industry, with a strong foundation in both scientific and business leadership. She holds a BS in Biological Engineering and a BA in Chemistry from NC State University, a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an Executive MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. She also completed a Postdoctoral fellowship at Wake Forest University. During her career as a scientist,?Cassandra?led key initiatives in the development and validation of analytical methods, implementation of innovative technologies, and viral safety efforts within the global Quality Control Virology group at Biogen. She then moved with her family to Basel, Switzerland, where she served as Director of Quality Control at Biogen, a member of the senior leadership team, and managed teams both in the US and Switzerland for three years. After returning to the US,?Cassandra?played a pivotal role in establishing the Quality Control organization at a new greenfield site for FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. Her broad expertise in leading cross-functional, multinational teams, coupled with her MBA, has now positioned her to explore entrepreneurial ventures. Cassandra?chose the EMBA program at UNC Kenan-Flagler to complement her scientific expertise with strong business acumen and leadership skills. She completed her EMBA in 2018 with a concentration in Strategy and Leadership, and also participated in a global immersion elective in Chile & Peru, focusing on Sustainability & General Management. Originally from North Carolina,?Cassandra?lives with her husband and two young sons. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, bird watching, yoga, and reading. We are honored to have her join the 100 Women initiative! #WomenInBusiness #WomenInStem #CarolinaWomenLead

This year's Annual Meeting was one for the books! ?? We are so fortunate that every year our network of 100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler members and friends becomes more expansive, giving us the privilege of bringing more folks back to campus each Fall. To make sure we continue to provide a top tier Annual Meeting experience, we want to hear from you! If you attended any of the programing October 23-24, please complete the following survey: https://lnkd.in/efPR7ny9 P.S. More photos dropping soon! If you see a friend, tag them in the comments below ??

?? We're back again on #NewMemberMonday to welcome Pavai Kaviarasan, MBA ('22)! Pavai serves as a Director of Client Delivery at Neudesic, an IBM Company, a premier technology consulting firm specializing in digital transformation. As a trusted Microsoft partner, Neudesic excels in AI, cloud transformation, and data strategy & implementation, empowering businesses to innovate and optimize their operations. In her role,?Pavai?plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of cutting-edge technology solutions, fostering strong client relationships, and driving strategic initiatives to ensure client satisfaction and engagement.?Pavai?has collaborated with numerous Fortune 500 clients across the retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, helping them navigate complex challenges and achieve their business objectives. Based in Denver, Colorado,?Pavai?is deeply passionate about mentoring women in the technology sector, fostering continuous learning, and giving back to her community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and their dog, as well as embracing her new role as a mother to her 9-month-old son.?Pavai?holds a Bachelor's in Computer Science from The Ohio State University and an MBA from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. As a member of 100 Women,?Pavai?is committed to supporting current and future Tar Heels in pursuing successful careers in technology consulting. She is also enthusiastic about sharing her expertise with fellow UNC alumni to help their businesses thrive through innovative digital transformation services. We're honored to have you, Pavai!

Here’s what’s happening at UNC Kenan-Flagler this month: Nov. 6 - Likeable Badass: Faculty book discussion with Professor Alison Fragale hosted by 100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler Nov. 8 - UNC Business of Healthcare Conference organized by the UNC Center for the Business of Health Nov. 8-9 - Inside UNC Kenan-Flagler in Chapel Hill Nov. 15 - "Business of Being First" First-Generation Student Conference #KenanFlagler #ChapelHillNC #BusinessStudent #BusinessSchool

Join us for Blue Steps' Upcoming Webinar: "The Negotiator's Advantage: Recruiters' Secrets for Executive Pay" on Wednesday, November 13th from 12pm - 1pm EST! Did you know that 60% of employees accept the first offer without negotiating their salary? In a landscape where executive talent is in high demand, having a negotiation strategy is crucial to maximize opportunities and financial rewards. Key Highlights: - Proven techniques to craft a negotiation strategy that puts you in the driver's seat. - Uncover and confidently communicate your unique value for the compensation you deserve. - Navigate the delicate dance of addressing salary questions during an interview with finesse Don't settle for less—learn how to negotiate your way to the best deal for you and your executive career. Register now through Career Connections: https://lnkd.in/eZgeMBYh #KenanFlagler #MBAinternships #MBArecruiting #MBAtalent #HireTarHeelMBA

Interested in the Full-Time MBA experience at UNC Kenan-Flagler? Prospective students are invited to join us in Chapel Hill for Inside UNC Kenan-Flagler! ?? Gain first-hand insights into the MBA program, meet leaders from student-led career and diversity clubs and network with students. #KenanFlagler #BusinessSchool #MBA Register for a spot by Nov. 3: https://unc.live/48n3lkn

Caption the photo in the comments before reading the story ???? ….. Now, for the story … Last week I returned to my alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan Flagler Business school —- 100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler —- to share my story — life after Carroll Hall (business school building) to CEO. I’ve not always been proud of the things coming out of my university wrt our inclusion and diversity efforts and quite frankly, became frustrated with my inability to impact change — but last week something shifted. I felt the “heart” of our new Dean, Dr. Mary Margaret Frank, and her desire to make a difference. I witnessed her vulnerability and invitation for help. I understand the “loneliness” at the top and how important community really is. I left feeling a deep obligation to support and empowered to impact change. I am a firm believer in the “power of one” and that if each of us committed to positive and inclusive change in our sphere of influence, the world would be a much better place. One of questions I asked the audience … “If the world reflected your personal community, what kind of world would it be?” ?? The photo truly captures the essence of our time together and what I want “my world” to reflect —diversity, empathy, support, transparency, compassion and care. It was indeed a #GDTBATH

Join us in extending a warm welcome to?Amy Merrill?(BSBA ’94), one of our newest additions to 100 Women at UNC Kenan-Flagler! ?? ? Amy?Merrill?is Partner and Managing Director of Creative Planning, serving as a wealth manager with high net worth individuals and families.?She leads the Atlanta office for Creative Planning’s wealth management practice.?With over 25 years in banking and wealth management,?Amy?started her career at Trust Company Bank (now Truist) in the Corporate Banking Training Program. After a short time in Corporate Banking, she found her passion in private banking and wealth management.??In 2001, Amy?helped to found TrueWealth, a wealth management firm, which was acquired in 2020 by Creative Planning. ? Amy?graduated her BSBA from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1994.?During her time as a student at UNC,?Amy?held leadership roles within her sorority, Delta Delta Delta.?She and her husband Jonathan established a scholarship at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School to support undergraduate students in their study abroad endeavors.??Amy now?lives in Atlanta, Georgia and has three sons, one of which is a Tar Heel in the class of 2027. We are so pleased to have Amy join the initiative an continue to support our UBP students in an expanded way! #NewMemberMonday #CarolinaWomenLead

We are proud to co-sponsor this year's 19th annual Carolina Women In Business (CWIB) conference on Friday, November 1! ?? ?? The conference will be an action packed day including a lineup of speakers, including Alison Fragale, a book signing, networking opportunities, and happy hour. The event is open to all--current and prospective students, professors, mentors, alumni, professionals, anyone--so we hope to see you there! ? November 1, 9 AM - 7 PM EST ?? UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School ?? Register here through October 31: https://lnkd.in/eGU697ds ? Use our discount code to register for free: 100Women