Global Executive MBA Cohort Graduates

The 32 recently graduated students of the Georgetown-ESADE Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) program have stamps in their passports, new connections with faculty and each other, and a truly global mindset. The students in the cohort hail from a dozen countries and speak 28 languages. As part of the 14-month program, students were immersed in six two-week residencies on four continents, in countries that included Brazil, India, China, and Spain.

Paul Almeida, deputy dean for executive programs and innovation, professor of strategy and international business, and academic co-director of the program, reflected on the cohort’s journey.

“There was homework, and jet lag, and quizzes, and papers, and late nights, and very early mornings,” Almeida said. “Through all of this, you grew. You grew with each other and closer to each other. You also have grown in terms of skills, and tools, and techniques, and most importantly, in terms of wisdom.”

The GEMBA program, a partnership between Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and Walsh School of Foreign Service, and ESADE Business School, was founded in 2009. Students spend 14 months studying global business, strategy, leadership, management, and policy.

Student speaker Cheryl R. Campbell shared the influence of her parents, who taught her the value of lifelong learning and hard work.

“I offer to pass the same to you: to live your life with no limitations, to step out in faith, and to not fear failure,” she said in her remarks during the ceremony. “Recognize you cannot do it alone.”

For Almeida, the complex issues facing the world underscore the need for principled and ethical leaders.

“You have the tools to make a difference,” he said. “You have the networks to tap into. You have the confidence to know that you can and will tackle any challenge.”