Q&A: Meet National Black MBA Fellow Amanda Schultze (MBA’23)

Hometown: Evanston, Illinois

Fun Fact: Growing up, I was a rhythmic gymnast. In 2006, I came in first place and won the U.S. Junior Olympic competition. 

What is something we should know about you? 

I have been a vegetarian for 20 years, for no other reason other than loving animals (and petting zoos) as a kid and boycotting eating meat as a child. It has stuck with me ever since, and there is no going back now!

What is the closest thing to real magic? 

Beyoncé and pasta, in that order.

How has being a National Black MBA Fellow connected you to your student experience?

Being a National Black MBA Fellow has connected me with a sense of purpose and motivation. I am representing myself, my family, my employer KCIC, and the National Black MBA association at Georgetown McDonough. This is such an incredible privilege for which I am deeply grateful. I think being connected to motivation and having a sense of purpose fuels my fire of curiosity, innovation, and achievement. I am beyond happy to have found this in the National Black MBA fellowship and Georgetown.

What growth opportunities have enhanced your MBA experience?

I have found growth working with my assigned study teams. It is incredible to work with a group of peers that are not only diverse in race, ethnicity, and nationality, but also have diversity in experience and professional background. I have learned so much from my classes, but I learn just as much from my classmates.

What moments as a National Black MBA Fellow have empowered you?

Opportunities like this Q&A are moments of empowerment, as I feel recognized here at McDonough. These kinds of opportunities offer a moment of deeper reflection that sometimes can be hard to make time for during everyday life, but it is important that we do it. As I have only been with Georgetown for one semester, I am looking forward to more moments of empowerment as my journey here continues.

How has your experience as a National Black MBA Fellow and your time at McDonough prepared you for your postgraduate journey?

Both the National Black MBA fellowship and McDonough are preparing me to become a better leader. I am learning that my unique point of view as a Black/biracial American has merit in the business world and that I should feel empowered to share my perspective. Georgetown McDonough has prepared me to be a better leader through the program’s emphasis on social responsibility in business. This focus on making an impact for the better is shaping my mindset as I grow into this next phase of my career and life.