Reaching New Heights: Making an Impact through My MBA Journey

The internationally renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

This powerful philosophy is my guiding principle in my personal and professional journey. As a senior engineering manager at Kaiser Permanente, I take great pride in positively impacting the lives of millions of people.

However, I knew there was untapped potential to improve healthcare processes and enhance patients’ satisfaction without compromising quality or costs.

This realization fueled my determination to pursue an MBA and acquire the knowledge and skills to propose innovative solutions and lead transformative change.

Striving For All    

My dedication to creating a positive impact extends beyond my corporate role.

I founded, Striving For All, a nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance education and health in underserved communities. Through this experience, I have learned the immense value of acquiring new skills and building an effective network to lead and expand the organization's reach.

I was born and raised in Cameroon in central Africa. So, I deeply understand the profound influence education and opportunities have on shaping one's future.

Pursuing an MBA was the logical step to leverage my experiences and create a broader impact, shaping a brighter future for academically-driven children who lack opportunities.

UC Davis MBA: Collaborative Leadership, Network and Innovation

After careful consideration, my decision to enroll in the UC Davis Bay Area Part-Time MBA program was driven by several compelling factors.

Most importantly, the program's emphasis on collaborative leadership resonated deeply with my values and leadership philosophy.

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Furthermore, the program's close-knit community caught my attention as I aimed to establish meaningful connections with fellow students and faculty. The program's extensive network of connections was equally appealing, providing access to industry professionals, alumni and influential individuals beyond the classroom. Recognizing the significant value of such connections in business, I was excited about the power of the Graduate School of Management and UC Davis’ network.

Lastly, the program's strategic location near Silicon Valley was pivotal in my decision-making process. Silicon Valley is a hotbed of innovation and transformative ideas, and being in such proximity to this dynamic hub would offer unparalleled opportunities to engage with cutting-edge developments and trends in the business landscape.

Enrolling in the Bay Area Part-Time MBA program has been a transformative experience, reshaping my career trajectory and aspirations. Offering a solid foundation on general management and strategy, with a strong emphasis on leadership, the program has provided me with a diverse skill set that extends well beyond my technical expertise.

I have been consistently challenged to think critically, question the status quo, embrace healthy disagreements, and strategize effectively while making decisions backed by data-driven insights.

This comprehensive preparation has had a tangible impact on my professional growth.

When entrusted by my manager to lead the artificial intelligence and business intelligence portfolio, I embraced the opportunity with unwavering confidence (even in the face of uncertainties and risks that come with launching an initiative from scratch).

I owe this newfound personal assurance to the invaluable UC Davis MBA education. The program's empowering curriculum has elevated my career, enabling me to reach remarkable heights.

Applying My MBA to Community Connections

My post-MBA aspiration is to continue my journey with the Kaiser Permanente Northern California region where I aim to significantly impact the organization's strategic leadership priorities.

With a keen understanding of critical management principles and data-driven decision-making, I am eager to optimize processes, drive growth, and enhance patient care satisfaction in collaboration with a diverse team of professionals.

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Leveraging my technical expertise and business acumen, I am committed to implementing transformative solutions that align with Kaiser Permanente's mission and vision.

In this pursuit, my dedication to making a positive impact goes hand in hand with my commitment to the communities we serve through Striving For All.

My transformative MBA journey has shaped my mindset, empowering me to think outside the box and proactively seek creative solutions to address diverse challenges.

A remarkable manifestation is the successful inauguration of the Thrive Center in Douala, Cameroon The Thrive Center stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to positively impacting the communities we serve. Carefully designed with meticulous attention to detail, the center each year will equip 500 Cameroon teenagers and young adults with knowledge about their career development and essential digital skills, enabling them to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Drawing inspiration from my MBA journey, I joined forces with co-founder Olena Baykur and the board of directors at Striving For All to address an essential aspect of safety and well-being.

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Together, we undertook a vital and urgent project, spearheading the construction of a safe bomb shelter in Kyiv school, Ukraine. This initiative ensures the protection of over 500 children during Russian attacks, underscoring our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and creating a better, safer world for all.

Pursuing a UC Davis MBA was a defining moment.

It has empowered me to realize my potential as a leader in both the corporate world and the nonprofit sector. Armed with new skills, knowledge, and an expansive network, I am well-equipped to create positive change and drive meaningful impact in the lives of millions of people.

As I continue to evolve in my career at Kaiser Permanente, I am determined to do better by leveraging my MBA education to make the world a better place for all, living up to the inspiring wisdom of Maya Angelou.

While the MBA program at UC Davis has been instrumental in my growth, I also recognize that my journey of impact is ongoing. I remain open to continuously learning and adapting as I strive to create a lasting and transformative difference.