The Americas

JANEL ADDICOTT

Citizenship(s): USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: US and Latin America
Academic Program: Master of Science in Global Management
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Marketing
Industry Experiences/interests: Global Marketing and Brand Management

Why Thunderbird?
After researching several other programs, the Master of Science program resonated best with my personal and professional goals. As a recent graduate from a Liberal Arts university, I was looking for an opportunity to transition into the business world. In addition to receiving a world-class education, I have the pleasure of getting to know individuals from all walks of life and from every part of the globe, which has already been an amazing experience.

SAVINAY CHANDRASEKHAR

Citizenship(s): USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: USA
Academic Program: Traditional MBA (May ’09 - May ’10), Global MBA On-Demand (Sept ’08 - April ’09)
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Development
Industry Experiences/interests: Experience - Aerospace/Defence/Standardized Test Prep; Interests - Development/Sustainable Development/CSR
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Campus Ambassador Program, Global Sounds, Thunderbird Soccer Club

Why Thunderbird?
I originally chose Thunderbird because it was the best business school in the world to offer a part-time program (Global MBA On-Demand) that I could access in Southern California, where I was working. But then I realized what an amazing culture I had been allowed access to. At Thunderbird, we study a lot about cross- and multi-culturalism, but the best part about the school is how it has its own unique culture. You know pretty quickly whether you’re a Thunderbird after meeting a couple of them or strolling the campus. When I came to Glendale for my On-Demand orientation, I realized I had found a new home and a new family …quot; so much so that I was willing to abandon my real home and my real family in Southern California to come to Thunderbird (and the desert) full-time!

WILLIAM CHO

Citizenship(s): Brazil, USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: USA
Academic Program: Traditional MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Management
Industry Experiences/interests: Education, Recruiting and Multi-Site Retail Management
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Thunderbird Marketing Association, Korean Club, Brazilian Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Global HR Management Club, Toast Masters, Campus Ambassadors Program

Why Thunderbird?
The obvious reason is because of the elite ranking of Thunderbird among the International Business Programs worldwide. Another reason was because I wanted to find a place where I could learn from my peers that came from all over the world.

MARCELA CUBAS

Citizenship(s): Peru, USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: Latin America
Academic Program: Traditional MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Management
Industry Experiences/interests: Human Resources / Management
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Latin American Business & Culture Club, Global HR Management Club, Global Sounds, Outdoor Adventure Club, Campus Ambassadors Program

Why Thunderbird?
One of the main reasons I chose Thunderbird was to gain as many international experiences as possible. Being on the most diverse campus in the world and enhanced with the countless abroad opportunities available to students, my desire to become a member of Thunderbird’s community became even stronger. I am sure the worldwide relationships I am building over here will last for a lifetime.

EMILY ECKERT

Citizenship(s): USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: North America, North and West Africa, Western Europe Academic Program: Traditional MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Customized - Global Management/Development
Industry Experiences/interests: International Development and Corporate Social Responsibility
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Thunderbird Marketing Association, Net Impact, Tower Restoration Club, Campus Ambassadors Program

Why Thunderbird?
I chose Thunderbird because it is the only school that offers the combination of business training and current affairs on an entirely global level. After returning for a couple years of overseas work, I was looking for people who shared my passion for exploring new places and cultures. When I visited Thunderbird for the first time, I realized that this was the place where I would meet people like me from all over the world!

GABRIEL FRANK

Citizenship: Brazil
Geographical Areas of Expertise: Latin America and North America
Academic Program: Traditional MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Marketing
Industry Experience/Interests: Executive Search Consulting, Consumer Goods, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Thunderbird Marketing Association, Thunderbird Outdoor Adventure Club, Brazil Club and Latin America Club

Why Thunderbird?
Most of all because of Thunderbird's strong values, students' unique and out-of-the box profile, as well as our international alumni network.

JEFF FEINTECH

Citizenship(s): USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: Latin America
Academic Program: Traditional MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Customized …quot; Global Strategy/Finance
Industry Experiences/interests: Financial Services, Non-profit Management, International Strategy
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Campus Ambassadors Program, Softball Club, The Emerging Markets Club, Latin American Business Club, Das Tor, Thunderbird Finance Association, Outdoors Adventure Club

Why Thunderbird?
Having worked internationally and knowing that I want to continue working internationally throughout my career, Thunderbird’s MBA program was the absolute right option for me. I wanted to have a global education that exposes me to new ideas and new ways of thinking so that when I reenter the workforce I have a larger say in what I do. I don’t want my life to follow my career, I want my career to follow my life.

MICHAEL GRETO

Citizenship: USA, Italy
Geographical Areas of Expertise: Western Europe
Academic Program: Traditional MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Custom - Global Marketing and Global Management
Industry Experience/Interests: Cross-cultural negotiation, relationship management, international business development and change management consulting. Currently most interested in Competitive Intelligence and Country Risk Assessment. Member: National Council for International Visitors; Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals

Why Thunderbird?
Having worked in the diplomatic, non-profit and private sector, I knew that Thunderbird was the right fit for my diverse professional background. Thunderbird is the only MBA program out there that provides a truly unique blend of international affairs and global business. The incredible spirit of camaraderie and cooperation among students and faculty also attracted me to Thunderbird.

JOSH KRAAKEVIK

Citizenship(s): USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: Western Europe and Africa
Academic Program: Accelerated MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Development
Industry Experiences/interests: Mergers and Acquisitions, Hedge Funds, Commodity Trading, Exchange-Traded Fund Specialist, Negotiations, International Business Development, Entrepreneurship, and Microfinance
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Birdwatch Mentorship Program, Leadership EDGE, International Development, Honor Council, Net Impact, Campus Ambassadors Program

Why Thunderbird?
I chose Thunderbird because of a Thunderbird 360 weekend. Here, I discovered that my love for travel, speaking more than one language, and a thirst for diversity are common denominators across all T-birds. After interacting with a few professors and students, not only did I feel understood for my international disposition and thirst for diversity, but I knew Thunderbird would offer me the best education in international business. The richness and vibrancy of the different cultures permeated through the campus and spurred class discussions. Since that weekend, I was hooked.

LAURA MASKELL

Citizenship: USA
Geographical Areas of Expertise: Western Europe, Southeast Asia
Academic Program: Traditional MBA
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Marketing and Finance
Industry Experience/Interests: International Development, Leadership Development, Business Ethics, Market and Competitive Intelligence, Global Strategy
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Student Government, Honor Council, Leadership EDGE, Basketball Club, Net Impact, National Association of Women MBAs, Management & Consulting Association

Why Thunderbird?
It was important for me to find a school whose values and ideals reflect my own and are infused into everyday activities. I found those values in Thunderbird's unique commitment to educate global leaders who create sustainable prosperity worldwide. My decision to attend Thunderbird was solidified the moment I stepped on campus for a Hospitality Weekend visit. Experiencing the Thunderbird "mystique" made me realize that the true value of a Thunderbird degree lies in the relationships made and life lessons learned from alumni, faculty and classmates alike.

MEGAN WEBB

Citizenship(s): USA
Geographic Areas of Expertise: USA, Europe and Latin America
Academic Program: Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management
Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Global Development
Industry Experiences/interests: International Non-profit, Microfinance
Clubs/Associations/Activities: International Development Association, Latin American Business Club, Thunderbird International Christian Fellowship, Campus Ambassadors Program

Why Thunderbird?
I considered several international affairs programs for my graduate studies, but I chose the Master of Arts program at Thunderbird because it uniquely combines elements of both international affairs and business management. As I pursue a career in the international non-profit sector, the ability to work across these two disciplines will be essential. I also chose Thunderbird because the school is highly regarded and has a firm commitment to its mission of “educating global leaders who create sustainable prosperity worldwide.”