Meet the Hybrid Thinkers
Hybrid Thinker Class of 2014
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Tanios BouRamia "The Strategic Design MBA offers a framework for success independent of industry, prior experience, organization size or maturity (startup, small business, corporate enterprise, etc…). I want to develop a qualitative, humanistic design approach to complement my foundation in analytic and quantitative reasoning." "I am an avid homebrewer and craft beer connoisseur. There's a sense of alchemy in brewing as base ingredients become a finished product as well as the satisfaction of enjoying the product and the process with friends and family." |
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Stephen Bowman "I decided to enroll into the Strategic Design MBA program because I knew I needed to learn more about business, and I thought learning in a collaborative, creative environment was the best way to learn. I hope to gain knowledge about how to find opportunities in business and marketing. This would be a great addition to my engineering background." "I'm very much into college and pro football. I'm also a fan of Ford Mustangs." |
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Terri Burch "I waited for several years to go back to school because I could not find a program that fit my personality and addressed my interests in both business and creative disciplines. When I learned about the SDMBA, I knew it was the right fit for my way of thinking." "I have always been a creative person in the business world. I hope that the SDMBA will allow me to learn to use my creative energy to solve real business problems. I also appreciate that this program will allow me an advantage over traditional MBA’s through the design thinking integration and that’s pretty exciting." "Although my professional career is in corporate risk, I am also a moonlight photographer. I founded a photographic company in 2010, which I hope to further expand through the knowledge I gain from this program and my encounters in this great city." |
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Elizabeth Butterfield "I decided to enroll in the SDMBA program because it really caught my eye and I wanted to gain an edge in my industry. I hope this experience opens my eyes to different fields and opportunities I might otherwise not have known about." "I love planning parties, and they usually involve a theme. My birthday party last year was MadMen themed. I based the menu off of 50s/60s favorites complete with advertisements from that era. I decorated the house with treasures from my parents' and grandparents' houses. There was even an office bar with recipes for famous MadMen cocktails." |
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Meredith Dixon "Going back to get my MBA has been a personal and professional goal of mine for several years. The traditional MBA curriculum and newer online learning environments did not resonate with me. This program has a rigorous curriculum and is taught in an environment that will force me to move mentally beyond existing business boundaries and disciplines and cultivate true creative design thinking concepts into my practice. That is the beauty of the Hybrid B + D Program that is so intriguing and energizing." "As a seasoned healthcare executive, I am in a unique position in my career. I am able to combine my clinical knowledge, patient care experiences, and business operations management to lead collaborative teams that design, develop, implement, and support new and ongoing clinical programs and service initiatives that impact internal and external customers in the retail health environment. Our environment is changing so rapidly. "Patients/Customers" are looking for solutions to care for themselves and their loved ones in a way that is safe, easy, and accessible. Healthcare has a lot to learn from Strategic Design. It needs innovation to be sustainable. My hope is that I will be able to incorporate the concepts of design thinking in all aspects of my life including: my environment, my family, my team, my colleagues, and my customers. Getting to the root of problems using the design process and finding opportunities will make distinct differences in the way we build lifelong relationships. Collaboration with disciplines outside of healthcare will foster new and exciting ideas for practice models and systems; appealing to the needs of healthcare providers and consumers." "I really enjoy cooking and entertaining with my family and close friends. "Breaking bread" together reminds us of the many reasons to give thanks and allows for fellowship amidst the chaos that daily life often brings. I like to prepare for the event and create an environment that allows for relaxation and creativity. I don't like to follow the recipes for most things. I will use the recipe to get a general sense, but the rest is often left for improvisation!" |
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Christine Forester "I completed my undergraduate from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science in 1991. I was 3rd generation in my family to attend PCT&S. Textiles were in my blood. I benefitted by the size of the college and the individual attention that I received during my undergraduate studies. In 1998, I considered Philadelphia University for an M.S. in Textile Engineering, the program was not what I needed at that time. I am an active alumnus of Philadelphia University and always wanted to go back for a Master’s degree." "I read about the Strategic Design MBA on the PhilaU website. I scheduled for a webinar about the program, and the webinar was cancelled. Much to my delight, I contacted the graduate admission office and started talking about the program. Natalie Nixon was the creative mind behind this program. When she described the program, I knew it was a perfect fit for me. The flexibility of the program fits my full and active life. I feel that the courses are an exact fit for what I need to excel in my creative future. Business has changed immensely in the past 2 decades and I trust that this program will inspire me to shine in the competitive business market." "I enjoy world travel and exploring different cultures. I am blessed with the support of my young twins and husband during my pursuit to enrich my mind and soul." |
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Louis Grow "I decided to enroll in the SDMBA program for several reasons. Most importantly, I was intrigued by the innovative curriculum and the design approach to the traditional MBA program. I hope to gain the ability to incorporate a design thinking approach to the social service industry and better serve children and families." "My partner and I are currently in the process of adopting our 2 year-old foster child and changing our last names to strengthen our family bond. I am a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of PA and volunteer as the Director of the State Officer Program for one of their sponsored youth groups. I also enjoy cooking, wine, and trash TV." |
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Richard (Chip) Hartford "I chose the SDMBA Program because I wanted to be part of the pilot program. I wanted my MBA experience to be memorable and unique and the SDMBA offered that for me. I hope that this program helps me make the transition from a highly technical role to more of a design and decision making role as well as help round out my leadership skills." "I love to surf as much as possible. I participate in Crossfit. I play the guitar. I like to mountain bike. Basically I like to be as active as possible." |
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Ben Lindo "As a design major and business minor, I understood the importance of the relationship between business models and design development. The SDMBA program is essentially a path of natural progression. I hope to gain tools for refined project execution and learn a repeatable method of solving problems through the implementation of strategic processes. " "I want to make a greater impact as a mentor with hopes to further diversity within Industrial Design by identifying the field as a realistic career opportunity to young African Americans." |
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David Marshall "I decided I wanted an MBA because my background is not in business, and I wanted to learn the ins and outs of how businesses work. I specifically chose the SDMBA because while I never thought of it this way, I've always been fascinated by good design--things that just work, and have a lot of thought put into making them seem deceptively simple. I love the idea of applying this mindset to business challenges. I hope to learn how to understand and run a business, and ultimately how to design clever solutions to problems of all sizes in a way that is helpful to users and also profitable." "While it is infrequent these days, I've been playing percussion since I was 9 years old. I've played a variety of instruments and styles, including wind ensemble/orchestra, marching band, jazz, rock, and performing in pit orchestras for live musical productions." |
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Evelyn May "There are many reasons why I decided to enroll in the SDMBA, but the first and foremost is the exciting combination of strategic design thinking with business.. For me, my studies in the SDMBA program will elevate my personal and professional development with strategies for innovation. It will provide valuable insights that go beyond traditional MBA programs and allow me to think of new possibilities." "I have no doubt that this program will be of mutual benefit to me, my students, program and organization. It will provide me with innovative and inspirational approaches to higher education." "My personal interests involve R+D in the area of smart textiles in health and wellness." |
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Lauren McEwen "I was excited about the Strategic Design MBA because it combined my interests in design thinking and business strategy. During my time at PhilaU, I hope to gain the skill set and the self- confidence needed to identify opportunities and to find creative solutions to the challenges facing the Philadelphia region. I am a Penn State Philadelphia County Master Gardener, a textile artist and avid reader." "Currently, I am lovingly restoring my West Philadelphia 1925 Tudor Revival row home, which saw a little bit too much of the swinging '70s." |
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Frank McIntire "Obtaining an MBA has been always goal of mine. As a Philadelphia University graduate, I was familiar with the school and attracted by the creative and innovative new program. Further, the chance to reach my goal in an accelerated, executive format with other professionals led by great instructors convinced me this was program for me." "I hope to use the experience and education from the program for career advancement, bringing value to my company and reaching my personal and professional goals." "I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 30 years. We raised three children who are aged 29-17. I volunteer in various capacities throughout the year. In the past year, I led a team from Wells Fargo in a playground build in Kensington, and at the American Philosophical Society Museum in Old City." |
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David Raufer "I currently am the Director of Business Development for Ambient Environmental Inc. with the task of opening a new office in New York City. I also have an interest in a Design Build Construction and Manufacturing company in Philadelphia." "My decision to enroll in the Strategic Design MBA was simple…it is the perfect combination of business and design strategy for today’s emerging opportunities. I am hoping to develop the tools and define a strategy that will enable me to grow personally and professionally." "My first BS degree from Philadelphia University in 1990 was in Fashion Design." |
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Steve Ricci "I want to learn more about the business and marketing side of industrial design, so that I can be a more effective designer. I hope to learn how to uncover product opportunities in the market place, and design for those opportunities." "...I am a constant drawer and doodler. I don’t consider myself a top-level illustrator, I just love to draw, render, and sketch for fun." |
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Daniel Walker "I was always interested in going back to school for a Masters degree, but I wasn't sure about a traditional MBA or a MFA. This degree I felt bridged the gap where it engages my creativity and while developing my business knowledge." "I hope to bring more to my organization and look forward to more opportunities that this degree will allow me to pursue." "I maintain my own side business creating graphic communications which include logo development to invitations. Also I never think twice about jumping into home renovations no matter the scale." |
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Jeremy Waxman "I selected the Strategic Design MBA program because of its unique curriculum that included a heavy focus in skill-sets used by product management. I am looking to learn new and innovative ways of thinking and designing new products and solutions to assist in my career progression." "I participate in CrossFit, am an avid golfer, and a Rutgers Football season ticket holder." |
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Orly Zeewy "I have a design background and a strong interest and affinity for business. I'm what you'd classify as a hybrid thinker but until I met Natalie I didn't know it. Several years ago I started to think about teaching full time and explore what kind of advanced degree would make sense for someone like me. As soon as I met Natalie and she told me about the program I knew I had found the right place!" "I hope to learn quantitative and qualitative processes that I can use in my consulting work and a deeper, factual based knowledge of how business works and thinks." "I am a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Philadelphia and have been committed to sustainable practices for nearly 10 years. I spend much of my free time in my garden and switched to native plants 3 years ago when I added a water feature to my garden. This summer, I'm hoping to add a rain barrel and replace one of my gutters with a water chain." |
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Robb Ziegler "My company's focus is innovation and new product development at the intersection of research, marketing, design, and engineering. I personally dedicate a lot of time exploring how different approaches and frames toward innovation can together generate sums greater than the parts. In practice, this has generated exceptional results for clients. We make sure we're not only well versed in best practices, but are actively creating them." "I like Philadelphia University's vision to bring design, engineering, and commerce (eg. marketing, business administration) together, as exemplified by the Kanbar DEC center and this inaugural SDMBA program. Very few other schools have dedicated such infrastructure and program resources to realizing such a vision. Other pioneering schools have added "D" to "B" or tacked on "B" to "D" or created theoretical trans-disciplinary models, while PhilaU seems to have theoretical, cross-discipline and practical aspects in harmony. That's a big challenge to take on, whether you're an individual, corporation, social or educational institution." "On a personal level, the executive-format was also a big consideration. It will enable me to enhance rather than disrupt my work responsibilities." "The program will provide stimuli and inputs which will broaden my personal understanding of both the challenges and rewards of this intersection and vision, from three types of frames: the educators', my fellow students', and of course my own. Already we are looking at different problems than I would typically explore with a design thinking lens. It's a joy to explore new territories and modes of thought with enthusiastic people! " "I really enjoy traveling and connecting with people from very different backgrounds than my own--whether they have different cultures, beliefs, or roles. Especially over a good meal. For me the most important word to learn when traveling to a different country isn't "hello," "goodbye," or "thank-you" but "delicious!" This word is an expression of shared delight which often brings about more sharing! It also has much in common with another favorite avocation: yoga, which means 'to unite.'" |
According to The Wall Street Journal, companies like Google and JetBlue that are on the hunt for smart, creative types are posting jobs seeking candidates with “design thinking” backgrounds.
For more info or to schedule a visit, call 215-951-2700
or email gradadm@philau.edu
