Duke Weekend Executive MBA Student Blog

Despite my varied and interesting career, I had long been keen to find a way to deepen and broaden my business and leadership skills

Whether a student is looking to accelerate in their current organization, pivot into a new function, or launch something entirely their own, there are strategic actions that can position anyone for success.

Coming from the military, culture is critical. It shapes how people operate when things get difficult or uncertain.

For me, this experience isn’t just about professional advancement. It’s about expanding my capacity to build something that lasts and the capacity to lead when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.

For mid-career women especially, ambition can invite a sharp question: Haven’t you already done enough?

Fuqua has been transformative not just in building knowledge and skills, but in shaping how I see myself, others, and the future.

Looking back, I was afraid of change. But going to Duke gave me the confidence to leap from what was comfortable and grow in a new place.

When I got accepted, I was happy but also unsure. I didn’t have all the answers, but I would soon learn that I didn’t need them to experience a big transformation.

From the outside, navigating veterans' education benefits can seem like a complicated process.