Alumni initiative sparks bold career move

How did the Alumni Career Initiative inspire your move?

The Alumni Career Initiative was incredibly responsive to alumni needs, especially with the April kick off event last year focused on those of us in the nonprofit and public sectors. The session created a sense of community among alumni navigating transitions, and the breakout groups gave us a chance to share resources and strategies with each other that were very useful.

The initiative also inspired me to connect with other alumni! I had one particularly meaningful conversation with an alumna living in France who suggested I consider an MBA as part of my career pivot. Her guidance was invaluable and significantly shaped the direction I chose.

This led me to the Forté Foundation. Forté is dedicated to supporting women in business and helping us step confidently into leadership roles. Their resources— from virtual networking events to career fairs and global conferences— are incredibly robust. During the MBA application process, I was thrilled to be selected as a Forté Fellow for the EDHEC Business School. It is a phenomenal network.

What makes the Brown alumni network so special and how has your Brown education or the Open Curriculum prepared you for this kind of pivot?

Brown alumni are some of the most interdisciplinary, welcoming, and globally minded people I have ever met. When I reached out to Brown alumni living in France, I was struck by how generous they were with their time and insight. That sense of community, rooted in curiosity and shared experience, is what makes the Brown network so special.

As a comparative literature concentrator with French as my language, the Open Curriculum was foundational in preparing me for this pivot. At Brown, I learned to ask questions, to engage with ideas across disciplines, and to think creatively about my future. I gained the ability to adapt to new challenges. Those experiences have allowed me to reimagine my legal background and how I can apply it in a business context.

Why did you decide to pursue global business?

I am an attorney, and much of my work in Washington, D.C. focused on government ethics. After nearly a decade in public service, I decided to pursue a Global MBA at EDHEC to expand my skillset and prepare for leadership in the private sector. My goal is to leverage my legal expertise—particularly as it relates to compliance and sustainability—and the strategic and operational skills I am gaining through the MBA to help global companies grow responsibly. I am especially drawn to industries like luxury and clean beauty that are redefining themselves through environmental and social responsibility.

How are you using BrownConnect+ to support your career journey and expand your network?

I’ve found BrownConnect+ to be a really valuable resource. The alumni directory is one of my favorite features because it makes it easy to connect with fellow Brunonians around the world. Whether I’m looking to network professionally or just hoping to meet alumni in a new city, the ability to filter by location or industry has been incredibly helpful. I also really appreciate the information feed. It’s a great way to stay in the loop on what is happening at Brown and within regional clubs. It keeps me connected to the community even from afar!

How are you enjoying your time in Nice, France so far?

My husband and I are loving our time in Nice! It has been a dream of mine to live in France, and this move has given us the chance to make that a reality. We have made local friends who have introduced us to hidden spots along the Mediterranean, and we are immersing ourselves in the culture, including speaking French every day!

Of course, there have been small challenges, like adjusting to the later dinner hours compared to our early-bird schedule back in Washington, D.C., but overall, the experience has been incredible! We feel fortunate to live in such a vibrant, welcoming city.

What's your advice to Brown alumni who might be considering a career change or wondering how they can leverage alumni career resources to chart their own professional path?

I would encourage any alum considering a career change to be fearless in exploring new possibilities. One of the greatest gifts of a Brown education is the interdisciplinary foundation it provides so use that to your advantage when imagining new directions.

As a first step, I recommend exploring BrownConnect+ and reaching out to alumni working in the geography or industry you are considering. Even a brief conversation can open doors or spark new ideas. It’s important to also make sure your email and other information is up to date with Brown so you get information about new opportunities.