This is the first of a series of upcoming student profiles, first published in the Babson MBA Connector, a student run eNewsletter with the support of administration and faculty. Profiles are written by students. Current MBA students Winthrope Wellington, Esme Rodriguez, and Michael Kasseris discuss what brought them to Babson, their views on the program, and personal interests.
Winthrope Wellington M’11
Where are you from and what is your background?
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Long Island, New York, when I was 2 years old. I graduated with a concentration in finance and management from SUNY Albany (State University of New York, Albany). After graduation, I moved to Jamaica to work with my family business. My father runs a hotel in Negril, Jamaica, focused on family-oriented tourists. The hotel also targets spring-breakers when the season approaches, during which time we actually partner with a tour company run by a fellow Babson MBA graduate. While working as general manager of the hotel, I managed hotel operations as well as the financial reporting.
Why did you come to Babson?
The entrepreneurial focus was important for me, and attending the No. 1 entrepreneurship school in the world was critical. Coupled with the fact that I could complete the program in one year helped me to decide that Babson was the right choice for me. Since coming to Babson, I’ve really taken a lot from my professors in terms of information and direction, and I am continually impressed by the outstanding student body from which we have the opportunity to form life-long relationships.
What were some of the differences with working in Jamaica?
The cultural difference was a major factor. It took me a while to get use to living in Jamaica vs. simply visiting, since the fast-paced lifestyle in New York is drastically different from the more tame way of life in Jamaica. It took time to adjust to the pace of how things were done while respecting the culture and valuing the experience. The family dynamic is both a challenge and a blessing as well (as many may attest). But the job was never boring, as I was always facing different challenges, whether serving customers or with implementing change. From an entrepreneurial perspective, there are many opportunities in Jamaica that a person with strong business skills and a wide range of experiences can truly excel and change the course of a business. Furthermore, I am proud about my family’s nonprofit organization, which has donated more than 3 million books and 2,000 computers, opened 7 libraries, and had other successes that were all part of the social responsibility we felt we had to the great country of Jamaica as a whole.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love playing basketball, and hanging out with friends on the weekend. I also love to play football, and am searching for a flag football league to play in (after the summer, of course!). In Jamaica, I like to play the piano when I can, including in our hotel’s lobby, as well as golf as often as possible. I’m a fan of The Office and all types of music (from hip hop, rock, and reggae when I’m working out, to classical when I’m studying).
Do you have any recommendations for places to visit?
Glenbrook, Jamaica. Mayfield Falls is an intimate river walk featuring a variety of different scenery. The waterfalls and tropical rain forest provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The water is pure as can be, and offers great relief on a hot day (which is pretty much every day in Jamaica).
Esme Rodriguez M’11
Where are you from and what is your background?
I was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I graduated from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in Santo Domingo with a business degree and minor in marketing. After graduation, I started working in the family business, Aro & Pedal, the largest bicycle retailer in the Dominican Republic. I started as a cashier after high school, and moved through positions in purchasing, accounting, and sales. I also hosted a children’s TV show in the Dominican, and hosted a radio show with my sister, targeted at Dominican teens.
Why did you come to Babson?
First, I came to Babson to because I wanted to focus on entrepreneurship. Second, the one-year aspect of the program was attractive. Finally, I heard amazing things about Babson while I spent three months studying for the GMATs in Florida. After Babson I would like to join a leadership management program as I work to build work experience and make connections. Ultimately, I’d like to go back to the Dominican and start my own business. At the moment I’m considering opening a book store.
What do you think about your entrepreneurial experience?
Aro & Pedal has about 50 employees, yet because I was the daughter of the owner I felt challenged to create my own position within the company that spreads across all of the different functions. For example, I spent a lot of time learning the jobs in our headquarters, and later helped my family built relationships with vendors overseas. I’d emphasize the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity that arises to learn about an entrepreneurial venture or small company. Over time my father took a lesser role in managing the business, allowing me to own my districts and quickly get up the learning curve. Some of my proudest accomplishments include developing our company website, instituting new policies for store supervision, choosing the uniforms, and helping to secure a big win in offering specialized brand bikes in our store.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy going to the movies, drinking wine, and of course dancing! I love salsa and meringue. I also own countless TV series box sets, including Friends, Boston Legal, Gilmore Girls, House, and others.
Do you have any recommendations for places to visit?
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is a beautiful beach with white sand, clear water, and great all inclusive resorts.
Michael Kasseris M’11
Where are you from and what is your background?
I was born and raised in Belmont, Massachusetts. I graduated from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, with a concentration in economics and finance. I opened a small pizzeria in Weston, Massachusetts shortly after graduation. After a few years, I sold the business and transitioned into financial services, working at Fidelity and JPMorgan. While working, I took classes in sustainability and environmental management at the Harvard Extension School, topics I was very interested in. During that time I joined a microfinance institution called Kiva.org (check it out), focused on microlending in Vietnam (I lived there at the time). My experience in Vietnam helped me contextualize the themes I had been learning, and gave me firsthand accounts of how enterprise could be a vehicle to improving people’s lives.
Why did you come to Babson?
Entrepreneurship is one of the fastest ways to solve some of society’s largest issues, including poverty. While at Babson, I’ll be looking at business ideas for social enterprises, including renewable energy. I’ll also be working on business plans and taking entrepreneurship classes to work toward fulfilling my goal of managing a company focused on social entrepreneurship.
Can you talk more about social enterprise?
When looking at environmental pollution, social inequality, and financial crisis it is easy for one to feel pessimistic about the future of capitalism. Social enterprise answers these issues by challenging entrepreneurs to transform these problems into opportunities. Entrepreneurs achieve results because they value their local communities and are invested in their success.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time with my family and friends, and volunteer with local nonprofit organizations, particularly in the Greek community. I am a passionate cook, and offer my services to nonprofits when I can. I enjoy biking, basketball, and the occasional book on money and politics. I recommend Life Inc., great book everyone should read.
Do you have any recommendations for places to visit?
Aside from Olin, I’d say Mount Olympus, Northern Greece. For climbers and adventurers alike, this is the ultimate experience. Starting close to the ocean floor, you will see every climate Greece has to offer on the way to the 10,000 ft. summit. The experience is surreal—let me know if you’d like to know more! Geia Sas!