Connected, Flexible, and Forward-Focused: Meet the Newest Members of the Michigan Ross Online MBA Program

The OMBA students live and work in 30 U.S. states, with 75% based outside of Michigan. They are learning through live, interactive class sessions utilizing the digital education studios and will come together on campus and around the globe for three in-person residencies. 

This new group of students comes to Michigan Ross with undergraduate degrees in various disciplines, including business and economics, engineering, and social sciences/humanities. Their average seven years of work experience spans diverse backgrounds, including internet and software services, finance, healthcare, and the military, bringing valuable perspectives and insights to the program. Additionally, 35% already hold an advanced degree.

The fall incoming class began in August, kicking off a journey of rigorous coursework, action-based learning experiences, networking, and more. Most students will continue to work while pursuing their MBA, maximizing the flexibility of the program.

Below, meet six members of the newest class of Michigan Ross Online MBA students. 

Felix Milman 

Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey
Current position/company: Senior automation engineer, Merck & Co.
Undergraduate school/major: Rutgers University, Bachelor of Science, chemical engineering
Graduate school/major: Rutgers University, Master of Science, chemical engineering

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far? 
My greatest professional accomplishment so far was leading the design and implementation of a laboratory digital integration platform as part of a research and development facility construction project. The platform provides new digital capabilities that streamline laboratory operations and accelerate therapeutic development. I led a cross-functional team from concept through deployment, and the solution was recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Emerson Exchange Technology Innovation Award.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
I chose the Michigan Ross OMBA because it combines the rigor of a top MBA with the flexibility I need to continue advancing my career and to support my family here in New Jersey. I was drawn to the Ross action-based learning approach, collaborative culture, and strong technology and life sciences network, which directly align with my goal of driving digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry.

What are you most looking forward to in the OMBA Program and at Ross? 
I’m really looking forward to going through Multidisciplinary Action Project, one of the main reasons I chose Ross! From everything I've heard, MAP is a great opportunity to synthesize everything we’ll learn throughout the program and apply it to a real-world challenge with real impact. The most effective way I know to learn is by doing, so I expect MAP will be a transformative experience that helps me integrate and translate my MBA skills beyond the classroom.

How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
I see Ross as a pivotal part of both my current role and long-term career goals. In the short term, the coursework and action-based learning opportunities will give me hands-on experience I can apply immediately in my current capacity. I’ve already started leveraging the Career Development Office, which is an incredible resource. Coaching has always been something I’ve wanted to help navigate career decisions, so having it built into the program is something I’m especially excited about. Looking ahead, an MBA from Ross will open doors to roles with greater responsibility and connect me to exciting opportunities where I can make a strategic impact.

What has been your first impression of Ross? 
My first impression of Ross has been extremely positive! The onboarding process and Welcome Weekend were well coordinated, making the transition smooth and welcoming. It’s clear that a lot of thought and effort went into developing an integrated online experience. I’ve also been very impressed by the quality of the online teaching materials and class format. In fact, it’s probably the most engaged I’ve ever felt in a class setting, which speaks volumes about the program’s design and delivery.

Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
If you have the chance, definitely attend Welcome Weekend! It’s a great opportunity to meet your classmates and build connections early. That experience gave me a real sense of ownership and belonging at Ross. Meeting fellow students, visiting Ann Arbor, and exploring the Ross campus gave me a clear sense that I had officially started my MBA journey and helped me hit the ground running.

Marisa Maite

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois; currently living in New York City, New York
Current position/company: Technical designer, Norma Kamali
Undergraduate school/major: Kent State University, fashion design

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
My first professional role is one of my proudest accomplishments. Growing up, my career aspirations revolved around designing and creating beautiful eveningwear and gowns. I moved to New York City shortly after college graduation and secured a position as a couture design assistant at Marchesa. In this role, I had the opportunity to assist with the creation of their gowns as well as gain firsthand experience in the fast-paced inner workings of a couture atelier. That experience not only fulfilled a lifelong goal of mine but also shaped my foundation as a designer, teaching me the importance of precision, collaboration, and resilience, which continue to guide me in every role I’ve had since.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
After working in design for six years, I realized I wanted to contribute to the fashion industry from another angle — the supply chain. I’ve seen firsthand how operational decisions directly impact sustainability, efficiency, and ultimately the integrity of a brand. My goal is to help apparel companies build supply chains that are both ethical and efficient. I chose the Michigan Ross OMBA Program because it allows me to advance my career while gaining a top-tier business education. The focus on action-based learning and leadership also drew me to the program because it will provide me with the tools and perspective necessary to drive meaningful change in the fashion industry.

What are you most looking forward to in the OMBA Program and at Ross?
I’m most excited about partaking in action-based learning, especially the residencies and MAP. I learn best by doing, so the opportunity to tackle real-world business challenges with classmates from such diverse professional backgrounds really excites me. I’m also looking forward to stepping outside the fashion lens I’ve worked in for years and gaining new perspectives from peers across industries.

How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
Pursuing my MBA at Ross will allow me to successfully make the pivot to supply chain and operations management. I want to be the kind of leader who not only drives productivity but also ensures that the products created are sourced and delivered responsibly. The competitive course curriculum will provide me with the necessary background education, while the action-based learning will guide me in applying classroom insights to real-world challenges. The strong focus on leadership development at Ross will push me to grow beyond being a designer and help me develop a strategic, operations-focused mindset.

What has been your first impression of Ross?
My first impression of Ross has been how genuinely supportive the community is. Even just six weeks in, I’ve felt faculty members actively rooting for our success and providing us with every resource we need to thrive. The classroom environment has also been supportive, with peers being engaged, collaborative, and generous with their knowledge. The level of support from the Ross community has already given me confidence to take more risks and grow in ways I couldn’t on my own.

Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
If you’re on the fence about going to business school, or Ross in particular, I’d say go for it! Six weeks in, I can already feel how much this program is positively impacting me and opening doors I couldn’t access before. It’s an investment in yourself that pays back immediately, not just in skills, but in confidence and community.

Patrick T. Lee

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Current position: Assistant professor of surgery at the University of Wisconsin, Department of
General Surgery, Division of Acute Care and Regional General Surgery (In short, I am a trauma, ICU, and emergency general surgeon)
Undergraduate/major: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Science - molecular and cellular biology
Graduate school/major: University of Wisconsin, Madison, MD, PhD, cellular and molecular biology

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment was completing my medical training. Doing a dual degree was no
easy task. It took time, sacrifice, determination, and true grit. The time spent in medical school, residency, and fellowship training was an endeavor, and the process took 17 years. Now that I am finally finished, it is rewarding to train medical students and residents in whose shoes I was recently walking. During the training, it is sometimes hard to see the finish line, but if we hold steady, we eventually cross it. That feeling of completion is amazing.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
One of my favorite elementary school teachers attended the University of Michigan for her undergraduate degree. I remember the maize and blue flag she had up in the back of her room. It made an impression because I applied to Michigan at every step of my educational career, but it did not work out. With this degree, I had an opportunity to choose the school and chose Michigan Ross due to its standing as a top online MBA program and opportunities such as the residencies. I look forward to being able to participate in these courses and learn from instructors at a top-tier MBA program.

What are you looking forward to in the OMBA program and at Ross?
My interest in obtaining an MBA arose during my PhD. I became involved in the Student National Medical Association, and was eventually elected as the chair of the board of directors. During that time, I spoke with other physicians who had MBAs, who significantly helped me with financial documents and helped me garner a better understanding of our organization’s financial status. Recalling those moments, I looked forward to receiving formal instruction on financing, accounting, business management, and leadership to better serve in these positions in the future. Although it is online, I anticipate connecting with other students and look forward to visiting the Michigan campus.

How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
Throughout my career, I look forward to working with hospital committees that make the financial decisions for the hospital. Having a voice in these discussions is critical for hospital management and patient care. Making these decisions from the C-suite level has far-reaching effects, and physicians should play a significant role in that process.

What has been your first impression of Ross?
My first class has been a challenge, particularly while working full-time. I have enjoyed accounting and have learned a significant amount. I expected it, but was still surprised by the pace of the class when it was time for our final, and we had only four class sessions. The investment in the technology for online courses is amazing, and from our end, it works without complication. The faculty and staff have been more than willing to answer questions. I have enjoyed my experience.

Carey Peekstok

Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Current position/company: Readiness and training officer, U.S. Navy
Undergraduate school/major: University of Maryland Global Campus, Bachelor of Science in finance
Graduate school/major: Liberty University, Master of Science in finance: financial planning

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
My greatest professional accomplishment was receiving the peer-nominated Kevin Childre Excellence Award in 2023. This is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal community award recognizing a single recipient who demonstrates exceptional performance in mentorship and leadership. The high degree of team output while working in an austere environment in the Mojave Desert, under administrative constraints, is what led to my nomination. However, I’m grateful and appreciative of the support structure and team I was a part of, which made all those accomplishments possible.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
Enrolling at Michigan Ross has long been a personal goal. As I explored the MBA program, I was drawn to the renowned Ross action-based learning, which mirrors the “crawl, walk, run” methodology I experienced in Navy Special Operations, where mastery is built through progressive, hands-on challenges. With world-class academics, dedicated faculty support, and a powerful alumni network, Ross stood out as the ideal place to grow as a leader. The Online MBA Program delivers the rigor and engagement of an in-person experience while offering the flexibility I need to continue advancing my career in Norfolk, Virginia.

What are you most looking forward to in the OMBA Program and at Ross?
I’m mostly looking forward to collaborating with my distinguished cohort. I’m eager to learn from their diverse experiences, exchange insights, and build a supportive network that extends beyond the program. Another top priority of mine is to strengthen my leadership skills through the Sanger Leadership Center, where I will gain practical tools to lead teams effectively, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact in both my organization and the community. I’m also excited about the synchronous class sessions, which foster real-time engagement and connection, while maintaining the flexibility the OMBA Program offers.

How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
I am in the process of pivoting into a career in finance and rely on my MBA process to jump-start my new career. After enga ing with the Ross Career Development Office, I was more comfortable with the idea of transitioning into a new career field. The Ross Career Development Office boasts an impressive job placement rate after graduation, and I know that many class members are switching industries or job functions like me. They did an excellent job helping me to refine my professional strategy and align my long-term goals with meaningful career opportunities.

What has been your first impression of Ross?
My first impressions were nothing short of amazing, far exceeding my high expectations, given the tradition and culture that U-M is known for. The faculty’s professionalism and expertise, combined with a state-of-the-art class studio, create an engaging and dynamic learning environment. Additionally, the vibrant campus atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community and pride, further reinforcing why Ross is such an exceptional place to learn and grow.

Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far?
Joining Ross has reaffirmed that I made the right choice for my professional and personal growth. If you’re looking for a program that challenges, supports, and equips you to lead, you’ll find it here. Go Blue!

Devon Leslie

Hometown: Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Current position/company: Associate director, optimization and innovation at Kepler Group
Undergraduate school: Stevens Institute of Technology 
Major: Bachelor of Science in marketing analytics and innovation with high honors 
Minors: Economics, information systems

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far? 
I like to say, “what I do know, I leverage, and what I don’t know, I learn.” That is, I’ve found success from being nimble, adopting emerging technologies, and trusting in a test and learn strategy. On multiple occasions, I’ve been brought into teams to overhaul systems and to raise operational standards. Therefore, while I work in advertising on international digital media campaigns, I am best known for process improvements. My approach is cyclical, rotating through observation, development, and implementation. With this, I’ve maximized teams’ production volumes and efficiencies, thus delivering extreme value for clients. For instance, I launched a sprint-based “bootcamp” for a financial client that revamped documentation, reinforced fundamentals, and mitigated risk via automation.

I also collaborated with leading social media platforms on alphas and betas, bringing opportunities to the forefront. Additionally, I was selected for a temporary internal position to relocate, support, and train our nascent office in Singapore. Here, I established the first global partnership with our campaign operations team to accommodate the complex intercontinental media program for one of our technology clients. Most recently, I facilitated in-house logistics for a client, transitioning agency ownership to teams in Mexico and Singapore, which the client lauded as their most seamless handover. I thrive in undefined environments, maintaining an ability to think critically and creatively without finite guidelines.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program?
The Michigan Ross OMBA Program strikes the perfect balance of online flexibility, live engagement, and in-person elements while allowing me to retain my employment. I have been wary of disrupting my vertical growth at work, but I feel that I am now in a position that will inform my classroom questions and immediately benefit from the knowledge I will gain.

What are you most looking forward to in the OMBA Program and at Ross? 
When I ask teams “why,” I am often met with a response of “well, that’s the way it’s always been done.” I find this mentality limiting. I yearn to be in a community where peers and professors elevate one another to push further. I am therefore looking forward to collaborating, challenging, and encouraging others in the OMBA Program and at Ross. In doing so, we can collectively form the strongest end result, based on diverse perspectives and pressure-tested ideas. Beyond the community, I also look forward to the global residencies for an immersive learning experience. I anticipate these courses will further develop my awareness as a global citizen and contribute positively to international marketing assignments at work.

How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career?
My current role sits at the cross-section of media management, analytics, operations, and international business. Additionally, I am passionate about defining goals and developing the tools, frameworks, and executional excellence practices to accomplish them. Ross will help ensure that I have a thorough understanding of business complexities to lead an effective team. Ultimately, I hope to become a stronger employee, leader, and consultant who continues to be socially responsible and has a leadership position within a multinational company by pursuing my MBA at Ross.

What has been your first impression of Ross? 
I was initially wary of distance learning. Fortunately, I have found the classes to be thorough, engaging, and demanding. My viewpoints have already been expanded, which, in turn, has begun to enhance how I approach challenges thanks to the course material we’ve been taught. I was nervous that OMBA students would feel less connected to the student body, but everyone has been extremely approachable, and the immediate sense of community is astounding. The school pride is palpable, and it feels great to be a part of something bigger.

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience so far?
I attended OMBA Welcome Weekend on campus in September and highly encourage future cohorts to do so. It was great to transition virtual acquaintances into real-life friendships. It has made all subsequent online classes much richer, as we are now more connected as a group.

Adora Nwodo

Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria (Currently living in Texas)
Current position/company: Platform engineering manager at Stack Overflow
Undergraduate school/major: University of Lagos, computer science
Graduate school/major: Georgia Tech, computer science

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far? 
I'd pick two: making organization-level decisions at my company, and authoring seven tech books that are in libraries at top schools around the world.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross OMBA Program? 
The experience, the community, and the opportunity to step into bigger leadership roles more confidently.

What are you most looking forward to in the OMBA Program and at Ross? 
All the residencies for sure. I'm always happy to meet and collaborate with people in the program. 

How do you believe pursuing your MBA at Ross will help you in your career? 
Ross will expose me to more amazing people from different backgrounds who could inspire me. I'm excited to leverage the network and connect with people with whom I can build things. Pursuing an MBA at Ross will sharpen my leadership and business skills to scale my impact in tech and entrepreneurship.

What has been your first impression of Ross? 
Amazing! I had the best time during the Welcome Weekend, and I was able to watch my first-ever football game. I've also taken two courses that have taught me about things I had no clue about before, so I'm a better person than I was two months ago.

Anything else you'd like to add about your experience so far? 
This is one of the best MBA programs in the world, and I'm truly excited to be transformed by its awesomeness.