Joining a Global Network of Proven Leaders: Meet the Michigan Ross Executive MBA Class of 2027

Members of the Michigan Ross EMBA Class of 2027 hail from 17 U.S. states and seven countries. The majority of the class has three to 15 years of supervisory experience, with an average of eight years. Additionally, the majority of the class brings seven to 21 years of full-time work experience, with an average of 14 years. Their collective experience spans 29 industries, including healthcare, technology, financial services, and government/military. Thirteen percent hold positions as C-suite executives, owners, or presidents, and 38% have already earned at least one advanced degree.

The cohort members began their EMBA journeys in August, kicking off 21 months of rigorous coursework, action-based learning experiences, general leadership development, networking, and more.

Meet four members of the newest Michigan Ross Executive MBA class below.

Chad Bertrand, MBA ’27 

Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Current position/company: Co-founder and CEO, Oddacity Co.
Undergraduate school/major: University of California, Los Angeles, English

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
During my tenure at UNINTERRUPTED, I worked with LeBron James and Maverick Carter as part of the early team responsible for building the brand from the ground up. I helped shape the company’s first business models around viewership and branded content, collaborating with global athletes and partners to drive growth that fueled a 1,200% increase in audience development. Those efforts laid the foundation for what is now the SpringHill Co., which has since expanded its influence through a merger with Fulwell 73 and is valued in the upper nine figures today. Weekly exposure to Maverick’s strategic thinking and deal-making gave me a front-row seat to one of the brightest business minds in sports and entertainment. Both my co-founder, Heather Smith, and I draw on those lessons from our early days at UNINTERRUPTED, and they remain central to how we scale Oddacity Co. today.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross EMBA Program?
Building Oddacity Co. has shown me the importance of sharpening my skills as a leader while continuing to create meaningful impact. Through our venture studio, which I lead in partnership with NBA champion Metta World Peace and his Artest Management Group, we are incubating new companies and developing an investment fund designed for athletes and celebrities to hold meaningful ownership stakes in each venture. To advance this work effectively, I wanted to deepen my foundation in finance, leadership, and strategy. The mission of Oddacity Co. is to ensure that talent can translate their cultural influence into long-term equity, and the Ross EMBA Program equips me to deliver on that mission at a higher level while leading with clarity and confidence.

What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
I bring a founder’s perspective shaped by more than a decade in sports, entertainment, and tech. I’ve worked with marquee celebrities, iconic brands such as Nike and Sprite, and platforms including Snapchat to build businesses that merge culture with commerce. Having grown Oddacity Co. into an emerging firm, I understand both the entrepreneurial challenges of scaling a company and the strategic demands of managing investors and partners. My background at the intersection of creativity and business, from crafting global marketing campaigns to structuring new growth models, gives me a perspective I’m excited to contribute to my cohort.

What made the Ross EMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
Ross stood out because of its global network and the lasting community it creates, which was important to me as I looked to stretch my relationships beyond Los Angeles. The collaborative culture also resonated with how I want to grow as a leader and business builder. On a personal level, Ross feels like home since my family’s history spans multiple generations. I’ve had family members graduate from Ross, suit up as players for Michigan Football, and rise to leadership in the athletic department, which makes being part of this program especially meaningful.

What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
Applying new frameworks directly to Oddacity Co. in real time excites me most, especially in how I approach incubating companies, structuring investments, and leading teams. The chance to refine these areas while learning from peers across industries is invaluable, since those perspectives often spark new ways of thinking.

How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
The program will give me the discipline and frameworks to grow Oddacity Co. into a firm that builds lasting businesses. It will strengthen how I approach leadership and decision-making as a CEO, directly impacting the athletes and celebrities we partner with. In the long run, the experience will serve as the foundation for building multiple investment funds and a firm that creates meaningful cultural and economic impact.

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience so far?
The program has already proven valuable by influencing how I approach my work at Oddacity Co. Equally impactful is the sense of community, where the support and collaboration of the cohort create an environment that pushes me to keep growing.

Nicolle Marinec, MBA ’27 

Hometown: San Francisco, California
Current position/company: Health services research/project management, Department of Veterans Affairs
Undergraduate school/major: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.S. in community health education

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
Working in healthcare research has allowed me to explore ways to make mental health care more accessible. To date, my greatest professional accomplishment centers on a research study that tested an AI-driven approach to cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain. Our team built a platform that delivered an automated telephone intervention with AI integration, where our AI system adjusted treatment in real time based on patient feedback. The system decreased the amount of therapist time needed while achieving meaningful results in improving people’s pain and daily function. This experience was a game-changer for patients and therapists because it means we can help more people with cost-effective and scalable technology, using our resources thoughtfully to expand access to mental health care.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross EMBA Program?
Simply put, Michigan Ross is the best. I chose to enroll in the Michigan Ross EMBA Program because over the last few years, my work shifted, and it became clear that if I wanted to be more engaged in decision-making around programs I lead, an MBA would provide the necessary tools to demonstrate our program’s value to our stakeholders on local and national levels. The Michigan Ross program particularly appealed to me because it draws a well-rounded group of people from different backgrounds. When I met the EMBA cohort during a preview day, I got to see the reality of the Michigan Ross EMBA – the academic rigor and fantastic faculty made it an easy decision to commit to the program. And beyond academics, the phenomenal training opportunities and resources from the Zell Lurie Institute and the Sanger Leadership Center are incredible and set Michigan Ross even further apart from other EMBA programs.

What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
Working in the healthcare and research spaces is a unique element I add to our cohort. I have experience creating tailored products and content to address challenges around chronic disease management. I have also been able to translate domestic research and projects into international spaces, focusing on integrating accessible technology in resource-strained areas. By working within the technical constraints of rural areas in Central and South America, I have had the opportunity to think creatively when designing functional and low-cost solutions.

What made the Ross EMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
The Michigan Ross EMBA Program was my top choice for a few standout reasons: I love that our faculty teach both the Ann Arbor and Los Angeles cohorts, because it enables cohesion in our EMBA32 class. The on-campus orientation in Ann Arbor was a true standout as well, because our entire class from Ann Arbor and LA met on the UM campus to kick off our program together with a week of classes, meeting faculty, and getting to know each other. The commitment to establishing our presence in Los Angeles is another reason that choosing the Ross Los Angeles campus was my first choice. There are several MBA programs on the West Coast, but none of them have the focus on the EMBA experience and student journey as dialed in as Michigan Ross. 

What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
Working in strategic teams has been a phenomenal experience already, and I cannot wait to continue to work in different groups throughout the program with the rest of our cohort, especially considering the opportunity to focus on our electives week and ExecMAP immersion project. One thing that surprised me is that so early on, our learning is taking place inside and outside the classroom. Our cohort is networking and problem-solving challenges that come up in real time at work, and our group is proving to be an invaluable asset to each other. I am inspired by what we’ve done in such a short time, and I can’t wait to continue.

How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
From the moment I joined the Michigan Ross EMBA Program, it opened my eyes to opportunities I would never have otherwise. From Zell Lurie’s Product Innovation Program to the access to faculty who are experts in their field, truly engaged and excited to think through current work challenges we encounter. I know that Ross will be a lifelong asset, from the alumni network to the executive education opportunities after graduation. The EMBA Program provides an entirely new lens through which to approach my work. Looking at financial statements, assessing and discussing accounting and finance principles, and thinking about marketing strategies are topics I have gained immense knowledge in after only a few months, and have already been able to apply at my current job.

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience so far?
Interweaving school into your life is an art form – but it is incredibly rewarding. I can’t recommend these things enough: attend an online information session, go to an MBA fair, schedule a call to learn more about Michigan Ross, and attend a Preview Day. By doing a mini-immersion in Ross, you will get the most accurate perception of how aligned the program is with what you’re hoping to achieve. My only regret is not having started the program a few years ago.

Filippo Sparacino, MBA ’27

Hometown: Venice, Italy
Current position/company: Senior manager, strategy and value creation, Deloitte
Undergraduate school/major: University of Padova, MSc in business administration

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far? 
I was lucky enough that my career was enriched not only through great consumer brands but also in the coordination of marketing products to markets. I have been involved in launching several car models and luxury yachts in different segments. One of my best accomplishments was undertaking an initiative to create a new “crossover” segment in the luxury yacht market for an unparalleled yachting experience. I supported the concept development with design teams by analyzing key features, including an eco-friendly solution package, revolutionary layouts, eco-friendly materials, and detailed product content. I was engaged to create new storytelling ensuring commercial positioning, and developed a communication brief and a new product interactive website. It all started from a blank paper with the designers, and brought to the market successfully. True excitement!

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross EMBA Program?
For me, Michigan Ross has always been at the top of my mind when considering an MBA. At this time, and thanks to the level of experience across excellent industrial and commercial environments, the Executive MBA at Ross was the perfect format to enlarge and boost the business skills to manage the complexities of tomorrow. It is a pivotal moment for the economy and technology, and the right time to establish refreshed foundations through one of the best EMBA programs in the world.

What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
My goal is to bring a unique and complementary perspective on doing business in Europe, from operations to organizational culture. I also bring my love for marketing and consumer brands and a culture of innovation and excellence.

What made the Ross EMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
The Ross EMBA focuses on combining leadership development with hard skills. This is what is needed for a senior professional from a management background to achieve unique aptitudes and readiness to drive global businesses. For me, choosing Ross was a proud moment since it is consistently ranked among the top EMBA programs worldwide.

What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I look forward to learning from a unique cohort of high achievers and professionals from a variety of backgrounds and industries. From the faculty, I expect to gain the right set of skills and preparation to tackle business dynamics in a world that is changing much faster than it was 10 years ago when I started my career.

How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
It is early to say, but I will take any opportunity to enrich myself during the program to become a better person and have a greater impact on exciting new projects, organizations, and people. This is a rare opportunity to take a unique path and prepare to shape the future of revolutionary brands and technologies and impact society.

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience so far?
My experience so far has exceeded any expectations. The first day was special and emotional as an international student coming into the program. The teamwork opportunities are great, and I’m already feeling a sense of improvement. It is a great program, from faculty, to staff, and the student candidates. What truly excites me is the chance to meet new people and build my network. I am very proud to take the Ross name with me. 

Antoinette Chukudebelu, MBA ’27

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Current position/company: Head of people, GiveCampus
Undergraduate school/major: University of Pittsburgh, history and communications

What is your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
I have been fortunate to hold roles that positively impact both people and business performance. As an executive, I help startup companies scale and grow by strengthening their most important asset — their people. One of my greatest professional accomplishments was leading my first merger. The process required creativity, critical thinking, strong execution, and perseverance. Despite the challenges, we maintained over 80% retention, engaged in strategic planning, and positioned the business for continued growth. This accomplishment stands out because of its complexity. Effective change management was critical, and I was able to focus on understanding and addressing employee concerns while balancing business objectives. The success of that integration — and the fact that the company continues to thrive today — remains a point of deep pride for me.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross EMBA Program?
While I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in my career, I know there’s still more I want to achieve. I chose the Michigan Ross EMBA Program to deepen my executive skill set and to learn alongside accomplished peers who are also pursuing the next phase of their leadership journey. Joining the Michigan Ross community also holds personal significance — both of my parents are U-M alums. Continuing that legacy of excellence, academic rigor, and pride is an honor. To wear the Block M as part of the Michigan tradition means you are a part of something bigger than yourself. 

What made the Ross EMBA Program stand out to you versus other programs?
Although I’ve lived in New York City for more than 20 years and have access to some of the world’s best business opportunities, there’s truly no program like the Michigan Ross EMBA. As a proud mom of four, I wanted a program that not only offers world-class academics but also understands and supports executives managing demanding personal and professional lives.

The Ross curriculum strengthens my ability to make sound business decisions and is anchored in the Michigan Model of Leadership — a framework that helps me reflect on my strengths and areas for growth. Despite my busy schedule, the program fits seamlessly into my life, and I find myself applying what I learn directly to my work every day.

What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I’m most excited to expand my network and learn from the incredible colleagues and alumni in the Ross community. I look forward to applying new insights to my current role and continuing to evolve as a leader. Opportunities such as the ExecMAP and exposure to the Zell Lurie Institute will allow me to explore new areas of business that I’ve always wanted to experience. I believe the program will be a catalyst for my transformation from a good leader into a great one. With each class, I become better equipped to design and lead high-performing organizations. 

How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
I’m confident Ross will open doors I didn’t even know existed. The curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge me, helping me grow into a stronger, more strategic, and more self-aware leader. It will enhance my existing strengths, accelerate my development areas, and equip me to lead with greater impact.

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience so far?
As a mom, it’s important to me to demonstrate that women can continue to excel and lead at the highest levels of business. The Ross EMBA offers a truly transformative experience that empowers you to do just that. Balancing work, family, and education can be challenging, but the program provides the support, flexibility, and inspiration needed to thrive. It’s a community that uplifts leaders — especially women — to show up fully and authentically in every part of their lives.