Participants

Stephen MacDonald - I received my Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees from the University of Manitoba in Neuroscience, and came to Atlanta in 2000 for post-doctoral research at Emory University in molecular neuroscience. I transitioned out of academic research in 2002 into a position as a patent agent with Holland & Knight LLP and moved to Kilpatrick Stockton LLP and then to King & Spalding LLP where I currently work.  I am an active member of Georgia Bio and I serve as chairman of the Georgia Bio’s Emerging Leaders Network which is their young professionals division. I am in the Robinson College of Business Professional MBA program and I hope to move into a career in biotech venture capital upon graduation.  As a patent agent for King & Spalding's Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Intellectual Property Practice Group, I am registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  I engage in patent prosecution, litigation IP due diligence, freedom to operate, patentability, and validity opinions relating to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, drug delivery and medical devices for start up biotech companies and their venture capital investors.  My interests and hobbies encourage my more artistic side and include travel, history, stained glass design, and hiking.  I love to spend time remodeling my house and I play the cello in a small community orchestra.

 

Aimee Murray - Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, I am proud to call myself a sixth generation Floridian (for not many people can say that). My family moved to Valdosta in 1999, where they currently live. I attended Valdosta State University for 2 years (one while still in high school) and am currently a senior accounting major at Georgia State. I plan on graduating after our trip to Egypt and Dubai. This trip will be my first outside of the United States.

 

 

Marisol Chalas -I was born in Bani, Dominican Republic and moved to Lynn, MA at the age of 9.  I’m the oldest of four girls.  I graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a BS in Marine Engineering in 1996.  Two days after graduation I moved to San Jose, CA to work for GE Nuclear Energy.  I moved to Atlanta in 1999. I recently left GE and am now working for Booz Allen Hamilton as an Associate supporting the Government sector.  I’m also a part-time Soldier with the GA Army National Guard; I have served for 17 years, my current job is  Headquarters Company Commander and Blackhawk pilot.  I’m excited to be part of this adventure.  I love traveling and learning about other cultures. I  have had the opportunity to travel as far as Kenya and most of Europe and Asia. I chose to travel to Egypt & Dubai to experience entrepreneurship from a global perspective.  My ultimate goal is become a successful entrepreneur in the Dominican Republic in the Commercial Real Estate Sector.  Currently, I am pursuing a PMBA with a dual concentration in Entrepreneurship & Commercial Real Estate, on track to graduate December 2008. 

 

Lee Harrop - I was born in Provo, Utah in a movie theater.  I grew up primarily in St. Louis, Phoenix, Charleston, SC and Oslo, Norway.  I’ve been in Atlanta since 1991 when I moved here to attend Georgia Tech where I studied Environmental and Civil Engineering.  I’ve been working as an engineering consultant ever since. Now I say that I'm a LEED Accredited Professional Engineer with a strong interest in environmentally sustainable initiatives (now if I can get that to fit on a business card.) I've recently accepted a new job with Atlanta BeltLine, Inc where I will head-up their Program Management Office. www.beltline.org  My partner and I live in Grant Park where I enjoy restoring my home, gardening, and obeying the whims of our two Boston Terriers.  I’m thrilled to have this chance to travel to Egypt and Dubai!

 

 

Tonia Nixon - I was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, located in Westchester County.  I lived in Virginia for six years, where I graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and a major in Information Systems and Decision Sciences.  Upon graduating, I relocated to Atlanta, GA.  Currently, I am pursuing my PMBA at GSU with a dual concentration in Entrepreneurship & International Entrepreneurship on track to graduate August 2008.  My passion in life is to become an entrepreneur and foster relationships with future business owners encouraging, empowering and training them on how to grow their businesses.  Ultimately, my goal is to leave a family business as a legacy to carry on for generations to come.  The study abroad trip to Egypt & Dubai is an awesome opportunity for me to experience entrepreneurship from a global perspective.  I am interested in learning more about each culture and am looking forward to learning about the role of small business and the impact it has in their respective economies.  When I am not in class, working or taking international trips, I’m volunteering in the community and working with senior citizens and young people.  Senior citizens have pioneered the way for my generation and my generation will pass the baton to the younger generation to complete their leg of the race.  My charge is to lead by example, reach and teach as many young people as possible and ensure they are trained for running the race with endurance.  Learning, growing and contributing to the lives of people and receiving the same in return is what encourages me to become a life learner.

 

Jessica Lagatare - I was born in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a suburb outside of Chicago. I moved to Atlanta in 1996, and been here ever since. I am a marketing major at Georgia State University and plan on graduating in the summer of 2008. In August 2005, I received my real estate license and have been pursuing my real estate career on my spare time. I also currently work at Bath & Body Works in Atlantic Station. My job title there is Sales Leader, which is part of the management team. I absolutely love working there because the environment is fun, enjoyable, and interesting. I find my job there fascinating because I get to meet so many different people from all over the world. I am really looking forward to traveling to Egypt and Dubai and learning experience this trip has to offer. I believe this trip will help me further my knowledge in the business field and the different cultures that are the in the business world.

 

Fazana Creighton - Born and raised in metro Atlanta, I received my undergraduate degree in Economics and Anthropology from Emory University. I'm currently getting my MBA with an Information Systems concentration. This trip will finish out my degree at GSU. In addition to taking a full course load this year, I also work full-time for UPS with responsibilities for UPS.com and web analytics. I love to travel. I've stepped foot in 38 of the states and DC, with Alaska as the newest addition. Outside of the US, I've visited various cities in Canada, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan, St. Lucia, and Vietnam all for leisure. Currently, my husband and I are planning a trip to Prague, Czech Republic and possibly neighboring countries for November 2007. This trip to Egypt and Dubai will be my first business-oriented trip and visit to the Middle East. My other interests include photography, golf, and reading.

 

Emma Flack - I was born in Puerto Rico, where I lived for 9 years; and have lived on the U.S. mainland for more than 20 years. My travels have included the Caribbean (U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and many more) and Europe (Spain, Italy, France, and neighboring islands). My creative flair led me to pursue a career in communications, which has spanned several forms of media (PR, advertising, corporate communications, marketing). In addition, I am a newspaper and magazine feature writer, book editor, and have worked in television broadcasting. For several years, I have owned my own businesses. Through the Professional MBA Program, I seek to expand my expertise in business and explore my deep interest in international entrepreneurship, particularly in the Latin American market.

 

Michael Bookman - I’m a South Carolina native now residing in Atlanta Ga. I received my BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from South Carolina State University. Currently I’m a PMBA student at the Robinson College of Business with an expected graduation date in August 2008. I deal in imports with a major retailer and wish to gain more international exposure, thus this trip. Engineering has always fascinated me but business was the one thing I knew I had to have in order to get to that next level. I’m excited about the trip to Egypt as it has always been on my places to visit list. As an aspiring entrepreneur I’m looking forward learning about how business is transacted in both Egypt and Dubai as compared with modern western culture. Lastly, I love to travel and I enjoy all sports especially football. (GO Steelers!!!!)

 

 

Christa Carson - I was born in East Lansing, Michigan and got my undergrad degree in Finance from Michigan State University in 2000. After graduation I moved to Chicago, IL and have held several finance positions with Motorola, Inc. and then Citigroup, Inc. In May 2005 there was an opening for a Forecasting, Planning, and Analytics position with Citigroup in Atlanta supporting The Home Depot Credit Services. My husband convinced me to move south and say goodbye to harsh winters and snow and off we went to Marietta, GA. I started the PMBA program in the fall of 2007 and have found the program challenging, engaging professors, and wonderful, smart, supportive classmates. I am excited to learn from entrepreneurs in a different culture and travel to a part of the world that I have not been to before.

 

 

 

 

Will Clark - My name is Will Clark; I was born in Albany, GA and I’ve been in Georgia ever since. I am a junior at GA State and my major is Business Economics. I plan on starting my own business so this study abroad trip is right up my ally. Currently I work in marketing for Vitamin Water and also I work at Quik Trip. I’ve been playing drums for about eight years and played in bands for five years. I am very excited about learning from all the entrepreneurs and hearing their words of wisdom and experiences. I plan to use this knowledge to gain a better understanding of international business and help me start a successful business. The different cultural experience will teach me a lot since I have never been outside the US. I know this trip will be a lot of hard work but I also plan on having the time of my life. I’ll be turning 21 in Dubai so make sure everyone brings gifts! Just kidding of course…..

 

Keith Williams - Currently I am in the PMBA program with an expected graduation date of August 2008. I moved to Atlanta from Montreal, Canada in 1999. I graduated from Trent University in 1994 with a Bachelors in history and politics. As an undergraduate I was involved in the International Student program but never took advantage of the study abroad programs. I promised myself if I ever had an opportunity to study abroad I would do it. This trip is the opportunity I have always wanted. I am extremely excited to be able to experience and learn about entrepreneurship in two countries that I have always wanted to visit. I believe my years of growing up in a multicultural city like Montreal and my travel experience throughout Europe, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Canada will help me on this trip. Having worked in sales the majority of my career, my long term goals are to pursue entrepreneurship and this trip will be beneficial to my future aspirations.   

 

Bonita Vincent - I was born and raised in Eutaw, AL. I received my undergraduate degree in Computer Science from the University of Alabama. Upon graduation, I moved to Austin, TX where I lived for almost six years before moving to Atlanta. Soon after moving to Atlanta, I enrolled in Robinson's Professional MBA program and will graduate in August 2008. I am a Software Engineer at IBM where I am responsible for developing enterprise solutions using middleware technologies. I work in a diverse team environment which includes software developers from across the U.S. and in Cairo. Therefore, I very excited to have this opportunity to visit Cairo and Dubai, and I look forward to learning about international entrepreneurship in these emerging economies.

 

Gabriel Uriegas - Born in Gainesville, Georgia, I have been back and forth between G.A and Galveston, Texas, where my grandparents live, since I was a toddler. My major at Georgia State University is marketing and I plan to graduate in 2009, after I take the LSAT in the Fall of 2008. My mother was a police officer and paralyzed in a car accident while on duty. Her injuries were caused by faulty safety features recognized to be insufficient by Ford Motor Company, yet still installed and put into production. It is my goal to use my business education and law degree to force major corporations to insure they don’t produce products which will harm their customers or a plaintiff’s lawyer to collect punitive damages from those companies that do. With this trip I hope to gain a more broadened view of the world economy and customary business standards in other countries. My father is an accomplished international sales manager with Saint Gobain Abrasives, and I would like nothing more than to follow in his successful footsteps through the business world. I have never traveled outside of the country, but I am looking forward to it with the utmost enthusiasm.

 

Christopher Dumas - What’s going on everyone? My name is Christopher Dumas, but Chris works for me. I was born in Eureka, California on December 25, 1986 at General Hospital (yes there really is a General Hospital in California). Most people ask me if it’s bad having my birthday on Christmas. Yeah, it sucks. My family moved to Decatur, Georgia in 1995, and shortly after to Stone Mountain where I still live today. I am a really nice, down-to-earth, fun, and just an overall great person. I am a Junior at Georgia State University, pursuing a dual degree in Risk Management and Finance. My first year of college was spent at the University of West Georgia; I highly don’t recommend it. In my free time you can catch me with my friends, playing basketball, watching ESPN/CNN, or hanging out with my sister. I am excited about the opportunity to go on this trip. I have never traveled over seas before, and can’t wait to see a totally different part of the world. I look forward to traveling with and meeting all of you!

 

 

Musu Curran - Although I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I am an African at heart. My name Musu, originates from the Vai tribe of Liberia which means “beautiful women”. Currently, I am a junior seeking a marketing degree from Georgia State University. Words can not describe how much this experience means to me. Egypt and Dubai have contributed so much to the world we live in today. For instance, think about some of the inventions attributed to Ancient Egyptians, including the sailboats, black ink, and paper, just to name a few. The most intriguing part of Egypt’s history that never ceases to amaze me is the construction of the great pyramids. With all the advancements of the modern world, engineers still can not fathom how the Ancient Egyptians were able to construct such masterful works of structural art, composed of blocks weighing more than one ton each! I hope that by traveling to Egypt I will learn more about Egyptian history and the role Egypt is playing today in business and commerce. Dubai, on the other hand, has become one of the most prominent emerging markets in the Middle East and the world. I look forward to learning more about Dubai’s business investment opportunities; its state of the art telecommunications industry; the expansive real estates development that is taking place; and most importantly, spend some time exploring the beautiful and expansive coastlands and beaches of this gorgeous country. When I return home from this expedition, I hope that I will gain insight of new business opportunities and enlighten my friends and family about these two very different countries.

 

Yasmeen Johnson - I was born and raised in New Jersey. I moved to Atlanta to attend Spelman College where I received a BA in Economics. After graduation, I stayed in Atlanta and accepted a position with a large consulting firm. I am currently enrolled in the Flexible MBA Program with a concentration in Organization Management. I am looking forward to my first study abroad experience and the opportunity to learn about the business practices in Egypt and Dubai. My long term goal is to provide business management, marketing, and accounting services to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

 

 

 

Brittany Brewer - My name is Brittany Brewer and I am originally from Long Beach, CA. I now attend Georgia State of course and my major is marketing but will be changing it to accounting. I love to travel and experience new places even though I haven't really been anywhere I'm hoping
that this will be the first of many far and exciting trips. I am very much looking forward to this trip and what it has to offer.
I just think this is so cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jewelle Kennedy - I was born in Fresno, California but have lived in Atlanta all my life. I will graduate with a B.B.A in Real Estate in May 2009 at Georgia State University. However, I do have the opportunity to graduate a semester early. I am the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Real Estate Club (REC) at Georgia State and I am very proud of everything we have done with the organization thus far. I am blessed to have successful entrepreneurs as parents that guide me in the direction towards the business world and show me the luxury of “being your own boss.” I want to go a step further by getting hands-on experience in international business and this trip to Egypt and Dubai is the best opportunity I have came across, especially being able to see some of the world’s greatest real estate development projects. I have never been outside of the country even though my dad is from London and I have relatives living in Jamaica, Australia and China, so I am absolutely thrilled about this trip! My goal is to become a successful, commercial real estate developer and take on projects similar to Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta. It will be great to do a project like the Burj Dubai too. I can’t wait to meet everyone and I know we will have a great time there!

 

Raymond Brooks II - I was born in Panama City, Panama but moved around quite a bit, I finally touchdown in Atlanta in 2000, spending most of my adolescent life here.  I am currently a senior at Georgia State University and anticipate graduating at the end of the summer.  I am a licensed real estate agent but my hectic course schedule has limited my activity.  In my spare time I play the trumpet (or try to anyways...lol) or go to the few jazz lounges this great city has to offer.  On a side note I will be going on this trip with another fellow member of my Real Estate Club which I believe will be very exciting especially to see the real estate boom going on in Dubai (we will have much to talk about).   I believe this trip will be an experience of a life time, (no more watching the discovery or travel channel just wishing to be there).   I really look forward to meeting the people going and gaining the knowledge I probably would not have acquired on my own quest through life.

 

Germaine Bly - I was born in Madison, GA. I have been living in Atlanta for the last three years. I will be graduating in May of 2009 with a B.B.A in Real Estate. I am a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and The National Scholars Honor Society. I am currently in the process of trying to starting my own business. This opportunity to Study Abroad in Egypt and Dubai is hopefully going to be the stepping stone that propels me into a life time of success. I’m also a very fun and outgoing guy looking to enjoy myself.

 

 

 

 

 

Linda Launey – I was born in New Orleans, LA where I grew up a few blocks from the French Quarter.  I ventured to Oxford, GA in 1996 to attend Oxford College of Emory University pursuing a degree in business and graduated in 2000 from the Goizuetta Business School at Emory.  Over the past seven years I have been working at IBM in multiple sales and marketing related roles.  My goal is to transition into the field of human resources and I am pursuing my MS in HR at GSU.  I am an entrepreneur by nature and eventually hope to open my own business filled with intriguing imported goods from around the world including art, jewelry, furniture, etc...  I live in the Grant Park area where I have several properties and act as a landlord.  I am totally looking forward to the Egypt & Dubai trip and am sure it will be “the water” that will nurture my “entrepreneurial seed”!!! I can’t wait to learn and explore.

 

Dewanna Burke - I am a native Georgian from the “Good Life” city of Albany. As a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, I received a B.A. in Mass Media Arts. I am currently pursing my graduate business degree at Georgia State in the Professional MBA program. With my MBA, I plan to pursue my interest in brand management. My international travels include Swaziland, Africa and the western Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy and a few boarding countries). I plan to use this trip as a cornerstone for expanding my interests in international marketing and entrepreneurship.

 

Sudhir Botcha - I was born and educated in India.  I have a masters in Computers from National Institute of Technology, India.  I am currently enrolled with the PMBA 2009 cohort.    I have 11 years of experience in IT and Management consulting.    Prior to moving to Atlanta in 2006, I lived in Boston for 6 years and 2 years in the Netherlands.  I traveled domestically and internationally due to my consulting background.  I enjoy traveling, exploring new places and cultures.  I enjoy playing and watching cricket.   I am excited to be part of Study abroad trip to Dubai and Egypt.  This is an excellent opportunity for me to understand the business environment in Middle Eastern region.

 

 

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