University at Buffalo School of Management

24 Buffalo Business | BUSINESS ANALYTICS SOCIAL IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT BUSINESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LEADERSHIP Brady 24 Buffalo Business | BUSINESS ANALYTICS SOCIAL IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT BUSINESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LEADERSHIP Alumni Impact W hen Laura Schultz, BS Engineering/ MBA '24, mentioned to Dean Iyer her aspiration to work in food manufacturing in Buffalo, he swily reached out to Susan Steffan, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, to leverage the school's alumni network. Steffan connected Schultz with Rebecca Brady, a 2018 graduate of the M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs program and founder of Top Seedz, an artisan brand of crackers and roasted seeds. Top Seedz won the $1 million grand prize at the 2021 43North competition, and as the brand expands, Brady's engagement with CEL allows her to tap into the talent pool of the UB School of Management. "It's been a dream of mine to work in plant-based food manufacturing, using my engineering and management knowl- edge to make a difference. Helping others access vegan and nutritious products is an easy way to reduce our carbon footprint," says Schultz. "Being able to start my jour- ney as an engineer at a woman-owned company in my hometown is amazing." Like Brady, many School of Management alumni remain engaged at every stage in their careers — making an impact on student success around the globe by hiring graduates, welcoming prospective students, part- nering on research and more. Fostering connections Jayaprakash Balakrishnan, MS '12, is co-founder and cloud archi- tect of Digital Peak and serves as vice president of the UB Alumni India Network. His engagement as a School of Management alumnus is extensive. He has organized a day of service in India; mentored students through Connect-A-Bull, the online portal created by the UB Career Design Center to connect alumni and students; served as a resource to help UB students connect with friends and relatives in India during COVID and more. He also participates in the school's recruiting events in India, where he shares insights and inspires prospective students. "Jayaprakash's participation in our events is invaluable because it allows prospective students to find a connection with someone who has been in their shoes," says Jennifer Gammell, assistant dean for enrollment management. "Oen, speaking with an alumnus in your home country eases fears and doubts about taking the leap to study in the U.S., specifically at UB, and it allows prospective students to envision the path their lives can take aer they graduate." Balakrishnan says that connecting with students at events and discussing the financing of a UB education helped him understand the value of fundraising. He has also been able to leverage his own network to answer student questions about living in the United States. BY ALEXANDRA RICHTER Engaging for impact School of Management alumni foster connections, innovation and student success Balakrishnan, MS '12 Rebecca Brady, CEL '18, celebrates after winning the grand prize at the 2021 43North competition. Photo: Joshua Koester Photo: Cynthia Sapna

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