Benedicta Maame Nyarko-Mensah

University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

“Passionate leader dedicated to continuous learning and impactful solutions.”

Hometown: Akrokerri, Ghana

Fun Fact About Yourself: I channel my creativity through spoken word poetry and often take the stage to share it.

Undergraduate School and Major: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, School of Business / BSc Business Administration (First Class Honors)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Standard Bank Group / Associate, Energy & Infrastructure, Investment Banking

Michigan Ross is best known for experiential learning programming like MAP, Living Business Leadership Experience, and the Leadership Crisis Challenge. What experiential program interests you the most (and why)?  I am particularly interested in the Michigan Ross MAP (Multidisciplinary Action Projects) program. The chance to work with top-tier companies on real-world leadership challenges is an invaluable experience I eagerly anticipate.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Michigan Ross’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The robust alumni network and career support, as well as the leadership initiatives and programs at Michigan Ross, were significant factors in my decision. The school’s commitment to nurturing future business leaders aligns with my personal and professional aspirations.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Michigan Ross? The Global Immersion program at Michigan Ross is high on my list. Engaging with diverse business cultures and understanding global market dynamics firsthand is an experience I eagerly anticipate.

When you think of the Michigan Ross MBA program, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why?  Impactful because it is where budding leaders are honed to spearhead meaningful shifts in the business arena.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant accomplishment involved co-managing the successful funding of a groundbreaking natural gas pipeline and gas processing plant. This transformative initiative facilitated a shift for companies from imported, trucked diesel and heavy fuel oil to readily available local natural gas alternatives. The impact was profound, as it made piped natural gas more accessible and affordable for the local community, stimulating economic growth and sustainable development. Throughout the process, my expertise in financial modeling scenarios, negotiating contractual structures, and upholding environmental and social governance standards played a pivotal role. These projects have not only aligned with my home country’s climate change objectives, but also actively promoted the use of low-carbon fuels, making a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions in the region. This deal went on to win the EMEA Finance Africa 2022 Best Energy Infrastructure deal. I take immense pride in the positive and lasting impact of these efforts, and it reinforces my commitment to continue driving positive change for both the community and the environment in future endeavors.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)?  Delve further into investment banking, focusing on sustainable energy solutions. Leveraging my experience, I aim to take on strategic roles that bridge finance and sustainability. My long-term vision is to lead initiatives or teams that drive investments in green technologies and renewable energy. I aspire to establish a boutique investment banking firm dedicated to financing and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Michigan Ross’s MBA program? Showcase your unique strengths, demonstrate a clear career vision, and connect with current students and alumni to understand the school’s culture and values.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MICHIGAN ROSS MBA CLASS OF 2025