Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Yoro Sidibe, TCU Neeley

Yoro Sidibe

“Servant leader, philanthropist, and visionary, with a positive mind and a passion for learning and creativity”

Hometown: Dakar, Senegal

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a global nomad with friends on every continent. I’ve visited more than 12 countries and lived in five big cities, and I’m always up for a new adventure.

Undergraduate School and Major: Norfolk State University, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Norfolk State University Athletics Business Office Accounting Intern

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
My most significant career achievement centers around creating and launching a nonprofit basketball camp, named Africa NextGen, that has given more than 500 children an opportunity to experience the sport of basketball – all in under two years. This achievement holds a special place in my heart, as it represents a transformational journey from my own upbringing, where I didn’t have access to basketball camps and basic resources to achieve success. Having been recognized by the NCAA through their AASP Career Development Award and invited to a panel by the United States Department of State Sports Diplomacy for my nonprofit’s community service work, I consider this my greatest accomplishment because I utilized my passion for the game to reach countless kids, bridging the gap I once felt growing up. Read more about the camp here.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?
I’ve chosen to pursue an MBA to invest in my professional development and enhance my nonprofit leadership. This will allow me to apply business strategies to grow our impact and inspire others through my journey. Additionally, it prepares me for obtaining my CPA and launching my career at Deloitte, creating a dynamic combination of nonprofit and corporate success.

What word best describes the TCU MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far?
The word that best describes the TCU MBA students and alumni I’ve encountered so far is “family.” I’ve been incredibly impressed by the strong sense of community at TCU. When I was considering joining TCU, I reached out to several alumni, and their willingness to provide essential information and support reinforced my belief that TCU is the right place for me. The sense of support within the TCU MBA network truly makes it feel like a close family.

Aside from classmates, what was the key part of TCU’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?
The Neeley Promise: The Neeley School of Business unleashes human potential with leadership at the core and innovation in our spirit. This guiding credo’s emphasis on unleashing human potential, leadership and innovation, drew me to TCU’s MBA program. My journey to TCU required a lot of hard work, and I believe my personal efforts, the guidance of a higher power, and the incredible support system I had played a significant role. From limited resources to winning championships in Europe, claiming the State Championships in New York, securing two MEAC tournament wins, and participating in NCAA Division 1 March Madness twice, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University, and now pursuing my MBA at TCU, my story is a testament to the transformative power of dreams and hard work.

I chose TCU to show others who are less fortunate what dreams can give them. I wanted to be part of the TCU community to inspire the next generation who may be less fortunate, showing them that dreams and determination can be powerful tools in changing their lives. The TCU brand and its focus on community align with my own values and aspirations, making it the perfect place for me to make a meaningful impact and pay forward the support I’ve received on my journey.

What is your favorite course as an MBA and/or favorite professor and why?
My favorite MBA course so far has been Financial Management, taught by Dr. Traweek. Her teaching style made finance remarkably easy to comprehend and even made me consider pursuing a concentration in finance. She described finance as the act of trading marshmallows across time and space, which greatly facilitated my understanding of the concept.

What club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at TCU?
I have found the MBA START workshop and the football tailgate at TCU to be highly valuable experiences. The MBA START workshop has been instrumental in preparing me for the semester, offering me insights into TCU’s resources and student expectations. It also played a very important role in my preparation for the Dell Case Competition. Initially, I faced challenges presenting in front of my cohort, but as we progressed to presenting in front of Dell executives for the Dell Case Competition, I felt more comfortable.

I attribute this improvement to the valuable experience, knowledge and confidence gained from START. The football tailgates were an enjoyable and informal opportunity to connect with peers. I also appreciated the chance to network with second-year students and students from other departments. I am still new to TCU, but I am excited to explore more of what the university has to offer in terms of clubs and activities.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far?
My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been being elected as a class representative. This role demonstrates that my peers trust me to represent their interests. It also provides me with an opportunity to make a difference in my MBA program and at TCU.

What surprised you the most about business school?
What surprised me most about business school was the remarkable support and resources from the career management and student engagement team. They have gone above and beyond to create an environment for our success. Personal development opportunities and tools provided have exceeded my expectations. The team’s résumé-building tips and valuable advice have been instrumental and highly supportive.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list post your MBA?
The top two items on my professional bucket list post my MBA are:
1. Build a successful career at Deloitte, contributing to the firm’s growth and making a significant impact.
2. Continue to grow my nonprofit with the ultimate goal of transforming it into a school, providing educational opportunities for underserved children, and furthering the mission of empowerment and education.

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