Masala KeAnne Thomas

Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

“Passionate problem-solver working on creating a more equitable world.”

Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Fun Fact About Yourself: I come from a family of cattle ranchers. 

Undergraduate School and Major: NA

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Recruiter at Chloeta LLC

What has been your favorite part of Nashville so far? Why? My favorite part of Nashville is the outdoors and hiking. Nashville is so beautiful, and there are so many places to go and explore.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The key part of why I chose Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA program is the small class size. I wanted to get to know all my classmates and professors on a one-on-one basis, and this program allows everyone to know you on that individual level.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Vanderbilt Owen? I enjoyed competing at the National Black MBA Association within the MBA case competition. I was able to work with amazing 2nd year students and learn so much in only the first month of school.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:  The biggest accomplishment in my career so far is leading a team of four recruiters on a recruitment project within my last company. This was my first time ever leading a team, and we were able to reach our goal of hiring over 100 new employees in a few months on a government contract.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far?  The biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far is winning 2nd place at the National Black MBA Association within the MBA case competition.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA student so far is being a part of the Healthcare Immersion during Fall Break. I was able to meet so many amazing healthcare leaders within Nashville, and I got to sit it on a surgery within the hospital. It was a lifelong dream of mine to be a doctor within an operating room.

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