Rayna Strasser-King

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

“Melodic soul on a mission to inspire, connect and uplift others through genuine, heartfelt relationships.”

Hometown: Palmdale, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a singer-songwriter of R&B/Pop/Soul music, and I just released my first EP album.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Southern California (USC), Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: McMaster-Carr, Customer Solutions

In the second half of the year, you will be completing an Academy devoted to areas like Marketing, Finance, Operations, Digital Enterprises and more. Which Academy interests you the most and why? Marketing interests me the most because of my passion for understanding consumers’ needs. My parents are from Sierra Leone. While on my visit in 2022, I was struck by the enterprising spirit of the young population, but also noticed the challenges they faced in bringing innovation to market. This experience fueled my desire to develop marketing strategies that support advancements in areas such as technology, healthcare, and education.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Indiana Kelley’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? After speaking with alumni, I was drawn to Kelley’s tight-knit community. The personalized attention from professors and faculty, who know students by name and are dedicated to their success, was crucial for me. I wanted a program where I could feel at home and receive the support needed to achieve my leadership goals in marketing. Kelley’s robust alumni network in marketing, known for their responsiveness and willingness to help, was a key factor in my decision.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Indiana Kelley? I’m most excited about taking a leadership role in the Africa Business Club (ABCK). My long-term goal is to give back to Sierra Leone and other African countries, and this club will enable me to connect with fellow students and collaborate on initiatives aimed at helping the continent. As a first-generation African immigrant, I’m eager to engage with the African Diaspora in the U.S., brainstorm solutions, and work with students who share my passion for addressing Africa’s challenges. I also plan to foster a community where African American students feel connected to their heritage and the continent of Africa. Additionally, I’m enthusiastic about Kelley’s GLOBASE trip and am particularly interested in visiting Botswana.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Indiana Kelley was the right program for you? Why? Kelley Experience Weekend (KEW) solidified my decision. The warmth and friendliness of everyone I met—current students, prospective students, and faculty—immediately made me feel at home. Brunch at a faculty member’s home highlighted the close-knit nature of the Kelley community and demonstrated the genuine care faculty have for student success.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As an assistant rental branch manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, my biggest accomplishment was leading and mentoring management trainees, successfully helping five of them secure promotions to management positions. I conducted after-hours sales training sessions and prepared them for a rigorous four-hour evaluation and interview. I focused on understanding their motivations and goals and provided unwavering support to ensure their success. Enterprise’s Management Trainee Program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of business operations and honed my leadership skills through hands-on experience in team management. Ultimately, this experience taught me that true leadership is not just about guiding others, but also about continuously evolving and empowering those around you to achieve their fullest potential.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? My unique quality is my ability to connect with others and find common ground, which fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. I excel at understanding diverse perspectives and motivating peers, creating a space to inspire and help each other succeed.

While serving as president of the Black Business Student Association during undergrad, a pivotal challenge emerged while organizing our flagship event, the Diversity Networking Conference involving more than 100 students and more than 15 corporate executives. Three executive board members fell short in promoting the event on campus and confirming the attendance of six executives. Rather than shouldering their responsibilities, I scheduled a meeting to understand their limited participation and formulate a solution. I learned they were pledging a fraternity, which consumed a significant amount of their time. I facilitated a dialogue empowering them to redelegate tasks that aligned better with their schedules, ensuring that the event’s deadline was met. Together, we rallied as a team and executed a successful event. I didn’t merely lead; I cultivated collaborative problem-solving. I learned to assume positive intent and the power of brainstorming diverse perspectives towards a solution. My commitment to nurturing cohesive team synergy has been a consistent thread throughout my journey.

In business school, teamwork and mutual support are essential for tackling complex projects and navigating challenges. By relating to others, I aim to inspire everyone to bring their authentic selves to light, enhancing the dynamic of our class. By finding common ground and encouraging others, I will help enhance the collective success of the Class of 2026, making our shared experiences more impactful and our achievements more significant.

DON’T MISS: MEET INDIANA KELLEY’S MBA CLASS OF 2026