Sarrah Fanny

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“Bringing wit and depth to every room. Solution finder by day, adventure seeker always.”

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Fun Fact About Yourself: Using ChatGPT and a lot of detective work, I solved my hit-and-run case.

Undergraduate School and Major: Florida A&M University, Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: TripAdvisor, Product Manager

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? “Authentic Engagement” and “Collective Diversity” both resonate deeply with me. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of being my true self, but it wasn’t until my journey to business school that I really understood why. Looking back, I can see how every time I dared to be authentic—to show my quirks and vulnerabilities—my connections with others deepened. It reminds me of the mentors who’ve shaped me, how their candor created a safe space for growth.

Now, as I head to Fuqua, I’m excited to pay it forward. I want to be that person who shows up authentically, shares openly, and inspires others to do the same. I imagine us enriching this community where we all feel free to be ourselves, share our unique stories, learn from each other’s experiences, and grow together. That’s the type of MBA education you cannot get from a textbook.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I was drawn to Fuqua’s commitment to racial equity, especially its transparency in tracking progress. While researching schools, I noticed many made diversity pledges in 2020, but Fuqua stood out by actually publicly holding themselves accountable.

The Racial Equity Working Group’s annual scorecard really impressed me. It’s not just about making promises; it’s about showing the work, even when progress is slow. This level of openness resonates with my values and what I believe creates lasting change. I see it as a reflection of Fuqua’s integrity and its genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

To me, this transparency is a crucial part of the learning experience—it’s about walking the walk and constantly striving to do better. It’s the kind of approach I want to be part of and carry forward in my career.

What has been your first impression of the Fuqua MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Fuqua story so far. I was fortunate enough to interact with many alumni, students, and staff before applying through Fuqua through a mixer in Atlanta. I also attended The Duke MBA Workshop two years in a row. The 40th Duke MBA Workshop in 2022 was incredible; I couldn’t believe how dedicated and close-knit the alumni community was.

There’s one moment that’s forever etched in my brain. A student got on the mic and expressed their struggle with finding a job in tech, and alumni eagerly offered help, almost competing to assist. This experience gave me full-body chills and solidified my desire to be part of such a supportive community.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? The Workshop in Managerial Improvisation really stands out to me. I’ve never done improv before, but I’m thrilled by the challenge. I’ve always found my greatest growth comes from trying new things, and this four-day intensive seems perfect for that. I can already imagine the energy in the room as we dive into exercises, pushing our creative limits. To me, this workshop isn’t just about learning new content; it’s a chance to become more adaptable and quick-thinking. That’s what I’m looking for in my MBA journey: not just knowledge, but real growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Over the past eight years, one of my proudest achievements was working on personalization while at TripAdvisor. During my last six months at the company, I led a strategic project to personalize the experience by showing tags on certain top-rated hotels to help travelers pick a hotel that would most likely best fit their needs. I designed a pilot experiment targeting families and couples, which increased booking conversions by over 3%—a significant improvement in a metric typically difficult to influence quickly. Despite technical challenges and opposition from senior leadership, the successful launch of this pilot demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing user engagement and personalizing the experience.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? A successful MBA experience at Fuqua consists of three key aspects: relationships, knowledge, and impact. By graduation, I will feel confident that I’ve: 1) made meaningful connections; 2) learned valuable skills especially related to finance and entrepreneurship; and 3) contributed to the Fuqua community. My goals include enhancing my leadership abilities and expanding my comfort zone by embracing new experiences. It is my ultimate goal to graduate as a more versatile and self-assured professional, prepared to contribute to Fuqua again as an alumna.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Duke Fuqua’s MBA program?

Many people are intimidated by the 25 Random Things essay. Pro-tip: Create a note on your phone and compile the list over time. Show off your personality and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

Additionally, don’t go at it alone. Even if your loved ones are unfamiliar with the application process, they can help you identify some attributes you may overlook in your essays. Look to befriend other applicants because you need a community that understands what you’re experiencing. The following are ways to do so:

1. Complete application prep programs like MLT MBA Prep, Forté, Admit.me, etc.
2. Connect with prospective students on webinars or at events
3. Attend one of the various weekend workshops that Fuqua offers for underrepresented minorities, women, LGBTQIA+, and veterans

Ultimately, it’s important to get out of your head and present yourself as the wonderful human that you are. It’s easy to get imposter syndrome and disqualify yourself from opportunities because you’re afraid of the unknown. Instead, focus on your unique strengths and experiences that set you apart. Don’t try to conform to what the admissions committee wants. Instead, be yourself and show them why you’d be an asset to Team Fuqua.

DON’T MISS: MEET DUKE FUQUA’S MBA CLASS OF 2026