Blessing Unwana Umoh

University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

“I am resilient, strategic, driven, analytical, a visionary leader, a problem-solver, adaptable, impactful, ambitious, innovative, insightful, resourceful, influential, and committed.”

Hometown: Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria

Fun fact about yourself: I don’t just embrace challenges; I turn them into opportunities. From navigating career transitions to excelling in high-stakes environments, resilience has been my greatest asset, proving that setbacks are setups for breakthroughs.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Ekiti State University, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? First Bank Plc, Fraud Prevention Supervisor (Fraud Monitoring Department)

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? I worked as a Business Support Manager II in the Renal-E Division at the University of Pittsburgh.

Where will you be working after graduation? I am thrilled to be joining AMAZON as a Pathways Operations Manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I’ve been deeply engaged in community work and leadership roles throughout my business school journey. I’ve taken part in a case competition representing Katz at the National Black MBA Conference, and engaged in recruiting outreach within the African community. In my capacity as a fellow, I acted as the project lead in the Lean Sigma project with Giant Eagle and partook in the technology innovation project with Dollar Bank, blending business skills with cultural initiatives and innovations. Additionally, as a Berg Fellow through the Center for Ethics & Leadership fellowship, I implemented a groundbreaking initiative focused on tackling food insecurity while empowering Black entrepreneurs in agriculture through urban indoor farming. In the process, I developed a community engagement plan for this visionary project for Beam Collaborative. These experiences have been recognized through awards such as the following:

• David Berg, Centre for Ethics & Leadership Fellow
• John George Business Scholar
• R. Young Business Scholar
• Joseph M. Katz Graduate Scholar
• Pitt Business Academic Adv Awd
• Grace Hopper Conference Scholar
• National Black MBA Association Conference Scholar

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the achievements I’m most proud of is my involvement in the diversity and sustainability initiatives as a David Berg Ethics & Leadership Fellow. In particular, it was my work on integrating Black American farmers and local businesses into a farm’s workforce and supply chain to maximize social impact in Pittsburgh.

As a Berg Fellow, I had the opportunity to apply ethical leadership and strategic thinking to a real-world challenge, bridging the gap between business objectives and community development. The project aimed to create a sustainable model that not only supported local farmers but also strengthened economic opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. It reinforced my belief that business can be a force for the social good, shaping my approach to leadership and decision-making.

This initiative pushed me to think beyond traditional business metrics, focusing on long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability. It was both a challenge and a privilege to contribute to a project with the potential to create a lasting impact in the community.

What achievements are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I’m most proud of is my ability to thrive in the high-stakes, delicate world of fraud prevention and risk management in the financial sector. I’ve had the privilege of working at top financial institutions in Africa: Union Bank plc, Fidelity Bank plc, and First Bank plc, where I specialized in fraud and cybersecurity. My role required me to navigate complex security threats, balance customer trust with regulatory compliance, and make critical decisions under intense pressure.

I excelled in detecting financial anomalies, analyzing patterns, and staying ahead of evolving fraud tactics. Often, I had to make real-time decisions that could either prevent significant financial losses or disrupt legitimate transactions. The challenge was not only technical but also strategic, as I had to ensure robust security measures without compromising the customer experience.

Through data analytics, cross-departmental collaboration, and continuous refinement of fraud detection strategies, I built a reputation for quick thinking, precision, and integrity. My work not only protected the banks from substantial losses but also maintained customer confidence and trust. This experience honed my ability to lead in high-pressure environments, drive strategic risk initiatives, and make data-driven decisions that safeguard institutions and their stakeholders.

Why did you choose this business school? My experience with the Katz recruiting team, specifically Erin Vuono, during the interview stage and clarification emails made me feel very welcome and at home. I envisioned how my learning experience would be based on how receptive and welcoming the admissions team made me feel. I had also read about the experiential learning at Katz (i.e. the capstone program) and this made the program stand out from all others.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Throughout my MBA program, I had the privilege of learning from many talented professors, each with their unique teaching styles and insights. However, my favorite professor was Prof. John C. Camillus, the Donald R. Beall Professor of Strategic Management.

Professor Camillus had a profound impact on me, not only through his deep understanding of strategy but also through his ability to bring complex concepts to life. One of his most memorable lessons was the idea that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” which taught us to appreciate the critical role of organizational culture in shaping success. His teaching style was engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply insightful qualities that made his classes unforgettable.

I count myself incredibly fortunate to have been his student, as his lessons extended far beyond the classroom, shaping how I approach strategy, leadership, and problem-solving in my professional life.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? All events at my business school were special, but the first day of each semester stood out uniquely. The staff would welcome every student with cheers and applause, a tradition that embodied the warm, cordial relationships we shared within the school. Even though it was a recurring ritual, it never lost its magic; every semester felt new, refreshing, and full of possibility. That tradition was a reminder of the supportive and vibrant community we were part of, setting the tone for the months ahead.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? If I had to do one thing differently in my MBA experience, I would have networked more strategically from the start. While I engaged with classmates, professors, and industry professionals, I now realize the immense value of proactively building relationships with alumni, recruiters, and mentors early on.

By being more intentional, attending more industry-specific events, reaching out to potential mentors, and leveraging informational interviews, I could have gained deeper insights into career paths, unlocked hidden job opportunities, and positioned myself more effectively.

That said, my MBA experience has been incredibly rewarding, and even with this hindsight, I’ve gained invaluable skills, experiences, and connections that will shape my career.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I loved most about Pittsburgh was its rich history and cultural diversity; the passionate sports culture that brought people together (“Go Steelers”); and the strong sense of community that made the city feel like home. The beautiful scenery was the perfect place for me to learn and live.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? One way Katz integrated AI into my programming was by incorporating AI-powered analytics tools into coursework, particularly in my data-driven decision-making classes. For example, we’ve used AI-driven platforms for market analysis and predictive modeling, allowing us to simulate real-world business scenarios with greater accuracy.

One key insight I gained from using AI is how it enhances strategic decision-making by processing vast amounts of data quickly and identifying patterns that might not be immediately apparent. However, I also learned that AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on and bias in data or models can lead to flawed conclusions, hence reinforcing the importance of human oversight and critical thinking.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I admire Devesh Udasi for his relentless pursuit of connecting with others and following his passions. His ability to network authentically has always impressed me. He has a natural talent for building meaningful relationships and actively seeking opportunities that align with his interests.

Beyond networking, what stands out most is his genuine commitment to sustainability. His passion for driving changes in this space has been inspiring, pushing me to refine my networking skills and engage more authentically in my interactions. Watching Devesh navigate both professional and personal relationships with such intentions has reinforced the value of purpose-driven connections in my own MBA journey.

Devesh’s selflessness, leadership, and collaboration are truly admirable qualities that make him stand out as an exceptional classmate. He is an inspiration to many, and I do not doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in his future endeavors

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The top two items in my professional bucket are the following:

1. Empowering Young Girls Through THE UYAIGURL Foundation: If there’s one thing, I’m deeply passionate about, it’s empowering young girls to believe in themselves and their potential. I’ve seen firsthand how much talent and ambition can go untapped not because of a lack of ability, but because of a lack of opportunity and support.

That’s why THE UYAIGURL Foundation is more than just a passion project for me. It’s a movement to break cycles of limitation and open doors for young girls everywhere with an early focus on Nigeria. I want to create a world where girls, regardless of their background, can dream boldly and have the resources to turn those dreams into reality. Through mentorship, education, and financial literacy, I want to equip them with the tools to lead, innovate, and thrive.

But I don’t just want to make an impact, I want to scale it globally. My goal is to partner with organizations, leaders, and changemakers who share this vision, ensuring that no girl is held back by circumstance. I want our impact to transcend generations, creating a ripple effect of empowered women who go on to change their communities and industries.

This isn’t just about giving back, it’s about rewriting the narrative for young girls everywhere. Their potential is limitless, and I want to be part of the reason they realize it.

2. Stepping Into C-suite Leadership: One of my biggest dreams is to step into a C-suite leadership role, where I can drive transformational changes on a global scale. I envision leading an organization, whether in technology, finance, or operations, that is at the forefront of innovation, inclusion, and impact.

For me, leadership is about more than just strategy and decision-making, it’s about creating a vision that inspires, empowering people to perform at their best, and building something that lasts beyond my tenure. I want to lead a company that not only delivers exceptional business results but also creates meaningful social and economic value. Whether it’s driving financial inclusion, championing ethical AI in cybersecurity, or leading enterprise-wide innovation, I want to be at the helm of an organization that pushes boundaries and makes a lasting impact.

When I step into the C-suite role, success won’t just be measured by profits or market share, it will be defined by the lives I’ve impacted and the doors I’ve opened for others. Proving that leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about resilience, vision, and the courage to drive change.

What made Blessing such an invaluable member of the Class of 2025?

“Blessing Umoh is an exceptional student and leader whose academic journey and extracurricular achievements are a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As a student in our dual MBA/Master of Information Science program, Blessing has demonstrated extraordinary growth, both academically and personally.

When she began her studies, Blessing faced initial challenges adjusting to the U.S. educational system, transitioning from the teaching style in Nigeria. During her first semester, she found herself on academic probation with a 2.8 GPA, an unfamiliar and daunting experience for her. However, rather than allowing this setback to define her, she channeled her fear of failure into motivation. Through unlearning and relearning, actively engaging with professors, joining study groups, and seeking help when necessary, she achieved an impressive 4.0 GPA in her second semester. This transformation speaks volumes about her perseverance, intellectual agility, and willingness to adapt.

Beyond her academic success, Blessing has engaged in numerous extracurricular and leadership activities that set her apart. As a Berg Center Fellow for Leadership and Ethics Development, she spearheaded an initiative addressing food insecurity through the Beam Collaborative in Pittsburgh, PA. Her commitment to social impact is further reflected in her founding of the Uyai Gurl Foundation, a nonprofit supporting teenage girls in Nigeria who aspire to enter the tech industry but lack access to secondary education. Her work has provided tutoring and sanitary resources to at least 20 young girls, illustrating her deep sense of responsibility toward uplifting others.

In addition, she has represented her program and community in various prestigious capacities, including the MBA Africa Admissions Event, where she guided prospective students in navigating the application process and expanding their professional networks. She also competed in the National Black MBA Case Competition in 2023, further solidifying her analytical and strategic problem-solving skills. As a Grace Hopper Scholar, her outstanding presentation contributed to 50% additional funding contribution for future students, and she has participated in the Inclusive Leadership Series, deepening her understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional settings.

Her professional aspirations are equally impressive. She has secured a position as a Pathways Operations Manager at Amazon, set to begin in May 2025. Throughout her career search, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, self-awareness, and preparation, successfully interviewing with top firms such as McKinsey, Bain, BCG, EY, and Evergreen. She embraced feedback, refined her interviewing techniques, and leveraged the power of likeability to position herself as a top candidate.

Beyond her accomplishments, Blessing possesses natural traits that make her a standout individual. She is deeply empathetic and actively uplifts her peers, encouraging quieter classmates to find their voices and ensuring that others feel seen and supported. Having faced imposter syndrome and the fear of failure herself, she has turned these challenges into strengths, proving that personal growth and success stem from self-awareness and determination. As a woman in the tech industry, she understands the obstacles many face and is determined to pave the way for future generations, just as her father did by treating her and her sisters with equal encouragement and expectations.

Blessing is an outstanding leader, a committed change-maker, and a relentless achiever.”

Jennifer O’Toole
Associate Director, Career Development
University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

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