Janaíre Hawkins

Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business

“Just a grateful human, cherishing life, family, and friends, and striving to leave the world better than I found it.”

Hometown: Pennsauken, New Jersey

Fun fact about yourself: According to adolescent Jay, I should be touring with your favorite artist right now. I wanted to be a professional dancer.

Undergraduate School and Degree: “THEE Howard University!”

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor: Business Administration

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? At MedStar Medical, I held multiple leadership roles, serving as Co-Director of the Black Faculty and Staff Association, where I led equity and inclusion change management efforts, and as the lead for community-based research and mindfulness programs. I spearheaded key initiatives within the Early Childhood Innovation Network (ECIN), a mental health systems innovation hub focused on transforming mental health care through research, direct intervention, strategic partnerships, and policy-advocacy across healthcare, education, and community settings. In addition, I served as an instructor in Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies, teaching in a Community Health Worker Certificate program designed to equip frontline professionals with the skills to advance health equity in marginalized communities.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? I interned at Halcyon Venture Partners (HVP), an impact investing firm in Washington, DC, co-located with Halcyon House, its nonprofit incubator. This role was the perfect blend of investment and entrepreneurship, allowing me to engage directly with founders while also sourcing and conducting due diligence on investment opportunities. As an aspiring investor-entrepreneur, I gained invaluable insight into both investor priorities and what it takes to build a strong venture-backable company.

Alongside my work at HVP, I was a Startup Fellow in a program developed by Georgetown’s Entrepreneurship Center, where I focused on developing my company, DEEP, a voice-first AI relationship coaching platform designed to help couples effectively navigate conflict and rebuild connection. This experience solidified my passion for leveraging business and technology to help solve complex human challenges.

Where will you be working after graduation? Although the deal is not finalized, I am actively negotiating an offer to become Co-Owner and CEO of a scaling SME.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

Employment

– Inaugural Startup Ambassador (Georgetown Center for Entrepreneurship)

Leadership

– SGA VP of Community and Wellness (elected)

– Black MBA, VP of Alumni Relations (elected)

Fellowships:

– Venture Fellow

– 2024 MBA Georgetown Startup Fellow

Awards

– Consortium Fellow

– Forté Fellow

– MAAC Fellow

– Wallace L. Jones Fellowship Award

Clubs

– Christians in Business

– Graduate African Business Association (GABA)

– Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club

– Emerging Markets Network (EMN)

– Consulting Club

– MBA Volunteers

– Net Impact

– Technology Club

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I think I’m most proud to be part of our small but mighty group of Consortium Fellows. Each member of my cohort first achieved the challenging feat of earning admission to the school and then went on to make a significant impact—holding four seats on SGA, leading as club presidents, securing impressive job offers, and fostering a community that was fun, kind, supportive, and driven. Every time one of us accomplished something, our group chat would light up with broom emojis—we jokingly called it “The Consortium Sweep” because everyone was so intelligent and relentlessly driven to make a difference. The Consortium’s commitment to expanding opportunities for underrepresented students helped make my MBA at Georgetown possible, and I’m deeply grateful to both the program and the school for their dedication to this mission.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest career achievements was the publication of my first first-authored peer-reviewed article, “Evolving Toward Community-Based Participatory Research: Lessons Learned from a Mindful Parenting Project”, in the Journal of Mindfulness. While I have contributed to over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, this one was particularly meaningful because it symbolized the culmination of nearly eight years of deeply immersive work. This research was more than an academic pursuit, it was a mission to challenge the historical exclusion of Black communities from research and to advance racial equity through community-based participatory research (CBPR). Through this project, I had the privilege of co-creating an intervention with caregivers in a predominantly Black school district, ensuring that mental health supports were not just accessible but also culturally responsive and healing-centered. The findings underscored the transformative power of embedding CBPR principles in research, from theory of change development to evaluation and dissemination, ensuring that communities were not merely subjects of research but active partners in shaping interventions that directly impacted their lives and families.

Beyond the academic milestone, this publication marked the end of a chapter I poured my heart into—direct service, systems transformation, and implementation research at the intersection of mental health, family well-being, and DEI. The work was often emotionally taxing because the stakes were high; many decisions had real-life implications for families in crisis. Walking away from that chapter was bittersweet, but publishing this article was my way of ensuring that the lessons learned would continue to inform and inspire future initiatives. It felt like a passing of the torch—solidifying the impact of years of effort while creating a foundation for others to build upon. More than anything, it affirmed that my perspective, honed through years of heartfelt dedication, was not only valued but necessary in shaping the future of equitable, community-centered mental health innovation.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose Georgetown McDonough because it was one of the few business schools where the institution’s values were evident—not just in its messaging, but in its actions. Before business school, a lot of my work was in the nonprofit sector, and I initially had reservations about whether an MBA environment would align with my commitment to social impact. However, Georgetown stood out.

The school’s dedication to Cura Personalis—care for the whole person—was reflected in its programming, from the Business for Impact Initiative to the Jesuit Values in Business curriculum and events like the Business for the Common Good Summit. Georgetown didn’t just talk about responsible leadership; I saw that it was actively cultivating it.

I wanted an MBA experience where I could develop ethical business acumen while staying true to my values. While financial growth was a goal—I sought a path that balanced financial well-being with meaningful impact. At Georgetown, I found a community that embraced both, preparing me to lead with integrity and purpose in the business world.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? This is a tough one because I had a few incredible professors, but I have to go with Professor George Comer. As a finance professor and the director of Georgetown’s URM Program, he has been an invaluable mentor and supporter throughout my MBA journey.

I came to Georgetown hoping to build my finance toolkit and transition into impact investing. During a particularly discouraging time, Professor Comer went above-and-beyond to encourage me, offer insights, and help me stay on track—all before I had even taken his class. He continued to check in and provide support throughout my time at Georgetown, which meant a lot to me.

When I finally took his Financial Modeling course, I found it both practical and transformative. He has a rare ability to meet students where they are while also pushing them beyond what they thought was possible. He brings real-world experiences into the classroom, weaving in stories from his career and family that make the material relatable and applicable beyond just a grade or assignment.

Ironically, his course was the moment when I truly began to synthesize the entire MBA experience. He connected concepts from other classes and demonstrated how everything ties together, turning what can otherwise feel like a series of isolated courses into a cohesive framework for real-world financial decision-making. With years of experience at Georgetown, he deeply understands students’ learning needs, adapting his approach to different styles and reinforcing key concepts where necessary.

Overall, Professor Comer is not just a brilliant educator, he’s also an empathetic mentor, an engaging storyteller, and an exceptional professor who challenges and supports his students in equal measure. I’m incredibly grateful for his impact on my MBA journey.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? This is a hard one too, but I think my favorite class was Developing New Business Models with Professor Sezer Ulku. It was an Intensive Learning Experience (ILE) that provided a fast-paced, hands-on approach to entrepreneurship. Students brainstormed business ideas, ranked them, pitched to their peers, formed teams to develop the strongest concepts, and continuously refined their models through investor-style feedback.

What made this class memorable was its experiential, application-based format. Rather than traditional lectures, Professor Ulku acted as a facilitator, allowing us to learn through doing. It was also one of the classes that helped synthesize lessons from across the MBA program, applying them to a single project in a dynamic, iterative environment.

It was incredible to see how much progress could be made with a single idea in just one week. This class reinforced the power of rapid iteration, strategic thinking, and real-world application, making it one of the most memorable learning experiences of my time at Georgetown.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? I have to go with The Roast. As an SGA VP, I had the opportunity to write for the Class of 2024 Roast. As a huge comedy fan, I loved it. It’s essentially a tradition where classmates, favorite professors, and administrators take the stage at a local comedy club for a full stand-up set. The energy in the room is electric because everyone knows each other and shares a common experience, making all the jokes even funnier. Personally, I was shocked at how well everyone did.

Growing up in an area with a strong roasting culture, I have a deep appreciation for a well-crafted, well-timed joke. This event was not only hilarious, but also a rare chance to see another side of our professors and administrators. It was an unforgettable night that blended humor, community, and just the right amount of friendly fire. Everyone was a great sport.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, I wish I had reached out and spoken with current students long before starting the program. I wrongly assumed the experience would be similar to undergrad, so I went in somewhat uninformed and did not make the necessary adjustments to my external commitments and priorities to set myself up for success from day one.

At MSB, the program moves at full speed from the start, and the intensity doesn’t let up throughout the first year. I didn’t fully grasp the time commitment, the extra financial considerations, and the social requirements, nor did I understand the structured nature of recruitment and the key milestones needed to stay competitive for certain career tracks. More insight upfront would have helped me navigate the transition into MSB more smoothly. Nevertheless, Mama – we made it!

What is the biggest myth about your school? Honestly, I’m not sure what myths others have about Georgetown. I guess one I’ve heard internally is that MSB undergrads are “smarter” than MSB grad students. At the end of the day, there’s no competition—we’re all part of the same community, and a win for one of us is a win for all of us. I’m proud of the babies. Hoya Saxa!

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Georgetown is often considered a hidden gem in DC—somewhat secluded and hard to reach, but a beautiful neighborhood known for its shopping, restaurants, and scenic charm. It has the feel of a classic college town, offering a peaceful atmosphere, historic architecture, and plenty of great spots to spend time with friends. I love the walkable nature of the neighborhood; you can get anywhere on foot. I especially love the summers, the neighborhood is particularly beautiful and vibrant in the warmer months.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Most professors encourage students to explore both the strengths and limitations of AI. Like any tool, its impact on learning depends on how it’s used. It can either enhance understanding and speed of learning or become a hindrance if relied upon too heavily.

To me, agentic AI is a game changer. As the technology continues to evolve and its applications expand, I believe it will dramatically reshape the way we learn, work, and solve problems.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I really admire Dumi Mabhena, who, though a class above me, set a standard for leadership, generosity, and authenticity at MSB. What stands out most about Dumi is his kindness—he always made time to help others, offering thoughtful advice and genuine encouragement. I know how tough the entrepreneurship journey can be, yet Dumi exudes a rare balance of unwavering self-confidence, resourcefulness and humility. He openly shares both successes and failures, gives credit where it’s due, and seems to approach everything with a collaborative and optimistic mindset.

Beyond his warmth and approachability, Dumi is incredibly intentional. He knew what he wanted from business school, maximized every opportunity, and stayed true to his intuition. He leads with purpose, whether through his company, children’s book, or podcast—all while being a supportive peer who cares to reach back and help lift others up. In many ways, he became a model for what I hoped to embody at MSB, and I continue to admire the way he pursues his passions with both excellence and heart.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Building and Leading Transformative Ventures – Whether through impact-focused venture capital or strategic leadership in a mission-driven company, I want to drive meaningful change by investing in and scaling businesses that create sustainable opportunities and improve quality of life in under-served communities worldwide.

2. Bringing Visionary Ideas to Life – I think I will be a serial entrepreneur, launching ventures that tackle complex, human-centered challenges. From AI-powered relationship coaching to social entrepreneurship incubators and mental health recovery spaces, I’m committed to building businesses that advance equity, human well-being, and positive systemic change.

What made Janaíre such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“The scope of Jay Hawkins’ impact on the Georgetown McDonough community is vast. She is a dynamic leader, advocate, and innovator committed to driving impact at the intersection of mental health, DEI, and social entrepreneurship. Jay’s leadership and engagement at McDonough speaks volumes. Of the many clubs and organizations she was involved with, her leadership roles included Student Government Association (SGA) VP of Community & Wellness, VP of Alumni Relations for the Black MBA Association, and SGA Full-time Rep for MBA Volunteers. In these roles, she launched many new initiatives including organizing a Black Alumni Career panel entitled “Winning in Business While Staying True to Yourself.” The event fostered mentorship, networking, and deep connections among faculty, alumni, and current students. In her role as VP of Community & Wellness, Jay drafted a proposal for a new Leadership & Wellness Summit for MBA students at Georgetown which we intend to implement in fall 2025.

Jay has been a remarkable leader in championing wellness initiatives, particularly through her invaluable support of Wellness Weeks for MBA students and the broader community. Her dedication to fostering spaces prioritizing stress relief, well-being, and creative engagement during exams has made a lasting impact. Through fun, interactive, and thoughtfully curated wellness activities, she ensures students have the resources and support to navigate high-pressure periods with balance and resilience. Beyond her work with students, Jay has also been instrumental in assisting the MBA Program Office with wellness initiatives, bringing innovation and intentionality to every effort.

Jay’s impact extends beyond wellness—she has also been a driving force in fostering cultural inclusivity within the McDonough community. Her leadership in bringing an HBCU performing arts team from Howard University to our annual Global Festival created a meaningful space for cultural and artistic expression and appreciation, further enriching the McDonough experience for all. Outside of campus, Jay is a trailblazer in mental health advocacy. She co-founded a mindfulness teacher certification program and has spearheaded research and initiatives to provide equitable, community-centered mental health innovation.

Beyond the long list of accomplishments and demonstrated commitment to service, those fortunate enough to be in her orbit will undoubtedly benefit from her energy, warmth, compassion, and kindness. Regardless of how busy she is, she will always make time to help someone in need. Working at a Jesuit institution, I am reminded of a quote attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, encouraging individuals to use their gifts and talents to make a significant and positive impact: “Go forth and set the world on fire.” Having witnessed the impact Jay has made at Georgetown McDonough, I have no doubt that she will do just that.”

Kerry Pace
Associate Dean of MBA Programs & Director of Student Services

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