Meet The Georgia Tech Scheller MBA Class Of 2026

In the heart of Atlanta’s buzzing tech scene, the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Institute of Technology offers more than a business degree. It’s a launchpad where bold ideas spark real career opportunities.

The Scheller MBA Class of 2026 is ambitious and diverse. Some are pursuing careers in AI and data, others are launching startups or shifting roles within their current companies. Along the way, they’re immersed in hands-on learning, surrounded by real-world connections, and supported by a community that fuels their ambitions.

WHY ATLANTA?

Atlanta’s entrepreneurial energy draws students from across the country. For Sam Cutrone, from Laguna Hills, California, it was the city’s spirit of inclusion that stood out. “ATLiens are incredibly welcoming to those who want to join and contribute,” she says. Opportunity and community go hand in hand here — something she finds both empowering and inspiring.

Lindsey Townley, from Oak Park, California, was drawn by Atlanta’s reputation as a growing innovation hub. “Georgia Tech and SCAD’s talent pool has made Atlanta a center for creative innovation,” she says, pointing to Tech Square and the Beltline as the pulse of the city’s momentum.

WHY SCHELLER?

With so many MBA options, why choose Scheller? For Townley, the answer was Georgia Tech’s innovation ecosystem. “Technological disruption will define our future,” she says, “and I wanted to learn alongside world-class engineers and creators.”

Tilka Persaud, a former engineer from Broward County, Florida, was attracted by Scheller’s many practicums — especially those connected to the local community. “They help us build the skills we need while also connecting with those around us,” she says. She’s now preparing for both the Pro Bono Consulting Practicum and the International Practicum in Japan.

Christopher Eaton, from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was drawn by the program’s flexibility. As a father, husband, and officer, he needed a customizable experience. “Scheller gives us the tools to explore different avenues and figure out our future,” he says, appreciating the balance of structure and adaptability in the curriculum.

FAVORITE COURSES AND ROLES

Every Scheller student finds something that defines their MBA experience. For Eaton, it was Professor Thompson’s Managerial Economics course. “It was one of the most memorable academic experiences I’ve ever had,” he says, praising the professor’s energy, real-world insights, and storytelling.

Atlanta native Lauren Dasher has shown her pride for the city — and the school — as a graduate research assistant for MBA Admissions. “Our team is values-driven, joyful, and excellent at what they do,” she says. From leading Women’s Coffee Chats to co-coordinating the Ambassadors Program, connecting prospective students to Scheller has been a highlight of her MBA journey.

Wei Li, from Hong Kong, says Principles of Finance transformed her understanding of financial concepts. “Honestly, it felt like so many mysteries were solved,” she shares. The course demystified investing and valuations, while Excel training helped her master spreadsheet analysis — she now rarely touches her mouse.

BIGGEST CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Scheller students bring impressive career milestones with them. Wei Li cites her work organizing consultations for U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns as a defining moment. “It was especially meaningful growing up in a place where girls weren’t expected to pursue ambitious careers,” she says.

For Dajheonna Perry, launching a hair-care line was a bold step into entrepreneurship. After moving from Detroit to Atlanta, she earned her Paul Mitchell hair license, managed salon suites, and built a community of creative professionals. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” she says, “and excited for what’s next.”

Leo Ribeiro from Brazil witnessed innovation firsthand in the semiconductor space. He joined a startup in its garage-phase and helped it scale into a fully funded lab. “The prototypes I built played a key role in securing funding,” he says, proud to be part of a potential disruptor in the chip industry.

MBA ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The MBA journey itself brings major wins. Ribeiro says stepping out of his comfort zone to go on his first networking coffee chat was a personal breakthrough. “I’m proud of learning how to build real connections,” he says.

Prem Rupawala, from London, England, counts balancing academics, career planning, and an international move as a major milestone. “Navigating the first semester while building a sense of home in a new country was no small feat,” he says. Despite the challenges, he’s maintained top grades and made strong friendships.

For Theodore Loles of Athens, Greece, turning a small laundromat into a thriving commercial business has been his proudest accomplishment. After more than a decade in the workforce, returning to school required “stepping outside my comfort zone and committing to personal and professional growth,” he says.

TOP MEMORIES — SO FAR

The Class of 2026 has shared plenty of standout moments — in and out of the classroom. Loles recalls the Create-X and TechForward conferences at Georgia Tech as highlights. “They brought together entrepreneurs, students, and industry leaders around bold ideas,” he says.

For Jeremy Broadus of New Jersey, the defining moment came before his first class — when he received his acceptance call from Scheller. “I felt excitement, gratitude, and a deep sense of honor,” he says, reflecting on a journey that started in politics and brought him to business school.

Brin McFall, originally from New York, says working with her core team has been the most rewarding part of the program. “We come from different backgrounds — engineers, PMs, analysts — but that’s what made it special,” she says.

After their first exam, the group celebrated with Jeni’s ice cream. “It was truly a treat — pun absolutely intended,” she laughs, cherishing the friendships forged along the way.

Next page: An interview with Senior Associate Dean of Programs Manpreet Hora and the profiles of 12 Scheller MBAs.