Cara Denton

Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

“Ambitious New Yorker balancing the city’s chaos with balance of friends, adventure, and creative vision.”

Hometown: New York City, New York

Fun fact about yourself: I have a 20-year-old dog named Fluffy

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Michigan – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Clarins – Digital Merchandising Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Citi – New York, New York

Where will you be working after graduation? Citi – Associate in their U.S. Personal Banking Rotational Program

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Dean’s Scholarship Recipient
• Member of the Gabelli School of Business Dean’s Council
• Elected VP of the Graduate Student Advisory Council for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
• Elected Class Representative for 2023-2024 Academic Year

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? It was being elected to represent my class in our Student Advisory Council. I am an advocate for other students love to share their voice and fight for great opportunities.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest achievements in business school is serving as the vice president of the Full Time MBA Program on the Student Advisory Council. I’m passionate about advocating for my peers, amplifying their voices, and helping create a Fordham experience that is meaningful and enriching for all students.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose Gabelli because it offers the best of both worlds—a close-knit, supportive community and a prime location in the heart of New York City. It’s rare to find an MBA program where you truly grow alongside your classmates, build meaningful relationships with career advisors, and feel connected to almost everyone in the business school. At the same time, being in Manhattan provides endless opportunities to learn, network, and immerse myself in the energy of the business world. This unique balance of personal connection and global opportunity made Fordham the perfect place for me.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Dr. Benjamin Cole, whose Strategy course deeply influenced how I approach complex material and articulate well-reasoned arguments. I’ve always valued the ability to craft strong, persuasive arguments, but Dr. Cole provided new insights into analyzing large-scale information, distilling key points, and presenting them effectively. His dynamic teaching style and deep expertise challenged me to think critically and strategically in ways I hadn’t before. Beyond the classroom, his extensive experience in business, technology, and academia brings a unique perspective that makes his lessons both intellectually stimulating and incredibly applicable.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? One of my favorite courses as an MBA student was Communication for Entrepreneurs, taught by Dr. Travis Russ. The course was incredibly engaging, with Dr. Russ’s dynamic teaching style ensuring that every student was included, challenged, and encouraged to be vocal, articulate, and clear about their goals. What made this class stand out was not just the theoretical knowledge, but the hands-on experience of acting as consultants—helping others define their ideas while also refining our own thinking. Beyond the engaging format, this course underscored a fundamental truth: successful entrepreneurs must be exceptional communicators. It wasn’t just about pitching an idea; it was about crafting a compelling narrative, adapting messaging to diverse stakeholders, and delivering ideas with confidence. Dr. Russ made learning both fun and impactful, blending strategy, storytelling, and personal development in a way that pushed me outside my comfort zone.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back on my MBA experience, I wish I had taken a few more classes outside of my comfort zone. While I focused on courses that aligned with my career goals, I now realize that stepping into unfamiliar territory—whether in areas like fintech, data analytics—could have broadened my perspective and strengthened my adaptability. Some of the most valuable learning moments came from pushing beyond what felt comfortable, and I would have loved to challenge myself even further. Business school is the perfect time to explore new disciplines, take risks, and develop unexpected skills, and if I could do it again, I’d lean even more into that mindset.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One of the biggest myths about Fordham’s MBA program is that, because it’s a smaller business school, it doesn’t offer the same level of opportunities or network as larger, more well-known programs. However, my experience proved the opposite. Being in New York City puts Fordham students at the center of one of the world’s biggest business hubs, offering unparalleled access to top companies, industry leaders, and networking events. The intimate class size also turned out to be one of the program’s greatest strengths—allowing for deeper connections with professors, personalized career support, and a strong sense of community. I never felt lost in the crowd or like just another student in a massive program. Instead, I had the chance to truly engage, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships that I know will last well beyond graduation.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Where to begin? As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I’m definitely biased, but NYC truly has everything and more. From Broadway shows and cutting-edge fashion to being the center of the business world, NYC is the most diverse, dynamic, and electric city. It’s a place where cultures, industries, and ideas collide, creating an energy unlike anywhere else. What I loved most is being part of it all—whether it was attending industry events, discovering new restaurants, or just walking through the streets knowing that opportunities and connections are around every corner.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? I recently rewatched Margin Call and I believe this is the most realistic movie that reflects the realities of business. It captures the high-stakes, fast-moving nature of finance and the tough decisions that come with it. One of the biggest lessons I took away is that the market can change in an instant—complacency in business or life is dangerous. The film also highlights the importance of adaptability, ethics, and decision-making under pressure. It’s a stark reminder that no matter how stable things may seem, industries can shift overnight, and leaders must be prepared to react quickly, often making difficult choices with limited information.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? The Gabelli School of Business has integrated AI into its programming to enhance data-driven decision-making, particularly in courses like Marketing Strategy. AI tools are leveraged for data analytics, customer segmentation, and competitive benchmarking, enabling students to process large-scale data quickly and efficiently. This integration helps students develop stronger strategic insights and make more informed business decisions in real-world scenarios.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire Fred Berger for his authenticity, curiosity, and commitment to personal growth. His genuine joy for learning is infectious—he approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and a desire to improve. What stands out most is his willingness to push himself outside his comfort zone while also being honest about the areas where he seeks to grow. Whether tackling complex topics, asking thought-provoking questions, or openly seeking feedback, Fred exemplifies the kind of student who embraces learning not just as a means to an end, but as a lifelong journey.

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

• Launching a green beauty startup
• Leading a major brand transformation

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

“As a standout member of the Gabelli School of Business, Cara has been an integral part of our community, serving as Vice President of the Graduate Student Advisory Council, a Class Representative, and a member of the Dean’s Council. She has been a tireless advocate for her peers, shaping student experiences and ensuring their voices are heard.

Beyond her contributions to the Gabelli community, Cara has distinguished herself academically and professionally. A recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship, she has demonstrated excellence in the classroom. Her coursework has refined her ability to distill complex business challenges into actionable insights—an ability she has applied effectively in both academic and professional settings. Her prior experience at Clarins in digital merchandising, combined with her internship at Citi, has positioned her as a dynamic professional with a deep understanding of both consumer markets and financial services. It is no surprise that she will be joining Citi’s U.S. Personal Banking Rotational Program upon graduation, where I am confident she will continue to excel.

What truly sets Cara apart, however, is her ability to inspire those around her. Whether through her work in student government, her thoughtful engagement in class, or her enthusiasm for fostering meaningful relationships, she embodies the qualities we hope to see in future business leaders. She is not only one of our brightest students but also one of the most generous and community-minded—a rare and invaluable combination.”

Alex Markle
Associate Professor, Strategy and Statistics
Director, Full-Time MBA Program
Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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