David Kwame Dumorgah

Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

“A relationship builder, inclusive leader, and charismatic personality who uplifts, inspires, and brings people together.”

Hometown: Accra Ghana and London, UK

Fun fact about yourself: I can name every single country in Africa and I have watched every single MCU movie at least twice

Undergraduate School and Degree: Brunel University London; BSc International Business

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Moody’s Investor Service as a Financial Data Associate

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? American Express, New York

Where will you be working after graduation? Royal Bank of Canada; Associate, Leadership Development Program

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Dean’s Scholarship recipient for professional and academic excellence (92%)
• Gabelli Innovation Funds Scholarship recipient
• Chief Marketing Officer of the Black and Latinx MBA Association
• Graduate Assistant for the Admissions and Graduate Programs Office
• Graduate Peer Mentor
• Member of Fordham Finance Society, Marketing and Real Estate Clubs
• Moderated and participated in many students and faculty led panels promoting Gabelli School of Business

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Academically, my proudest achievement was earning an A in my Modern Financial Analysis class, a valuation-focused course that initially challenged me. I put in significant effort—not just to secure a strong grade, but to truly master valuation concepts which were initially confusing. Through dedicated studying, collaboration with classmates, and the support of an exceptional professor, I was able to turn a difficult subject into a strength. This experience reinforced the power of persistence and deep learning, both of which I carried forward into my professional pursuits.

My proudest extracurricular is moderating a panel for African students. This event brought together talented African students at Fordham to share their experiences, highlight the incredible talent emerging from the continent, and encourage more representation in business education. It was incredibly rewarding to see the Gabelli School recognize and amplify diverse voices. Even more fulfilling, since this panel, the number of applicants of African descent to Gabelli has more than doubled. This demonstrated the tangible impact of providing visibility and support to underrepresented communities.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m proud of many moments in my career, especially those that led me to business school. However, my proudest achievement was my efforts to reduce call-handling errors during my time at Metro Bank.

At the time, I was the only member of my team consistently meeting KPI requirements, particularly on customer queries related to specific card processes. Recognizing my efficiency, management tasked me with sharing my process and techniques with the team to improve overall performance. This challenge pushed me to think critically about my approach, leading me to develop a structured six-step plan that streamlined customer interactions and minimized errors.

What made this achievement even more fulfilling was seeing my solution implemented site-wide, improving both efficiency and customer satisfaction across the team. This initiative not only benefited the organization, but also led to my first career promotion, marking a pivotal moment in my professional growth. It reinforced my ability to identify problems, develop scalable solutions, and lead others toward operational excellence; skills I continue to apply in my career today.

Why did you choose this business school? One of the biggest reasons I chose the Gabelli School of Business was its small class size and close-knit environment. During my undergraduate years, I was part of large classes where it was difficult to build meaningful relationships with both professors and peers. For my MBA, I wanted an environment that fostered deeper connections, stronger collaboration, and more personalized learning experiences. At Gabelli, I knew I would have the opportunity to form close relationships, not only with my classmates but also with MBA students from other cohorts. The smaller class sizes allow for active engagement in discussions, closer faculty interaction, and hands-on collaboration on projects. These are experiences that would have been far more challenging in a larger program. More importantly, this environment has enabled me to thrive both academically and professionally, reinforcing the value of a tight-knit, community-driven education where everyone is genuinely invested in each other’s success.

Who was your favourite MBA professor? I had a lot of great Professors during my MBA. However, the one who edges it for me is Professor Miguel Alzola, whose teaching style was both thought-provoking and transformative. His class was a discussion; he operated more as moderator than a lecturer allowing the conversations to take its own shape and form. Whenever we ventured off, he had this innate ability to bring the conversation back to the topic at hand. What set him apart was his ability to guide students through complex ethical dilemmas without dictating conclusions. Rather than presenting business scenarios as black and white, he encouraged us to explore the gray areas, equipping us with the analytical tools to make informed, independent decisions.

His classroom was a space for rigorous debate and intellectual challenge, where diverse viewpoints weren’t just tolerated but actively encouraged. He fostered discussions in a way that ensured every argument was rooted in logic, evidence, and ethical reasoning rather than personal bias or popular opinion. His ability to moderate these discussions with precision often led me to consider perspectives I might have otherwise dismissed, deepening my ability to engage critically and empathetically with opposing views.

Beyond just teaching theory, Professor Alzola emphasized the practical application of ethical reasoning in leadership. Through real-world case studies spanning corporate scandals, discrimination and racism, whistleblowing, and global business challenges, he trained us to think like decision-makers who must navigate ethical complexities with clarity and conviction. His approach to teaching was more than just instruction; it was an exercise in shaping principled leaders who can think critically, act decisively, and remain steadfast in their values amid an ever-changing business landscape.

What was your favourite course as an MBA? One of my favourite courses during my MBA was Modern Financial Analysis. This course stood out because it bridged the gap between financial theory and real-world application in valuation. It wasn’t just about learning formulas, but about understanding how valuation is both an art and a science. We explored critical questions like “What is a company worth?” and “What is someone willing to pay?” – key concepts that are foundational in finance, particularly for roles in investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance​.

What made this course particularly engaging was its hands-on approach. We didn’t just study valuation methodologies in theory, we applied them through case discussions and in-class exercises. From Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis to Precedent Transaction Analysis and Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs), the course provided a comprehensive toolkit for evaluating companies. The DCF valuation exercise was especially memorable, as it allowed us to detect mistakes in a wrong DCF and build our own as well. This is a skill I continue to apply to other classes that require a valuation method.

Another highlight was the practical insights from industry experts. The professor, Joseph Zirpolo, brought a wealth of real-world experience from his work in investment banking and training finance professionals globally. His ability to break down complex valuation models into digestible insights made the material even more impactful. Overall, this course provided me with the foundation for understanding financial analysis and deepened my ability to think critically about valuation in a deal-making context​.

What was your favourite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favourite MBA event at the Gabelli School of Business is the Global Immersion Trips infused into the program. These experiences offer hands-on learning, cultural exposure, and real-world problem-solving, making them a cornerstone of the MBA journey.

The first trip takes place at the end of Gabelli Launch, the MBA’s month-long orientation, and focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Traveling to London, my classmates and I worked in teams to assess the ESG strategies of Fortune 500 companies, explored how the city integrates sustainability into its infrastructure, and visited businesses at the forefront of ESG innovation. This experience deepened my understanding of corporate responsibility and the global shift toward sustainable business practices.

The second trip, a capstone consulting project, took us to another country, where we acted as consultants for real businesses, tackling pressing business challenges. Beyond industry-specific insights, this experience sharpens client engagement, problem-solving, and project management skills. The trip included faculty-led sessions, practitioner insights, and on-site visits, offering a blend of business, historical, and cultural perspectives. In previous years, Gabelli students have consulted for companies in Portugal, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina, reinforcing the global dimension of our education.

These immersion trips are invaluable, blending strategy, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration in a way that truly prepares us for the complexities of international business.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why?  Looking back over my MBA experience, one thing I would do differently is trust in my abilities and overcome imposter syndrome sooner. Coming into the program, I often found myself questioning whether I truly belonged among such talented peers. Despite my experience and achievements, I sometimes hesitated to speak up in discussions, take the lead on projects, or pursue ambitious opportunities because I felt like I had to prove myself first.

As I progressed, I realized that everyone faces moments of doubt, and the key is not to let those doubts define your actions. By leaning into my strengths, seeking mentorship, and embracing challenges rather than shying away from them, I grew more confident in my abilities. I learned that I didn’t need to have all the answers and I just needed the willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute in my own unique way. If I could do it again, I would push past those doubts earlier, step outside my comfort zone more often, and fully own my seat at the table from day one. This experience taught me that confidence isn’t about knowing everything, but it’s about trusting yourself to figure things out along the way.

What is the biggest myth about your school? A common myth about the Gabelli School of Business is that it primarily caters to individuals pursuing careers in finance. While it is true that the school has strong placements in financial services, it offers a diverse array of disciplines, including marketing, accounting, management, entrepreneurship, and consulting. Gabelli’s curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded business education, allowing students to explore multiple career paths beyond just finance. In my experience, I have seen my classmates, peers and alumni successfully pivot into consulting, marketing, and even tech roles at top firms both internationally and in the U.S. The school’s experiential learning opportunities, global immersion trips, and cross-industry exposure make it a launchpad for a variety of careers.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? Growing up, I often heard about the 2008 financial crisis, but never fully understood its impact. The Big Short is one movie that not only reflects the realities of business, but also breaks down the crisis in an accessible and engaging way. It illustrates how the U.S. housing market was built on subprime mortgages and financial mismanagement, ultimately leading to the collapse of major institutions, mass unemployment, and a global recession. The film highlights how unchecked risk-taking and lack of oversight can have devastating consequences, reinforcing the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and ethical decision-making in finance.

A key lesson from the film is the importance of pattern recognition in identifying financial risks before they escalate. Mark Baum (played by Steve Carell) and other investors who bet against the housing market didn’t simply rely on market sentiment. They dug into mortgage-backed securities, analysed underlying loan structures, and recognized the hidden risks that others ignored. This highlights a crucial skill in business and finance: the ability to spot early warning signs, question mainstream narratives, and act decisively based on data.

Additionally, The Big Short offers a lesson in ethical leadership, particularly through Mark Baum’s character. Unlike many on Wall Street, Baum struggles with the morality of profiting from a system that he knows will fail millions of people. His frustration with the industry’s greed and dishonesty reflects the need for leaders who prioritize integrity and accountability over blind profit-seeking. While he takes advantage of the market inefficiencies, his ethical concerns set him apart, reminding us that strong leadership isn’t just about making the right financial moves, it’s about balancing profitability with responsibility.

Baum’s leadership serves as an inspiration, showing that success in business should not come at the expense of ethical responsibility. His commitment to truth and justice aligns with Fordham’s ethos of ethical leadership and business with a purpose, emphasizing that financial expertise must be paired with integrity to create a more just and sustainable economy.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Gabelli has proactively integrated AI into its curriculum by launching a MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business program. This 30-credit, STEM-designated degree is designed to prepare business professionals to lead in the adoption, management, and application of AI across various organizational functions. The curriculum includes foundational courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning for Business, Quantitative Foundations of AI, and Law and Ethics of AI (along with a range of electives that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests and professional needs).

Additionally, the Gabelli School has established the Gabelli Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), which is dedicated to advancing AI and deep machine-learning theories and applications. The lab focuses on conducting research in areas such as cognitive science, search and problem-solving, planning, knowledge representation, machine learning, reasoning, natural language processing, speech recognition, robotics, and vision. It also addresses topics like fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, complex neural networks, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Using AI in my studies has provided me with valuable insights into both its capabilities and limitations. Through learning Python programming basics, I realized how AI-powered tools can simplify complex coding concepts, making them more accessible and interactive. My research on AI in football highlighted how data-driven decision-making is transforming sports analytics, from player performance tracking to game strategy optimization. Additionally, leveraging AI to refine my essays showed me how it can enhance clarity and structure, yet still requires human oversight for nuance and originality. Overall, AI has reinforced the importance of combining technology with critical thinking to maximize its potential effectively.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I have sincere admiration for many of my classmates, but the one I admire the most is Andrew Hu. Throughout our MBA journey, Andrew and I took nearly every class together often collaborating on numerous projects and tackling challenging coursework side-by-side. His dedication to excellence is unwavering, as demonstrated by his impressive achievement of maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, a feat that few in the program have accomplished.

What truly sets Andrew apart is his exceptional analytical skills and problem-solving ability. He has an innate talent for breaking down complex problems into simple, actionable steps, making even the most difficult concepts feel approachable. This skill, coupled with his depth of knowledge, earned him the role of teaching assistant in multiple classes, where he has helped countless students grasp intricate business concepts with clarity and confidence.

Beyond academics, Andrew is an incredibly supportive and dependable teammate and a foodie who enjoys eating Ghanaian and Caribbean food. His professionalism, reliability, and candid personality make him not just a great classmate but an ideal business partner. He never hesitates to lend a hand, whether it’s guiding someone through a tough financial model or offering strategic insights on a case study. His ability to balance intellectual rigor with genuine kindness and humility makes him a standout leader and someone I deeply respect. Andrew embodies what it means to be a collaborative, high-performing professional, and I have no doubt that he will make a tremendous impact in whatever field he chooses.

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

1. Teach a seminar, offering career advice and coaching. Throughout my journey, I’ve navigated different industries and built meaningful connections – something I will continue to do as I grow in my career. My goal is to become an expert in my field and use that expertise to guide aspiring professionals, whether through university guest lectures, corporate mentorship programs, or independent coaching sessions. Helping others develop key skills in finance, strategy, and leadership would be incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to give back and shape the next generation of professionals.

2. Deliver a TED Talk. Storytelling is a powerful way to influence change, and I want to use my experiences to inspire others. I’ve always aspired to be a leader and a strong voice in my community, and sharing my story on a platform like TED would be a profound way to achieve that. Whether I’m discussing resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of financial literacy, or the transformative role of AI in business, my goal is to challenge perspectives and spark action. To get there, I plan to speak at industry conferences, publish thought leadership content, and establish myself as a voice that others look to for inspiration.

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

“If you could design the blueprint for an outstanding MBA student, it would look a lot like David Dumorgah. A true leader among his peers, David is one of the cohort’s most involved members in the Gabelli community, taking on the role of Chief Marketing Officer of the Black and Latinx MBA Association and serving as a member of the Fordham Finance Society, Marketing Society, and Real Estate club. He also serves as a Peer Career Advisor, tirelessly mentoring fellow MBA students through their job search. The Career Development Director lauds him as “selfless and extraordinarily generous” in his commitment to helping his classmates succeed. In addition to his stellar contributions outside of the classroom, David’s academic success and relentless work ethic have earned him a well-deserved role as an Associate in Royal Bank of Canada’s Leadership Development Program, where I am confident he will make a positive impact similar to the one he has made at Gabelli.

Aside from the achievements listed above, I have had the privilege of working closely with David through his role as a Graduate Assistant in our admissions office. He has consistently gone above and beyond what is expected of our student workers and has become one of our most trusted ambassadors, always willing to volunteer for panels, mentor prospective students, and represent the MBA program with authenticity and professionalism. For example, David helped to organize and moderate a panel discussion for prospective students in Africa, an event that I consider to be one of the most successful and engaging recruiting initiatives ever put on by our office. His contributions have not only shaped the incoming classes but have left a lasting impact on the Gabelli community as a whole. In short, David is a standout leader and exactly the type of professional we are proud to recognize as one of Poets&Quants’ MBAs To Watch.”

Dylan Mosenthal
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Fordham University: Gabelli School of Business

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

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