McKenna Kiesling

Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business

“Servant leader dedicated to sustainability, empowerment, and fostering meaningful connections in business and community.”

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Fun fact about yourself: I am a lifelong runner! I’ve competed in cross country and track and field, completed three half marathons and one full marathon, and have many more races on my horizon.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Northern Arizona University, B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Law

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? NourishPHX, Volunteer and Donations Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Bayer, St. Louis, Missouri

Where will you be working after graduation? Bayer, Procurement LDP Associate

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

Net Impact Graduate Chapter: President, 2024-2025

MBA Association: VP of Community Wellness, 2024-2025

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Through my leadership with Net Impact, I organized a sustainability employer showcase and networking event in collaboration with two other ASU schools. This event connected passionate sustainability professionals with like-minded students for a night of career exploration and meaningful discussions. It also forged new relationships between schools that had never collaborated before, paving the way for future partnerships. Creating an opportunity at the intersection of sustainability and business was my top priority as Net Impact president and remains a highlight of my MBA journey.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? It was leading my organization’s volunteer program through COVID-19 and helping to ensure we were able to stay open as an essential service to our community members in need while still protecting the safety of our volunteers. This took creativity, innovation, and resilience – qualities that have continued to serve me well in business school and beyond.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose W. P. Carey for many reasons, but the most important were the small, intentionally curated, and diverse cohorts, its esteemed ranking in supply chain management, and the overarching ethos of “Business is Personal.”

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Professor Mikaella Polyviou. As advisor of our school’s Women’s Leadership Association, she has served as a role model for many students, including me, demonstrating what it means to be a strong female leader. Her procurement class prepared me for a successful internship, and her contracts and negotiations course has equipped me with the skills I need to start my career in procurement.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? SCM 518 – Decision Modeling with Professor Reynold Byers. This course was instrumental in helping me learn how to model complex business problems and has continued to pay dividends throughout my other course work and internship.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I would have attended more professional and social events during my first year. Entering business school without corporate experience, I was laser-focused on academics, worried about keeping up. While this dedication paid off, I regret not taking full advantage of the many unique opportunities available to me. Luckily, I have been able to make up for lost time during my second year!

What is the biggest myth about your school? That students only come for supply chain. While W. P. Carey’s top rankings in supply chain management are well-earned, many students pursue other concentrations, such as consulting, marketing, and finance.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? I have lived in Phoenix off and on my whole life. I have always found the unique desert beauty to be one of the best features the state has to offer. We are also within driving distance from the beautiful red rocks of Sedona and the Ponderosa pines in Flagstaff. Top that off with the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, and I’d say we are pretty lucky to call our campus home.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The Pursuit of Happyness. The film emphasizes the value of seizing opportunities and making the most of every chance, no matter how small, which is a crucial mindset when navigating your career. It is also a good reminder that success is not always immediate, but with determination and effort, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? W. P. Carey has responded effectively to the growing presence of AI in business, launching an AI concentration last year that many students are actively utilizing. AI has also become a key topic in class discussions and lectures, emphasizing both how to leverage the tool and the importance of AI literacy as we enter the workforce. Personally, I have used AI to deepen my understanding of complex coursework, finding value in its ability to break down even the simplest questions. More recently, I have also challenged AI to evaluate my reasoning and provide recommendations for improvement, further enhancing my learning process.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I most admire is Martin Cortes Silva. He perfectly embodies what it means to be a servant leader, always going above-and-beyond to support his peers and give back. Beyond his advocacy for students, Martin’s generosity and kindness set him apart. He consistently volunteers, supports classmates during stressful times, and fosters a culture of respect and collaboration. Having worked with him on several teams, I’ve seen firsthand how he leads by example, bringing people together and inspiring those around him.

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

1. Hold the title of CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer)
2. Provide executive mentorship to women early in their careers.

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

“McKenna Kiesling exemplifies the very best of the W. P. Carey MBA program. A standout leader with a passion for sustainability and community impact, McKenna has made an indelible mark both inside and outside the classroom. As President of Net Impact and Vice President of Community Wellness for the MBA Association, she has championed initiatives that promote sustainability and student well-being, reinforcing the program’s commitment to responsible leadership. Academically, she has excelled in supply chain management while applying her skills in her internship at Bayer, where she played a key role in enhancing supply chain resiliency for products contributing to $2.4 billion in annual sales. Her dedication to service is equally impressive—her work at NourishPHX helped mobilize hundreds of volunteers to fight food insecurity in the Phoenix community. With her academic excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social impact, McKenna truly embodies the qualities of an MBA To Watch.”

Erin Jordan
Clinical Associate Professor, School of Accountancy
Senior Faculty Director, MBA Programs

Nitin Walia
Clinical Professor, Department of Information Systems and Faculty Director, Full-time MBA

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

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