Cecilia Dolan

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“Ex-principal ballerina, new mom, avid hiker -driven to make a difference and impact lives.”

Hometown: New York City, NY

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am the first American professional ballerina to perform in Lagos, Nigeria.

Undergraduate School and Major: Fordham University, Communications

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Pacific Northwest Ballet (Principal Ballerina & Program Manager)

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? Supportive Ambition resonates most with me because I believe the best work—and the best lives—are built in community. Whether raising a child or launching a business, we can’t do it alone. That’s why I chose Fuqua: I want to grow as a leader who not only contributes individually, but uplifts those around me.

For 16 years as a professional dancer and 30 in the ballet world, I worked relentlessly to reach the top of my field. That journey taught me discipline, resilience, and excellence—but it was largely solitary. At Fuqua, supportive ambition demands that I expand the mentoring and peer support I’ve offered within ballet to a broader scale—learning how to champion teams, amplify others’ potential, and drive shared success far beyond the stage.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What drew me to Fuqua was its genuine embrace of nontraditional backgrounds. As a former professional ballerina with entrepreneurial experience, I often felt imposter syndrome—but conversations with Fuqua students and alumni made me feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue an MBA. The school’s hands-on consulting practicums in areas like impact investing and healthcare gave me confidence that I could build real business acumen and gain hands-on experience I could speak to in future job interviews and build on in my future career.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? I’m most excited—and honored—to be a Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) Impact Scholar at Fuqua. Making a meaningful difference in people’s lives is at the heart of my career goals, and CASE provides the mentorship, resources, and community to help turn that purpose into action. Being part of a cohort of like-minded, impact-driven peers will challenge and inspire me as I explore how business can be used as a force for good. I’m eager to grow through this journey and contribute meaningfully along the way.

What do you like most about North Carolina so far? What I love most about North Carolina is that it feels like a return to my roots with fresh eyes. I began my dance career at Carolina Ballet in Raleigh, and after a decade in Seattle, I’ve grown to love hiking and the outdoors. I’m excited to rediscover NC’s trails and the Blue Ridge Mountains—and now, as a new mom, I’m especially looking forward to finding great family spots around Durham to explore on days off.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career? Traveling to Nigeria, Ghana, and Honduras to lead ballet teacher training workshops has been the highlight of my career. I designed and conducted these programs independently, working closely with local teachers to understand their unique challenges and cultural contexts. It was incredibly fulfilling to exchange knowledge, help them grow as educators, and, in turn, expand my own worldview. I’m proud not only of the impact I made, but of how much I learned through genuine collaboration and cultural exposure.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Two years from now, my MBA experience will be a success if I’ve discovered a career path that excites me as deeply as dance. While my long-term goal is to return to the arts as an executive director of a ballet company, I’m eager to use this time to explore how different industries operate, create impact, and lead with purpose. Success means gaining the clarity, skills, and confidence to make a meaningful pivot—and feeling truly energized about the journey ahead.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2027: STUDENTS TODAY, LEADERS TOMORROW, INNOVATORS ALWAYS

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