Daniella Kapural

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“Passionate about driving innovation by supporting female founders through biotech insights and strategic investing.”

Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Fun Fact About Yourself: I spent a week camping in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where the nocturnal hippos held concerts outside our tent, ensuring sleep was strictly optional.  

Undergraduate School and Major: UNC Kenan-Flagler, Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title Herspiegel Consulting, Senior Consultant

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Kenan-Flagler’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The key aspect of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s curriculum that was instrumental in my decision to attend was the strong and complementary nature of its Investment Management and Healthcare programming. This dual-focus curriculum directly addresses the unique skillset required for the career path I am pursuing.

For instance, having faculty like Professor Markus Saba, with over 25 years of experience at a major pharmaceutical company, offers invaluable real-world perspective. The practical experience from courses like the Applied Investment Management (AIM) class and opportunities like the Alpha Challenge provide a hands-on foundation in financial valuation and strategy. This integrated approach, which combines hands-on financial experience with a deep, globally informed understanding of the healthcare industry, is precisely the foundation I need to successfully transition into healthcare investment management and make a meaningful impact.

What are some advantages you’ve seen in earning your MBA in Chapel Hill? UNC Kenan-Flagler’s vast and engaged alumni network was a significant factor in my decision to pursue my MBA here. I’ve already experienced the “Carolina Way” firsthand. One alumna, in particular, was instrumental in encouraging me to pursue my MBA and explore my career options. This collaborative culture isn’t confined to campus; it genuinely extends beyond graduation, offering lifelong support and connections. It’s a powerful testament to the community you become a part of.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Kenan-Flagler? The Applied Investment Management (AIM) course is what excites me most at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Its reputation as a highly impactful, hands-on experience, allowing students to actively manage the $2 million Global Perspectives Fund, offers unparalleled practical skill development. This direct application of MBA-level finance concepts, combined with invaluable mentorship from alumni and industry leaders, makes it an ideal program to significantly advance my skills and career in investment management.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment was spearheading the commercialization strategy and investor pitch for an early-stage health tech startup at my consulting firm, which led to their successful funding and eventual acquisition. This project uniquely combined my strategic skillset with a deep personal passion for improving women’s health through technology. It was a pivotal experience that demonstrated how analytical rigor can drive meaningful impact and success in an innovative, mission-driven space.

Describe the best memory of your life so far? Why does that moment resonate with you? My best memory so far is the moment I decided to return to Carolina for my MBA. It felt like a powerful commitment to investing in my own growth and re-engaging with this amazing, collaborative community. This decision deeply resonates because it signifies choosing a place where I can truly thrive, leveraging its incredible network to push my boundaries and forge lifelong connections.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? My post-graduation goal is to apply my pharmaceutical expertise to the investment management industry. I’m passionate about identifying and supporting innovative healthcare companies, and I believe my background gives me a unique perspective on their potential for success and growth.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTH CAROLINA KENAN-FLAGLER’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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