Leah Nakaima

Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University

“Strategic thinker and problem solver, fueled by purpose, shaped by challenge, driven to lead systems impact.”

Hometown: Jinja, Uganda

Fun Fact About Yourself: I recently completed a 10-day silent meditation retreat—no talking, technology, writing, or even eye contact. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but also one of the most transformative. The clarity and calm it brought is something I wish everyone could experience.

Undergraduate School and Major: Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Arizona State University; Master’s in Public Policy at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Manager, Category Strategy – Keurig Dr Pepper

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Cornell’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The key part of Cornell Johnson’s MBA programming that led me to choose Johnson is the Investment Banking Immersion. Through research and conversations, I learned it offers unmatched, hands-on training in banking. I found that it combines rigorous coursework with real-world experience and mentorship from top bankers. This program’s strong placement record and expert faculty made it clear that Johnson is the best place for me to launch into banking. What made it even more important was the close-knit, supportive environment fostered by Johnson’s location and culture, which I experienced firsthand during the Destination Johnson weekend. The combination of elite training and a community that genuinely supports individuals wanting to pivot careers was exactly what I needed to confidently pursue my goal.

What excites you the most about living in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region? What excites me most about living in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region is the incredible connection to nature that perfectly fits my lifestyle. During Destination Johnson, I woke up at 4 a.m. to take a run around campus, running up and down hills and watching the sunrise over waterfalls. That moment—feeling the crisp morning air and the beauty of the landscape—made me realize this place felt like home.

Ithaca offers a peaceful, rejuvenating environment where I can combine my passions for running, meditation, and reflection. The opportunity to live somewhere that encourages both focus and balance is invaluable to me, and the natural surroundings will be essential to sustaining my energy and mindset throughout the MBA experience and the start of my career in banking.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Cornell? Johnson Senior Lecturer Drew Pascarella’s Investment Banking Immersion for the hands-on banking skills it offers, and the Old Ezra Finance Club for its recruitment support. Outside the classroom, I look forward to camping and hiking to recharge, in addition to getting back into weightlifting at the gym to stay focused and energized.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2027? Why? I bring on board my ability to connect across industries, cultures, and communities and turn those connections into meaningful impact. My experiences include managing a family retail business at 14 years old; shaping strategy at a Fortune 500 company; advising clients as a consultant; strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains in emerging markets (particularly Africa); influencing local government strategy; and supporting a global NGO. As a result, I bring a uniquely cross-sector, global perspective to every challenge.

This experience equips me to support classmates interested in consulting, consumer goods, healthcare, and social impact by sharing insights and networks. In my second year, I’m eager to support first-year students by mentoring through the Old Ezra Finance and Consulting Clubs, assist with conference planning—drawing from my experience with the 2021 HKS Women in Power Conference—and celebrate my Ugandan heritage through the Johnson Africa Business Society. Above all, I’m committed to helping cultivate a Class of 2027 community where every individual feels supported, included, and empowered to thrive.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment was helping improve access to life-saving diabetes treatment across Africa. Motivated by a projected 47% rise in diabetes cases by 2045, I partnered with my public policy program to research insulin supply chains in six African countries. The findings contributed to a global pharmaceutical company’s decision to partner with a local manufacturer to begin producing insulin in Africa. This shift optimized distribution, lowered costs, and expanded access to over 1 million patients annually. This experience affirmed my belief in business as a tool to deliver data-informed, large-scale change where it is needed most.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? I will consider my MBA experience successful if I achieve three key goals. First, I aim to secure a banking role where I can contribute by helping clients make business decisions that drive markets. Second, I want to build meaningful connections and a strong network with faculty, peers, and business leaders, both professionally and personally. Finally, giving back to the community through active involvement in clubs, centers, and conferences is essential to me. I plan to volunteer in the Ithaca community, mentor fellow students, and help organize conferences and summits featuring experts in finance, healthcare, and consumer goods—both in the U.S. and emerging markets.

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