Anna Cooper

Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

“Curious, optimistic leader dedicated to making an impact in healthcare.”

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve been swimming with Great White Sharks.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce; Marketing and Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Prophet Consulting, Engagement Manager

What has been your favorite part of Nashville so far? Why? As much as I love country music and concerts at the Ryman, my favorite part of Nashville has been exploring everything else the city has to offer. From boating and hiking to Predators games and shopping in 12 South, there are endless events to check out on any given weekend. I’ve enjoyed amazing Italian food and even better omakase in a single weekend. I love that Nashville offers the perks of a big city alongside the charm and hospitality of a tight-knit community.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? As a professional transitioning into the healthcare industry, I was drawn to Vanderbilt Owen’s comprehensive curriculum—from healthcare economics to the startups practicum. The Healthcare Immersion program particularly stood out, offering the chance to observe a breadth of clinical settings. As a business leader, I want to ensure I always keep the patient at the center of my work. Spending time in the neuro ICU and the OR this fall broadened my perspective and challenged me to think more critically about healthcare innovation for all stakeholders: patients, caregivers, clinicians, and administrators.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Vanderbilt Owen? Vanderbilt graduate students are lucky enough to receive free tickets to sporting events. Football season was especially fun this year as a Commodore. However, my favorite sport to watch is basketball. I’ve loved cheering on our teams at home this season!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest professional accomplishment to date has been establishing the learning and development team for the organization and culture division at my consulting firm. In this role, I helped determine learning objectives for the division and create learning modules and workshops aligned to those objectives. I have benefitted from the mentorship of so many great leaders, and this role gave me the opportunity to pay that mentorship forward.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? As an MBA student, my biggest accomplishment so far is being selected as a board fellow for the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. As a board fellow, I have the opportunity to participate in board meetings, support strategy development, and work on projects ranging from grant proposals to fundraising events. It’s an honor to work with an organization that plays such an important role in the broader Nashville community.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? There have been so many great moments at Vanderbilt Owen, but traveling to India with my classmates certainly rises to the top. From seeing the Taj Mahal to celebrating Holi together, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one I will never forget.

DON’T MISS: MEET VANDERBILT OWEN’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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