Sia-Linda Lebbie

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“An adventurous spirit who thrives on travel and bridging the gap between like-minded people.”

Hometown: Salem, Massachusetts

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve created and hosted two podcasts, The Trillest in college and Candid at Google, using storytelling to sharpen my marketing skills while interviewing incredible peers and colleagues.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Pennsylvania C’21, Communication major with minors in Psychology and Hispanic Studies.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Google – Global Manager, Direct-to-Consumer Digital Marketing at GoogleStore.com

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? While I expected the electric football culture, I’ve been surprised by how seamlessly Mendoza integrates that spirit into the academic experience. Events like the Friday rallies upended my idea of a rigid MBA program; instead, I found a culture where school pride and professional ambition go hand-in-hand, creating a unique energy on and off the field.

Aside from your classmates, what was the one key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Mendoza’s ‘Grow the Good in Business’ mission was my primary draw. Having grown up low-income, I know firsthand how the generosity of others can break the cycle of poverty. I chose Notre Dame because it doesn’t just teach strategy — it champions giving back. Through required ethics courses and immersive programs like Business on the Frontlines and Grow Irish, I can bridge the gap between business theory and real-world service. While I’m still awaiting my ‘Grow Irish’ match, I am eager to apply my skills to a project rooted in ethical, pro-social impact.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? Professor Joe Redden’s Introduction to Marketing Management course stands out for its immersive capstone simulation. I loved the challenge of building a brand from the ground up — modeling everything from product design to shareholder growth for a virtual tennis company. Working alongside my team to navigate real-time market shifts was both engaging and a highlight of my first semester.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Before my MBA, I spent four years at Google as a Global Manager, spearheading international digital content strategy for GoogleStore.com. My most significant achievement was orchestrating seven major Nest, Pixel, and Fitbit hardware launches across 19 countries. Balancing complex logistics with localized strategy, I successfully navigated these products from initial concept to global execution.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? I am proud to have secured a Product Marketing MBA internship at Microsoft this summer and to be representing Mendoza as a QuestBridge Scholar. Receiving a full-tuition scholarship is especially meaningful to me since it ensures I can graduate debt-free, a goal I’ve held since childhood. These milestones validate the hard work I’ve put in to escape the cycle of poverty that I grew up in.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? My mission is to foster global empathy by creating multimedia content that humanizes diverse experiences. Mendoza’s commitment to ‘Grow the Good’ has been pivotal in this journey. By integrating ethical frameworks into every core business function, the program has challenged me to see strategy as a force for social progress. I am learning to leverage these high-level business tools to eventually build a media empire that amplifies underrepresented voices and scales positive storytelling.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My favorite memory was the ‘Grow the Good’ Gala this past December. Seeing the entire Mendoza graduate community come together in formal attire to support a meaningful cause was truly inspiring. It was the perfect culmination of our first semester, balancing a commitment to service with an unforgettable night of dancing and celebrating the bonds we’ve built.

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