Caitlin Hannah Benyah

Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business

“Globally-minded storyteller integrating art and software, connecting diverse identities with a passion for growth.”

Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland & Accra, Ghana

Fun Fact About Yourself: In high school, I created, designed, and published a 12-part comic book series for my friends titled “The Misadventures of Anita, Josie, and Casey”. The series follows the three main characters as they navigate the trials, tribulations, and challenges of an international high school.

Undergraduate School and Major: B.S. in Computer Science Engineering, University of Notre Dame

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Software Engineer, Kohl’s

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Carnegie Mellon’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? I am drawn to Carnegie Mellon University’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and the vibrant culture that surrounds it. As a software engineer and an artist, I find the opportunity to leverage CMU’s leadership in AI research while also pursuing my passion for creating art and practicing 3D animation as a business student truly exciting. I believe that technology and creativity are most powerful when they coexist, and CMU provides the ideal environment to explore this intersection.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Carnegie Mellon? I am excited to join both the Business & Technology Club and the Design & Business Club, as each aligns perfectly with my passion for integrating art, technology, and business strategy. Additionally, the Tepper School offers a course called Acting for Business. I’ve consistently heard glowing feedback from both current students and alumni, who praise this course for its unique use of acting techniques to sharpen communication skills, boost adaptability, and cultivate a commanding presence—qualities that directly enhance effectiveness in business. For many, it has completely transformed the way they approach interactions and negotiations.

The Tepper MBA is known for intensive one-on-one coaching and personal development. What area do you hope to strengthen during your two years in business school, and why? My goal is to enhance my communication skills so my words resonate both logically and emotionally. While I often rely on logic in discussions, I’ve learnt that emotion and passion are equally vital for making ideas memorable and inspiring action. I hope to continue improving my public speaking, not only capture my audience’s attention but also make them feel seen, understood, and inspired. This ability is essential when advocating for ideas, and I look forward to Tepper’s coaching and personal development to further refine these skills.

The Tepper MBA is also known for being highly data-driven. Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How have you been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? In a world increasingly influenced by AI and machine learning, the ability to critically analyze, interpret, and apply data has never been more essential. At the Tepper School, I look forward to enhancing these skills—utilizing analytics to uncover the truth and employing narrative to drive action. Throughout my career as a software engineer, I have come to recognize the critical importance of utilizing data and research to make informed decisions. It has been crucial in determining which features to develop and whether specific initiatives should be considered ‘successful’. With the addition of AI tools that function like paired programming partners, it has become even more essential to validate whether the recommended solutions are effective and truly address the problem at hand.

When you think of Carnegie Mellon University, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Layered. My journey has been shaped by various dimensions: engineering, art, a global perspective, and storytelling. At CMU, I have found a community that not only accepts but also celebrates this multifaceted identity. I am excited to begin my journey at CMU and learn more about the people around me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my previous role, I played a key role in redesigning and implementing a new Cash Office application that was launched in over 1,000 Kohl’s stores nationwide. This solution streamlined the way associates managed tills and accounts, resulting in a 15% improvement in accessibility and a 12% reduction in user errors. By optimizing internal processes and lowering server costs, the project saved the company $3 million annually. Beyond these impressive metrics, what made this accomplishment truly meaningful was the human aspect: visiting stores, listening to associates’ needs, and witnessing how our work made their jobs easier.

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