Grace McPartlin (Gomez)

Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business

“A team player who thrives on curiosity, human connection, solving complex problems, and big cups of coffee.”

Hometown: Ridgefield, CT

Fun Fact About Yourself: I want to visit every national park (37/63 visited!)

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy at West Point, Military History and Regional Studies: Africa

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Army Special Operations Command, 3rd Special Forces Group, 1st Battalion Logistics Officer (Captain)

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’ve already relied heavily on the Masters Career Center (MCC) (special thanks to Jackie Goslin for always answering my calls!). Leaving the military is a major transition, and I knew I didn’t want to go through my MBA journey alone. The Tepper School’s MCC stood out because of its personalized, relationship-focused approach. From day one, I’ve had career coaches who not only understand my unique background, but also challenge me to explore new industries, ask better questions, and grow my network intentionally. For someone driven by curiosity and human connection, this level of tailored support was exactly what I needed to make a confident and purposeful pivot.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Carnegie Mellon? I’m most excited to experience the Tepper School’s cultural and community events, from celebrating Diwali and Lunar New Year to attending the annual Military Ball. I can’t wait for CMU Night at PNC Park and to see Aaron Rodgers in a Steelers jersey. These moments are more than just fun; they are chances to share experiences, learn about classmates’ traditions, and create memories together. For me, it’s these shared celebrations that turn classmates into lifelong friends and make the Tepper School feel like home.

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? I have already started leaning on the Accelerate Leadership Center (ALC) for personal growth. In the military, I learned that people are our most valuable asset and that strong interpersonal relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. We all have strengths and weaknesses (if you think you don’t have any weaknesses, you probably need to take a closer look inward!). Emotional Intelligence has always been important to me, and I came to the Tepper School wanting to deepen my self-awareness to become a better leader for those I manage, for my peers, and for those I work for – and ultimately, for myself. Growth requires intention and discipline, and the ALC’s leadership and communication coaching provides a unique, in-house resource to make that development a daily practice.

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 been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? In the military, I learned the importance of transforming data into a compelling story my commanders could make decisions on. I’ve seen firsthand how critical this skill is and how much effort it takes to go beyond the numbers to answer ‘why?’. Data can bridge the gap to solve problems globally, but it’s only effective when combined with sound judgment and a holistic perspective. Ultimately, the best decisions, whether in the military or in business, are human decisions. The Tepper School MBA approach to this reality blends both analytical rigor and strategic thinking.

When you think of Carnegie Mellon University, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Carnegie Mellon truly feels global, not only because of where students come from but also because of the talents, perspectives, and cultures they bring. In every conversation, you’re just as likely to learn about a classmate’s professional expertise as their country’s traditions. That mix of skills and stories creates a learning environment where curiosity thrives, and every interaction broadens your outlook on the world.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My proudest career achievement isn’t a single moment, but rather helping others through tough times. This is true whether that involved overcoming personal struggles, making career choices, or simply being a steady source of support. In the military, I was lucky to have mentors who believed in me, and I made it a point to return the favor. I’ve written recommendation letters, coached soldiers for promotions, and remained connected years after we served together. The biggest impact I can make is helping others see their own potential, and I’m dedicated to continuing this in the business world by empowering colleagues to grow, lead, and build connections long after our paths cross.

DON’T MISS: MEET CARNEGIE MELLON TEPPER’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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