MBA Exclusive

Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach, is a venture capitalist, Lecturer at Stanford University for “Valley Meets Mission”, and Adjunct Entrepreneurship Professor and Senior Advisor to Provost at Georgetown University, and author of the National Bestseller, “Venture Meets Mission”. Arun is active in the emerging technology, entrepreneurship, public policy, and venture finance communities. He is passionate about inspiring students to pursue mission-oriented entrepreneurial careers.

At Stanford University, Arun serves on the Stanford in Washington (SIW) Advisory Board, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Advisory Council, and is a Faculty Lecturer teaching ” Valley Meets Mission: Purposeful Entrepreneurship with Government” at Stanford in Washington. The class highlights his venture capital and academic experience building successful mission-oriented ventures at the intersection of the government, mission, technology, and entrepreneurship.

At Georgetown University, Arun serves on the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Tech & Society Steering Committee, and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Capital at McDonough School of Business. He was awarded the Entrepreneurial Faculty Teaching Excellence Award and the Peter W. Gonzalez Jr. Award for Excellence in Faculty Teaching.

As a Partner at Columbia Capital, Arun’s investment career spanned eighteen years including initiating the firm’s Cybersecurity and Government technology investments with a focus on National Security, AI, and SaaS/Cloud infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining Columbia Capital in 2000, Arun was at Carlyle Venture Partners focused on software investments. Prior to Carlyle, Arun held positions in Arthur D. Little’s telecom and technology consulting practice and shared responsibility for establishing ADL’s management consulting operations in Mumbai 1995-98.

Arun received a B.S. degree with Distinction in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. degree in Engineering Economic Systems from Stanford University (’91). He received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (’95).

Arun has lived in the Washington DC metropolitan area for over 40 years and has been actively involved in local community organizations focusing on coaching youth sports, inner city educational programs, and food insecurity programs for vulnerable communities. Arun has been happily married for 27+ years to Dr. Anjali Mehta Gupta and has three wonderful children.

Dr. Linda Bixby leads academic partnerships at NobleReach Foundation, working to bring independence, objectivity, diversity, and the best entrepreneurial talent of industry, academia, and government to deliver solutions with impact for our greatest national security challenges.

Dr. Bixby has 30+ years of experience in executive, management, technical, operational, and analytical roles in the U.S. government, academia, non-profit organizations, and industry. She has received numerous commendations during her government service and worked as an executive at a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit organization, and a small, woman-owned business. She is a former associate professor and scholar in residence at American University.

Dr. Bixby is the Advisory Board chairperson for the Center for Supply Chain Research at Pennsylvania State University’s School of Business; Advisory Board member for the Center for Engineering and Decision Analytics at University of Texas Austin’s School of Engineering; and Advisory Board member for the Virginia Cyber Navigator Internship Program led by University of Virginia. She participates actively in AFCEA International, National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), where she was a member of the Advisory Committee and vice chairperson of the Acquisition Management Council.

Dr. Bixby has a doctorate in history and a master’s in history and Soviet studies from the Freie Universität Berlin. She obtained bachelor’s degrees in communications and German studies from the University of Arizona, and continues her education at MIT’s Program in Innovation and Technology.

Sree served as senior advisor to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo from early 2021 to 2024, focusing on emerging technology, supply chain resiliency, and industrial policy. He is currently a Fellow at the nonprofit Noble Reach Foundation, advising that organization on technology, talent, and investment initiatives to support US national and economic security.

Sree’s achievements at Commerce including developing and facilitating the CHIPS and Science Act and other Biden administration initiatives on semiconductors, supply chains, and critical technologies. He also developed Commerce’s CHIPS strategy and investment thesis to guide implementation of the CHIPS program and helped recruit key leaders to build the CHIPS program office at Commerce. He served as Commerce’s key technology and industrial policy interlocutor with the private sector, national security community, and Congressional leadership and staff.

He continues to advise a wide range of policy and industry leaders on ways to promote, protect, and scale up emerging technologies and industrial investments in the United States.

Sree was formerly a Partner in McKinsey & Company’s Washington DC office and at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), the non-profit business and economics research arm of McKinsey. In this role he was responsible for shaping MGI’s and McKinsey’s research on trends in global competition, technology disruption, and the forces impacting multinational firms. For more than a decade Sree has researched and written extensively about American manufacturing and supply chains, the impact of deindustrialization on economic and national security, and opportunities to revitalize industrial investment in established and emerging sectors.

Prior to joining McKinsey in 2008, Sree spent nearly a decade in the US aerospace and telecom sectors with roles in engineering and regulatory affairs. He holds three patents, an MBA, and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering and telecommunications.

Dr. Lord has been actively engaged in the business and public policy arena for many years in a wide variety of roles. Campus Board member Professor Gerry Keim noted: “Mike Lord is a recognized national expert on corporate political strategy, especially grassroots lobbying, and we are very excited to have Mike leading The Washington Campus.”

Before assuming his current role, Dr. Lord served as a guest faculty member for The Washington Campus for more than a decade, leading Executive and MBA programs. He also has led a wide variety of programs for dozens of other corporations and associations in Washington, D.C., nationwide, and globally. Dr. Lord has consulted on strategy and innovation for the top management of organizations ranging from multinationals to start-ups, and has served on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards, including the Foundation for Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his appointment to lead The Washington Campus in 2012, Dr. Lord served as the Sisel Fellow in Strategy, Director of the China Program, and Director of the Flow Institute for International Studies at Wake Forest University. In these roles, he expanded

E/MBA programs throughout China and into Central and Eastern Europe, India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Prior to his 15 years with Wake Forest, Dr. Lord worked at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been recognized with numerous awards for teaching and research excellence.

Previously, Dr. Lord worked as an administrator at Harvard University’s continuing education division and as a researcher at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

He also earlier served with distinction as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in various administrative and leadership roles, both on active duty and in the reserves.

His work on corporate political strategy, innovation, and globalization has been published in a variety of media, including the Harvard Business Review, Business and Politics, Business & Society, the Academy of Management Executive, the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, Organization Science, the Journal of High Technology Management Research, and the Journal of International Business Studies.

Dr. Lord attended Harvard and MIT, concentrating in government and international relations, and earning a BA with honors from Harvard. He earned a MBA from Baylor University with a focus in international management, and a Ph.D. in strategic management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Sherelle Hill, from Keyport, New Jersey, holds an undergraduate degree in Women’s Studies with a Business minor from Montclair State University and an MBA from Howard University (2024). With over three years at Adobe, she began in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), focusing on recruitment and program management, before transitioning to sales. Now supporting the Creative Cloud and Document Cloud teams, Sherelle combines her passion for learning, innovation, and making an impact. She is dedicated to fostering connections, driving growth, and creating meaningful change in the workplace and beyond.

Candace Davis is a Senior Associate Brand Manager at The Hershey Company, overseeing Ice Breakers and Bubble Yum, Hershey's third-largest brands. Since joining in 2023, she’s contributed to the growth of key businesses like Seasons – Holiday, launching innovations for Reese’s, Hershey’s, and KISSES. With expertise in brand strategy and consumer connection, Candace is passionate about brand storytelling. She holds a JD and MBA from Howard University (2019), where she focused on Supply Chain Management, and a BA in English from Spelman College (2015). Outside of work, Candace enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her husband and puppy.

Carl Brown is the State/Executive Director of the District of Columbia Small Business Development Center (DC SBDC) at Howard University. With over 25 years of experience in small business development, he specializes in consulting, training, human resources, marketing, and procurement. Carl also hosts “The Small Business Report” on Sirius XM and has held executive roles in telecommunications, consumer goods, and transportation. His public sector experience spans federal and local agencies, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and WMATA. He has produced and hosted business-focused TV and radio shows and been featured in national media on economic development.

Victor P. Holt is the founder and CEO of V-Tech Solutions Inc., a leading health, technology, and professional services firm he established in 2000. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Victor’s entrepreneurial journey began with a pivotal elevator conversation, turning a small opportunity into a thriving business. Under his leadership, V-Tech has become a trusted partner to government agencies. He advocates for underserved communities through his role as Vice-Chair of the National HUBZone Council and has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for over 4,000 hours of volunteer service.

Lainie Suárez Butler is Vice President of Enabling Services and interim lead for International Procurement at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), managing $4B+ in spend across functions like IT, HR, Finance, and Law. She leads consulting, contingent labor, travel, fleet, and meetings services. Since joining BMS in 2013, Lainie has received several accolades, including the CPO Award and One Company One Mission award. Previously, she held roles in financial services, starting her procurement career at Lehman Brothers. Lainie holds a BS in Business Administration from Villanova University. She resides in Pennington, NJ, with her family.

David Burton is the Founder and CEO of the Diverse Manufacturing Supply Chain Alliance (DMSCA) and its Supplier Development Foundation. A native of Columbia, SC, Burton holds a B.S. from Morgan State University and a Masters in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a former adjunct professor at Howard University and served on the Obama Administration's Small Business Advisory Council. Burton has extensive experience in community development, small business incubation, and manufacturing supplier development. He is a decorated Vietnam Veteran, an honorary doctorate recipient, and has received numerous awards for his leadership and advocacy.

Felicia A. Bell is an accomplished contracts professional with 17 years of experience at Bechtel Corporation, where she has played a pivotal role in delivering high-profile projects both domestically and internationally. Her deep expertise in supporting supply chain operations has contributed to impactful outcomes across a variety of sectors. A staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, Felicia has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dwight D. Eisenhower Award of Excellence for Construction in 2024. Outside of her professional work, she mentors military women transitioning to civilian careers and teaches financial literacy, empowering future leaders in business and beyond.

Brian Stewart is a strategic business leader with 20 years of experience in operations, manufacturing, supply chain management, and logistics. Currently Senior Director, Global Logistics at Google, he leads the company’s Global Logistics Organization, overseeing warehousing, transportation, and technical infrastructure deployment. Prior to Google, he was Senior Director for Product Supply at Procter & Gamble. Brian is committed to developing high-performing teams and future leaders, exemplified through his mentorship work and his role on the Board of Howard University’s School of Business. Outside of work, he is passionate about fitness, including boxing, football, and mountain climbing.

Collins Oluka is an award-winning Global Sourcing & Supply Chain Management Executive with over a decade of experience. As the Head of Global Procurement at Velcro Companies, he leads a diverse team, shaping strategy and driving measurable value in areas such as COGS savings, working capital improvement, and risk mitigation. Collins is a recognized subject matter expert in supplier development, process improvements, and strategic sourcing. He holds an MBA in Supply Chain Management & Finance from Howard University and certifications including CPSM and Six Sigma Black Belt. Collins is also a recipient of the ISM Trailblazer Award (2024).

James Jean is the Sr. Director of North America Operations for Hospital and Specialty Care at Pfizer Global Supply (PGS), where he has worked since 2016. In his current role, he collaborates with commercial teams to develop supply strategies for specialty products. Previously, James led Pfizer’s Temperature Control Logistics organization, overseeing the development of the deep-frozen infrastructure for the COVID-19 vaccine, including dry ice shippers, earning him the nickname "The Ice Man." Prior to Pfizer, James worked at Bristol Myers Squibb in various roles. He holds an MBA in Finance from St. Joseph’s University and a BS from Ursinus College.

IlLonka (Javette) Hines is Director, SC Supplier Senior Group Manager, and Global Head of Supply Chain Development, Inclusion, and Sustainability at Citi. She leads efforts to integrate diverse suppliers into Citi’s sourcing practices, with a goal of spending $1B globally with diverse suppliers. Javette has over 25 years of experience in supply chain management, operations, and leadership, including 11 years at IBM. She holds degrees in education and law, along with multiple certifications in diversity, inclusion, and supply chain management. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain 2024, she is also a sought-after speaker.

James McLean is an experienced Campus Recruitment professional based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with nearly a decade of expertise in the field. Over the past four years, he has specialized in MBA recruitment, helping connect top talent with meaningful career opportunities. A passionate advocate for continued education, James emphasizes the importance of long-term career development and growth. He is dedicated to helping candidates find roles that align with their personal and professional aspirations, ensuring a fulfilling and sustainable career path.

Marcus Johnson is a globally celebrated jazz artist, entrepreneur, and educator whose career spans nearly three decades. With 23 albums reaching the top 10 on the Billboard charts—several climbing to number one—Marcus is a leading voice in contemporary jazz. Known for his unique fusion of urban jazz, Latin, funk, and Lo-Fi influences, Marcus captivates audiences worldwide, performing at renowned venues such as the Blue Note NYC, Blues Alley DC, and international festivals like the Munich Jazz Fest and Bermuda Jazz Fest.

A Georgetown Law and Business School graduate, Marcus combines his musical talent with sharp business acumen. He is a professor at Howard University School of Law, where he teaches Entertainment Law, focusing on contracts, licensing, NIL deals, and branding. Marcus also inspires future leaders through his speaking engagements at Harvard, Georgetown, Cornell, and more.

Beyond music and education, Marcus is an accomplished entrepreneur. He founded FLO Wine, a top-rated wine brand recognized by USA Today as a top 10 celebrity wine line, with products produced in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Lodi, California. FLO Wine is known for merging wine with lifestyle, featuring QR codes on bottles that link to curated music and candles to enhance the experience. Marcus’s entrepreneurial ventures also include organizing jazz festivals and curating lifestyle experiences that blend music, wellness, and community.

He has worked with legends such as Najee, Will Downing, George Duke, Raheem DeVaughn, and Chaka Khan, among others, while his Spotify audience exceeds 120,000 monthly listeners.Marcus’s dedication to personal growth extends into his life as a private pilot, stock trader, mentor, and father. He is a published author of the Amazon bestseller Flow: Living the Journey of Life with Love, Intention, Passion, and Happiness and serves on the board of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Dr. Nandi Leslie is a distinguished Principal Technical Fellow at RTX, which is the company’s highest technical honor. Throughout her career, she has held numerous leadership positions, including Chief Data Scientist for a $1.2B Department of Homeland Security program, Chief Engineer for Raytheon’s $330M R&D portfolio, and Technical Solutions Director for cybersecurity teams operating globally. These roles have allowed her to shape and direct some of the most critical, high-impact technical initiatives at RTX.

Since 2020, Dr. Leslie has also been an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University in the Applied and Computational Mathematics Program, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of mathematicians and engineers. She has further broadened her academic influence as a Visiting Professor at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Senegal since 2019, where she contributes to advancing education and research in applied mathematics. Before joining RTX in 2015, Dr. Leslie led and contributed to impactful projects involving modeling and simulation for the Navy, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and other defense-focused clients. She also served as a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Maryland, where she conducted research funded by the National Science Foundation.

A recognized leader in applied mathematics and technology, Dr. Leslie has authored over 60 publications and presented her research at more than 100 international conferences, workshops, and meetings. In 2020, she received the BEYA Award for Outstanding Technical Contribution in Industry, further cementing her reputation as an influential figure in her field. Dr. Leslie is deeply engaged in shaping policy and research, serving on influential boards and committees, including the Princeton University Board of Trustees and several NASEM committees related to national security, AI, and military R&D. She also contributes to advisory boards, such as Howard University’s Center of Excellence in AI and Machine Learning. Her career bridges academia, industry, and national security, with her work continuing to impact both technical and policy areas.