Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Taliah Harris
Taliah Harris
Emory University
Goizueta Business School
“A wife and mother who enjoys hosting and prides herself on her curry shrimp recipe.”
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m an Atlanta lifer! I was born and raised in Atlanta, earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees here, and currently live in the city with my husband and daughter!
Undergraduate School and Major: Georgia State University; B.S. Early Childhood Education
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Atlanta Public Schools, Student Support Specialist
What makes Atlanta such a great place to earn an MBA?
As an Atlanta native, I may be biased, but I believe Atlanta offers the best of both worlds for earning an MBA. The city combines the vibrancy of urban life with the laid-back atmosphere characteristic of the South. With Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport being one of the busiest in the world, Atlanta is a hub of diversity and cultural exchange. Additionally, the city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, providing ample career opportunities. Atlanta also offers a unique balance, allowing one to pursue a career-driven purpose while enjoying a family-oriented lifestyle.
Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Goizueta Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?
One key aspect of Goizueta Business School‘s Full-Time MBA program, aside from the location and classmates, is its “small-by-design” approach. As a non-traditional applicant, this aspect was particularly important to me because it fosters a close-knit and supportive community. From the start of my application process, I felt the authenticity of the Goizueta community. Conversations with alumni and current students confirmed that this was the right program for me. A memorable moment was during Welcome Weekend when Melissa Rapp, the Associate Dean of Graduate Admissions, asked about my daughter by name — a detail she remembered from months earlier. This personal touch made me feel truly valued and confirmed that Goizueta is more than just a business school; it’s a family. I’m thrilled to be a part of it!
What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Goizueta Business School?
I am particularly excited about joining the Goizueta Black MBA Association and participating in the Paying it Forward mentorship program. This program aims to support the next generation of young Black professionals by sharing valuable tools and experiences for navigating business school. During my application process, I was fortunate to receive guidance from alumni who generously shared their insights. This mentorship was pivotal to my successful MBA admittance, and I am eager to offer the same support to others.
What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why?
One of my unique qualities is my ability to cast a vision and energize a team toward achieving common goals. This skill has been invaluable in my roles as both a school leader and a collaborator. I believe my talent for inspiring and uniting people around a shared vision will be a significant asset to the Class of 2026.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
My biggest career accomplishment to date is initiating the first anti-bias training program at my workplace in response to the social unrest during the summer of 2021. This initiative, known as the Justice League, focused on creating safe spaces for productive discourse and provided staff with training in culturally responsive pedagogy. I developed and tailored these trainings around restorative practices, encouraging educators to engage in introspective work and unpack their hidden biases. I’m proud that the Justice League continues to thrive, having transformed the school culture for both teachers and students.
Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful?
I would consider my MBA experience successful if, in two years, I leave Emory University having built lifelong connections, both professionally and personally. Additionally, securing a job that aligns with my passion for engaging with people holistically to drive innovation and promote socially equitable growth would be a key indicator of success.
Interested in exploring Full-Time MBA opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program.
