Meet the Class of 2025: Molly McDonald 25EvMBA 

This year, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of Goizueta Business School’s Class of 2025. As commencement approaches, we’re highlighting outstanding graduates from each program who have made their mark during their time at Goizueta. Meet Molly McDonald, an Evening MBA student whose journey has been defined by purpose-driven leadership and a passion for social impact. In this Q&A, she shares her experiences, insights, and what’s next after graduation.

Hometown:  Beverly, MA (30 minutes North of Boston) 

Current Job Title: TBD (I am actively pursuing opportunities back in Boston at the intersection of consulting, entrepreneurship and innovation and social impact) 

Previous Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Simmons University 

Previous Employment: Senior Consultant, Ernst & Young (EY) 

Clubs/Activities/Student Leadership: 

• President, Goizueta Evening Business Association 
• Evening MBA Representative, Goizueta Women in Business 
• President, Emory Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club 
• Fellow, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 
• Social Enterprise Fellow, Business & Society Institute  
• Delta Leadership Coaching Fellow 
• Associate, Peachtree Minority Venture Fund 
• Teaching Assistant, Entrepreneurship

What initially drew you to Goizueta Business School? What unique aspects of Goizueta’s culture, curriculum, or community made it stand out from other business schools you considered?  

I was drawn to Goizueta Business School because of its small class size, community-oriented culture, and its commitment to developing principled leaders who seek to create positive impact not only in business, but society at large. I wanted an MBA program that offered more than just academic rigor—I was looking for transformative opportunities that allowed me to explore my interests and get hands-on experience. Goizueta delivered that through its unique Global Experiential Modules (like my immersive trip to South Africa focused on entrepreneurship and innovation) and the Washington Campus program, which allowed me to explore the intersection of business, public policy, and public affairs in D.C. Additionally, I had the opportunity to go deeper through fellowships with the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Business & Society Institute as a Social Enterprise Fellow which was another major differentiator. These fellowships provided community and tailored learning experiences—including directed study opportunities, access to specialized programming and events, and meaningful mentorship—that helped me grow both personally and professionally. They also gave me a community to connect with like-minded individuals and access to engage with the broader Atlanta innovation and social impact ecosystem. Finally, when I visited Goizueta it was obvious that I would get exposure to a diversity of perspectives in the classroom and outside the classroom students and faculty had strong meaningful relationships and it truly is a community that supports each other. Coming from Boston, I was looking for a home away from home which I found in Goizueta! Overall, Goizueta’s Evening MBA program (EvMBA) gave me the flexibility to chart my own path catered to my personal and professional interests—and that’s what truly set Goizueta apart. 

What has been your most memorable experience during your time at Goizueta? 

It’s impossible to choose just one! But if I had to narrow it down, I’d highlight my top five most memorable experiences at Goizueta: 

1. GEvBA (Goizueta Evening Business Association): Over the last three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a leadership role on GEvBA-first as Social Chair and later as President. We worked closely with the Program Office to enhance the student experience, manage the student activity budget, shape the social calendar, create networking opportunities for career advancement, gather academic feedback, and represent the student voice. It was incredibly rewarding to plan programming that brought our community together and help drive improvements that will benefit future cohorts. 
2. Goizueta Women in Business (GWIB): Serving on the GWIB Leadership Board gave me the opportunity to connect with women across programs and contribute to programming that supports women’s growth as MBA students and future business leaders. It was a community focused on connection, empowerment, and shared ambition. 
3. Experiential Learning Opportunities: The program’s experiential components, such as the Global Experiential Module (GEM) in South Africa, focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, and the Washington Campus module focused on public affairs and policy, were deeply impactful. Both broadened my understanding of how business intersects with global systems and social change. 
4. Social Enterprise Fellow – Business & Society Institute: Being selected as a Social Enterprise Fellow allowed me to further explore the intersection of business and social impact and contribute to meaningful projects aligned with my values and long-term career goals. As part of the fellowship, I completed a directed study focused on my interest in the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact, which gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into the space both academically and practically. It also connected me with a community of like-minded students and mentors equally passionate about using business as a force for good. 
5. Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fellow: As a CEI Fellow, I had the chance to engage with Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, support venture development and investment, and learned firsthand how innovation is cultivated both inside and outside the classroom. Entrepreneurship and innovation is extremely ambiguous and having a community of peers and mentors to navigate the uncertainty with and learn from was extremely impactful.  

How has your Goizueta education prepared you for your next career step?

My Goizueta education has been instrumental in preparing me for what’s next, both professionally and personally. The program gave me access to a diverse and inspiring network that broadened my perspective and opened doors to new opportunities. I was able to explore different career paths and industries, which helped me refine my long-term goals and gain clarity around where I can make the most impact. Most importantly, Goizueta challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone—academically, professionally, and as a leader—which has made me more confident and prepared for the uncertainties and opportunities ahead. Through coursework, team projects, and extracurricular involvement, I developed a deeper understanding of what effective, value-driven leadership looks like and how to bring that into my work. I also formed meaningful relationships with faculty and staff who became trusted mentors and sounding boards—people I know I’ll continue to turn to for guidance as I navigate my career. 

What advice would you give to incoming students in your program?  

The Evening MBA program is truly what you make of it and can flex to meet whatever level of involvement you’re looking for. Everyone understands that you’re balancing school, work, and life—so you get to create your own experience. For me, moving to Atlanta and joining the EvMBA program was both a professional and personal decision. I wanted a community where I could build friendships and get involved in clubs, fellowships, and activities outside the classroom. My advice: say “yes” as much as you can—you never know where it might lead, who you’ll meet, or what doors could open. Lastly, take the opportunity to explore courses and experiences outside your comfort zone. In a professional role, it’s easy to stay siloed, but the MBA is a safe space to explore new interests, test potential career pivots, and grow in ways you might not have expected. 

How do you plan to stay connected with the Goizueta community after graduation?  

After graduation, I’ll be moving back to Boston, MA, but I plan to remain actively connected to the Emory University and Goizueta community. I’m excited to engage with alumni in the Northeast and will stay involved through the Alumni Association and by attending events. The lifelong friendships I’ve built through the EvMBA program will continue to anchor me to the Goizueta network and I know I will be back to visit Atlanta often. I also look forward to finding ways to give back—whether through mentorship, volunteering, or supporting future students—as a way to stay engaged and contribute to the community that has meant and given so much to me. 

What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see yourself making an impact in your chosen field? 

My long-term career goals are not tied to a specific title or company, but rather to becoming a leader at the intersection of business and social impact. I’ve always been mission-driven, and I view my career as a catalyst for creating positive change in society. Community-building has been a consistent theme throughout my experiences, and I hope to continue working collaboratively with people and teams to maximize impact. I’m energized by uncertainty and thrive in spaces that require innovation, which makes me especially excited about future roles that challenge the status quo and push boundaries to drive meaningful outcomes. 

Interested in exploring Full-Time MBA opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program.