The Scheller College of Business Industry Roundtables are doing exactly what they were designed to do: Bring the Scheller community together across programs, generations, and industries to foster meaningful connection and conversation.
Organized by Tonya Parker, director of community engagement, the Industry Roundtables create space for students to engage directly with Scheller alumni working in fields they aspire to enter — from fintech and consulting to entrepreneurship. Each event features a networking breakfast, an alumni panel or presentation, and small‑group conversations that allow for deeper, more personal exchanges.
“The main goals of the roundtable events are connection and community,” Parker said. “Students from all program levels are welcome to participate, which brings undergraduates and students in the M.S. Major in Management, Evening MBA, Full‑time MBA, and Executive MBA programs together with Scheller alumni. The shared interest of the focus topic creates space for meaningful and reflective discussion.”
Since the launch of the series in April 2025, the Industry Roundtables have explored several industries:
- Fintech: Moderated by Robert “Red” Daniel, the panel included Nancy Razzouk, associate portfolio manager, Invesco Ltd.; Sita Krishna, faster payments architect, Truist; Jonathan King, senior manager, investments, Coinbase; and Sebastian Ibarra, Aladdin data business partner, BlackRock.
- Consulting: MBA alumnae Hope Anusiem, founder and managing consultant of AnuInsight Consulting Group, shared her professional journey and insights into the consulting industry.
- Entrepreneurship: Moderated by Young Alumni Advisory Board member Bartlet DeProspo, the panel featured Todd Summe, founder and principal, ENCENDIA Inc.; Evan Ruff, CEO, OXOS Medical; Puga Sankara, founder and CEO, LoadProof by Smart Gladiator; and Christian Hyatt, co-founder and CEO, risk3sixty, who offered candid perspectives on launching and growing businesses.
Authentic Conversations and Real Connections
Current students, alumni, and industry professionals all seem to agree that the real power of the Industry Roundtables comes from the unhurried, authentic conversations they foster.
For Mustafa Zaidi, Full‑time MBA ’27, the roundtables have provided a supportive environment as an international student navigating a new professional landscape.
“What drew me to the roundtable was the chance to network with people who are actually working in industries I might want to work in,” Zaidi said. “Since I’m an international student and just moved to the country, getting insight into the ways of working — how they work, what they do — that’s valuable. This felt like one of the best platforms to interact with alumni without being judged. It’s not a recruiting event. They were in your shoes not long ago. You can just talk and ask whatever questions come to mind.”
Anna Berinhout, Full-time MBA ’27, is interested in how ideas translate into real impact. As the co-founder of People&, a people-centered leadership club, she was eager to engage with alumni in a more personal setting, like the small breakout discussions at the roundtable event.
“Meaningful work is not just about good ideas, but about identifying the right problem and communicating it in a way that makes people care,” Berinhout said. “The roundtable experience underscored just how critical soft skills are, especially in a world being reshaped by AI, particularly listening to understand, thoughtful communication, and problem framing.”
Where Conversations Turn into Opportunities
The experience is equally meaningful for alumni who are eager to give back and support the next generation of Scheller graduates. One roundtable participant wrote, “I enjoyed having the ability to meet interested students who had informed questions and objectives about the industry.”
In some cases, the conversations extend well beyond the event. Parker shared one example of a student who attended both the consulting and entrepreneurship roundtables. After meeting an alumnus who worked at an Atlanta consulting group, the student followed up and ultimately accepted a role with the firm.
“That’s exactly the kind of outcome we hope for,” Parker said. “But even when it doesn’t result in a job offer, those connections matter. Everyone has something to learn from another member of the Scheller community.”
As the Industry Roundtables continue, the focus remains on strengthening community, encouraging honest dialogue, and creating opportunities for students and alumni to learn from one another.