Impact Portfolio: We Are MLT
Tap into the power of a good story.
Impact Portfolio ❯❯ Jennifer Meacham

Jennifer Meacham


ORGANIZATION

Goldman Sachs & Co.

EDUCATION

Undergraduate: Howard University
MBA Program(s): New York University - Stern School of Business

MLT PROGRAMS

Career Prep 2009, MBA PD 2013, MBA Prep 2013

Complete this sentence, "If not for MLT..."
I wouldn't have been exposed to a new world of opportunities and be in a position to take advantage of them.

Please describe the impact MLT had immediately upon completing your program.
I walked into school with three summer offers. MLT gave me more confidence in my ability to translate my skills into real opportunities.

How has MLT changed the financial/economic trajectory for you and your family?
MLT provided exposure to the Consortium, and I received a full ride to go to my top school. I walked out of business school debt free and making more money than I ever had. This wouldn't have been possible without the help from my MLT coach and friends.

Has MLT elevated your personal and professional aspirations? If so, please provide an example.
MLT gave me my first look into many different career paths—from brand management, to consulting, to luxury retail—I was exposed to options I didn't fully understand at the time. Better yet, I now have a broad network across a diverse array of fields that I can call on for inspiration, career opportunities, or a laugh.

How has MLT's community helped advance your personal and/or professional happiness?
Many of the Fellows in my MLT cohort turned out to be my closest friends during business school, and some attended the business school. It was great to walk into a new situation with friends that I could relate to and share my experiences with them.

Speak to a challenge MLT helped you overcome and how did that help your trajectory (i.e. confidence that you belong, growth mindset, vulnerability).
My MLT coach, Kendra Crook, helped me feel confident in my story. She never gave up on me, even when I didn't want to dig any deeper, and she helped me piece together my journey in a logical way on paper. Without her, the likelihood of getting into a top school would've been significantly lower. I'm super grateful for the time she spent coaching me so that I could reach my goal.

Have you helped advance vulnerable people on their path to economic mobility? If so, how?
I always look for opportunities to help. I've served as a mentor to undergrads, coached colleagues who are looking to get into finance or technology, and helped friends start their journeys to business school.

Share 2-3 ways you've been able to accelerate your organization's journey toward greater diversity and inclusion.
1) Referring and advocating for talented people of color.
2) Helping new hires adjust to the culture of my firm.

Share your favorite song, movie, or book, and why it appeals to you.
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris—It changed my perspective on the efforts I actually need to contribute to on a daily basis.

What is your superpower?
Judging a person's character rather quickly.

What gives you hope?
Seeing more people of color reach their full potential.

This content has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Published in 2019

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