Leadership development doesn’t end when class does—it accelerates through meaningful connections with experienced alumni executives.
Through one-on-one relationships, the Fox Executive MBA (EMBA) Mentorship Program at Temple University’s Fox School of Business connects current students with a powerful network of EMBA alumni who help them strengthen self-awareness, clarify career goals and identify opportunities for long-term growth.
Renee Pacini, EMBA ’07, is the director of the Fox EMBA Mentorship Program.
(Photo courtesy of Renee Pacini.)
“As an EMBA alumna, I know firsthand the value of learning from experienced leaders who are willing to share their insights and guidance,” said Renee Pacini, EMBA ’07, director of the Fox EMBA Mentorship Program.
This initiative reflects one of the most valuable aspects of the Fox EMBA—bridging classroom learning and real-world leadership.
One mentorship pair that exemplifies the program’s impact is Mia Gonzales Dean, EMBA ’04, chief operating officer at DriQ Health, and Claire Streibert, EMBA class of 2027, chief of breast imaging at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Paying it forward
Mia Gonzales Dean, EMBA ’04, chief operating offcer at DriQ Health, serves as a mentor for Fox EMBA students through the program’s mentorship program.
(Photo courtesy of Mia Gonzales Dean.)
For Dean, becoming a mentor was an opportunity to give back to a community that had played an important role in her own development.
“Throughout my career, there have been numerous talented and generous people who have provided mentorship and support to me,” Dean said. “Serving as a mentor to Claire is so gratifying and a way of paying tribute to those who guided me.”
While Dean and Streibert come from different clinical backgrounds—Dean as a physical therapist and Streibert as a physician—their shared experience in healthcare has created a strong foundation for meaningful conversations about leadership and career growth.
“I have enjoyed talking with Claire about her professional aspirations and encouraging her to really stretch herself in her professional pursuits,” Dean said.
“I am thrilled that I have helped her visualize the breadth of these possibilities with greater clarity.”
Expanding possibilities
Current EMBA student Claire Streibert, EMBA class of 2027, is the chief of breast imaging at Fox Chase Cancer Center
(Photo courtesy of Claire Streibert.)
For Streibert, the mentorship experience has opened new perspectives on what her future career could look like.
“Mia has helped me see new opportunities to expand my career beyond my current physician role and leverage my EMBA education in broader leadership and administrative positions,” Streibert said.
“She has provided valuable insight into healthcare leadership, networking and identifying areas where I can continue to grow professionally and take on new challenges.”
As a fellow healthcare professional and EMBA graduate, Dean brings a unique perspective that resonates deeply with Streibert.
“It has been extremely valuable to connect with an EMBA alum who has applied this experience to their career,” Streibert said. “Because Mia also works in healthcare, she understands the complexities of the industry and has shared practical advice on navigating organizations, building relationships and creating opportunities for professional advancement.”
Learning and leadership
As the Fox EMBA Mentorship Program continues to grow, it remains a powerful example of how the Fox community supports its students and alumni—creating connections that inspire confidence, embracing challenges and lifelong learning.
Streibert believes alumni mentorship plays a critical role in helping students maximize their EMBA experience.
“Alumni mentoring is incredibly important because many students pursue the EMBA program to elevate and transform their careers,” Streibert said. “Having access to someone who has already gone through the Fox EMBA provides valuable perspective, practical guidance and reassurance, while helping students understand how they can apply what they learn to achieve their own professional goals.”
Become a mentor
The Fox EMBA Mentorship Program is actively seeking alumni who are interested in helping current students navigate their professional and leadership journeys.
“Consider becoming a mentor to nurture the next generation of Fox leaders,” Pacini said. “Your guidance can have a lasting impact on a student’s professional journey while providing a rewarding opportunity to give back to the Fox community.”
To learn more, contact Tom Schoenfelder, academic director, Fox School Executive MBA program.