Introducing Kathleen Barrow: Meet the Inspiring MBA Class of 2026 at Duke University (Fuqua)

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Introducing Kathleen Barrow: Meet the Inspiring MBA Class of 2026 at Duke University (Fuqua)

“I love diving into stories about people and history, and you’ll often find me with a nonfiction book or analyzing the latest reality TV!”

Hometown: Boston, MA

A Fun Fact: I once backpacked solo through Patagonia! I had such an adventure hiking, walking on a glacier, spotting penguins, and meeting amazing people from different countries.

Education: I graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History & Literature, and I also studied Spanish and Latin American Studies.

Current Job: I’m a Partner at HawkPartners.

Why “Authentic Engagement” Matters: The “Team Fuqua” culture is built on six principles. For me, “authentic engagement” really stands out. I’ve heard personal stories from classmates about their backgrounds and what drives them. One friend talked about the cultural expectations of supporting her family. Another shared similar sentiments from a different viewpoint. This connection shows how, even with diverse backgrounds, we can relate through shared values like family.

These conversations highlight the importance of being open and sharing our true selves. I believe this principle will help us form strong bonds with our peers and enhance our learning both now and in the future.

Why I Chose Fuqua: My interest in healthcare has grown through discussions about the need for better patient experiences. I want to blend my background in technology with insights from the Health Sector Management (HSM) program at Fuqua. This program offers a great mix of courses and hands-on experiences that will give me the tools to make a real difference in healthcare.

First Impressions of the Fuqua Community: Everyone I’ve met at Fuqua has been incredibly kind and fascinating. During the HSM Bootcamp, my team—a mix of engineers, veterans, an ex-pharma strategist, and me—worked on an innovative healthcare project together. The collaboration was inspiring, showing how our diverse perspectives helped us think outside the box.

After our presentations, Professor Majumder pointed out that our varied backgrounds made us stronger together. This reinforces the idea that in our future careers, diverse teams lead to better decision-making.

Exciting Opportunities Ahead: I’m really looking forward to the Mentored Study program. This connects students with industry mentors and real projects. Since I’m passionate about healthcare innovation, I can’t wait to work with a startup and apply what I’m learning at Fuqua.

Biggest Career Accomplishment: At my last job, I worked with a rideshare company to improve safety for women. Hearing personal stories of harassment was difficult but motivational. It drove me to advocate for better safety features, like dashboard cameras and connecting women riders with women drivers. I’m proud that we made a positive impact on rideshare experiences.

Goals for the Next Two Years: Looking ahead, I hope to make meaningful friendships and develop my leadership skills at Fuqua. I’m excited for this journey of growth, both personally and professionally.

Advice for Future Applicants: It sounds cliché, but truly be yourself! Reflect on who you are and what you want from this experience. The more you know yourself, the better you’ll explain why Fuqua is the right choice for you. Also, embrace the spirit of “Team Fuqua.” Show how community matters in your life and how you’ll contribute to that community at Fuqua.



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Class of 2026,Duke University,Fuqua School of Business,Kathleen Barrow,MBA