Twelve years ago, Shay Freeman had never heard of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. While exploring business schools at an MBA-focused event hosted by the Golden Key International Honor Society, she came across a table for The Consortium. Freeman grabbed some materials and read them later that evening.
“As I learned more about the mission, I became excited — it felt like an incredible opportunity, almost too good to be true,” she says.
The rest, they say, is history. A Consortium alumna of the University of Rochester Simon Business School (class of 2015), Freeman is now one of the organization’s biggest supporters.
“After joining The Consortium and attending the Orientation Program (OP), my passion and admiration for the organization grew even stronger,” says Freeman, who was elected chair of The Consortium’s Alumni Relations Committee in September. “I share this story because I want every student and alumni to have the same experience and to look back with as much fondness and gratitude as I do.”
Freeman recently spoke with us about how her journey through The Consortium impacted her life’s trajectory and shared her goals and vision for the Alumni Relations Committee as its new leader.
How did your experience in The Consortium help set you up for success?
My experience with The Consortium was incredibly enriching. The programming, especially the OP, not only helped me prepare effectively for interviews, but also provided exposure that was unlike anything I’d encountered before. It fast-tracked my career trajectory and significantly boosted my earning potential. Additionally, The Consortium served as a platform to build meaningful relationships, creating long-term friendships and a sense of camaraderie.
What does The Consortium’s mission mean to you?
As an African American woman, diversity, equity and inclusion are deeply important to me. When I think about the Consortium’s founding — during a time of significant political, social and cultural change — it’s clear that its mission was radical and visionary for that era. I appreciate how The Consortium has consistently advocated for equitable access and opportunity for diverse ethnic groups, serving as both an ally and a force for change.
What is it like being chair of the Alumni Relations Committee? What do you do in your role?
I had been an active alumna and donor for nearly a decade before considering a board position. When I was nominated, I felt honored. After being voted in, I accepted the position with a sense of pride and stewardship. It’s another opportunity for me to contribute to The Consortium’s mission and legacy.
In my role, I’m responsible for establishing the vision, strategies and KPIs (key performance indicators) for the Alumni Relations Committee. More importantly, I collaborate with committee members and alumni to ensure we meet their needs and provide value at every stage of their career journey. I’m especially focused on fostering deep connections, building camaraderie and creating mission-driven champions who represent The Consortium in both social and corporate spaces.
Knowing the work done over the last year to build a more robust, engaged and impactful Alumni Relations Committee (and subcommittees), what are your plans to continue or expand upon this work?
We have a significant opportunity to broaden our reach across alumni classes. This begins with identifying alumni, utilizing the right communication channels, and offering programming that provides genuine value and is worth their time and attention.
Former chairs, including April and Rashid, did an excellent job advocating for alumni and being strong voices for this critical stakeholder group. I aim to continue this best practice, ensuring that the alumni voice is always heard and properly represented.
What do you hope to see from the subcommittees over the next year?
The subcommittees are key drivers of change within the broader committee. I expect them to remain engaged, challenge the status quo and execute initiatives with excellence. I also want to recognize their dedication, as many juggle multiple responsibilities while volunteering their time to serve The Consortium. I’m excited to work with such a passionate and talented group of leaders.
What new initiatives or efforts do you hope to launch, and what are you most looking forward to?
I aim to establish consistent and transparent communication with alumni. I want to show them that we’ve listened to their feedback and prioritized it in shaping our vision and programming. This year, I plan to launch quarterly programming based on alumni input, ensuring we maintain regular touchpoints and continue to provide meaningful value.
I am constantly inspired by the caliber of our alumni, and I’m eager to deepen my connections with them. I look forward to creating spaces and opportunities for alumni to reconnect with The Consortium and with one another.
What impact do you hope to have during your tenure as chair?
By the end of my two-year term, I want to be able to look back and confidently say that I helped usher in a new standard for how we engage, prioritize and connect with alumni. Additionally, I remain committed to giving back to The Consortium through both volunteering and financial support, as I believe it’s important to pay it forward.