Coming home with Abby Zabrodsky ’14, ’19S (MBA)

This chemical engineering major and MBA gives her all to her family, workplace, and alma mater

Abby Zabrodsky ’14, ’19S (MBA)

The phrase “family first” means a lot to Abby Zabrodsky ’14, ’19S (MBA). After nine years working at a large consumer products company in Buffalo, NY, she joined Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Inc. as its director of business development. In 1989, Abby’s father, John Zabrodsky ’82 founded the firm, an engineering and manufacturing systems company that employs about 20 people, including Abby’s mother, Kristy, who has been the company’s chief financial officer since 2013.

For Abby, deciding to join the family business was a bit like coming home.

“Being a small company, everyone knows each other really well,” she says, who lives in Buffalo and works a hybrid schedule. “There’s a lot of built-in trust, which is such an asset.” This strong foundation is aided by the fact that Abby and her father operate in a similar way and are both University of Rochester-educated engineers. Working together with her mother, Abby adds, is an extension of their shared history.

Throughout her career, Abby has been dedicated to helping people and organizations thrive. This is evident in the workplace and as a volunteer leader. Since the Women’s Network launch in 2020, she’s been the cochair of its personal and professional development committee. She’s also a member of the University’s Alumni Board; a mentor within The Meliora Collective; a Reunion volunteer; a member of the George Eastman Circle, the University’s leadership annual giving society; a champion for Rochester Athletics; and a former member of the Young Alumni Council. In 2022, she and her father jointly earned the University’s John N. Wilder Award for their commitment to the University and in 2022, she was given the Department of Chemical Engineering’s Young Alumni Award. Abby is also actively involved in her community, for instance, as the president of the ProZoo Board of the Buffalo Zoo.

Here, Abby talks about her career, University experience, volunteer activities, and what makes her run.

What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Inc.?

I’m grateful I can apply my engineering experience and business school knowledge to the family business. I’m early in my career here and, right now, I’m getting up to speed on the business. I consider myself lucky. Not many children get to work—or maybe even want to work—with their parents, but I do. It’s a unique extension of our time together.

Why did you choose Rochester for two degrees?

When I was growing up, my dad talked about Rochester all the time. So, when it came time to look at colleges, it was top of my list. I knew I could get a chemical engineering degree, run varsity track, and join clubs and groups, even be part of a sorority here. The undergraduate experience was more cooperative than competitive. Classes were hard and running was always challenging but those beside you were always cheering you on.

A few years into my engineering career, I decided to get an MBA, to round out my engineering and technical knowledge with deeper business acumen. Deciding on the University’s Simon Business School was another easy choice. Its rigorous yet flexible weekend-based executive MBA program—which wasn’t too far from where I lived and worked in Buffalo—was ideally suited to me. I could continue working, apply what I was learning every day, and even participate in some very distinctive learning experiences, such as weeklong courses in China and Switzerland.

Why sign on as co-chair of the Women’s Network?

When Kathy Waller ’80, ’83S (MBA)—with whom I had worked on the network’s personal and professional networking committee—asked me to step up, I was ecstatic. Being with women who encourage other women, hearing from people who have faced similar life challenges, and building connections—it’s all been so important in my life and career. I’m excited to serve and support the people who benefit from the network’s programs and community.

Tell us more about mentorship and why it is important to you.

My parents have been great mentors for different and similar reasons. My dad is one because we’ve taken similar steps as engineers, runners, and University of Rochester board members. My mom always worked and took care of my sister and me yet always found time to be on boards that mattered to her. Their example has led me to be an active volunteer and prompted me to do such things as become a mentor within The Meliora Collective’s mentorship program.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?

I still run three or four times a week, just not competitively. I spin, too. I love an active lifestyle—it’s my release and what I need to do to reset my mood and clear my head. My husband, Ken Gilbert ’14—whom I met at Rochester—is active, too, and we love to travel together. No matter what, I always have my head in a book—in print or an audio version. I especially like books about sports and overcoming challenges.