Class Notes

The Simon Alumni Board, a group of 30 business leaders, meets formally, hosts events, and shares advice with those who steer the school. But for cochairs Kate Washington ’04S (MBA) and Sean Flaherty ’97, ’06S (MBA), the board they’ve led since its inception in 2016 is really about demonstrating ways alumni can help current and future students.

“Simon changed my life,” says Flaherty, executive vice president of strategy at ITX Corp., a Rochester-based IT services and consulting company. “The school gave me a world-class education and it helped me build my network. This benefits not only the individual but also the school and the community at large.”

Washington—the CEO of OWN Rochester, a nonprofit organization that helps launch worker-owned cooperatives in the community—agrees. “Our focus is on creating an environment for students to seek out the resources they need to launch their careers, be they connections to people or specific organizations, affinity groups, or areas of concentration.”

Washington worked in the for-profit realm before her current position and served in board positions at various nonprofits. A professionally trained musician, she was an early, key supporter of Gateways Music Festival, which celebrates professional classical musicians of African descent. Her nonlinear career path resonates with students. “Most of my peers came from finance. Their goal was Wall Street, whereas today many want to bring their business acumen to the nonprofit world or as industry consultants.”

Washington is most proud of the group’s influence on Simon’s culture. “Now more than ever, there are increased opportunities for students to learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures. This helps build understanding while giving space for students to retain their identities and individual perspectives.”

Says Flaherty: “I’m a huge fan of the Simon brand and I do what I can to promote and protect it. This includes supporting some of our employees as they earn their business degrees here.

“Watching them move through the program, gain new skills, and advance in their careers is exceptionally rewarding.”

—Kristine Thompson

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For more information, visit, Simon.rochester.edu/alumni.