How the Executive MBA helped this CIO create a bigger impact
Our students are drawn together by their commitment to learn, grow and create a positive impact at work and in their communities. In the first installment of a new three-part series, we’re introducing you to some of our Executive MBA (EMBA) students and graduates who each come from very different backgrounds and professions, yet all saw an opportunity to cultivate this sense of purpose at Kellogg.
Meet recent graduate Kimberly Cooper-Campos ’23 MBA, a California native and Drake Scholar who enrolled at the Kellogg Miami Campus. She has called Fort Lauderdale home for more than 15 years, and has been able to journey courageously through change. An engaging, dynamic leader and determined mother, Cooper-Campos is grounded in the belief of prioritizing supporting future generations and the less fortunate as she stands on the shoulders of others who propelled her to where she is now.
To live this out, in addition to her role as a chief information officer at Universal Insurance Holdings Inc., she participates in civic organizations like The Girl Friends, Inc., faith-based Feed & Clothing and leads local youth, career development and mentoring initiatives that allows her to directly impact her community. Through her community involvement and professional development, she hopes to serve as a role model to her son and instill a sense of service and essence of leadership.
Learn more about how she manages her time and energy between school, work and family, professional goals and advice for those considering an EMBA.
Kellogg: How were you were able to juggle work, family and education during your time as an Executive MBA student?
Cooper-Campos: Prior to the start of the program, I was able to set up a Zoom session and several calls with my entire support system (e.g. close friends, nanny, parents, sister, cousins and cleaning team). During this session, I was able to relay the support needs around my class sessions for the next two years, which involved maintaining the household, caring for my son and buying tickets for family who I needed to fly to Florida to help.
It is only through this sound advice I received from a fellow graduate before starting that I was able to balance work, family and classes — especially the four electives, three of which were international (Dubai, India and Germany).
Kellogg: What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program?
Cooper-Campos: As a mom speaking to other mothers interested in the program: “Do it!” It’s natural that the time away may initially translate into feelings of guilt; however, the ability to execute and acquire an EMBA from such a reputable and prestigious institution, in spite of family, work and life, will leave an indelible mark that will inspire them and their future generations to achieve even greater!
Kellogg: What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?
Cooper-Campos: Leading a people-centric organization that will allow me to be dynamic and engaging. I thrive in environments where I am able to help devise the strategic direction of the organization while also nurturing and activating the superpowers in others.
I desire to continuously reach for opportunities that create a greater impact in the world while becoming a technology leader who inspires and executes effectively. Never losing sight of the importance of warmth and kindness is also something extremely important to me.
More in this series:
‘I knew there was only one program I wanted to attend.’
A nonprofit leader finds his next adventure in the Executive MBA Program