Anchored in love: From the Navy to the MBA
The love story of Crysta Gonzalez ’26 Two-Year MBA and Gabby Fong ’26 MMM Program began in the Navy, where they built a foundation of trust and teamwork. These values have supported them through deployments, career transitions, and now, business school where they both were selected as one of the 50 Fellows for the Golub Capital Board Fellows Program.
With almost a year at Kellogg under their belt, Gonzalez and Fong share how they’ve translated lessons from their military experience into the classroom, how they balance life as partners and students and how they’ve created community both at Kellogg and in Evanston.
Their love story
Kellogg: Your love story begins in the Navy. Can you share more about how you first met?
In 2019, both of us were serving in the Navy. Crysta had started an internship in Washington, D.C. where Gabby was stationed. Within just minutes of meeting each other, Gabby’s presence — her strength, work ethic and kindness — captivated Crysta. It was a moment that set the stage for what would become an incredible journey.
2020 was a pivotal year, as we found ourselves quarantining together during COVID-19. We went from navigating long work hours to spending 24/7 together. It was a challenge, but it only deepened our connection, solidifying the foundation of trust and support that continues to be at the core of our relationship.
In 2021, we married at the Annapolis Courthouse. Just two days later, Crysta deployed, and we embarked on a whirlwind of change and growth. Crysta spent six months aboard an aircraft carrier, and Gabby continued her service — all the while staying connected. Our bond grew stronger despite the distance.
Fast forward to 2023, Gabby transitioned out of the Navy, and Crysta followed suit in 2024. We had our long-awaited wedding ceremony later that year celebrating our love surrounded by family and friends. As life took new turns, Gabby started the MMM program, and Crysta began the Two-Year MBA Program.
Our love story has always been one of many moving parts, but every chapter has been intentional — every decision driven by the shared desire to grow together.
Kellogg: In what ways has your shared background in the Navy shaped your partnership and your approach to challenges in business school?
We joined the Navy before we’d met each other, so we knew we each valued service and commitment. Coming to Kellogg was a no brainer for both of us because of how dedicated Kellogg has been to serve the world and creating humble Kellogg Leaders. We know that the challenges in business school are an exciting opportunity for us to learn and grow together. Having each deployed, we know a day in class or taking an exam is a little more enjoyable compared to a day at sea.
Pursuing different goals together
Kellogg: What drew you both to Kellogg, and what made it your ultimate choice?
Every student we spoke to at Kellogg talked about the school’s informal motto of being “high impact, high empathy” — that really resonated with us. We wanted to be at a school that would not only give us the best business education but also valued service, leadership and inclusion. We really felt like Kellogg exemplified all of these values and would push us to grow and develop. We also loved that Kellogg was such a welcoming community towards partners and families and knew this would be the best place for us to learn and grow together.
Kellogg: What role has the broader campus community played in helping you feel more at home while completing your respective programs?
One of the most exciting parts about coming to Kellogg was joining the first class of The Consortium at Kellogg. We have been able to find great community and friends through this cohort of people who are committed to increasing diversity in business. During the first few weeks at Kellogg, Crysta joined the executive team for Kellogg Cares Day.
Through this effort, we were able to see how plugged in Kellogg and Northwestern are to the greater community and how important this event was in getting Kellogg students involved in the many service projects and organizations serving the local area. Being involved in the surrounding community was always something that was a priority for us coming in.
Kellogg: How do you balance being partners at home with your life as an MBA student?
It has been a work in progress, but two quarters in, we’re finding a routine! We made sure our home priorities were aligned — especially as dog moms — and we’re balancing responsibilities at home and school while also making time for self-care. After serving in the Navy together, we are pretty used to things changing on the fly with our schedules, so we work hard to ensure we can both get the most out of this experience academically, professionally and socially — while getting to do some of these aspects together.
Establishing mutual support as couples during B-school
Kellogg: Do you envision combining your professional aspirations with your personal journey as a couple post-MBA?
While we are enjoying the opportunity to be at Kellogg together, we think it has also worked out well that we have different professional goals and interests! Crysta will be interning for PepsiCo’s marketing team this summer. Gabby is planning to raise a search fund after graduation and will pursue entrepreneurship through acquisition (i.e. buying a small business to own and operate for the long term).
Kellogg: Any advice to couples considering attending business school together?
Have the hard conversations early on and often. During the decision process, we spent so much time with pros and cons lists, reaching out to friends and mentors to talk over possibilities and a lot of vision boards about what we wanted the experience to look like for ourselves and together. Business school and planning for the future can be a high stress environment at times, but it is also such a great feeling to know your favorite teammate is in it with you and that you get to go through the highs and lows together. Coming to Kellogg has been a masterclass in figuring out our communication styles and being open and honest about our short- and long-term goals.
In the hot seat with Crysta and Gabby
Favorite class so far:
Gabby: Financial Modeling for Private Equity Transactions
Crysta: Advertising Strategy
Your go-to date night spot or activity in Evanston or Chicago: Kansaku for a meal then maybe heading to Bat17 to go watch our favorite football team (GO BIRDS!) or women’s sports.
Most useful Navy skill in business school? Time management and organization.
One word to describe the transition from the Navy to an MBA:
Gabby: Hopeful
Crysta: Exciting
First word that comes to mind when you think of your partner?
Gabby (about Crysta): Strong
Crysta (about Gabby): Vivacious
Read next: MBA Love Stories: Growing in partnership from Google to Kellogg