Christine Mwai, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2027
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States International University-Africa. Major Journalism-PR and Advertising
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Manager Business Operations -2.5 years, Senior Category Manager-2 years, Category manager–2 years (Pierre Cardin-East Africa- retail) -Key Account Manager-1.5 years & Vendor Acquisitions-2 years (Jumia-NYSE-JMIA-E-commerce).
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue business school because I reached an inflection point in my career where I wanted to broaden my leadership capacity and shift from regional commercial/operational roles into global strategy. My previous roles in omnichannel retail and e-commerce fuelled my passion for linking supply chain efficiency with marketing strategy to create measurable impact for both businesses and consumers. More recently, I’ve become deeply interested in the role of AI in transforming how companies forecast demand, personalize campaigns, and optimize operations. Business school provides the perfect platform to sharpen my analytical toolkit, explore cutting-edge applications of AI in supply chain and marketing, and gain global exposure. With this step, I aim to accelerate my growth into a strategy leader who thrives at the intersection of business, technology, and consumer value.
Why did you choose ASU Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Choosing ASU Carey was both a practical and values-driven decision. The program’s strong emphasis on supply chain management, analytics, and general business innovation aligns directly with my career goals. I was also drawn to the small class size, the diverse global representation in class compositions and the collaborative alumni network, which promised a learning environment where I could grow academically while also building genuine, lasting connections. The executive mentorship program and initiatives like the Forte Fellowship further reflect Carey’s commitment to supporting underrepresented leaders and ensuring that all students feel seen and empowered.
For me though, the final decision of what truly set Carey apart was the way that the community made business feel personal as per W.P Carey’s slogan “Business is personal.” From my very first call with the admissions team through the interview process, every interaction felt intentional and sincere. Instead of simply evaluating my résumé, they sought to understand my story, my goals, and my “why” for business school. That level of care told me that Carey cultivates not just strong students, but a class of individuals motivated to lift each other up. Carey offers more than an MBA, it offers a community where passionate business leaders can flourish alongside peers who share their drive to progress, innovate, and make business personal.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2027 is my ability to bridge strategy with execution in ways that make measurable impact. Many leaders can analyse or ideate, which I can and have done, but my key differentiator is turning insights into action. I also bring a deeply global perspective. Having worked in Africa’s fast-growing retail and e-commerce markets, I have learned how to adapt strategy to diverse cultures, consumer behaviours, and execute even with resource constraints. I intend to enrich class discussions with this global, execution-focused mindset while also supporting my peers by being a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in team settings.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve always loved storytelling and I dreamt of being a creative writer, a passion that led me to study journalism as an undergraduate. Thankfully the rigidity of news writing and reporting class, quickly sobered me up to the reality that I was far more interested in shaping narratives than reporting them. For me, business is an intersection between storytelling and selling and I get to weave narratives that don’t just entertain but also move products and services to people who need them.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am passionate about scaling businesses and elevating them to the next level by combining operational excellence with data-informed strategy. Having led teams, streamlined processes, and optimized supply chain operations in fast-paced retail environments, I’ve seen firsthand how disciplined operations unlock growth. My goal is to apply those lessons in growth operations for a multinational, leveraging consumer insights to shape innovation and enhance customer experiences at scale. Ultimately, I aspire to take on P&L responsibility, leading transformational projects that improve both business performance and consumer value.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again in my application process is start earlier and enjoy the reflection that came with writing essays. The self-awareness I gained not only helped me articulate my story but also gave me clarity about my goals.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could redo the process, I would spend less time being anxious while applying and waiting for admissions decisions and more time trusting my “why” and the journey. Instead of overthinking, I would focus on sharpening my STAR-format stories to be better prepared for interviews and ease the overall intensity of the application process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Trying to decide which standardized test would work for me while barely finding time to prepare was intense. I was juggling a heavy full-time job, doing target school research, and somehow trying to remember high school math concepts I hadn’t touched in years and it was astonishingly challenging for some reason (had underestimated it for sure). What got me through was paying for the exam which set a timeline by which I had to do the test and also a small but loyal support network that not only practiced with me when they could, but also gave me space to vent when it all felt like too much, and this was very, very helpful.
What is your initial impression of the ASU Carey students/culture/community?
My first impression of the Carey community was that it felt less like a business school pitch and more like being welcomed into a living room full of extremely smart, ambitious and talented people who actually wanted to know me. From the admissions team, faculty to current students, the conversations weren’t glossing over things, they were real, full of both highlights and honest challenges. That authenticity instantly stood out. It felt like Carey is the kind of place where you can be ambitious without pretending to be perfect, a community that operates like a high-performing team but still remembers to bring the humanity (and snacks) to the table.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
With so many clubs to choose from, narrowing it down took some time (too many good options, too little bandwidth!). I’ve joined the Graduate Consulting Club, the Graduate Supply Chain Management Association, Toast Devils, Women’s Leadership Association, and the Fitness Club so far, but the AI club is my next top choice soon. For me, the perfect formula is a mix of technical, personal development and just plain fun.
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
One thing that really surprised me about ASU as a school in general, is just how massive the school’s impact on Phoenix truly is. Walking through the different schools under ASU felt like discovering a city within a city; block after block of schools, programs, and activities. Having never lived in a college town before, it struck me that ASU isn’t just a university; it’s a movement, a powerful engine whose reach touches millions of lives and livelihoods in meaningful ways. Being at Carey, within a school that already excels as a global leader, the energy is palpable and rejuvenating and it makes me more focused and ready to push myself to have a strong impact in the business world, because I come from a highly impactful school.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
What excites me most about my first year is the chance to finally be “just a student” again and dive headfirst into a whole new learning environment. I want to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone and whether that means tackling a tough case study, trying new foods with classmates, or even saying yes to spontaneous road trips that spark the best conversations. I’m especially looking forward to collaborating with such a diverse group of peers, where every project feels like a mini world tour in perspectives. Beyond the academics, I can’t wait to build friendships and a professional network that will stick with me long after graduation. For me, year one is about exploration, growth, and laying the foundation for the kind of leader who can navigate both boardrooms and buffets with equal curiosity and confidence.
