Akintunde Ahmad, Berkeley Haas MBA/MCS Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Oakland, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Yale University, B.A. Sociology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Founder, Ade Dehye (sustainable fashion brand, 5 years); Co-Founder, Kinfolx (coffee shop, wine bar, and community space, 5 years); Marketing & Communications Manager, ESO Ventures (entrepreneurship incubator, 3 years); Former journalist and documentary producer (Columbia Journalism Review, Proximity Media, Studio To Be, 4 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve spent the last decade building organizations from the ground up—whether in sustainable fashion, hospitality, or community economic development—and I reached a point where I wanted to refine my skills, expand my network, and gain the toolkit to scale my impact. Business school felt like the right next step to both grow as a leader and prepare for the next phase of my career, where I want to operate at the intersection of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and global development.
Why did you choose Berkeley Haas? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Haas was the clear choice because of its strong emphasis on sustainability and entrepreneurship, paired with its culture of questioning the status quo. The joint MBA/MCS program was also a huge draw, since it allows me to dive deeply into climate solutions while building the business acumen to lead ventures in that space. Being back in the Bay Area, close to my community in Oakland, also mattered a lot—I wanted to be rooted in home while preparing to do work that has global reach.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring the lived experience of being both a founder and a community builder. I’ve started ventures with little more than an idea and a lot of persistence, and I know firsthand what it takes to grow something from scratch. I also bring a perspective rooted in Oakland—understanding how local economies, systemic inequities, and cultural capital shape entrepreneurship. I think that background adds something unique to classroom discussions and to the broader Haas community.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I once produced an investigative podcast series about experimental trials in treating Sickle Cell with UCSF.
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to work in climate tech and sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Long-term, I see myself scaling ventures that address resource efficiency, energy access, and circular economy models, while eventually building platforms to support other founders doing similar work.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be authentic about my story. I leaned into the nonlinear path that brought me from journalism to entrepreneurship to fashion to business school, and that honesty made my application stronger.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start the GRE prep earlier. Juggling multiple businesses and the test wasn’t easy, and giving myself more time would’ve helped reduce stress.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The endless essay revisions. What helped me get through was feedback from friends and mentors who reminded me not to lose my own voice in the process.
What is your initial impression of the Berkeley Haas students/culture/community?
Collaborative, curious, and driven by purpose. Everyone I’ve met is not only ambitious but also deeply supportive of one another. There’s a strong sense that people are here to do meaningful work, not just chase titles.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m looking forward to joining the Black Business Students Association, Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative (BERC), Haas Entrepreneurship Club, and the Haas VC Club. Each aligns with my interests in sustainability, venture building, and global development.
What is one thing you have learned about Berkeley Haas that has surprised you?
Just how interdisciplinary it really is. I expected collaboration within Haas, but I’ve already seen how connected the school is to other UC Berkeley departments, labs, and institutes. That cross-pollination opens up huge opportunities for innovation.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about immersing myself in the community—learning from my classmates, testing ideas in the entrepreneurial ecosystem here, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
