Meet some new members of the Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School MBA Class of 2028 in this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students. Drawn to the school’s collaborative community, experiential learning opportunities, and strong entrepreneurial culture, these six students are preparing to take the next steps in their careers.
To start, Alex Brummell, a St. Louis native, joins Olin after nine years as a logistics specialist in the U.S. Navy. With extensive experience in supply chain operations, Alex is pursuing an MBA to strengthen his strategic business knowledge and better connect operational performance with financial outcomes. Next, Angie Duong brings more than 15 years of consumer packaged goods marketing experience in Vietnam, having worked with major brands at Unilever, Beiersdorf, Vinamilk, Suntory PepsiCo, and Masan Group. After moving to the United States and managing operations for a wellness franchise in Houston, Angie recognized the need to expand her expertise in digital commerce, AI-driven marketing, and the evolving American consumer market. Johnathan Smith, originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, returns to Washington University after earning his undergraduate degree in political science and English there. Following two years working with the Minnesota House of Representatives, Johnathan decided to pursue an MBA to better understand how business and government can collaborate to address societal challenges.
From Pittsburgh, Katie Bishop joins Olin with a passion for agricultural innovation and public health. Most recently a development coordinator at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Katie is pursuing a joint MBA/MPH to explore how advances in agribusiness can improve access to high-quality food. She sees St. Louis’s position as a hub for the agricultural industry as an ideal setting to build her expertise in financial markets, global supply chains, and emerging technologies. Then, Khadijah Henderson brings eight years of marketing experience in healthcare and education to the Olin MBA program. Throughout her career, she has built brands, expanded enrollment opportunities, and developed initiatives to make educational resources more accessible. Most recently, as Senior Marketing and Program Manager at Admit.me Access, Khadijah helped transform the platform following its acquisition, expanding resources for aspiring MBA students.
Rounding out the group is Pertia Fiankobea Aboagye, who hails from Asiakwa, Ghana, and brings seven years of combined experience in financial technology and food manufacturing. Having worked as a financial analyst at PayAngel and in operations at her family’s business, Becky Queen Catering Services, Pertia has developed a perspective that combines financial analysis with hands-on operational leadership. She chose Olin for its emphasis on experiential learning and welcoming community, as well as the opportunities provided by her Forté Fellowship.
Together, these members of the WashU Olin MBA Class of 2028 illustrate the school’s commitment to collaborative leadership, experiential learning, and entrepreneurial thinking. Whether they are pursuing career transitions, building on years of industry expertise, or seeking new ways to create positive change, each brings a distinctive perspective to the classroom. Click through the following pages to learn more about their journeys to Olin, their advice for prospective MBA applicants, and what they are most excited to experience during their time in St. Louis.
