Samantha Sclafani

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I went to grade school and high school in Denver, coincidentally also on University Boulevard. I have lived in Denver for most of my life and love being an active part of the community. I currently work at a local company as a project manager focused on operations in regards to 40 Act funds. In my free time, I ski, golf, play tennis and spend time with my friends and family.

Why did you decide to pursue your master’s?

I have wanted to pursue my master’s for a long time to expand my knowledge base, challenge myself and open doors to new industries. When DU opened the online program, I knew I had to be in the first class.

What made you decide to choose Denver’s MBA program?

Besides the incredible reputation and the impressive network that Denver’s MBA program has, I wanted to go to a local school and be a part of a community. The online MBA gives me the flexibility to work, participate in networking events and visit campus as my schedule allows. The University is a Denver staple, and now I can say that I’m a part of that family, too.

How has what you’ve learned in the program impacted the work you are currently doing? How will it prepare you to be a leader in your industry?

I have gained better insight into my own industry, have begun reflecting on who I am like as a leader, who I aspire to be as a leader—and I now understand most of the articles in The Economist. It feels like a win all around. I have also identified pain points within my own company and have started to implement changes that I believe will benefit the organization as a whole. I believe that being surrounded by such high-caliber cohorts is pushing and stretching me into my future self.

What has your experience collaborating with classmates in an online environment been like?

Challenging, insightful and invigorating. I have never been surrounded by so many brilliant people all at once. This has been the best journey, and I can’t wait to continue it with some of the brightest and most insightful people I have ever met.