Mr. Adam Bane

I was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, moved to Roanoke, Virginia at the age
of two, and grew up in that area. I attended undergrad at the University of
Virginia with a double major in Electrical Engineering and Economics. From
there, I moved back to the DC area and began my career in consulting,
working on both government and private sector projects in a variety of
roles. I left the DC area in 2000, moved to Atlanta and started work with a
technology startup company. The company went through a few iterations of
products and target markets and we were acquired in 2004. I had an absolute
blast throughout the experience. After that, I spent some time at Oracle as
a sales engineer, then Internap in a similar capacity, and have recently
gone back to the startup world. I am currently the Director of Product
Management for Asankya, a company that provides an optimization technology
for content delivery over the Internet, and am finishing my MBA at Georgia
State. This course will complete the program with concentrations in
Entrepreneurship and Organizational Management.

I would consider my international travel experience fairly limited to date,
although I've had four out of country trips in the last year. This trip
will be my fifth to Europe (potentially 6th depending on a pending business
meeting). I've spent time in France, Spain, England, Switzerland, Germany,
and Italy, and have done a brief drive through Austria. In North America,
I've been to Canada and Mexico as well as Belize and Guatemala and a number
of Caribbean islands (Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Barbados, and Aruba). So
basically, I'm chipping away at the northwestern hemisphere first, and have
plans on picking up the rest as I am able.

Travel is a huge interest for me and in addition to the international trips,
I've been to 47 states (missing Maine, Alaska and Hawaii) as well as Puerto
Rico. I am an avid SCUBA diver (thus the islands) and try to make at least
one dedicated trip for diving a year. I also enjoy running and although I'm
not hugely competitive in it (mostly for stress relief), I find myself
signed up for a 10k or two every year and ran the ING full Marathon in
Atlanta last spring.

Ms. Carole Bennett

As the Director of Program Development and Marketing at the Supply Chain & Logistics Institute at Georgia Tech, my current responsibilities include development of the professional short courses and tours, industry-event coordination, and membership-management for the Leaders in Logistics and the Supply Chain Executive Forum, SCL's industry-outreach programs. My areas of specialty include marketing and project management. I began my career at Georgia Tech in 1988 in the Department of Continuing Education as the Director of Marketing. For 12 years I was responsible for the management of the marketing, graphic design, and web staffs. While in Continuing Education I marketed many diverse programs including computing, logistics, management, physics, and defense-related professional development courses. In 2000, I came to work in the ISyE department. I am currently pursuing an MBA from Georgia State University with a graduation date of August 2008. I am a Cum Laude graduate from Georgia State University earning a B.A in 1988. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I have enjoyed traveling to Brisbane, Australia, the birthplace of my Mother; to Mexico City to run a Georgia Tech course; and to Isla Mujeres (an island off Cancun) to participate in an intensive week-long yoga workshop. In my spare time, I enjoy (to put it mildly) dancing of all kinds: Swing, Contra, Zydeco, Cajun, Folk, and Waltz. I began dancing Argentine Tango in September 2007.
Mr. James Burns

Jamie Burns - I was born and raised in Rome, Georgia. I graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I spent several years in North Carolina and then returned to the Atlanta area. I am currently a PMBA student at the Robinson College of Business with an expected completion date of August 2008. I plan to complete concentrations in Entrepreneurship and International Business. This will be my first trip to Eastern Europe and I am looking forward to understanding the economies of Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Ms. Tiffany Callaway-Ferrell

Tiffany Callaway-Ferrell is Operations Manager, Asset Protection and Support Services for AGL Resources Inc., a holding company for energy-related businesses. She is responsible for leading AGL’s efforts in protecting the company’s physical pipeline assets. Previously she was Fleet Operations Manager for AGLR, leading to her appointment to Governor Perdue’s Commission for a New Georgia Fleet Task Force. Prior to AGL Resources, she held roles in finance, logistics, operations, and engineering with General Mills, Inc. Tiffany was a member of the 2005 inaugural L.E.A.D Atlanta class, a program from Leadership Atlanta focusing on community leadership development of leaders ages 25-32. Her community involvement includes Cool Girls, Georgia 100, Hand to Hand Homeless Project and United Way Community Investment Program. Tiffany is a board member for Create Your Dreams, Atlanta Chapter of American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), and formerly a board member for Young Parents Network (YPN). Tiffany’s community service extends beyond the borders of the United States. She participated in Alternative Spring Break and dedicated her Spring Break to helping citizens in Monterrey, Mexico. Tiffany is originally from East Lansing, Michigan and received her Chemical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University, where she was awarded the Gertrude Vanderbilt Scholarship and is pursuing her MBA at Robinson School of Business, Georgia State University where she was selected as a Nita Robinson Scholar. She lives in Atlanta with her husband Alejandro and son, Myles
Mr. James Conard

Birthplace: Benton, AR Undergrad: Georgia Tech, Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering Professional Background: Began career as a research engineer for a major defense contractor. Started at Delta Air Lines many moons ago as engineer verifying aircraft performance into mountainous airports. Have held numerous technical and leadership positions in 6 different divisions. Transitioned into the Finance division focusing on aircraft acquisitions and sales in May of 2007 as the airline emerged from bankruptcy. Personal Background: Married to Phyllis Conard who is the Director of Children’s Ministries at Decatur First United Methodist Church. 2 Children: Son – Jordan (16) and Daughter – Anna (13) International Travel Experiences: Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Ireland, England, France, Germany, and Portugal. Interests: Camping, backpacking, reading, GRADUATING IN AUGUST!
Ms. Michelle Fontanelli-Arnett

Bio – Last Updated 3/5/08 

Michele Fontanelli Arnett is the current VP of E-Commerce at Meta Media, Inc., a multi-channel Web site development and marketing service provider. Michele currently oversees the online marketing initiatives – including paid search, natural search engine optimization, Web site usability, online content writing, e-mail marketing, affiliate marketing, and comparison shopping engine optimization – for all clients in a variety of industries. 

Previously, Michele served as the Senior Online Marketing Manager for Astral Brands, parent company of Aloette Cosmetics and Pur Minerals Makeup. In this position, Michele was in charge of developing, launching, and optimizing all online marketing programs for the two brands.  

From 2003-2006, Michele served as an Online Marketing Manager for FootSmart.com, focusing her efforts primarily on Web site content writing, paid search management, and natural search engine optimization. Early in her career, Michele worked as a Project Manager for Definition 6, an Atlanta-based Web consulting and design firm specializing in eBusiness and IT infrastructure solutions. 

Michele graduated from Emory University in 2000 with a B.A. in English, and will graduate in August 2008 from the Professional MBA Program at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson School of Business. 

In 2003, Michele married Chapin Arnett, a mechanical engineer with RDM Technologies in Kennesaw, GA. They honeymooned in Costa Rica, which constitutes her only international travel experience to date. 

Michele and Chapin live in a loft downtown with their two pugs, George and Izzie. In her spare time – when she finds some – Michele enjoys working out, reading, spending time with her two sisters, and writing short stories and reviews. From 1999-2002, Michele worked part-time at a small magazine, INsite, where she had the opportunity to write movie reviews, entertainment articles, and celebrity features. She has met and interviewed Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many others. 

Michele was born in New York in 1978. She turns 30 on May 9th of this year. 

Ms. Jessica Knight

My name is Jessica Knight. I am a 21-year-old attending Georgia State University. I was born on June 24, 1986 in Knoxville, TN. I have been involved in many things during my life. I was the president of my church youth group for 6 years. I was a competitive swimmer for Tara Tarpons, qualifying for nationals in my junior year of high school. I attended a private catholic high school, receiving honors and multiple college credits. I attended the University of Georgia for two years, and transferred to Georgia State University last year. I have been involved in many things, and have many aspirations for my future. Currently I am majoring in Finance. This semester I am taking 15 hours and focusing on my schooling. I was originally a management major, and switched to finance after completing FI3300. My teacher was very passionate about finance, and her passion quickly influenced me to switch my major. I love to work with numbers and to try to look into the future. One day I hope to use this degree to become a financial advisor for policy makers in international non-for-profit work. I have two semesters remaining of my undergraduate, and plan to attend law school once I have completed. I want to earn my law degree, but I do not want to become an attorney. I want to work in politics for non-for-profit. Another program that I am looking at is the Master’s International through the Peace Corps. I have always wanted to be a volunteer with the Peace Corps, but I would love to be able to work with them on a higher scale. The specific program that I am looking at is at George Mason University. It is focused on Policy Making and Public Administration. So I am very excited and nervous about my journey ahead of me. I am very excited about the great opportunity that Georgia State is giving me to learn about the economic structures of Hungary and Czech Republic. I have never studied abroad, nor left the states. I am excited to travel and am very optimistic about the experience that I will take away from this trip. Hopefully this will only be the beginning of my many adventures across seas.
Mr. Eric Lowery-North

1.) Birth Place - Abington, Massachusetts

2.) Educational Background:

- Currently enrolled in the PMBA program at GSU and will be graduating in August, 2008

- Post-Baccalaureate Studies in Accounting at Northeastern University (1994)

- Bachelor of Arts from Providence College (1990)

Professional Background:

a.) BearingPoint Management & Technology Consultants (2006 - present)
Director of Campus Recruiting - North America

b.) Georgia State University - School of Accountancy (2004 - 2006)
Director of Student Services

c.) Deloitte & Touche (2002- 2004)
Southeast Region Director of Recruiting

d.) Arthur Andersen, LLP (1995 - 2001)
Southeast Region HR Manager
Southeast Region Asst. Director of Recruiting
Senior Tax Consultant

3. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Carribean. As far as European travel is concerned, I have been to Italy and Switzerland.

4. Interests/Hobbies - SCUBA, skiing, running, cooking, travel

Ms. Margot Meeker

My first trip out of the country was in 2000. Prior to that, I had only traveled within the continental U.S. I went to France, visiting Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, and several other small towns near Lyon. I loved it, and I got the bug. The trip was a reward for completing Ultrasound school. In 2002, I took a Scandinavian cruise, visiting Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Copenhagen. It was a truly remarkable experience. As my reward for my BBA, I went to Italy (Tuscany) where I stayed on a cashmere goat farm and visited Florence and several other small towns.

I was born in Elkhart, Indiana. We moved to Niles, Michigan when I was entering the 9th grade. My father was transferred to Atlanta in the middle of my senior year of high school. I attended Eastern Michigan University for one semester before moving to Atlanta to join my family. I returned to college at DeKalb, taking courses in preparation for a degree in Education, but never finished the program. My first career was in Deaf Education. I was an audiology assistant, a teacher assistant, a sign language instructor, and a sign language interpreter.

In 1982, I returned to school to get an AS in Biomedical Electronics. I am currently a Sr. Program Coordinator with GE Healthcare. I have worked for GE for 12 years. I have an AS in Biomedical Electronics and a two-year certificate in Sonography. Unfortunately, two and two didn't make four, so in 2003, I completed my undergraduate degree and received a BBA from GSU. I am scheduled to complete my MBA (as part of the PMBA program) at the end of the summer semester at the tender young age of 57.

I love the movies and reading (mostly novels). I have a wonderful family, most of whom are here in Atlanta. I spend a lot of time with my family - especially my two-year-old grandniece and her mom (26). I have three brothers. My oldest is 15 months older than me and lives in Michigan still. The other two are a few years younger than me - the youngest (53) has four daughters, ages 1, 3, 8, and 12 who also get a lot of my attention. My 29-year-old nephew is in school in Chicago.
Mr. Sadiq Mohammed

I was born in the sweltering August heat of Kolar - a small mining town on the outskirts of Bangalore, India. From a very early age I have had the opportunity to live and learn in an international environment, which included elementary school in New Zealand, middle school in India, high school in Libya and finally an engineering education in Bangalore - the silicon valley of India. This has resulted in my ability to converse in six different languages and to successfully adapt myself in multi-cultural teams. With an international flair and an entrepreneurial spirit, I decided to formalize these qualities with an MBA degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship. Professionally, I have been a technologist with 10 years of experience in the payments industry and currently work full-time for VeriFone, Inc. in Alpharetta. My international experiences were further multiplied when I started my first job at VeriFone India as a Technical consultant. As part of my consulting work I traveled extensively throughout Asia-Pacific to countries like Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. In 1999 one of my business trips brought me to Atlanta to work on some of the Y2K projects and since then I have called Atlanta my home. My sporting activities include - playing soccer and tennis, watching football, tennis, cricket, basketball and more recently I have taken an interest in golf. My career interests lie in Technology management, Emerging economies, Payment Technologies and Social Entrepreneurship.
Ms. Kim O'Neal

Kim O’Neal is in her 3rd year with Georgia State University pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Finance. May 2009 is her projected graduation date. She currently works for CIBAVision (maker of Focus contact lenses) as a Sr. Financial Analyst in the Global Headquarters office. Prior to that, she held financial positions with Comcast Cable and XM Satellite Radio. She is fluent in German and speaks conversational Spanish. Kim has a one year old daughter, Taylor, and a two year old dog, Maxine. 6 years ago, Kim and her partner, Rob, moved to Atlanta from the Washington DC area. When she is not working or studying, Kim enjoys backpacking, traveling, reading and crafts. 

 

Mr. Harish Rau

I was born 41 years ago in Mumbai, India and lived there till the age of 32 before moving to the US in 1998. I did my Bachelors in Computer Science from the University of Bombay and have worked in the IT field in various capacities since. For the past 10 years I have been running my own software consulting practice specializing in the implementations of Enterprise Resources Management (ERP) software – primarily SAP. During the course of my consulting career I have I have traveled extensively in India, Western Europe (UK, France, Germany , Austria) and North America (Canada, US and Mexico). My travel to the southern hemisphere is limited to a vacation in Sydney, Australia. I live with my family in John’s Creek, one of Georgia’s youngest cities. I like to play golf and squash and I also love to read and listen to music. I am part of the PMBA class of 2008 at the Alpharetta campus of GSU. Through my consulting assignments I have had an opportunity to gain an understanding of the business framework within the EU and I am looking forward to extending my perspective to include the transitioning economies of The Czech Republic and Hungary.
Ms. Sabrina Sanders

Sabrina Sanders was born in Chattanooga TN and lived most of her life between TN and GA. She did her undergrad at GA State University and is currently in the Professional MBA program at Georgia State University. Sabrina works at AT&T Mobility as the Director of Marketing Finance. She has been with AT&T for 7 years holding various positions with Accounting and Finance. With all the changes in the telecommunications industry and especially AT&T, Sabrina decided to pursue a concentration in International Business in the MBA program at Georgia State. She hopes to use this knowledge to contribute to AT&T’s International initiatives in the future. This will be her first trip to Europe. Sabrina is a huge sports fan, enjoying everything from Football (her favorite) to Nascar. Sabrina played soccer in high school and college. During the fall, her weekends (between studying) involve watching the University of TN play football on Saturdays and watching the Falcons every Sunday.
Mr. Douglas Watson

1. Place of Birth: Valdosta, Georgia

2. Professional Background:
The Coca-Cola Company 1/06 to current - Corporate Audit Department
Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs (Macon, GA) 1/99 to 12/05 - CPA

Educational Background:
Georgia State University (current)
MBA with concentration in Finance

Valdosta State University
Bachelors of Business Administration: Accounting December 1998
Bachelors of Business Administration: Finance December 1998

3. This is my first international travel experience.

4. I enjoy going to listen to all types of live music. I am also trying
to regain the joy of running.

Ms. Sara Weaver

I was born in Elkhart, IN but grew up in Munster, IN. I attended Purdue University for my undergraduate degree in Industrial Management and started working for Kimberly-Clark right out of college. I have been with them for the last 8 years. I am currently attending GSU part-time to obtain my MBA with a concentration in marketing. I enjoy traveling around the world and have been lucky enough to travel for work, fun and school. I studied abroad for a summer when I was at Purdue; and I attended Oxford University in England for a summer program. For work I have traveled internationally to Thailand, BVI, Mexico, Belgium, and Malaysia. And for fun, I most recently visited both Spain and Italy. My hobbies include coaching competitive cheerleading in Alpharetta, dancing, reading, hiking and having a good time with friends. Rarely will you find me without and iPod in tow as I love to listen to all types of music.
Mr. Alan Wright

I grew up in Charlotte, NC and attended NC State University. For the last 14 years, I have worked for Kimberly-Clark Corporation in Roswell GA in a variety of roles. I am currently working in product development supporting business-business and consumer products. I am enrolled in the part-time MBA program with a Marketing concentration and hope to transition to product or brand management in the near future. I am very much looking forward to the Study Abroad experience, as my international exposure has been very limited. Outside of work, I love to spend time with my wife and two daughters in a variety of hobbies including hiking, biking, and swimming.
Mr. David Pierce

City of Birth: Atlanta, GA
Education: BBA in Management and a Spanish Minor at the University of Georgia
Work Experience: Sales Executive at Cbeyond Communications for 2 years
International Travel Experience to Date: Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Netherlands, Belgium, Israel
Interest and Hobbies: Travel, Music of all sorts, cooking and eating, reading, guitar, soccer, basketball, cycling, ultimate frisbee, yoga, adventure
Mr. Ashley Woolridge

I am 27 years old and currently working on my Master’s in Real Estate at Georgia State. I finished my undergraduate degree in 2004 at the University of Miami. My work experience includes several different residential real estate developments as well as a night club in New Orleans. New Orleans was home for a couple of years after college until Katrina ran me out of town. Most recently I have been involved in the home building business. So, I’m still trying to decide whether the hurricane or my decision to build houses was a bigger disaster! I take a pretty aggressive approach to having fun in life as well. I spend most of my free time on the weekends jumping out of planes or off of the occasional bridge or building. Skydiving and base jumping have become my passion in life at this point. In the past I have been active in martial arts, boxing, rugby, golf, and some car racing. I have traveled quite a bit in Europe, but only spent a day in Prague and have never visited Budapest. I look forward to an enlightening experience in regards to the cultural learning experience, as well as the opportunity to meet some different people from various backgrounds.