Student Spotlight

Anyone who has completed the College of Charleston MBA program knows that success hinges on one’s ability to effectively budget time for studying, networking, classwork, mentorships, internships and, occasionally, a day at the beach. One member of the 2017 cohort has managed to juggle these responsibilities while simultaneously raising thousands of dollars for the children’s charity i’m ME.

Naomie Olindo ’17 began working with i’m ME — an organization that seeks to end the orphan cycle through care, prevention and stewardship — during her fall semester of the MBA program. She was introduced to the initiative through a friend and was deeply touched by its mission to help underserved, orphaned children in Haiti. 

Determined to get involved and eager to begin fundraising, Olindo hit the ground running — literally. She registered for the 2016 New York City marathon with the goal of raising money on behalf of i’m ME. The event was a success — Olindo not only completed the race, which began in Staten Island and ended 26 miles later in the Bronx, she also received more than $1,500 in donations.

But the support didn’t stop there. Olindo hosted a cocktail benefit in Charleston where she drew a large crowd, including fifteen of her MBA classmates who wanted to show their support for Olindo and her philanthropic efforts. The event raised almost $4,000.

“It meant a lot to see so many members of my cohort at the event,” she said. “I couldn’t have anticipated the level of encouragement and interest they have shown in i’m ME. It is truly amazing.”

Many of her classmates, including some who weren’t able to attend the fundraiser, have donated to the cause and offered to help plan and even sponsor future events.  

With more fundraising activities in the works, Olindo looks to the skills she’s honed in the MBA program to help her prepare for and execute the events.

“I’ve enhanced so many different skills since joining the program, but my public speaking has improved the most. I’m not shy, but I do get nervous when I have to talk in front of a crowd. The program presents a lot of opportunities for getting over that fear,” she says.

“I’ve learned how to connect with and engage people in a way that makes them want to learn more or take action. So now when I step in front of a large group to talk about i’m ME, I’m much more calm, collected and strategic.”

Through her continued efforts, Olindo hopes to spread awareness about i’m ME to not only attract donations, but also increase the number of volunteers for the campaign’s yearly mission trips to Haiti. She plans to travel to the Caribbean country this spring to visit with locals and assist with community projects such as building wells and developing after school programs.

In addition to her advocacy with i’m ME, Olindo hopes to one day work in wealth management. She is confident her MBA will help her find success both professionally and philanthropically —although, it already seems to be working.  

To learn more about i’m ME, visit: https://imme.reachapp.co/.

Looking to hire talented individuals like Naomie for full-time and internship positions? The CofC MBA Class of 2017 resume book is now available! Contact Keyana Cordano, director of MBA employer relations and professional development, to request your copy today.

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