Meet The Class Of 2022: Kecia Gaither, Cornell Executive MBA/MS In Healthcare Leadership

Student Name:  Kecia Gaither

Describe Yourself In 15 Words: I am a proud Black woman of good moral fiber and old-fashioned Southern values.

Hometown: New York City.

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to cook, entertain, and paint.

Undergraduate School and Major: Barnard College, Biology.

Current Employer and Job Title:  Director of Perinatal Services/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health  + Hospitals – Lincoln in the Bronx.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:  Becoming a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist has allowed me to serve disenfranchised pregnant women and ensure excellent perinatal outcomes.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as a graduate student: Attaining the knowledge to view the healthcare landscape from a multi-faceted perspective.

What led you to pursue an EMBA at this point in your career? Medical school allowed me the clinical knowledge and my Master of Public Health allowed knowledge of the public health arena.  I sought out the MBA because I believed it would complete my experience as a leader in healthcare by adding financial savviness and a critical eye for excellent patient outcomes.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Cornell, historically, was one of the first schools in the nation to open their doors, hearts, minds and pocketbooks to educate women and people of color.  My mentors – who were quite knowledgeable about Cornell—advised me accordingly.  As such, it was my first choice, and the only school I applied to.

What is the top item on your career bucket list? Easy, CEO.

How did your classmates enhance the value of your business school experience? My classmates provided laughter, support, motivation, and the start of lifelong friendships.

Who was your favorite faculty member and how did this person enrich your learning? Professor Geraldine McGinty taught Healthcare Innovation and Transformation, which opened my eyes to a different methodology of viewing decision-making in the healthcare arena.

What is your best advice to an applicant hoping to get into your school’s EMBA program? Review all other programs, however realize that Cornell is a global phenomenon.  Being a ”Cornellian” is an honor and a privilege, and it opens doors in areas where no doors may exist.  There is very much a brotherhood and sisterhood within this institution.

What was your best memory from your EMBA program? Our residency stay in Ithaca—we were seeing each other in person for the first time as it was virtual for months due to Covid.  We were so happy to see each other, be together, party and go on outings while in Ithaca.  Ithaca was a beautiful place to meet.

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