This week on the blog we are thrilled to feature the recipients of UVA Darden’s Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship, Alexis Orr and Ahmed Farah. Darden started partnering with ROMBA in 2018 to award the fellowship as a signal of the commitment to improving the LGBTQ+ communities at Darden and in business. To learn more, or to participate in the ROMBA event on 30 September, visit the ROMBA web page.
Name and Pronouns: Alexis Orr (She/Her)
Cultural Identities: Black
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Q: Any fun facts you’d like the world to know?
A: I’m a competitive tennis player, avid baker/cook and absolutely adore spending time with any and all animals (especially my husky Teddy)
Q: What was your background before coming to Darden?
A: Retail/Sales: Target & Equinox in Chicago, Illinois as Executive Leader, Sales Advisor
Q: Why did you choose Darden?
A: I chose Darden because of the immediate family that I was exposed to and saw in every interaction I had. From staff & admissions to student liaisons and alumni, Darden felt like an incredible family environment that would challenge and support me along my entire MBA journey. I also saw an incredible opportunity available to exude black talent and excellence at the University of Virginia allowing myself to reach back to those students behind me and continue to amplify black voices.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I am planning to recruit for management consulting, so I would love to see myself at a consulting firm, helping companies fix business problems while working with a diverse group of teams to do so. It’s extremely important to me to help black and brown women see themselves in business and that they have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in all facets of the workforce. So, I would love to join the diversity recruiting efforts while being at my company post-grad as well as being a point of reference as an alum whenever I can help!
