Kares Vanderpuye

Q&A with Kares Vanderpuye, Class of 2023

Can you tell us about your pre-MBA experience?

Prior to Fuqua, I was a paralegal for a year, then moved to digital publishing, and finally to consulting, as an analyst for government affairs and fortune 500 companies.

 

Did your career or life take any unexpected turns before coming to Fuqua?

I am originally from Ghana, but grew up in Virginia, that was definitely an important change while growing up.

 

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love live music (I once attended an NPR tiny desk concert!), vineyards, and working out (HIIT).

 

Why did you want to become a COLE fellow?

In my first year, my COLE fellow was helpful to me, and I also wanted to be that person for a first year (FY) student. Also, mentorship is extremely important for me, and COLE allowed me to step into the mentor role.

 

How would you describe your experience with COLE so far?

It’s been great, I have gotten to know people from my class that I didn’t know. It has also allowed me to step into facilitator and leader roles within my C-LEAD1 teams, making me grow in terms of leadership. Also, if you are having a problem, everyone in the organization is willing to help you get through it.

 

Do you have other club leadership involvement?

I am the VP of professional development, BLMBAO; VP of alumni, Fuqua LIFE (Low-Income First- Generation Experience) club; an Admissions fellow; and a part of Fuqua on Board (FOB).

 

What does consequential leadership mean to you?

A leader who is willing to drive change, to deviate from past and create new initiatives. 

 

Within COLE, how can fellows make the most of their experience?

By being vulnerable. You will set the tone for communication within your C-LEAD1 team, and that will set the tone on how they share things with you and amongst themselves.

 

What advice would you give to FYs for developing their leadership skills?

Be willing to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Leadership can be nerve-wracking but being willing to face those situations allows you to grow, and if you end up putting yourself in there, you will probably surprise yourself.

 

To keep up with the rest of the COLE Spotlight Series, be sure to follow the COLE Instagram at @coleatfuqua