Meet Stacia L. Wood

Prior to attending UNC Kenan-Flagler for an MBA, Stacia L. Wood spent nearly 8 years in the non-profit world, working in arts management. Her goal was to work in corporate philanthropy after business school, but from 2007 – 2009, the unfolding recession dried up many opportunities in the corporate giving landscape. With limited opportunities, Stacia needed a job that would pay the bills, and switched gears.

Stacia pursued a career in brand management and things were good, until they weren’t. In December of 2016, she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. To say the least, that time was incredibly sobering for her and her family and friends. Thankfully, Stacia is in remission, and when she reflects on her experience she says, “I think about all the good that I was connected with – organizations, communities, and people who just wanted to make things a little better for me. I was overwhelmed by the power of the human spirit, and can attest that social impact at its best changes lives for the better.”

Some of Stacia’s classmates pursued renaming the Social Impact Summer Grant at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in her honor. Stacia feels this grant could truly pave a pathway for UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students to change the world we live in for the greater good. “Many students enter the program wanting to make their mark in organizations, institutions, and start-ups by applying solid business acumen, outstanding leadership, and critical thinking skills in ways that will improve the lives of individuals, the environment, and beyond. This fund will mitigate the urge for students to switch gears, if the opportunity to intern with a particular organization is not accompanied by competitive compensation.”

This fund will strengthen UNC Kenan-Flagler’s position as a school that attracts candidates with diverse interests and backgrounds, meets critical student needs, and demonstrates commitment to the School’s core values.