Strategic Leadership Graduate Certificate Ambassadors

Alumni Ambassador - Xiaoyong Lu

Location: Bethesda, MD
Employment: Director, Eli Lilly
Undergraduate degree: Chemistry, Shanghai University
Hobbies: Reading, outdoor sports, and traveling
Program: Strategic Leadership graduate certificate
Status in program: Graduated Fall 2024

Favorite graduate course: BA 865: Strategic Leadership

Why I chose Penn State: Alumni networking

What makes this program valuable to you: Enhancing leadership and management skills.

What advice would you offer to new or prospective students? Look around and compare before you make your final decision. You will not regret choosing Penn State.

Alumni Ambassador: Michelle Kelley

Location: State College, PA
Employment: Entrepreneur, Small Business Founder and Operator; Penn State Events Team
Undergraduate degree: Kinesiology, Penn State University
Hobbies: Exercise and fitness activities, girls’ lacrosse assistant coach, gardening, beer connoisseur (I have several Cicerone beer certifications).
Programs: Master’s in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, concentrations in Business Management Foundations and Strategic Leadership, graduate certificates in Diversity and Inclusion as Strategy, Business Management Foundations, Strategic Leadership, Business Architecture
Status in programs: Graduated Summer 2025

Favorite graduate course: BA 865: Strategic Leadership

Why I chose Penn State: Penn State was my first choice for my master’s program because of the strong network and alumni program, which provides a big networking advantage, especially in entrepreneurship. As a working professional, I also needed the convenience of working on my master’s degree online since moving for my education was not an option. The Penn State Smeal College of Business and World Campus are nationally recognized, so I knew I would receive a top education.
What makes this program valuable to you: Each class has real world applications intertwined with your job experience, giving relevance to your occupation and industry. Additionally, each course has a final project that summarizes what you’ve learned to promote a deeper understanding of the material and encourage critical thinking for practical use.

What advice would you offer to new or prospective students? Now is a great time to get started! You can never have too much education. If you are thinking about applying, but are not sure if a master’s or certificate program is for you, make the jump and go for it! The semesters go by fast and you will be finished before you know it.

Alumni Ambassador: Michael Anthony Liotta

Location: Marlboro Township, NJ
Employment: Director, Global Privacy Standards and Training
Undergraduate degree: Modern Languages and Literature, University of Buffalo (SUNY)
Hobbies: Mentoring, teaching Smeal undergraduates business and industry analysis, traveling, and working out
Programs: Master’s in Management in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Master of Business Administration, graduate certificates in Business Architecture, Business Management Foundations, and Strategic Leadership
Status in programs: Graduated August 2024 Master’s in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Graduated August 2023 Master of Business Administration

Favorite graduate course: ENTR 502: Business Modeling and New Venture Creation

Why I chose Penn State: Penn State has a strong reputation for academic excellence, expansive alumni network, and commitment to fostering professional growth. The Smeal College of Business is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and industry connections, providing invaluable opportunities for career advancement. Beyond academics, the Penn State community is unmatched in its pride and support, creating a lifelong network that extends far beyond graduation. Living in the New York metropolitan area, it was also important for me to be close to Penn State to maintain a strong connection with the University, reinforcing my sense of belonging and engagement with its traditions, resources, and alumni network.

What makes this program valuable to you: Penn State’s program has been instrumental in shaping my ability to drive strategic policy initiatives at American Express. The rigorous coursework strengthened my analytical and leadership skills, allowing me to navigate the complex payments industry effectively. The program’s emphasis on problem-solving and real-world application directly translates into my work, where I assess acquiring policies, payment intermediary model frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies.

What advice would you offer to new or prospective students: My advice to prospective students is simple: Penn State is more than just academics—it’s an experience. Your real return on investment comes from fully immersing yourself in everything the University has to offer. Take advantage of the world-class education, but also engage with the Penn State alumni network, join organizations (if your time permits), and build relationships that will last a lifetime. Before starting the program, think about how you want to apply your education and be intentional about the opportunities you pursue.