Categories
SEMA

Cassie Hockett – Analyst, MBA Candidate

Connect with me on LinkedIn

About Me

I’m a highly motivated and professional all-source analyst with a proven track record of delivering actionable intelligence assessments across government and private sectors. My expertise lies in synthesizing complex data sets drawing from open-source, classified, and proprietary channels to produce clear, strategic insights for decision-makers in business, law enforcement, national security, and military operations.

With a strong foundation in analytical rigor and cross-functional collaboration, I’ve supported high-stakes environments where precision, discretion, and timeliness are critical. My work bridges tactical intelligence with strategic foresight, helping organizations anticipate risks, seize opportunities, and navigate uncertainty.

Currently, I’m pursuing an MBA with a concentration in project management, innovation, and business analysis at the Rochester Institute of Technology. This academic journey is sharpening my ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, drive operational excellence, and design scalable solutions that align with organizational goals. I’m passionate about transforming data into strategy—and strategy into impact.

Strategy Into Impact

My approach to analysis is rooted in precision, adaptability, and real-world application. I don’t just interpret data, I transform it into strategic action.
With advanced proficiency in Excel, I’ve built dynamic dashboards, automated reporting workflows, and modeled complex scenarios that support high-stakes decision-making. From pivot tables to advanced formulas, I use Excel not just as a spreadsheet tool but as a strategic engine that drives clarity and performance.


Now, I’m reshaping how we view data by integrating artificial intelligence into the analytical process. Through real-world applications with a large company, I’ve begun leveraging AI to uncover patterns, forecast outcomes, and elevate decision-making beyond traditional methods. It’s not just an upgrade in tools—it’s a shift in perspective.


By applying AI, I’m opening a kind of third eye in analysis: one that sees beyond the surface, connects disparate signals, and reveals strategic truths that were previously hidden. This expanded lens allows me to move from reactive reporting to predictive insight, helping organizations anticipate change and act with confidence.


This fusion of human intuition, technical skill, and machine intelligence is transforming how we define impact—and how we deliver it.

Categories
SEMA

Jennifer Burt, empowering others to be extraordinary

RIT MBA Student | Manager of Student Services

“Don’t be afraid. Be focused.
Be determined. Be hopeful.
Be empowered”. Michelle Obama

Welcome to my professional page. I’m Jennifer Burt, an ambitious MBA student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a dedicated Manager of Student Services in the department of Computer Science. My dual role as a student and professional allows me to bring a unique perspective to both my studies and my work.

In my position as Manager of Student Services, I strive to enhance the academic experience for students by implementing innovative support programs and fostering a positive learning environment. My pursuit of an MBA at RIT complements my professional goals, equipping me with advanced business insight and leadership skills.

I’m passionate about education, student success, and continuous personal growth. Whether you’re a fellow student, a professional in higher education, or someone interested in the intersection of business and education, I hope you’ll find value in the content presented here. Outside of my studies and professional role, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, vacationing in warmer tropical areas, and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants.

Feel free to explore my LinkedIn page to learn more about my experience and achievements. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to connect or collaborate!

More about me: LinkedIn

Categories
SEMA

Taliah Clark: Your Local Hero

A photo of Taliah Clark dressed in her graduate gear. (Photo credit: Mossy Ghost Photos)
A photo of Taliah Clark dressed in her graduation gear (Photo credit: Mossy Ghost Photos)

In the words of a wise man: “Woo, I’m about to make a name for myself here.”

Hi there! My name is Taliah Clark and I welcome you to my humble page.

At the time of my writing this, I am in my final semester at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), completing a master’s degree in business administration. My journey at RIT has been nothing short of amazing and has allowed me many opportunities, including a study abroad in Dubai last March, and most recently, taking part in the Opening Bell Ceremony within the Saunders College of Business.

Now, I could keep talking about me, but I believe in sharing the spotlight, and a hero is nothing without her friends and family. So, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight someone in my family who is a skilled photographer with their own business local to Rochester. Their name is Salem, and if you are into cosplay, are getting married, or simply want to take professional photos to show off your beauty, feel free to click on this link to learn more about Mossy Ghost Photos!

(If you’re still here- thank you!)

One last thing, and then I’ll be done, I promise!

If you would like to learn more about me, please check out my resume and connect with me on LinkedIn.

Other than that, I appreciate your time and know that you have made an impact here today!

~ Taliah

Categories
SEMA

Benjamin Hart – Home is Where the “Hart” is…An Ethical Real Estate Investor with a Big HEART

Hart Homes LLC is a real estate investment company focused on the redevelopment of urban Rochester. Hart Homes LLC has operated as a sole proprietorship since 2006 but officially incorporated in 2019. We offer rental properties with a specific focus on remodeled single-family and duplex homes. We rent to middle income individuals and families and build in opportunities to learn about homeownership and/or buy the rented houses from us.

Ben Hart, the multifaceted individual behind Hart Homes LLC, possesses a unique blend of expertise in both real estate investment and human services. As a real estate professional in Rochester, New York, Ben wholeheartedly embraces the values of integrity, transparency, and fairness within his business practices at Hart Homes LLC.

Mr. Hart was recently featured on Connection with Evan Dawson. Please visit the link here in order to listen to the episode: What does ethical real estate investment look like? | WXXI News

Mr. Hart and his teammate for the Summer Accelerator also pitched Hart Homes LLC to the audience and the recording of that pitch is available here (Hart Homes starts at 23:48 mark): RIT Student Accelerator Demo Night – Summer 2024 (youtube.com)

Please Connect with me on these Social Media Platforms or Visit the Hart Homes Website. Here are links to the main page:

Hart Homes LLC (harthomesroc.com)

And here is the Contact Us Page: Contact Us — Hart Homes LLC (harthomesroc.com)

Download my resume to learn more about me!

Categories
SEMA

Abigail Ling – RIT MBA Student

Hi! Please help me get engagement for my Internet Marketing class as a part of the RIT MBA program! Please click on the LinkedIn and Resume buttons below (and give it a quick read if you’d like 🙂 )


Welcome! My name is Abby Ling and I’m a graduate student at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration part-time. My undergraduate degree is in Finance. I chose to continue my education in the MBA program in order to advance my business knowledge, gain valuable industry skills, and further my career opportunities.

During my undergraduate program, I participated in a few extracurriculars including the Financial Management Association and Delta Phi Epsilon. During my time with the sorority, I was elected as the Director of Finance in which I helped create and manage the chapter’s budget. I also participated in volunteering events for our philanthropies which include Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) and Cystic Fibrosis.

In 2022, I had a summer internship with HSBC Bank, which led a full-time position after graduation in the Graduate Development Program. I had the opportunity to complete 6-month rotations in various parts of Retail Banking including digital banking, strategic & organizational planning, and project management. Following this program, I was fortunate to start a new position with HSBC as a credit analyst within Asset Management. This role involves investment research in fixed income (particularly corporate bonds). I hope to continue gaining experience in the field of finance, and I look forward to continuing to develop professional skills and relationships.

If you’ve made it this far, feel free to check out my LinkedIn and my resume! Thank you!


Categories
SEMA

Alexis Ennis

MBA Student: Balancing Work, Studies, & Passion

I’m Alexis Ennis, a graduate student working on my Master’s in Business Administration at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I’ll be graduating in May 2025, and I’m looking forward to finding a career that lets me combine my love for working with people and managing projects.

My Journey So Far

During my time at RIT, I had the opportunity to intern at Paychex, a fantastic HR company. There, I got hands-on experience working with HR professionals and learning all about talent acquisition, training and process improvement. This experience really sparked my passion for the HR field, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!

Balancing Work and Studies

To support myself through school, I juggle multiple part-time jobs. I work as a server at Texas Roadhouse, where I’ve learned so much about customer service, teamwork, and multitasking. I’m also a nanny and a dog sitter on Rover, caring for little ones and pets. These roles have taught me how to manage my time, handle different situations, and stay organized.

Where I’m Headed

I’m open to exploring many different fields, from Project Management to Employee Relations, Training & Development, and Talent Acquisition! My goal is to find a job that makes me feel excited every day. I live by the following quote:

“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life”

When I’m Not Working…

When I’m not busy with school or work, you can find me baking, exploring new parks and trails, or getting creative with DIY projects. I’m a bit of a coffee junkie—I love discovering new coffee spots (especially small, local ones). The rest of my time is spent with my two dogs, Buster and Brinley, who keep me smiling (and running) every day.

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to connect with new people, learn more, and explore exciting opportunities! Check out my LinkedIn Profile or click to download my resume.

Categories
SEMA

Cam Sartini – MBA Student at RIT

Hi. My name is Cam Sartini. I’m a Rochester native who has been studying business at the Rochester Institute of Technology for the last four years. This past spring, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in global business management while also earning minors in both finance and communications, which helped broaden my academic and professional expertise. I seek to further my education by completing the 4+1 MBA program for business administration. I believe this graduate program will be instrumental in shaping my career trajectory and driving future growth and long-term success.

Since 2018, I have had the privilege of gaining invaluable experience at one of the leading grocery store companies in the United States, Wegmans Food Markets. Last summer, I completed a store operations internship, which provided me a deeper understanding of daily operations. Additionally, I took a leadership course at Dale Carnegie to enhance my communication skills as a manager. These experiences together laid a solid foundation for my development in effective managerial practices.

If you’d like to learn more about my background and experience, please feel free to review my resume below or connect with me via my LinkedIn profile by using the link icons below. Thank you for your time!

Categories
SEMA

Max Mekker – MBA Student

Thank you for taking 5 minutes to make a tremendous impact on my project! My goal is to gain as much engagement on this post as possible, and simply clicking on my resume, LinkedIn, and reading this introduction contributes to a strong performance.

My name is Max Mekker and I am an MBA student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), in Rochester, NY. Completing my undergraduate degree in accounting, I am now pursuing my CPA and MBA certifications which will be completed by May of 2025. I can bore you with the internships I’ve done and what my career plans are… but those can all be found on my resume and LinkedIn profile attached to this post. So instead, I’d like to share a story on what influenced my decision to pursue an MBA.

Working towards my MBA was not always on my radar, at least not until I traveled to Australia for the Fall 2022 semester. On September 4th, 2022, I boarded my flight from Syracuse, NY, and after 22 hours of air travel, I landed in Gold Coast, Australia. The next four months were spent at Bond University, one of Australia’s top private institutions. During those four months, I not only explored Australia’s iconic landmarks—the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, the Outback—but also ventured to Bali and spent two weeks traveling through New Zealand. This journey exposed me to new perspectives and deepened my understanding of the world. It was these experiences that also helped me realize my passion for continuous learning and growth, ultimately leading to my decision to pursue an MBA.

Here are two key lessons I’ve come to embrace from my study abroad journey, and how they shaped my desire to further my education through an MBA program:

1. Be in the Present

From hiking mountains in New Zealand to racing four-wheelers through forests in Bali, I learned the value of being fully present. Letting go of thoughts about the past or worries about the future allowed me to truly absorb everything happening around me. This mindset shift made me realize the importance of adaptability—a skill crucial in business. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to stay agile and embrace new challenges is essential. My time abroad showed me that I thrive in dynamic environments, and pursuing an MBA will allow me to further develop this agility and apply it in leadership and entrepreneurial roles.

2. Gratitude and Global Perspective

Traveling opened my eyes to the diversity of experiences and perspectives around the world. Meeting people from different backgrounds and seeing how they navigate life with optimism, even in challenging circumstances, gave me a deeper appreciation for global business environments. This sparked my interest in learning how businesses can positively impact communities and the importance of ethical leadership. An MBA not only enhances my financial and strategic acumen but also broadens my understanding of global markets.

My study abroad experience gave me a sense of confidence I didn’t have before. These experiences revealed my passion for problem-solving and leadership. Pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step in building on these strengths. I’m confident that an MBA will provide the tools and network I need to turn these experiences into meaningful impact.

Click on the icon above and connect with Max on LinkedIn!

Categories
SEMA

Adam Young – Captionist, UX Student

Hi there, I’m Adam.  I’ve worked as a Real-Time Captionist at RIT for nine years.  That means I’ve roamed the campus attending different classes with Deaf/hard of hearing students. I transcribe what the professor and other students are saying, as they follow along on an iPad.  Think court stenography, but for the classroom.

I’ve captioned all sorts of courses from anthropology, to calculus, to psychology.  One summer I was fortunate enough to caption for a student on a study abroad trip to Croatia, Austria, and Germany.  I still miss the food.  

Now I’m pursuing my master’s degree in Professional Studies at RIT, where I have stitched together a program with coursework in UX design, digital marketing, and project management. 

I’m trying to put these new skills to good use by volunteering with a small organization working to spread the word about a new medical clinic in South Sudan.

Feel free to check out my LinkedIn page and resume below. Please reach out if you’re interested in collaborating on a project.  Thanks for reading.

Categories
SEMA

Jack Connolly-student, MBA program, Website, Resume

MBA student

Hell0! My name is Jack Connolly, I am currently pursuing on getting my masters in Business Administration at RIT. When I was an undergraduate I was getting my bachelors in Visual Media. Which is a mix of photography, graphic design, and marketing. I took some business classes while in my undergrad years and really liked the idea of going to take more classes in business.

This year in particular I hope to improve my knowledge of marketing and advertising career since I do believe it complements what I know currently when it comes to the creative side of what I’ve learned in my undergraduate years. I want to be able to be part of the business and creative side of advertising so that I can see how a marketing agency thinks on the business side of things and then later on decides how they want to get creative with their marketing.

Below is a link to my resume and website! Please feel free to click on either one of these links and let me know what you think about them? I would love to hear your feedback while I try to improve both my resume and my website.Your feedback will be much appreciated, since I will be applying to jobs soon once I am done after getting my MBA. To leave feedback, leave a comment below!