For Kendra Walz, pursuing graduate education was about more than just advancing her credentials; it was also about aligning her academic passions with meaningful, community-centered work. Currently enrolled in the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business MBA program, with a concentration in international business, Kendra is on track to graduate in May 2026 and is already putting her education into practice in impactful ways.
With an undergraduate degree in economics, Kendra knew she wanted to continue studying the economic forces that shape communities and institutions. While exploring graduate options, Barney’s MBA program stood out. She realized that the curriculum’s flexibility and the international business concentration would allow her to further explore the economic concepts she was passionate about, while at the same time broadening her global perspective. Having heard positive experiences from others who earned their MBAs at UHart, she knew it was the right fit.
Of particular appeal to her is the diversity of perspectives she encounters both inside and outside the classroom. Through coursework and campus cultural events, she has collaborated with peers from around the world, building lasting friendships and gaining invaluable cross-cultural experience.
Kendra has achieved major professional milestones even prior to her graduation. She recently accepted a full-time position with the State of Connecticut Department of Labor in the office of research, an opportunity that aligns perfectly with her interest in macroeconomics and community economic development. In addition, she continues to serve as administrative services manager for Chai Mitzvah, a Jewish educational nonprofit with a global customer base, for which she applies her international business knowledge. Looking ahead, Kendra is also looking to pursue a second master’s degree in library and information science, which she hopes to begin in the fall.
Kendra credits her UHart and Barney experience with giving her the confidence to pursue opportunities she once felt were out of reach. Through her coursework and mentorship, she felt empowered to design her own research studies and take ownership of her professional growth.
Barney has provided Kendra with hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom that brought theory to life. She participated in student project teams in conjunction with Upper Albany Main Street, contributing to real economic development initiatives for the City of Hartford. She also fulfilled a long-held goal by studying abroad in Spain, an experience she was unable to pursue as an undergraduate but deeply valued as a graduate student.
Faculty and staff support played a significant role in Kendra’s journey. She highlights Professor Chavon Campbell as a key mentor, noting her appreciation for the opportunity to assist with the Small Business Practicum at Barney. She also credits Dr. Daphne Berry and the Women’s Advancement Initiative team for encouraging her to apply for the Dorothy Goodwin Scholarship, a project she is working on this semester.
Outside of academics and work, Kendra remains deeply engaged in the Hartford community through volunteer service. She enjoys fiber arts such as crochet, embroidery, and needlepoint, and stays active through barre classes, with plans to explore adult ballet classes at UHart in the future.
Kendra’s path reflects the powerful combination of academic rigor, experiential learning, and mentorship offered at the Barney School of Business. Through her MBA experience, she has advanced her career while also positioning herself to make a lasting impact on the communities she serves.