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Rebecca (Becca) Grimesey

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“I am a first-generation college student and veteran who aspires to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals.”

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have lived abroad for half my life and called five different countries home.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Business School, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: US Air Force Special Operations Command – Intelligence Analyst

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? The paired principle that resonates most is Collective Diversity. I am a female veteran and first-generation college student. I worked exclusively in male-dominated environments. Often being the only woman has led me to actively seek and create diverse and inclusive teams as often as possible. The most efficient way to make such a space was to find common ground with others while acknowledging our differences. At Fuqua, the student body comprises candidates from all walks of life. The paired principle of collective diversity gives me a clear mission to continue what I strived for during my time in the military: I want to continue creating diverse and inclusive environments, all while honoring each individual’s lived experience.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? I am very interested in Fuqua’s Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment’s (EDGE) seminars. I am keenly interested in the environment due to my time in the military, where I witnessed the effects of anthropogenic climate change on at-risk populations around the globe. Because of my experiences, I want to do my part to leave the world better than I inherited it for the benefit of future generations. Fuqua is an institution where I can better understand the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing business leaders as societies worldwide prepare to decarbonize the economy.

What has been your first impression of the Fuqua MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Fuqua story so far. I was a Fuqua Partner for a year before earning admission to the class of 2025. I met my husband’s C-LEAD for the first time at Fuqua Friday. The team welcomed me with open arms and energetically introduced me to everyone at the event. I had a great time and left thinking that I wanted to join the inclusive, intelligent, and down-to-earth MBA candidates who make up Team Fuqua.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? My first exposure to Team Fuqua was during a 2019 military transition event hosted by the Duke Armed Forces Association (DAFA). The MBA candidates I interacted with exuded Fuqua’s team culture and paired principles, particularly supportive ambition. Since that event, I have endeavored to join the enthusiastic, driven, and generous Fuqua community that impressed me that day. I plan to pursue a DAFA leadership position to help the association grow its support for transitioning service members, thereby paying it forward.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: While deployed, I led an elite cell of intelligence specialists from the Department of Defense and civilian intelligence agencies. We first met at a forward-deployed location and quickly gelled into a highly functioning entity. We accomplished our mission and positively influenced the region’s security situation.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? A successful MBA experience allows me to apply the tools I learn from the Fuqua faculty and classmates to address real-world challenges. Additionally, success is growing my network amongst fellow Duke students and alums, while helping future Fuqua MBA candidates achieve their definitions of success.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Duke Fuqua’s MBA program? My advice to future applicants is two-fold, First, advocate for yourself: under no circumstances should you self-eliminate by doubting yourself. Second, you should network: engage early and often with admissions, current students, and alums. Ensure Fuqua knows the human behind the application, especially in your “25 Things About Me” essay!

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