Arianna Cruickshank

Arianna Cruickshank of Edgewater, N.J. is an MBA candidate specializing in Data Analytics with a 4.0 GPA. She graduated summa cum laude in 2020 with a B.A. in International Business and concentrations in Economics and Global Studies.

As a Ramapo undergrad, Arianna worked as a Resident Assistant, volunteered as a Peer Facilitator, and served on the Armenian Student’s Association Executive Board. In her final semester, she was recognized with the Academic Achievement Award for International Business and the Outstanding Leadership Award for a Senior. 

After graduation, Arianna plans to earn her law degree and become an attorney.

Biley Kakou

Biley Kakou of Lodi, N.J. is currently enrolled in the MBA program and has a 4.0 GPA. He previously graduated from Ramapo with a B.S. in Accounting. During his senior year, Biley was offered a full-time position by Mazars USA LLP, a top 10 accounting firm in the U.S, due to his course results and his extra-curricular activities.

While in undergrad, Biley volunteered in the VITAA Tax program, which allowed him to complete tax returns for low income individuals. His strong belief in giving back to the community motivated him to use his skills to help those around him and inspire the next generation. He is currently a member of the NJSCPA (New Jersey Society of CPA) and serves on the scholarship committee. 

Biley plans on using his MBA to increase efficiency and expand his performance within his current position at Topcon America Corporation, where he works as an Internal Auditor. “I believe that knowledge is power, and if I keep adding to my skill set, I’ll be able to help my company grow in many ways,” he says. 

Justin Peterson

Justin Peterson of Bloomingdale, N.J. is enrolled in Ramapo’s MBA Program. He previously graduated from Penn State University in May of 2013 with a B.S. in Business Management. 

While at PSU, he was involved with the football and basketball programs in marketing, operations, and recruitment capacities. Justin currently works full-time for Digital Realty as a Commercial Sales Manager. He focuses mainly on assisting enterprises digitally transform their infrastructure to remain nimble in the changing digital economy. 

“Ramapo’s MBA Program has given me the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the workplace in the classroom,” says Justin. “Nothing beats experience, and this program has truly enhanced my ability to grow as a professional.”

Samuel Braen

Samuel Braen of Franklin Lakes, N.J. is enrolled in Ramapo’s MBA program. He currently has a 4.0 GPA. Sam graduated from Northeastern University in 2016 with a B.S. in Business Administration. His concentrations were in Management and Finance. 

At Northeastern, he made the Dean’s List and had the opportunity to participate in Division l Varsity Track and Field. Since graduating, Sam has worked in the project management field, where he has concentrated on resident construction, development projects and infrastructure improvement. He also attained his Certified Associate in Project Management Certification.

After finishing his MBA, he plans to pursue new career opportunities in project management, construction and development.

Connor Flaherty

Connor Flaherty of Wayne, N.J. is enrolled in Ramapo’s MBA program. He previously graduated cum laude from Rider University in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. At Rider, he consistently made the Dean’s List and graduated with high honors. 

Several years ago, Connor frequently competed in the Junior Olympics for swimming. “This accomplishment taught me the importance of discipline, dedication, and the desire to always better myself through hard work,” he says. 

Connor plans to utilize his MBA to augment his performance at his current job at Haydon Corporation in Wayne, N.J. There, he works in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. “In addition to opening up doors for future opportunities, my MBA will help me take on greater challenges and move up the corporate ladder.”

Marianna Goncalves Severgnini

Marianna Goncalves Severgnini graduated summa cum laude from Drew University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During her time at Drew, Marianna was involved in Student Government, International Student Center, Student Activities, and several other clubs. After graduation, Marianna accepted a one-year teaching internship in Italy.

Currently, she is an MBA candidate with a 4.0 GPA. Marianna is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma Kappa Alpha National Italian Honor Society, Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society in Economics, and Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society. During her short time at Ramapo, Marianna has been an active member of the MBA program and is working as a Graduate Assistant with the Teacher Education Department. Upon receiving her MBA, Marianna plans to complete her Project Management Certification and seek a career as a project manager.

Anthony Cirino

“I’m an advocate for veterans and remember from my own recent separation how stressful the transition process can be,” says Anthony Cirino of Rutherford, N.J., an MBA candidate for the 2021 Cohort. He currently has a 4.0 GPA.

Anthony was a Specialist/E4 in the Army from March 2014 through March 2019. He served as an Arabic Linguist and Intelligence Analyst. “Not one to sit around, and eager for my next challenge, I started my career in the banking industry directly after completing my military contract.”

Since March 2019, Anthony has worked in the Financial Crimes Compliance team at Standard Chartered Bank as an Anti-Money Laundering Investigator. At Standard, Anthony is an involved member of DRIVEN, the veteran advocacy employee resource group (ERG), and an active member of NEXT, the ERG for new professionals looking to further their career and build new relations and skills.

In addition, Anthony works with FourBlock, a veteran readiness group for recently separated service members that helps develop the skill sets they need to succeed in the corporate working space. “The veteran network runs deep, and our commitment to one another doesn’t stop when one trades in his or her fatigues for a suit.”

Carlo Lalomia

“I’m working my hardest to maintain my academic performance while working full-time,” says MBA candidate Carlo Lalomia of Paramus N.J. “Ramapo College has been an incredible experience with great professors who are helping me attain my long-term goal of earning a high-quality MBA degree.”

Carlo is currently a Manager at Stryker Corporation, located in Mahwah N.J., where he works directly for the Stryker Global Information Services Group as a Business Analyst. Carlo works with the Stryker Orthopedic Sales Operations organization on ERP platform projects, sales performance management and pricing technology software tools.

After graduation, Carlo hopes to leverage his skills to earn new career options and advancements. “I also intend to become a resource to Ramapo by giving back to others and helping future students achieve their goals and aspirations.”

He has a GPA of 4.0.