Building Community at Zicklin: Catheryn Chen’s Story

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MBA Club – Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business


Catheryn Chen, an online MBA student at the Zicklin School of Business, is making history as the first Zicklin Online MBA student to serve as President of the MBA Club. Juggling coursework, career, and leadership responsibilities, she is committed to fostering a more connected and inclusive MBA community for both online and non-online students. 


From Online Student to Presidency 


Although her classes are held virtually, Catheryn prioritizes building strong relationships with her classmates and staying engaged with the broader MBA community. 


“Being an online student doesn’t mean being disconnected,” Catheryn said. “It’s about finding meaningful ways to engage, both digitally and in person whenever possible.” 


Catheryn’s decision to pursue a leadership role was inspired by another Zicklin Online MBA student, Heather Stewart, president of the Zicklin Black Graduate Student Society. Witnessing Heather actively involved in leadership encouraged Catheryn to step forward herself. 


“Seeing Heather being active in the student society just inspired me to step up as well,” she explained. 


Catheryn’s goal is not only to lead the MBA Club but to also strengthen collaboration among student organizations. She hopes to create opportunities for students from different backgrounds and programs to connect. 


A Collaborative Approach to Leadership 


Catheryn emphasizes collaboration, trust, and flexibility. Her leadership team includes both online and non-online students, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform programming decisions. By encouraging members to contribute when and however they can, she fosters an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. 


Strengthening Connections Across the MBA Program 


A major goal of Catheryn’s presidency is bridging the gap between online and non-online students. She is exploring events where students can meet professors in person and interact across cohorts. One initiative she is particularly excited about is co-hosting events with the Zicklin Black Graduate Student Society to engage more online students and build community across the program. 


Balancing Leadership and Well-Being 


Managing leadership alongside graduate studies requires intentional time management. Catheryn prioritizes tasks, protects her energy, and leans on the support of her team when needed. She credits Alexandra Guevara, MBA Club Treasurer, for organizational support, and Niko Davlianidze, former MBA Club President, for guidance during her transition. Former president Niko hosted a luncheon for the MBA Club’s former presidents, encouraging collaboration, mentorship, and the sharing of experiences. 

  

In the photo from the lunch from left to right are the following former MBA Club presidents along with Catheryn: 

  • Fabianna Rodriguez-Mercado 
  • Anthony R. Migliore Jr. 
  • Niko Davlianidze 
  • Khadija Tahri 
  • Catheryn Chen 
  • Former president Shona Kulkarni was unable to join but remains an important part of the club’s leadership legacy.

Balancing Leadership and Flexibility 


Catheryn emphasizes the importance of balance and flexibility in her role as MBA Club president. “It’s okay not to spend 110% of your time on the club or try to make everything go exactly as you envisioned,” she explained. 


She believes it’s crucial to contribute what she can, when she can, without becoming overwhelmed or frustrated when things don’t go perfectly. “Time balance and management are extremely important,” Catheryn said, highlighting that being flexible allows her to lead effectively while maintaining her well-being. Interestingly, being an online student has given her the added benefit of dedicating more time to leadership responsibilities. Without the daily commute, she can focus on initiatives that strengthen the MBA community. 

Many assume that working graduate students do not have time for student involvement. Catheryn believes this assumption doesn’t reflect reality. While schedules are demanding, she has observed that students find ways to participate in activities they value. “Involvement can look different for everyone, depending on circumstances,” she said. “Students can step back when needed but still remain connected to the community.” 


The Power of Student Organizations 


Catheryn sees student organizations as essential to the MBA experience. They help students build connections across industries, backgrounds, and career paths to develop relationships that often extend far beyond the classroom. 


“Even though I am part of an online program, it’s been really nice getting to connect face-to-face and know people as individuals, not just classmates,” she explained. Her professional background in account management has shaped her leadership approach: listening, understanding perspectives, and bringing people together around a common goal. 


Through her role in the MBA Club, Catheryn ensures that every member has a voice and feels included. She encourages participation in events that expand networks and expose students to perspectives outside their immediate cohort. By doing so, she not only strengthens professional connections but also fosters a supportive and inclusive community. 


Encouraging Online Students to Get Involved 


Though she is in the early stages of her role in the MBA Club, Catheryn hopes her leadership inspires other online MBA students to take active roles in student life. Her advice is simple: participate whenever possible and take advantage of the opportunities available during the MBA journey. According to her, the connections built during graduate school can become some of the most valuable parts of the experience. 


Catheryn is intentional about leveraging her leadership team, which includes both online and non-online students. She wants to create events that appeal to a broad range of students while ensuring that everyone feels included. By combining diverse perspectives, she aims to build a stronger and more connected MBA community for all students. 


Looking ahead, she plans to bring her leadership team together to explore what events students are most interested in and design programs that appeal to a broad range of participants. 


Connect with Catheryn 


Students interested in learning more about the MBA Club or connecting with Catheryn can reach her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherynchen/ or by email at zicklinmbaclub@gmail.com.  


She also acknowledges the support of several individuals who played an important role in her leadership journey: 

  • Niko Davlianidze: Previous MBA Club President 
  • Alexandra Guevara: MBA Club Treasurer 
  • Justyn Makarewycz: Deputy Director, Employer and Recruiter Relations at GCMC 
  • Heather Stewart: President of the Zicklin Black Graduate Student Society 


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