Next Economy MBA Alumni
We’re honored to have welcomed over 500 entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and impact leaders as part of The Next Economy MBA. From building Indigenous vertically-integrated bioregional hemp economies in the Midwest to multi-stakeholder cooperative arts enterprises, get to know our program participants and how they’re building the Next Economy.
Alumni Spotlight: Mosa Tsay
Cohort VI
Why did you join the Next Economy MBA?
I wanted to learn and dream about intentional alternatives to the status quo. It was enlightening to learn from others’ experience, perspectives, and ongoing projects that succinctly showed how our community is already doing this important work.
What were your biggest takeaways from the experience?
Compromise of one’s values is not necessary to live a life that upholds and centers humanity. If we commit ourselves to dismantling unjust and exploitative practices, we can build a new way of working together.
What would you tell someone interested in the course?
This course encourages ideas and collective brainstorming beyond the educational content and case studies. You may find most supportive colleagues in this space, and work with each other in unexpected ways in the near future.
What are you working on now? How can this community support you?
I’m currently a worker-owner of Groupmuse, which presents house concerts all across the U.S. Please feel free to check out Groupmuse if you are interested in meeting a community dedicated to supporting local musicians!
Alumni Spotlight: Nairuti Shastry
Cohort XI
Why did you join the Next Economy MBA?
I joined LIFT's Next Economy MBA because, as a practitioner of new economic principles particularly at the nexus of racial and economic justice work, I was looking for concrete tools to support myself and others on the journey to design and build beloved workplaces. At the same time, I was beginning to more formally build out my own consulting practice and was seeking some values-aligned business savoir-faire.
What were your biggest takeaways from the experience?
Like many other alumni will tell you, the MBA was a surprisingly spiritual experience! By the end, I felt like I had a more profound sense of my purpose and work in the world and a community of peers with shared values and interests ready to support me on that journey.
What would you tell someone interested in the course?
You get what you put in! Do your pre-readings and extra fun, go to the additional sessions, join a study group, and, most importantly, apply what you learn in your day-to-day life as much as you can.
What are you working on now? How can this community support you?
I'm about to embark on my first-ever sabbatical this summer for three months. A part of me is thrilled and ready to rest and other, more fear mongering parts are terrified. I would invite any and all counsel on how to unplug and heal, particularly while centering physical and emotional needs!
Join OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY on linkedin!
Are you an existing Next Economy MBA Alumni? Be sure to follow our page on LinkedIn and join our LinkedIn alumni group!
Alumni Spotlight: Joél Mejia
Cohort XI
Why did you join the Next Economy MBA?
While I've strived to continue achieving new certifications, I was not interested in the business as usual way of earning an MBA, especially when what they teach is more of the same, capitalism and extraction. I jumped at the chance to become a member of cohort IX and it has been one of the best decisions of my life.
What were your biggest takeaways from the experience?
One of the biggest takeaways for me was how much curiosity there is around alternatives to our current paradigm. I was pleasantly surprised that not everyone in my cohort was an entrepreneur or experienced in economics. Yet the level of insight and genius displayed by everyone was satisfying to witness and inspiring to connect with. Another takeaway was how many resources are out there and how wonderfully curated it all was. I will use every single resource, in some way, provided for us and I will absolutely share it with others!
What would you tell someone interested in the course?
If you seriously want to level up and are serious about real change to oppressive systems, then this is the course to take! These folks are the most loving experts and facilitators you will ever meet.
What are you working on now? How can this community support you?
I'm a cooperative business developer and I'm currently working on expanding the coop I founded, Mi Oh My Hydroponic Farms, from the Bronx to the Hudson Valley and growing our influence in determining local food resiliency policies. I'm also working on monthly networking events for worker owners in the Hudson Valley and preparing the groundwork to open Kingston's first worker owned hydroponic store.
Next Economy MBA Alumni on the Next Economy Now podcast:
Check out these recent episodes of Next Economy Now to learn how our MBA alumni are transforming systems around the world.
NEXT ECONOMY MBA ALUMNI
Here are a few of the incredible entrepreneurs and individuals who have completed or are in the process of completing the 9-month NEXT ECONOMY MBA program. They are committed to growing an economy that works for the benefit of all life. Please connect with them, support them and prepare to be inspired.
Next Economy MBA VII
Next Economy MBA VI
Next Economy MBA V
Next Economy MBA IV
Next Economy MBA III
Next Economy MBA II
Next Economy MBA I
