MBA Mama Spotlight: Mara Kelly of NYU Stern (part 1)
Our latest MBA Mama Spotlight features Mara Kelly, a dynamic mother of two who currently consults the World Economic Forum through her job with PwC. Mara is also the owner of Cloak Collection (www.cloakcollection.com) — a breastfeeding apparel line. Despite having a tremendously hectic schedule, with many balls in the air, Mara shared with MBA Mama that she feels fulfilled as both a mom and a professional.
It was a long journey to get to this point so I am appreciating how varied and full each day is — I have a flexible schedule that allows me to be available to my daughters in a very hands on way but I also have the support in place to be out the door for an early meeting.
After graduating Georgetown University in 2003, Mara joined Deutsche Bank’s training program in Asset Management. Early on in her ‘business development’ role, she was encouraged to pursue her MBA. Mara majored in Finance and Entrepreneurship at NYU Stern’s part-time MBA program. While completing her MBA, Mara joined an acquisitions team of a private equity fund that invested in infrastructure working in New York and London. In 2010, she joined PwC’s management consulting division and has been working there ever since. Mara credits a tremendous amount of flexibility to manage her career as the way that she is able to do so much.
During her MBA, Mara took part in venture competitions and knew entrepreneurship was in her DNA. 10 years later, she launched Cloak Collection.
Mara launched a Kickstarter for Cloak Collection two weeks ago and has already surpassed her $7,500 fundraising goal mid-way through the campaign. You can still support the campaign and help the Cloak Collection team reach their stretch goal of $15,000 if you contribute by May 27th. Each style of dress pictured above will be offered in either Navy, Black, Heather Grey, Oatmeal or Rose. The dresses are made with bamboo, have natural anti-bacterial properties, and are manufactured in the USA. For every two dresses bought — an Infant/Toddler Emergency Care Package will be given to Women in Need in NYC.
Stay tuned for our Q&A with Mara where she talks about career challenges, time management, childcare, struggles with post partum depression, and much more. Click here to learn more about Cloak Collection’s fundraising campaign.
