Rafael Fernandes
"I pursued a Weekend Executive MBA at Fuqua to enhance my leadership skills, expand my professional network, deepen my knowledge in key areas—and, truthfully, because it’s been a long-held dream of mine. The program’s flexible schedule allowed me to balance academic pursuits with my professional responsibilities. Fuqua’s emphasis on diversity and collaboration offered a unique opportunity to learn from a broad range of peers and faculty, enriching my understanding of global business challenges. The strong sense of community and support has also been invaluable, providing a network of professionals who share similar goals and aspirations. Ultimately, dreams only become reality when we push ourselves and pursue them boldly. Being in this program has proven that dreams really do come true."
Weekend Executive MBA
Industry:
Prior Education:
Penn State
BS Supply Chain Management
Reflections
The Weekend Executive MBA program has provided me with valuable insights that I have applied to my role as Chief of Staff & Sr. Manager GSC. Since starting the program, I have become more confident in my leadership abilities and strategic thinking. The most transformative aspect has been the emphasis on real-world applications and case studies, which have equipped me with practical skills and a deeper understanding of complex business challenges, especially those involving quantitative factors such as accounting and finance. I also know my boundaries and limits. It pushed me to think about how much I can do at once and when I need to prioritize what’s most important.
Much of that growth has also been shaped by the people around me. Diversity at Fuqua has been a cornerstone of my experience. Interacting with peers from a wide range of backgrounds has broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to approach problems creatively. The inclusive environment fosters collaboration and encourages learning from different viewpoints, cultures, industries, experiences, ages, and seniority levels.
The most profound element of my Fuqua experience has been the strong sense of community and support. The relationships I’ve built with peers, faculty, and alumni have been truly invaluable—offering both personal encouragement and professional opportunity. Team Fuqua has been foundational—these are friendships for life, and ones I know will evolve into future business ventures.
Before Fuqua
As Chief of Staff, I collaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic initiatives, manage cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement to achieve organizational goals. My role focuses on both operational and strategic initiatives across our supply chain and extended organizations—supporting more than 1,000 employees in over 20 countries worldwide.
After Fuqua
After Fuqua, I plan to launch my career into an executive leadership role and eventually build my own business. My true passion lies in helping others—whether through work, fitness, mental health, or personal encouragement—and I hope to continue making a positive impact across all of these areas.
5 Random Facts About Me
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I’ve visited over 20 countries, 30+ U.S. states, and lived in more than seven different countries. I love learning about new cultures and languages—and have had the opportunity to learn and speak six languages.
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My wife and I got engaged on the same day we met, exactly eight years later—to the day.
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I love sports: I’ve played soccer, tennis, volleyball, and handball, practiced Jiu Jitsu and Judo, gone horseback riding, and more recently taken up CrossFit, pickleball, and running. I like to challenge myself—physically, professionally, and personally.
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I once dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player—until I realized just how many incredible tennis players there are in the world. So, I became a tennis coach.
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I own over 50 pairs of shoes (and counting!). Is it ever enough?
MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home
Global Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
Financial Services (20%)
Consulting (5%)
Sales/Business Development (5%)
Energy/Chemical/Gas (9%)
Marketing/PR/Advertising (6%)
Consumer Goods (3%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University
Undergraduate Majors
Business/Accounting (51%)
Economics (22%)
Liberal Arts (14%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (10%)
Other (4%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business
Undergraduate Majors
Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Weekend Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
IT (16%)
Financial Services (14%)
Health Care/Health Services (10%)
Manufacturing/Operations (9%)
Sales/Business Development (8%)
Consulting (8%)