Janie Salazar
"In just one year at Fuqua, the impact of the Fuqua network has far exceeded my expectations. In the military, I learned that your network will open doors and take you further than you could ever go alone—and Fuqua has proven that to be true. Professionally, I’ve gained new clients through residencies, joined influential associations that opened doors for my team at Morningside, and connected with C-suite leaders whose mentorship has made me a stronger COO. Personally, I’ve gained 54 new brothers and sisters, found a powerful community of inspiring moms, and most meaningfully, received unwavering support that helped my mother through her fight against cancer. I’m forever grateful to be part of such an extraordinary community."
Global Executive MBA
Industry:
Prior Education:
Sam Houston State University
BA Criminal Justice
Why I Chose Fuqua
After over a decade in the special operations community, I found myself at a personal crossroads—ready to transition from military service but still deeply committed to leading, serving, and creating impact. I lacked a formal business background, but I knew that with the right education, I could build the foundation to lead effectively in the private sector. That’s when my childhood dream of attending Duke came full circle. Growing up in Texas, I was a huge Coach K fan, but Duke always felt out of reach.
Living in North Carolina post-service, I realized this was my moment. Fuqua quickly became my first—and only—choice. The Global Executive MBA stood out not just for Fuqua’s world-class reputation, but because it offered the opportunity to learn from and with leaders across cultures and industries. I saw it as more than just a degree—it was a transformational experience that would broaden my perspective and help me grow into a globally minded business leader. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Team Fuqua family.
Before Fuqua
I was in the midst of a career transition from government service to the private sector. I was stepping into the early stages of my current role as COO, building operational foundations and strategic direction for a growing risk-management firm. At the same time, I was deeply engaged in nonprofit work supporting law enforcement partners in the fight against human trafficking.
After Fuqua
After graduation, I plan to expand our company’s service offerings to better support our global client base, including connections made during my global residencies. I also intend to leverage the skills and knowledge gained at Fuqua to establish a nonprofit dedicated to providing mentorship and educational resources for single mothers, minority women, and young women from underserved communities who aspire to pursue business and higher education.
5 Random Things About Me
- Army veteran
- CrossFit athlete
- I help hunt human traffickers with Skull Games Solutions
- Former paratrooper
- Play the violin
A Parent’s Perspective on the Fuqua Journey
If you’re a working parent (or especially a single working parent) this program isn’t easy. But it’s 100% worth it. My advice is to believe in yourself; give yourself grace; lean on your village; hug your babies extra tight after finals; and yes, go ahead and have that extra coffee. Many of us didn’t pursue this program despite our children, but because of them. We wanted to grow as professionals and leave a meaningful legacy—for them and because of them. You won’t do it alone. You’ll have a team of 50+ classmates who will lift you up, cheer you on, and step in when things get overwhelming. I’m a single parent to a sweet three-year-old, and this journey has been wild, exhausting, and beautiful. But when I walk across that stage, my daughter will know that we did it together. And one day, when life challenges her, I hope she remembers this and says, “If my mom earned her MBA from Fuqua while working full time and raising me on her own, then I can overcome anything, too.”
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%)