DBA Cohort 8

Background Niraj Shrestha is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the IT industry, specializing in data analysis, data integration, product design, project management and executive reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, Niraj has made significant contributions to major corporations, including Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield and TIAA, where his expertise […]

Background Ashley Smalls is a distinguished library professional and a lifelong resident of Charlotte, with a robust background in education and a fervent dedication to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world business practices. She currently serves as a librarian for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, where she leverages her extensive knowledge to enhance access to […]

Background Bru Weber brings a wealth of diverse experience with a focus on renewables, supply chain and construction. After graduating from UNC Asheville with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in economics, she joined Volvo Construction Equipment. She worked in various commercial roles during her ten-year tenure with Volvo CE and served as […]

Background Gregory Williams is a strategic business transformation leader with over 15 years of experience in operations excellence, process optimization and change management. He has held leadership roles at JCPenney, Sports Authority, Dollar Tree, Burlington Stores and Microsoft, and is currently Senior Manager of Operations Servicing Strategy at Capital One. In his current role, Gregory […]

Background Lauren Xavier has attained two graduate degrees: an MBA with a concentration in management and a Master of Arts in industrial and organizational psychology, both from UNC Charlotte. She completed both of these degrees while continuing her full-time career, which spanned both the public and private sectors. Lauren began her career as a high […]