This is the second installment in a series highlighting the Class of 2017 recipients of the 1898 Scholarship Fund. Made possible by the generosity of alumni and friends, the fund to continues to expand our diverse community and further support truly exceptional candidates. Through continued generous support, we are able to help our students unlock their true potential and thereby propel future leaders to confidently navigate the uncertainties of a rapidly changing world.
Suleiman loves a challenge. After college, the former Division I college basketball player refocused on pursuing a career in real estate. Advancing quickly through the ranks, he showed exceptional skills in developing thriving strategic partnerships.
He came to Chicago Booth to take the next steps in evolving his career and lay the foundation for long-term growth. What continues to hold true is his drive to pursue his personal best.
“I’m very self-reflective. It’s just who I am, but I haven’t had a lot of time to really do that in a professional setting. This environment prepares you to get out in the real world, to challenge ideas, and also understand how to respond when your ideas are challenged.”
At Booth, Suleiman has been able to tailor his educational experience to best build on his professional background, but also gain a deeper understanding of analytical frameworks to make sense of complex situations moving forward throughout his career.
“Booth teaches you to be comfortable with ambiguity, to understand how to process different problems, and to come up with a solution that is going to be effective. I can feel my mind changing how I frame problems, and how I think about problems.”
Immersing himself in the Chicago Booth culture and community, he participates in a variety of activities, both inside and outside of the classroom, from the Business Solutions Group, to the African American MBA Association. He even manages to fit in pickup basketball games with fellow students on Saturdays.
“Booth has accepted me in every facet. You get so much support within the program, not just from your peers and classmates but from the professors, the TAs, career services, and diversity affairs. These people have supported me since I started the program.”
Through the Polsky Accelerator program, two entrepreneurs are growing their startup to improve health-care access and quality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Inclusive Health Care
In the Kilts Center Marketing Lab, Booth students helped the Chicago Blackhawks engage Gen Z and millennials.
Reaching a New Generation of Hockey Fans
At an annual seminar for aspiring business school students, hosted this year at Chicago Booth, talented young professionals got a glimpse of MBA life.
Welcoming Tomorrow’s Leaders
