Class of 2029

Nariman Amirabdolahian

Project Manager | Automation Engineer

Nariman is an automation engineer and project management professional with over a decade of experience in industrial automation, engineering, and systems integration. He worked in Germany leading automation projects and operational improvement initiatives across industrial environments, combining technical expertise with strategic decision making and performance improvement. He holds a Professional MBA from Florida International University, a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and a bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering. His professional background includes process optimization, technology driven business strategy, and the integration of automation solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

Dilcia Bent

Founder and CEO | AllTechBiz Concepts & Vision Ltd.

Dilcia Bent-Bulli is an Information Technology entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of AllTechBiz Concepts & Vision Ltd., a Jamaica-based IT consulting firm she launched in 2013 to help SMEs harness technology for real business impact, serving clients across seven countries. With over three decades in the computer software industry, she holds an MBA with distinction from the University of the West Indies, a BSc in Computer Science from Florida International University, and is both Microsoft certified and a certified Project Management Professional. A firm believer in taking control of one's own destiny, Dilcia is passionate about motivating others to do the same and is joining FIU's DBA Class of 2029.

Shakerah Brown

Financial Management Analyst | U.S. Navy

Shakerah Brown is a Financial Management Analyst with the U.S. Navy and a retired U.S. Army veteran with a passion for leadership, financial management, and entrepreneurship. Alongside her federal career, she owns and manages investment properties and has helped individuals improve their financial well-being through credit education, budgeting, and personal finance coaching. Shakerah earned her MBA from Hawaii Pacific University and is excited to join the FIU Doctor of Business Administration program, where she hopes to deepen her understanding of strategic leadership and organizational performance. Outside of work and school, she enjoys real estate investing, mentoring others, traveling, and exploring opportunities that create lasting financial independence for families and communities.

Kaitlin Cantell

Kaitlin Cantell is a learning and development consultant and entrepreneur with extensive experience in designing and implementing talent management, organizational development, and executive learning strategies. She thrives on partnering with leaders in global, complex organizations to solve strategic business challenges by aligning talent, organizational design, and leadership capabilities with business priorities during periods of rapid growth and transformation. As the founder of her own consulting firm, she advises leaders on developing people-centered strategies that drive organizational performance and support long-term business objectives. Prior to launching her consulting firm, Kaitlin served for 15 years in leadership roles including being a Global Director of Talent Management, where she led enterprise talent initiatives. She has led Talent Management in different fields including technology, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial gas.

Gianfranco Caprile Hernandez

Founder and CEO | Energy Estates LLC

Gianfranco Caprile Hernandez is an entrepreneur, investor, and business executive with more than twenty years of experience across business operations, commercial real estate, energy, and private investment ventures in Peru and the United States. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Energy Estates LLC, a Miami-based company focused on commercial real estate investments and the acquisition of operating businesses. Gianfranco earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Professional MBA with a concentration in Real Estate from Florida International University. As a member of FIU's Doctor of Business Administration Class of 2029, he looks forward to combining practical business experience with rigorous academic research in entrepreneurship, business acquisitions, capital allocation, and strategic decision-making, with the goal of helping business leaders build stronger organizations and create enduring value for the people, families, and communities they serve.

Bianca Espinosa

Vice President of Revenue Management Operations | Harvard Maintenance

Bianca Espinosa is Vice President of Revenue Management Operations at Harvard Maintenance, where she leads strategic initiatives focused on revenue optimization, operational performance, analytics, and process transformation. With more than 15 years of experience spanning finance, operations, and business strategy, she has built her career around translating complex data into actionable insights, improving organizational performance, and challenging conventional approaches to how businesses operate and grow. Bianca is also passionate about leadership, emerging technologies, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in business decision-making. Beyond her professional career, she serves on the Board of Directors of Kristi House, supporting its mission to provide services and advocacy for children and families impacted by abuse. She is pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration at Florida International University to deepen her expertise as a business leader, contribute meaningful research to the field, and continue expanding the impact she can make within organizations and her community.

Romel Giffrard

Senior Consulting Project Manager | Autodesk

Romel Giffrard is a Senior Consulting Project Manager at Autodesk with over 12 years of experience driving enterprise transformation and customer success across Fortune 500 organizations. Throughout his career with leading technology companies including 6sense, Siteimprove, Optimizely, and Gartner, he has consistently ranked as a top performer, achieving recognition in the top 5% globally while managing complex portfolios exceeding $5M in value. Known for his ability to translate strategic vision into actionable results, Romel has successfully led cross-functional teams of up to 25 members, delivered 15+ concurrent enterprise projects on time and on budget, and driven significant revenue growth—including a $2M government contract expansion and 45% account growth at Optimizely. He holds an MBA from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Florida Gulf Coast University, combining academic excellence with proven expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic account leadership that consistently exceeds client expectations and business objectives.

Jessica Irizarry Martinez

Jessica Irizarry is an engineer and executive transformation leader with 30 years of experience guiding organizations through complex, high-stakes change. She has led initiatives across finance, mortgage, and media, including a multi-million dollar modernization at Freddie Mac, operating model redesigns impacting thousands of employees, and enterprise initiatives at American Express. Certified in PROSCI Change Management, Six Sigma, Agile Methodology, and Human-Centered Design, she is known for stepping into stalled, high-visibility programs and restoring execution, alignment, and measurable results, grounded in the principle that technology must empower people to succeed in business. She holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management and Information Systems from Florida International University and a certification in AI Business Strategy from Johns Hopkins University, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on developing the next generation of transformation leaders through real-world, experience-driven insight.

Peter Jones

As an accomplished Human Resources practitioner, military veteran, and public administration professional, I have built a career around developing leaders, improving organizational effectiveness, and driving strategic business outcomes. My experience spans both public and private sectors and includes leadership and workforce development, employee engagement, and designing people strategy to align with organizational objectives for desired business outcomes.

In recent years, I have developed a strong appreciation for the connection between research-based practices and organizational performance. Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at Florida International University in the Chapman School of Business will further enhance my ability to solve complex business problems in both the private and public sector organizations. I am looking forward to building relationships with new colleagues who have similar goals and the same path of obtaining a DBA degree. I am especially excited to apply academic research and generate insights to complex business challenges.

Murat Karadeniz

Managing Director and Senior Vice President | Sampa Automotive

I am currently serving as Managing Director for Mexico and Latin America and Senior Vice President for Southeast U.S. operations at Sampa Automotive, a global aftermarket manufacturing company. I have over a decade of experience in the heavy-duty automotive aftermarket industry, focusing on business development, strategic growth, and international operations across the U.S. and Latin America. Prior to this, I began my international career with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, where I worked in operations and gained valuable global experience. I hold an MBA from Istanbul University and an Executive Master in International Business from ESCP Business School in France. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Florida International University, with a focus on nearshoring strategies in the North American heavy-duty automotive industry.

Ruh-Keea Leconte

Senior Coordinator of Online Learning | FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education

Ruh-Keea Leconte is a doctoral student in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Florida International University and serves as the Senior Coordinator of Online Learning for the College of Arts, Sciences & Education. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, she specializes in educational technology, online learning strategy, digital transformation, and organizational process improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Marketing and is a certified Lean Six Sigma professional with the Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) certification, reflecting her commitment to operational excellence and quality in online education. Her work focuses on leveraging technology, data-informed decision-making, and innovative solutions to enhance teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness. Passionate about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education, Ruh-Keea is particularly interested in how emerging technologies can improve organizational performance, support faculty, and create more engaging learning experiences. Her professional interests include AI, educational technology, business strategy, innovation, and the future of digital learning.

Bar Rotkopf

Bar Rotkopf is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, art curator, and business strategist with a multidisciplinary background spanning finance, real estate development, behavioral influence, and contemporary art. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance and a master’s degree in Real Estate, and has been recognized on the Dean’s List for academic excellence. Bar is the founder and operator of multiple ventures across real estate and business services, with a focus on value creation through strategic acquisition, development, and management of residential assets. His work is particularly centered on identifying underutilized properties and transforming them into income-generating opportunities, including affordable housing solutions such as Section 8 rentals. In addition, Bar is the owner of Blue Gallery Stuart, a contemporary art space that curates and presents high-end works from established and emerging artists, with a particular focus on promoting Israeli artists to international collectors. The gallery is dedicated to creating immersive visual experiences and connecting collectors with meaningful, design-driven artwork, bridging the gap between art, environment, and emotional impact.

In parallel to his business activities, Bar has a strong interest in human behavior, decision-making, and personal development. As a certified NLP coach, he integrates psychological frameworks into both his business strategy and leadership approach, aiming to optimize performance, negotiation outcomes, and long-term value creation. His doctoral research interests lie at the intersection of real estate, behavioral economics, and value perception—specifically how environmental factors, design, and experiential elements (such as art and spatial storytelling) influence decision-making, willingness to pay, and perceived asset value.

Addly Sydney

Chief Financial Officer | Tri-Leaf Entertainment LLC

Addly Sydney is a U.S. Army veteran, business professional, entrepreneur, and community advocate with a strong background in finance, business analytics, higher education, and veteran support. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Florida Atlantic University, with concentrations in Finance and Business Analytics, and is now pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Florida International University. His professional experience includes financial management, purchasing, higher education, and nonprofit leadership, including serving as Treasurer and committee advocate for the Veterans Business Institute and supporting military-affiliated students at Florida Atlantic University. Addly also serves as Chief Financial Officer of Tri-Leaf Entertainment LLC, where he contributes to financial strategy, budgeting, business development, and organizational growth. Drawing on the discipline and leadership developed through his military service, he is passionate about entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and helping small businesses build sustainable strategies for long-term success. Through his doctoral studies at FIU, Addly hopes to strengthen his capabilities as a business leader, researcher, and entrepreneur while using his experience and education to create meaningful opportunities for businesses, veterans, and the communities he serves.

Angela Zidziunas

Angela Zidziunas is a business professional with several years of experience working for multinational engineering consultant companies. She currently manages environmental remediation projects for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) in NYC’s five boroughs. Angela is also passionate about academia and has coached students participating in an international business project that connects students from various countries to collaborate on real-world business challenges. She graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and from Columbia University with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. She completed her MBA at Lynn University when she relocated to Florida in 2021.

Her background in civil engineering, combined with her business expertise, equips her with a unique blend of technical insight and project management prowess. She thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. Angela is seeking a Doctorate in Business at Florida International University to advance her professional career while exploring opportunities in academia.

Fiola Doricin

Financial Control Analyst | Bureau of Credit Union

Fiola Doricin is a financial professional and regulatory examiner with extensive experience in financial analysis, audit, and information systems within the credit union industry. She currently serves as a Financial Control Analyst with the Bureau of Credit Union Regulation at the Office of Financial Regulation, where she evaluates internal controls, information security frameworks, and compliance with regulatory standards. Fiola holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (AMLCA) and Credit Union Compliance Expert (CSCUE). She is also the founder of the Integrity Immigration Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing immigration education, financial literacy, and community support services to underserved populations.

Her professional interests include financial risk management, regulatory compliance, and advancing financial education within diverse communities. Through the Doctorate in Business Administration program at Florida International University, Fiola aims to deepen her expertise and contribute to innovative solutions that strengthen financial systems and empower communities.

Dayon Harris

Dayon Harris is a cybersecurity and technology governance professional with more than a decade of experience in information security, regulatory compliance, third-party risk, and the oversight of emerging technologies in higher education. He holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Information Systems Security and has earned several industry certifications, including the CISSP. His research interests center on how organizations decide when and how to adopt new technologies, manage the risks that come with them, and use governance to support innovation rather than slow it down. Through FIU’s DBA program, he hopes to turn his professional experience into research that organizations can use to make better technology decisions. Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Dayon is a classic car enthusiast who enjoys attending automotive events.

Christian Hernandez-Soto

Christian is a senior federal acquisition leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in contracting, business operations, government auditing, and higher-education instruction. His professional background includes serving as a government auditor for the Defense Contract Audit Agency, cost analyst and supervisory contract specialist for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and Senior Supervisory Contracting Officer for the United States Marine Corps. His background includes over sixteen consecutive years of leadership and supervisory experience across multiple settings. Higher education experience comprises six and a half years of service as an adjunct faculty professor at Northern Virginia Community College. Career highlights include recipient of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s Non-Major Acquisition Excellence Award (2012) and Major Systems Acquisition Team Award (2014), achieving 25% or more cost savings on contract negotiations, advised flag officers and Senior Executive Service members on strategies and negotiations for multi-billion-dollar procurement efforts and successfully defended numerous contract protests. Recognized for enterprise-level leadership, shaping acquisition policy, driving organizational transformation across the US Department of War and the US Intelligence Community.

Makenson Lamour

Success Coach | Miami-Dade College Educate Tomorrow

Makenson Lamour is a Doctoral Candidate in Business Administration at Florida International University, where he focuses on how transformational leadership can drive sustainable socioeconomic development in underserved communities. He brings a multidisciplinary background in law, business, and education, along with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, media, grassroots community work, and youth advocacy. He holds a BA in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration from FIU, as well as an MBA and an LLM in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University. Makenson previously served as Senior Program Director at the YMCA of South Florida and as STEM Grant Coordinator at MDC. He currently works as Success Coach with Educate Tomorrow at MDC, where he offers holistic support to students navigating housing instability and the transition out of foster care. He is also the founder of Vwanu, a civic-tech platform designed to help communities organize around local issues, and Youth Empowerment Rescue Network (YERN), which aims to protect and support vulnerable and homeless children by providing essentials like shelter, food, healthcare, and education. His work centers on making real, lasting change through community-driven solutions.

Jesus Medina

Director of Program Operations and Clinical Research | Broward Infectious Disease & Primary Care LLC

Jesús E. Medina is an executive healthcare leader, public health manager, and epidemiologist with over 20 years of experience building cross-sector strategic partnerships, driving organizational change, and optimizing complex healthcare systems. A strategist grounded in active observation, deep stakeholder listening, and analytical problem-solving, he excels at evaluating underlying operational challenges, asking the difficult questions necessary to break through inertia, and redesigning processes to consistently deliver high-impact results. Currently serving as the Director of Program Operations and Clinical Research at Broward Infectious Disease & Primary Care, LLC, Mr. Medina leads multi-site operational management, clinical trial coordination, and technology-driven workflow integration using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. He plays an active role in regional public health governance as a Mayoral Appointee and Prevention Provider Representative on the Miami-Dade HIV/AIDS Partnership and serves as Chairman of the Miami PrEP Workgroup for the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. His executive expertise encompasses the strategic administration, compliance oversight, split-billing workflows, and contract pharmacy management of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, with a focus on reinvesting revenue to expand clinical capacity and low-barrier community access.

As a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) student at Florida International University's Chapman Graduate School of Business, Mr. Medina’s research focuses on public-private partnership models, strategic resource allocation, and digital health access strategies. He holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida International University, along with postgraduate certificate training in Quality and Safety in Clinical Operations from Harvard Medical School.

Randall Pickard

Randall K. Pickard is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer with nearly two decades of Coast Guard leadership experience, followed by leadership in the private sector. Throughout his career, he has led diverse teams in operational command, organizational development, workforce planning, emergency management, recruiting, and program analysis, including serving on the Coast Guard’s Boat Forces Doctrine Team, where he helped revise national boat operations and training doctrine. Following military retirement, Randall transitioned into the construction industry, where he continues to lead complex projects while focusing on operational excellence and organizational improvement. His research interests include leadership development, organizational change, evidence-based management, and leading today’s increasingly diverse and multi-generational workforce. Randall plans to combine his Doctor of Business Administration from Florida International University with executive leadership, consulting, applied research, and university teaching, and he looks forward to learning from the diverse experiences of his classmates while contributing practical leadership perspectives gained through military service and private industry.

Alma Pol

Assistant Director of Administrative Services, FIU Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Alma Pol is a skilled communicator and project manager with a passion for relationship building to better support the development and execution of organizational goals and objectives. Throughout her 20-year tenure in South Florida’s public sector she has coordinated special projects in collaborative context ranging from nationwide studies, intergovernmental sponsored programs, national and international delegate visits, and more recently supporting the development and execution of outstanding educational programs in higher education. Ms. Pol’s can-do attitude welcomes challenges with a steadfast focus on problem solving while empowering others to explore possibilities and reengineering support to maximize potential. One of her most notable projects was her leading role in the cross-sector collaboration with the State Justice Institute Center for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) where she harmonized efforts in a dialogue with South Florida’s state court and court partners to determine how immigration issues impact the courts in the pilot city of Miami and how best to address those challenges. Alma holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with focus on International Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences from Florida International University (FIU). She also holds a Management Leadership Certificate from FIU College of Business, Lean Six Sigma Yellow belt certification, and is a Certified Court Manager by the National Center of State Courts (NCSC).

Qusai Shqair

Regional Manager | NEPA Wholesale

Qusai currently serve as the Regional Manager for NEPA Wholesale in Miami. He has more than 12 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development across the retail and wholesale industries. In his role, Qusai oversees regional operations, manage key client relationships, and work on expanding the company’s market presence throughout South Florida. He is a bilingual marketing professional with a creative and global perspective, holding a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. His background combines business strategy with technical and analytical expertise, including digital marketing and analytics, content creation, media planning, and marketing research. Throughout his career, he has worked on projects both independently and as part of teams across nonprofit organizations, private businesses, small enterprises, and governmental organizations. In previous roles, he has led digital marketing initiatives, managed communication and media channels, and developed marketing strategies aimed at increasing brand visibility and audience engagement. His experience also includes overseeing digital campaigns, conducting marketing research, and supporting organizational growth through data driven decision-making and innovative marketing approaches. His work combines marketing expertise with a strong technical and programming background, allowing him to approach business challenges with both analytical and strategic perspectives.

Paola Trujillo

Founder | Alexander Trujillo Foundation

Paola Trujillo is a healthcare compliance and risk management professional, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder with a passion for leadership, innovation, and creating meaningful impact in the communities she serves. As the Director of Compliance & Risk Management for a large multi-state dermatology physician practice, she leads initiatives that promote regulatory excellence, operational integrity, and organizational growth. Beyond healthcare, Paola is the founder of the Alexander Trujillo Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young adults affected by cancer, and the owner of Infinity Event Decorations, an event planning and design firm serving South Florida. She holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University. As a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) student at Florida International University, she is committed to advancing her expertise in organizational leadership, strategy, and evidence-based decision-making while exploring innovative approaches to improving performance and sustainability across diverse industries. When she is not working, studying, or leading nonprofit initiatives, Paola enjoys training for races, traveling with her family, and designing memorable events from concept to execution.