Ifunanya (Funa) Maduka and Jon Dick answer questions posed by The Harbus
Jon’s Answers
1. What prompted you to run for Co-President?
I love HBS and the people I’ve met here. I ran for Co-President out of a desire to represent students and to be their voice on campus. With so much change in the air at HBS, there is a tremendous opportunity to shape the HBS student experience, and the idea of being a driving force in that is very exciting to me.
2. Why did you choose your running mate?
Funa and I met this Spring at a Co-Presidents info session and instantly hit it off. We shared similar views of the challenges faced by HBS students on campus, the enormous potential of this school and the broader changes occurring in management education worldwide. Also, when I asked people about Funa, their jaws would drop and they’d say “she’s amazing.” And she is!
3. What is your main agenda for next year?
Our vision is to create a student body culture where everyone can be their true selves. We intend to deliver on this vision by implementing programming that promotes service, inclusion, and innovation. We also plan to enhance the SA’s social offerings by promoting more cross-school events and ensuring our social lineup is unifying, diverse, and fun. Finally, we hope to deliver administrative changes to align the career search with the realities of the evolving job market and improve on the student club experience. Oh yeah, we also plan to have a blast doing it.
4. One thing no one knows about you:
I can’t remember song lyrics. The only song I think I know all the words to is “One Week” by Barenaked Ladies, but that was only because of pure diligence over an entire summer.
5. One thing that has stood out among your experiences in the RC year:
So far, the thing that has stood out the most to me about the RC year is how much I LOVED accounting. Debits and credits have a way of moving me in a way that I can’t quite describe. Okay, that’s a lie (no disrespect to the most incredible FRC Professor in the world, VG). The thing that has truly stood out to me are the incredibly interesting, talented, and motivated people on the HBS campus. I can’t wait to see the awesome things that these people create.
6. What did you do for Spring Break?
I enjoyed great friends and awesome music! I spent the first half of the week in Chicago catching up with my best friends, then went to Austin, TX to soak up the scene at the South by Southwest music festival. Best bands:Rural Alberta Advantage, Owen Pallet, and the random Irish band we found on St. Patty’s day. Best food: Frito Pie at the Texas Chili House. Best screaming baby on an airplane: The one sitting next to me on the way home.
7. If you weren’t a student at HBS, you would be…
If I was not a student at HBS, I could see myself doing any of the following:
-Living in Chicago, working for the Chicagoland Bike Federation and performing improv comedy.
-Being a student at the University of Chicago (shudder…nerd alert…shudder).
-Working at a Science Museum developing programming for kids.
-Being cash flow positive.
-Living in a van down by the river.
-Representing Rebecca Black.
8. Anything else you would like to add…
Come see the HBS Show! There’s nothing like some good satire to break up your week.
Funa’s Answers
1. What prompted you to run for Co-President?
In short, it was for love of the student body. HBS is phenomenal because of the individuals it is able to attract each year. I have enjoyed being in discussions with rocket scientists, former teachers, and entrepreneurs. It’s this diversity that I wanted to help represent. Especially in the midst of so many changes, I want to ensure that all students get the most out of this experience, and out of each other during our time here.
2. Why did you choose your running mate?
I love “how did you meet?” questions! We met at the Candidate Information Session and after leaving the session a friend asked – “who else was in the room?” I told her Jon’s name and she said “Yes, he’s the one you want to talk to.” During our conversation later that night, we realized we wanted a lot of the same things and were totally aligned on what we hoped to deliver to the student body next year.
3. What is your main agenda for next year?
Our vision is to create a student culture where everyone can be their true selves. Truly great leaders are authentic leaders. We intend to deliver on this vision by implementing programming that promotes service, inclusion, and innovation. We also plan to enhance the SA’s social offerings by promoting more events with the Harvard Graduate Council and ensuring our social lineup is unifying, diverse, and fun. Finally, we hope to deliver administrative changes to align the career search with the realities of the evolving job market and improve on the student club experience.
4. One thing no one knows about you:
Ironically I’m a vegetarian that dislikes most vegetables. Broccoli, corn, tomatoes and potatoes are just about the only ones that make the list.
5. One thing that has stood out among your experiences in the RC year:
I don’t think you ever forget the cold calls. But if I have to think of one, it has to be the various conversations that I alluded to earlier. Getting to know people and form deeper relationships has been the best part of the RC year.
6. What did you do for Spring Break?
Jamaica-mon! It was a great time and a much needed break. There was a good group of us down there from the RC class. I did the unthinkable- for me at least – and went cliff diving 30 feet into the sea with a few sectionmates. It was amazing, but definitely one of those things I will not be repeating.
7. If you weren’t a student at HBS, you would be…
– In Mumbai, trying to break into the Bollywood movie scene
– Back in France, mastering my French and then off to China to learn Mandarin
– In my mom’s kitchen, attempting to perfect some of her recipes
– In the Congo, engaging in relief work geared towards women
– Filming a documentary on world changers.
8. Anything else you would like to add:
Jon and I actually compiled a workout album during the campaign that we never released. So for all of you Shad-bunnies who need a good playlist, let us know.
