Pitt Business e-newsletter Issue 11, September 2008
New EMBA Alumna Finds Business Knowledge Has Opened the Laboratory Door
Laura Rosato (EMBA '08) has always had a penchant for science; little did she know where that inclination would take her. Rosato just completed her fourth degree from the University of Pittsburgh, an Executive MBA (EMBA). The first three degrees were all related to science: a bachelors in biochemistry and biophysics, a masters in biochemistry, and a PhD in industrial toxicology and industrial hygiene.
While gaining valuable work experience with Procter & Gamble, Millennium Petrochemicals, Inc., and Alcoa, Inc., Rosato saw opportunities for individuals who had advanced degrees in science coupled with a MBA. With consolidations taking place in the chemical industry, it was an ideal time for her to consider pursuing the EMBA degree.
Rosato has already realized the advantage of the business understanding gleaned from the EMBA program. She says she is able to collaborate more effectively, participate in decision making, contribute to her organization in new ways, and has more credibility with her colleagues and business peers. "Don't be afraid to take the chance to move to a different area and a different way of thinking," Rosato says. "It's exciting and will add credibility and broaden your perspective." Having begun her career in a laboratory and now in her current role as global product stewardship and occupational health risk assessment leader for Honeywell Specialty Materials, Rosato is a prime example of this. As a woman in a male-dominated field, her combination of experience and education has been an incredibly dynamic one.
She once thought of herself as an introvert but realized that did not have to be the case. She began reaching out to others and initiating opportunities to connect with others. Soon Rosato began to see her network grow. Much of this occurred as she became involved in a variety of organizations, including the United Way, the Greater Cincinnati Women's Network, and the Girl Scouts—an organization she did not have the opportunity to be involved with earlier in her life. "If you take a look at your life and particularly at the things and experiences that shape you; the road you have traveled is larger than you may have thought."
A Pittsburgh native, Rosato has lived in the Oakland area for a significant portion of her life. In addition to her volunteerism, she is also a community activist. She is one of a small group of Oakland residents who are working to clean up the community and also working toward stricter enforcement of the city's housing regulations for rental properties, specifically those in the Oakland area. Rosato is working with community leaders to ensure the safety of residents, many of whom are Pitt students renting housing in the area. Rosato not only believes in giving back, she actively takes part.
Rosato's community involvement has not gone unnoticed. In 1997, she received the Woman of Distinction Award from the Great Rivers Girl Scout council (Cincinnati, OH), was selected as a role model in science, and received the Leading Women Award for Research and Technology. She was also awarded the 2007 Margaret F. Gloninger Service Award, presented by the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health to an individual who has made contributions to the community through volunteerism or who has made a considerable contribution to the Graduate School of Public Health. In its 2007 summer newsletter, Rosato's high school alma mater, Oakland Catholic, recognized her profile in the book Nontraditional Careers for Chemists: New Formulas in Chemistry by author Lisa Balbes. Balbes' book discusses opportunities beyond the laboratory setting that are available for individuals with a chemistry background.
With the EMBA program having ended in July, Rosato is looking forward to the next opportunity to learn and expand her knowledge. She hopes to learn a few Asian languages. She is also looking forward to being a member of the upcoming class of Leadership Pittsburgh XXV.
