It’s a well-known fact that alumni gifts can create direct, lasting impact on current students. It’s an even bigger win-win when the student uses that gift to pay it forward and help a local, small business.
A Goel Beyond the Goal
Ankur Goel (MBA ’16), Cloud Program Director at Microsoft Corporation, believes that “great leadership isn’t defined by titles or achievements, but by the education, mentors, and communities that shape how you choose to serve and create impact.”
Goel believed that when he left India to pursue his MBA he was building a foundation that would shape everything that followed. He was right. “The faculty, the alumni network, the friendships forged during late-night study sessions, are the reason I’m in the position I’m in today,” he says.
Goel says being selected as the Pitt Business Young Alumnus Award recipient at the 2026 Alumni Awards Ceremony was one of the most meaningful moments of his career. Not because of the recognition itself,” he says, “but because it came from the institution and community that helped lay my foundation. It reminded me that the best way to honor what Pitt gave me is to keep paying it forward.”
Best and Brightest
Raven Byars (MBA/MHA ’26) was the first recipient of the Goel Business Education Fund. She initially participated in the Berg Center Fellowship, where she worked with Alaina James of skin mind health, a dermatology and community wellness clinic in the Greater Pittsburgh area. At the end of the semester, Byars applied for a funding opportunity to continue working with skin mind health and implement crucial recommendations for the business.
Byars had years of health administration experience before she enrolled in the dual MBA, Master of Health Administration program. Her leadership, involvement, and academic excellence earned her a spot among Poets&Quants’Best and Brightest MBAs for the Class of 2026.
Working further with skin mind health fueled one of Byars’ passion for health equity and health access. “This experience filled my cup and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” she says.
The scholarship was immensely helpful for Byars, reducing the size of loan she needed for her final year of school. She thanked Goel and other alumni who give to create opportunities for students by saying, “As alumni, you know that academic challenges are only a part of the battle. Personal, professional, and financial factors greatly impact an educational experience. Having peace of mind about graduate school funds allows us students to focus on gaining the skills and experiences to make a difference at our school, our future places of work, and our communities.”
Impact on the Future
Goel hopes his contributions help create a ripple effect where students feel more supported, take bigger risks, and realize their potential earlier in their journey.
“Seeing that come to life through someone like Raven and the impact she’s driven in her community is incredibly meaningful,” he says. “It reinforces that giving back isn’t just about the moment—it’s about enabling leaders who will go on to create even greater impact themselves.”
If you are interested in giving back to School of Business students at any level, please contact Melody Tisinger.