• Business Opportunity Program

Analytic Thinking, Global Leadership

Lonisa M. Young
BS Management, 2010
Concentration: Management Information Systems (MIS)
BOP Summer Program Participant: 2006
Hometown: Lansing, Michigan

How has the Krannert curriculum helped you achieve professionally at Abbott Laboratories?
"The Krannert curriculum taught me to exceed expectations, use my resources to streamline business processes, and to network. My success at Abbott has resulted because I meet my goals and continuously ask to be stretched in my daily responsibilities. However, networking resulted in my greatest professional achievement of gaining an in depth understanding of our Global IT processes through international audit."

Describe your international experiences with Abbott and how the Krannert experience prepared you for global leadership.
“Krannert prepared me by bringing awareness to the cultural differences that exist in the workplace. As a result of this knowledge, I was prepared to collaborate with Abbott’s International Affiliates in the Netherlands, Canada, Brazil, and France. I spent a month at each location through my role (Senior International IT Auditor) identifying improvements that can be made in our internal IT controls.”

Why do you believe it is important for students to be prepared for a global economy upon graduating college?
“It is imperative that students grasp an understanding of the global economy because it is what drives our corporations. The level of dependence on resources outside of the U.S. will continue to increase rapidly, in addition to, the amount of demand for our products. Students need to be prepared for this level of thinking as it is the key to successful corporations and ultimately their careers.”

Describe how the BOP program was instrumental in your career development, and overall success in Krannert.
“The BOP program developed me for life post graduation by pushing me to network and step out of my comfort zone. It was ingrained that I had to write down my goals, seek to lead, and inspire others to do the same. This mindset taught me the importance of S.M.A.R.T. goals and understanding the path successful alumni have taken.”

Why should a prospective student choose to participate in BOP?
"A student should elect to participate in BOP because it is a program dedicated to investing in the tools needed for college students to succeed. During my time at Purdue I encountered financial hardship and with the support of BOP I was able to not only remain a student, but graduate on time."

What is your fondest memory of the BOP program?
“My fondest memory by far is receiving the Target Award of Excellence. Receiving this award was based not merely on Academic Performance, but connecting with my peers and professors as well. Receiving this award before the start of my academic year motivated me to work hard while cultivating meaningful relationships.”

What extracurricular activities did you participate in while at Purdue?
“During my time at Purdue I served as President of the Society of Minority Managers, was a Resident Assistant in Shreve Hall, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Outside of my commitment to these organizations I participated in leadership activities such as the Emily Mauzy Vogel Development Conference.”

Who is the person, business world or otherwise, that you most admire, and why?
“The public figure that I have grown to admire most is Dr. Ben Carson, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon raised in inner-city Detroit. This resulted from reading his book “Think Big” which gave details on his life journey and reaching your full potential in life. I am inspired by his ability to master his craft, live a life in line with strong values, and the investments he has made in the future of others.”

Away from work, what do you do for fun?
“When I am not in the office I enjoy reading, experimenting with new recipes, traveling with friends, and participating in philanthropic events. I have found that the greatest joy is witnessing the impact you can make when you take the time to help others."

When we catch up with you in 20 years, what do you expect to be doing? 
“In 20 years you will find me as the owner of an internationally affiliated staffing firm, specializing in clerical and industrial employment. In addition, I will have increased my level of community involvement, world traveling, and speaking engagements at Purdue University.”