Alumni Communities Connection

Welcome to the Michigan Ross First-Generation Alumni Association 

At Michigan Ross, we recognize the extraordinary achievements and perspectives that first-generation alumni bring to our community. The Michigan Ross First-Generation Alumni Association is committed to fostering a welcoming, resource-rich environment where first-generation graduates and their allies can connect, engage, and lead.

We invite you to help build and shape this vibrant community in several ways:

• Attend Events: Join us for an upcoming welcome event to meet our board, and learn more about future opportunities to connect and engage across the community.

• Become a Mentor or Mentee: Share your experiences, gain invaluable guidance, and help pave the way for the next generation through our new mentorship initiatives.

• Contribute Your Story: Participate in our Ross First-Gen Spotlight series, highlighting personal journeys that inspire and educate others in the Michigan community.

• Engage Online: Connect through our dedicated LinkedIn group and alumni portal, where you can access resources, explore opportunities, and expand your professional network.

• Spread the Word: Advocate for first-gen alumni and help us grow—reach out to fellow Wolverines, promote our mission, and contribute to a culture of inclusion across the Michigan Ross community.

• Volunteer: If you’re passionate about supporting first-gen Wolverines, consider volunteering to serve on upcoming initiatives.

Together, we are strengthening ties and shaping the future of Michigan Ross by celebrating the power of first-generation leadership. Your engagement whether as a connector, mentor, or advocate helps to build a robust and supportive network for all.

You can help to make an impact — because at Michigan Ross, leadership begins with community.

Select the "Join Button" and become a member of First-Generation Alumni Association today!

Go Blue!
First-Generation Alumni Association Board Members

Meet Our Leadership Board:

• Presidents: Tashira Gibbs (MBA/MS '07), and Brianna Ross (MBA '25)

• Communications and Marketing: Gustavo Sacramento (BBA '22)

• Advisory Board Member, Allyship Engagement: Lesli Ann Agcaoili (MBA '09)

• Advisory Board Member, Alumni Community Engagement: Robert Larios (EMBA '14)

• Member at Large, Student-Alumni Engagement Bridge: Katie Fredline, Program Manager of ETI

• Member at Large, Faculty-Student-Alumni Engagement Bridge: Dennis Oswald, Michigan Ross Lecturer

Wolverines Helping Wolverines:
 

• Learn More about the Michigan Ross Empower & Thrive Initiative (ETI) Fund

• ​Explore the Michigan Ross Kresge Library Resource Guide for our First-Generation Community 

• ​Submit words of wisdom & celebration for our 2026 graduates to be displayed throughout the First-Generation Senior Sendoff dinner! Submit Your Congratulations and Words of Wisdom HERE (Submission Deadline: April 14, 2026, and submissions will be shared at the sendoff event, Spring 2026)

• ​Submit an alumni nomination for the Michigan Ross Alumni Awards recognizing the service and impact of extraordinary Michigan Ross alumni. (Submission Deadline: July 3, 2026, and the Awardees will be announced Fall 2026)
   

First-Generation Alumni Association Events

Ross Alumni News

May 18, 2026

Dana Perlman, BBA ’02: From the Sales Floor to the C-Suite

Dana Perlman, BBA ’02, has built a career driving growth and long-term success for major companies, including Barclays Group, PVH Corp., and, most recently, G-III Apparel Group Ltd. Her philosophy on success is simple: you don’t have to have it all figured out, but you do have to keep learning and be willing to take on new challenges along the way.

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May 15, 2026

Ross Innovation Conference Returns to San Francisco for a Third Year of Alumni-Led Insight and Connection

The Ross School of Business returned to the Bay Area on May 8, 2026, for its third annual Innovation Conference, an alumni-driven gathering designed to elevate timely conversations at the intersection of technology, leadership, and impact. Held at Terra Gallery & Event Venue, the event convened leaders from across industries for a full day of programming and connection.

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May 12, 2026

Michigan Ross Launches First-Generation Alumni Association: Champions, Community, and Next Steps

Access to top business schools like the Ross School of Business can be challenging for first-gen students—those in their families who are the first to earn a college degree. For every first-gen student crossing the stage at graduation, there are countless more who could, if only they had the support, mentorship, and insight needed to take the next step.

Michigan Ross is striving to change the trajectory.
 

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April 29, 2026

Look to Women: A Founding Circle to Expand Opportunity at Michigan Ross

The Ross School of Business is launching Look to Women, a new initiative and founding circle that brings together visionary philanthropists whose gifts—across a wide range of priorities at Michigan Ross—will strengthen the school’s mission and expand pathways for future leaders. 

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April 17, 2026

Students Embark on New Global Experience in Hong Kong, Thanks to Alumni Giving

This May, 30 BBA students from the Ross School of Business will study at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for three weeks as part of Doing Business in Hong Kong, a Short-Term Global Immersion course.

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