12/08/25

Thunderbird at ASU grad turns family legacy into global journey

Growing up in a family full of T-birds — or what Anna Laine calls a “Thunderfamily” — the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU student jokes that the question “Where are you from?” is nearly impossible to answer.

Born in the United States, raised across Europe and multiple states, and holding dual citizenship in Finland and the U.S., Lain's identity reflects the global spirit that defines Thunderbird.

Laine grew up watching the lifelong friendships her parents formed at the school, and she knew she wanted to experience that same connection. The “Thunderbird Mystique,” as she describes it, was something she witnessed firsthand, woven into her own family’s story. Coming to Thunderbird, she says, felt less like a choice and more like the continuation of a legacy.

During her time in the Master of Global Management (MGM) program, Laine embraced every opportunity. From club events to pub nights to serving as a teaching assistant, to even hosting a panel on AI and innovation at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., her Thunderbird experience has been filled with curiosity and courage.

“The reason I felt comfortable hosting, planning and moderating that panel was because of Thunderbird!” she said. “AI used to intimidate me but, coming to Thunderbird, I learned how to use it as a tool. I love that Thunderbird teaches us not to be scared of innovation and change.”

Now, this fall, Laine is graduating with plans to gain experience in a traditional career role while also building her entrepreneurial dream: a nordic wellness center and “sauna empire.” She says her motivations are rooted deeply in family, community and the future she’s determined to build. Above all, she says she's grateful for the rare gift of waking up each day excited to learn at a place she loves.

“I was definitely meant to come to Thunderbird. I have grown and learned so much and have built an incredible community that will last a lifetime,” she said.

Read the below Q&A to learn more about Laine's Thunderbird journey and plans for the future.

Note: Answers may have been edited lightly for length and/or clarity.

Question: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

Answer: One of my biggest goals in life is to give back to the community. There are lots of problems I would like to tackle, but I think the biggest one is the climate crisis we are in right now. That, and helping everyone have basic food and shelter and to end homelessness. I know all of these can be done; it just needs the right people with the right resources.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?

A: Professor Susan Harmeling. I had the pleasure of being in two of her classes this year, and she ends each class with 30 life lessons. Each of those lessons are something I now implement into my daily life. Professor Sy also taught me so much as I was her teaching assistant for two years! She has taught me that you can find joy and fun in the little things while also making an impact.

Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?

A: Speak to alumni or those in the cohort above you. They have insider knowledge and tips and tricks to survive. But also, get involved! Being involved truly made my experience and gave me the community that I came to Thunderbird for.

Q: What motivates or inspires you?

A: My family and my future! Everything I do is so that I can build myself the future that my parents helped set me up for and also give back to my family and my community. Helping people is one of my greatest passions!

Also, my mom. She is one of the coolest people I know and is such an inspiration, especially as a woman in leadership. I am so grateful for her and my dad for always supporting me and putting up with my spontaneous decisions and indecisiveness. My mom will be speaking at my graduation and that is just so special, and a moment my family and I will always remember.

12/03/25

Thunderbird alum and Boeing executive Maria Laine to keynote school's fall 2025 convocation

Maria Laine, a 1993 graduate of the Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Master of International Management program, has been selected to deliver the keynote address at the school’s fall 2025 convocation.

With a career spanning more than three decades at Boeing, Laine serves as the head of business capture and operations for Boeing Defense, Space and Security in Washington, D.C. In this role, she leads a multibillion-dollar portfolio of strategic proposal development for U.S. government and international defense programs, oversees campaign and competitive analysis, and guides financial management, business operations, and workforce training and development initiatives.

Prior to her current role, she was based in London as president of Boeing United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Nordics — overseeing one of Boeing’s largest international markets outside of the United States.

Laine has also demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing global industry and transatlantic collaboration through extensive nonprofit board service. She has served on the board of trustees for the Whitehall & Industry Group and on the International Advisory Board of British-American Business, both based in London. Previously, she chaired the Board of the Global Industrial Cooperation Association and served on the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Denmark.

Born in Helsinki, Finland, Laine’s global perspective took shape early. At 6 months old, she moved with her family to Stockholm, Sweden, before relocating to the United States at age 7. Over the course of her life, she has moved across the Atlantic more than 10 times, living in Finland, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and across every U.S. time zone from Florida to California. Her native languages include Finnish, Swedish and English, and she has studied French, Spanish and Dutch.

“Having to learn three languages by the age of 7 and navigating major global moves during my formative years made me realize I wanted to do something global,” Laine said.

That desire led her to pursue a degree in political science and international relations at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later to a position at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

It was there she discovered that her true interests lay in industry and global business rather than government work — a realization that guided her next step: earning a master’s degree at Thunderbird.

Thunderbird’s lasting influence

During her time at Thunderbird, Laine participated in the school’s exchange program with the Helsinki School of Economics, a partnership that would profoundly shape her career trajectory. While in Finland, she learned of a historic defense deal between the U.S. and Finnish governments for the sale of 64 F/A-18 fighter jets. Around the same time, a guest lecturer from McDonnell Douglas — now part of Boeing — visited Thunderbird to speak about offset and industrial participation, a highly specialized area of aerospace and defense contracting.

“I introduced myself after the lecture and told him I would be in Finland when the selection decision was made,” she said. “They told me to keep my eyes and ears open — they’d be needing someone with exactly my background. Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened.”

That combination of Thunderbird’s unique global curriculum, her cross-cultural experience and the strength of the school’s alumni network gave Laine a competitive edge. Before graduation, she was offered a position with McDonnell Douglas working on the F/A-18 industrial participation program — a role that would mark the beginning of a 32-year career with Boeing.

“The fact that Thunderbird even offered a course on offset and industrial participation — a niche topic that no other MBA program would have considered — was a competitive discriminator in my interview,” Laine said. “Thunderbird set me up perfectly for everything that was to come in my professional life.”

A global mindset for a changing world

For Laine, Thunderbird’s commitment to cultivating a global mindset remains as essential today as it was when she first arrived on campus.

“If everyone in the world had a Thunderbird global mindset, the world would be a better place,” she said. “Higher education has a critical role to play in advancing that mindset — especially amid today’s geopolitical challenges — and Thunderbird continues to be uniquely positioned in that regard.”

As she prepares to return to campus as a convocation keynote speaker, Laine offers heartfelt advice to the next generation of global leaders: “Work hard, never give up, and find your north star to stay focused on. Remember that experiential learning is key to building the foundations that will eventually get you to that goal. And above all, be kind, be respectful, and maintain a positive attitude. Those traits will serve you well for a lifetime.”

This year’s convocation holds special meaning for Laine, who will share the stage with her daughter, Anna Laine, as she graduates from Thunderbird’s flagship Master of Global Management program. It’s a moment that reflects the deep Thunderbird roots within the Laine family.

Laine also met her husband, Pekka, another Finnish T-bird, during Thunderbird’s exchange program in Helsinki, Finland. The two graduated together, built global careers and raised a family grounded in Thunderbird’s values and spirit. Not only has their oldest daughter, affectionately known as their “Baby Bird,” followed in their footsteps, but Laine’s sister, Minna Rauhala, is also a proud Thunderbird alum.

“Maria represents the heart of Thunderbird — a global leader who leads with purpose, humility and a passion for building a better world,” said Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean of Thunderbird. “Her journey reflects the powerful foundation that a Thunderbird education provides, and the strength of our community that continues across generations. We are thrilled to welcome her home and to celebrate this milestone alongside her family.”

As Thunderbird prepares to celebrate its fall 2025 convocation, the occasion highlights a remarkable legacy — one that spans continents, generations and careers united by a shared commitment. The Laine family’s generous gift to fund the installation of the “Finland” window inside the Pub at Thunderbird further honors that bond, serving as a lasting tribute to their connection to the school while advancing student scholarships and opportunities for future T-birds.

“I am so incredibly grateful for both the life and career journey I have had, and Thunderbird played a key role in that,” Laine said. “Life has truly come full circle. We are a Thunderbird family through and through. We’ve stayed close with many friends from Thunderbird, and we’ll always support the mission — because the world needs more T-birds.”

10/20/25

From Thunderbird to Congress: A conversation with Sanjyot Dunung

Sanjyot Dunung’s journey is one that embodies the Thunderbird spirit of global leadership, innovation and service.

A proud alumna of the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, she earned her master's degree in international management in 1987 and recalls her time there as transformative — not just academically, but personally. Immersed in the school's truly international community, she developed a worldview that continues to shape her approach to business, policy and public service. For her, Thunderbird was more than a school; it was a launching pad into a life dedicated to bridging cultures and ideas.

Today, Dunung is a member of the Thunderbird Global Ambassador Network, where she remains actively engaged with fellow graduates. Her connection to Thunderbird was also deepened with a meaningful gift made in honor of her late father. Inspired by his conviction that education is the greatest driver of economic mobility, Dunung’s philanthropy reflects a commitment to advancing opportunities for future generations of Thunderbird students.

Her gift to the Thunderbird New Technology Fund established the One-Button Studio inside Thunderbird’s new global headquarters to honor her family’s legacy and create a lasting resource that underscores her dedication to innovation.

“Both of my parents believed in the transformative power of education. My father, an architect and philosopher, instilled in me a love of knowledge and curiosity about the world,” shared Dunung. “My gift honors his legacy and supports future Thunderbird students in embracing lifelong learning — not just as a career skill, but as a way of life.”

Beyond her Thunderbird ties, Dunung has built a vast career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education and policy. She is the CEO and founder of Atma Global, a leading learning solutions company recognized by Fast Company as one of the “Most Innovative Companies.” She has served on former President Biden’s foreign policy working group on international trade, and today she is taking her global perspective into public service as a candidate for the U.S. Congress. Her campaign focuses on revitalizing the "American Dream" by prioritizing opportunity, fairness and collaboration — values she says were reinforced during her Thunderbird years.

We sat down with Dunung to learn more about her unique journey and Thunderbird experience.

Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

Question: Looking back on your time at Thunderbird, what stands out most about your experience? How did it shape your personal and professional outlook?

Answer: What stands out most is the people. I loved meeting my classmates from so many countries, industries and life experiences. We all talk about the Thunderbird mystique, but for me, it’s not just a word — it’s a global mindset. Learning business concepts alongside people who saw the world differently was eye-opening, and it shaped how I approach challenges even today.

I was lucky to be at the (former) Glendale campus, where everyone mingled in classes, at the pub and across campus life. Some of my closest friends globally are people I met there or through the Thunderbird network over the years. Even though our careers took different directions, they continue to introduce me to new perspectives and experiences, influencing how I see the world.

Q: How have you stayed connected with the Thunderbird community?

A: I’ve really enjoyed re-engaging with Thunderbird over the last five years through TGAN (Thunderbird Global Ambassador Network). In such a fast-changing world, it’s refreshing to connect with people who share a commitment to ensuring the next generation of business leaders are globally minded and forward-looking.

From its founding, Thunderbird was ahead of its time — offering global business education when most schools were focused only on domestic markets. That perspective is even more essential now at a moment when globalization and trade are being questioned in many places. Our T-Bird community has an important role in leading those conversations — showing how businesses and professionals can advocate for trade, opportunity and inclusive growth.

Just as importantly, Thunderbird reinforced for me the responsibility we share in preparing the next generation. Leadership isn’t just about advancing your own ideas; it’s about equipping others with curiosity, adaptability and courage to solve problems that don’t yet exist. That’s the spirit that keeps me innovating and mentoring.

Q: Thunderbird is known for cultivating global leaders. In what ways did your education prepare you for your career as an entrepreneur and now as a candidate for Congress?

A: My Thunderbird education combined varied subjects, including entrepreneurship, global finance, Japanese language and marketing research — a foundation that let me move from banking into entrepreneurship and now public service.

Thunderbird instilled in me a deep understanding of how interconnected our world is — economically, culturally and socially. Innovation today isn’t just one brilliant idea; it’s connecting insights across borders, anticipating shifts and designing solutions that work in different contexts. This global lens has guided how I build partnerships, navigate complexity and embrace change. It also shaped the mission of my firm, Atma Global, which focuses on learning solutions that bring the world together.

The world needs leaders with experience across business, communities and government. My expertise at the convergence of business, learning, culture, technology and global affairs, along with my work on (former) President Biden’s foreign policy working group on international trade and my roles on the National Small Business Association and Truman Center for National Policy — all were built on the foundation Thunderbird provided. I continue to believe in America’s role as a global economic, cultural, technological and scientific leader and as a beacon of goodwill — and we must recommit to that role with reliability and consistency while striving to improve at home.

Q: You’ve built a remarkable career across entrepreneurship, policy and public service. How did your Thunderbird experience influence the way you approach innovation and problem-solving?

A: Thunderbird gave me both the global perspective and the practical toolkit to approach innovation collaboratively and cross-culturally. Being immersed in an international environment taught me that the best solutions come from integrating diverse perspectives. That mindset has guided my work in entrepreneurship, policy and public service — always looking to bridge cultures, markets and ideas.

As an EdTech entrepreneur, my firm was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. I now hope to bring that same perspective to government — to make it more efficient and effective for all Americans.

I’ve also been inspired by Thunderbird’s founding mission of peace through trade. After World War II, the school promoted trade as a pathway to peace and educated leaders to carry out that vision. That principle remains powerful today; countries that trade with each other are less likely to fight, reminding us that innovation isn’t only about products or policies — it’s about building relationships that foster peace and prosperity.

Q: Your current campaign centers on revitalizing the American Dream and championing people over politics. How do the values you learned at Thunderbird align with the vision you're bringing to your congressional race?

A: Thunderbird’s mission of peace through trade has always resonated with me. Global connection and cooperation create a more stable and prosperous world. That principle translates directly into my campaign — focusing on what unites us, not divides us, and creating opportunity through collaboration.

Revitalizing the American Dream means recommitting to opportunity, fairness and the belief that progress comes when we work together. It’s about commonsense solutions that put people ahead of politics, and leadership rooted in service, not partisanship.

Q: What advice would you give current Thunderbird students or young alumni who want to make an impact through public service?

A: My advice is to lean into the global perspective you gain at Thunderbird. Public service today requires leaders who can think across borders, understand economic interdependence and build trust across cultures. Use those skills not just to analyze problems, but to create solutions that bring people together. Practical experience in the private sector before public service helps create stronger, solutions-oriented leaders.

Challenges — from trade disruptions to climate change to technological shifts — don’t respect borders. Thunderbird equips you with the skills and cross-cultural intelligence to turn complexity into opportunity. Stay curious, seek diverse perspectives and remember that the best policies are where innovation and public good align.

Making a difference takes courage — the courage to ask hard questions, the humility to listen and the resilience to keep going when progress feels slow. As Thunderbird graduates, you carry a responsibility to lead with vision and empathy — laying the groundwork for future generations to thrive in a more connected, inclusive world.

Q: Finally, what message would you share with fellow alumni and the Thunderbird community as you reflect on your journey from Des Plaines to global entrepreneur, and now congressional candidate?

A: My journey from Des Plaines to becoming an entrepreneur and now congressional candidate has been shaped by values Thunderbird reinforced — curiosity, resilience and a belief in the power of global connection.

I didn’t expect to run for Congress, but our collective frustration with the lack of commonsense solutions inspired me to enter this race in May. I’m honored to be endorsed by ASPIRE PAC, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Vote Common Good as a votes of confidence in my ability to win and serve effectively.

To fellow alumni and students: Never underestimate the impact of this community. We are part of a tradition of leaders who see the world not just as it is, but as it could be — more innovative, inclusive and interconnected. Whether building and running a business or shaping policy, Thunderbird alumni are uniquely prepared to turn global challenges into opportunities.

We are stewards of a global legacy. The future will demand leaders who innovate across cultures, marry purpose with pragmatism and lift others as they lead. Let’s continue not only to build successful careers, but also to shape a world where future generations can thrive. Because if not us, then who?

To learn more about Sanjyot Dunung’s campaign, visit www.SanjyotForCongress.com

07/18/25

Thunderbird grad credits on-campus job for landing his first role

When Vinayak Bansal decided to move to Phoenix to pursue his Master of Global Management (MGM) at Thunderbird School of Global Management (Thunderbird) at Arizona State University,   he was implementing a strategy to take his family’s plastic manufacturing business to a national stage. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in Indore, India, he was looking for a holistic approach to management education with the goal of having a more informed approach to taking the business global.

Now, as Bansal celebrates his second year as an associate at KPMG, he reflects on how the school contributed to his success now.

“I came to Thunderbird because of the professors, the curriculum, and the alumni network,” Vinayak said. “The professors and alumni gave me so much guidance.”

During his first semester, he took an on-campus job as an IT Support Specialist. “I was helping professors set up their computers before classes. Getting that on-campus job really helped me connect with a lot of other people in the school whom I would not have met otherwise.”

Through expanding his network and meeting other faculty in the role, he built relationships with Professor Euvin Naidoo and Professor Mary Teagarden who, coincidentally, were seeking students to assist in building the Thunderbird Case Series.

“I credit my success largely to them. Because I got to work with them on building the Case Series, they gave me a lot of guidance that was pivotal in my career. There was this dual advantage of working a job and learning things that shaped my professional success.

“I was reviewing and editing a lot of cases that featured global business scenarios, and I would discuss them with the professors. I got to understand their views on the cases which gave me more insight into a lot of different issues. I was really fortunate to work with them.”

He feels similarly about his relationships with alumni.

“The professors’ perspectives come from so many years of experience and the alumni’s come from currently being in the positions that students aspire to. Both are equally valuable.”

One of his top considerations before choosing Thunderbird was that alumni network. He says that towards the end of his degree, they helped him get his foot in the door and fast-tracked his career opportunities. He also says, however, there are right and wrong ways to go about connecting with alumni.:

“Don’t ask for help getting a job. Ask what it takes to get that job. Understanding what you have to do to be in that position is more important than just getting it.”

When he was building those relationships, primarily through LinkedIn, he was very intentional about connecting with people from similar experience levels and backgrounds. The process gave him both the learning that he now uses in his career and valuable relationships with other graduates from the school.

“As an alum now, I want to help other T-birds. I’m happy to look over a resume or give advice to a fellow student.”

One piece of advice he wants to give every student: “Be patient.”

“I see a lot of students get discouraged by all the rejections. The job market is tough, but if you can find any job, whether on campus or off, and stick with it, and show your strengths, employers will start paying attention. Learn as much as you can from the professors and alumni. They are there to help you develop and grow so absorb as much as you can.”

And especially for aspiring consultants, he recommends reviewing footage of yourself speaking.

“As a presenter, the way you speak and your posture and your gestures leave impressions and have an impact when communicating. Even if it just makes you only one percent better, it has an impact.”

Bansal graduated with an MGM in spring 2023 with a concentration in global business and global digital transformation.

04/28/25

Compassionate trailblazer Kate Masschelein to keynote Thunderbird at ASU’s spring 2025 convocation

Kate Masschelein, a 2003 graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Master of International Management (MIM) program, has been selected as the keynote speaker at the school’s spring 2025 convocation.

Originally from a small town in Belgium, Masschelein embodies the values and international spirit that defines T-birds. After spending 25 years climbing the corporate ladder in two of the world’s most recognized multinational organizations—Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson—she is now an executive leadership coach with extensive experience across global markets.

As a business leader in the medical device and fast-moving consumer goods industries, Masschelein held a broad range of commercial, general management, and supply chain roles. During her tenure, she brought health care innovation that improves patients’ lives and makes healthcare more cost-effective. Her career has taken her across Europe and North America, giving her deep expertise in cross-cultural leadership and communication.

Her decision to attend Thunderbird marked a pivotal shift in her career path.

“My degree from Thunderbird was really the linchpin for all of this,” she said. “It gave me the knowledge and courage to pursue my dream career.”

After graduating, she launched her global career with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), starting in Scotland and eventually leading a $1.5 billion business in medical devices.

Her last corporate role was as global vice president of growth and engagement at J&J MedTech Digital, where she helped shape the future of health care through digital innovation. Now based in California, Masschelein works as an executive leadership coach, supporting individuals and teams in navigating leadership challenges, career transitions, and personal growth. Her coaching philosophy centers on clarity and alignment, helping successful professionals avoid burnout and discover renewed purpose in line with their core values.

“Leaders often find themselves burnt out, uninspired and unhappy at the top,” Masschelein said. “By asking powerful questions, I help them gain new and empowering perspectives that can change the trajectory of their life or career towards more satisfaction and happiness.”

A dedicated Thunderbird alumna, Masschelein is passionate about the school's global mission.

“As the world and international business becomes more complex, it takes leaders with a deeper cross-cultural understanding to evolve strategies,” she says. “Thunderbird is unique in developing global leaders who can thrive in turbulent times.”

She further reflects on the importance of cultivating a global mindset, not just in business, but in education and society at large.

“At Thunderbird, I was able to partner with students from all over the world,” she shares. “This helped me tremendously when I took on global marketing roles and needed to learn different health care market dynamics. Surgeons’ surgical techniques and regulatory landscape vary significantly between countries—such as Japan, the U.S., or Brazil, for example. Understanding these nuances is critical to successfully bring device innovation to the different markets. Today as the world is becoming more and more turbulent, having a global mindset can help a leader navigate this.”

Masschelein also credits Thunderbird’s hands-on programs—specifically the Thunderbird Corporate Consulting Program (TCCP)—for laying the groundwork for her international success.

“I have many fond memories from my time at Thunderbird and I formed lasting friendships—some of which have continued for over 20 years,” she recalls. “Also, as part of the TCCP, I had the opportunity to dive deeper into my studies through additional projects. While it added significantly to my regular class workload, the experience was rewarding and played a foundational role in shaping my international career.”

From navigating career risks to honoring her values, Masschelein exemplifies the transformative power of reflection, resilience, and service. She draws deep inspiration from witnessing others overcome adversity and accomplish what once seemed impossible.

When asked what wisdom she hopes to impart to this year’s graduates, a favorite quote comes to mind: “Those who say something is impossible are usually surprised by others doing it.”

“I love seeing people achieve their goals in spite of obstacles,” she reflects. “And never miss an opportunity to serve others. Devoting the second half of my career to service has brought me the greatest fulfillment.”

Her life story—interwoven with international moves, unexpected opportunities, and personal milestones (one of which was meeting her husband on the Great Wall of China)—is a testament to Thunderbird’s belief in the transformative power of a global mindset.

“Kate exemplifies the very best of Thunderbird and we are honored to welcome her back to inspire our spring graduating class,” said Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean of Thunderbird at ASU. “Her remarkable career journey and dedication to empowering others reflect the spirit of innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong learning that defines a true T-bird.”

12/11/24

Thunderbird at ASU alum Kimberly Wiehl to deliver keynote at fall convocation

Kimberly Wiehl, a 1980 graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management and esteemed expert in the field of international export credit, will deliver the keynote address at the school's fall 2024 convocation. With a career of enduring impact across many countries and continents, Wiehl exemplifies a dedication to increasing access to opportunity for many and advocating for positive change.

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