Georgetown MBA’s Nigerian Childhood Inspires Career Dreams

Moksy Dosunmu, an MBA candidate at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, knows firsthand the importance of financial acumen. Growing up in Nigeria, Moksy watched her mother struggle to get capital to revive her flagging business. That experience inspired Moksy’s desire to pursue a finance career and to help others achieve financial independence, especially within underrepresented communities. 

Early Years: Empowering Financial Independence  

Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?
I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria in a vibrant culture with a strong sense of community. Living in such a dynamic environment instilled in me the values of resilience, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of opportunity. 

Was there anyone in your life who has had an influence on the direction of your educational/career path?
My mother has been a profound influence on my career path. Even though she did not have the opportunity to complete a college education, she knew its value and gave her all to make sure that I had one. As an undergrad, I watched my mother struggle to revive her business by sourcing capital from banks. From watching her navigate those challenges, l learned about the critical role that an inclusive financial system plays in supporting female-owned businesses. It inspired my passion for finance and my drive to help others achieve economic empowerment, especially within underrepresented communities.  

What and where did you study as an undergrad?
I earned a degree in Marketing from Lagos State University in Nigeria. The program helped me develop a strong understanding of consumer behavior, strategy, and communication — skills that have been instrumental in my financial services career. 

MBA @ McDonough: Leveraging Resources for Success 

How did you become interested in getting your MBA? 

After spending seven years in financial services in Nigeria, working across commercial banking, private equity, and wealth management, I recognized the need to obtain a global perspective of finance, refine my strategic thinking, and expand my global network. Pursuing an MBA was a logical step to achieving that.  

In conversations with students, Georgetown’s “collaborative culture” stood out, and I found it to be true just two weeks after arriving on campus.

Why did you choose Georgetown?
It was important to me to be in a place I felt a sense of belonging because I knew that, as an international student, there would not be a lot of people like me. In conversations with students, Georgetown’s “collaborative culture” stood out, and I found it to be true just two weeks after arriving on campus. I had the last level of the CFA exam, which is tough and demanding, and so is the curriculum at Georgetown. My team members, whom I had only just met, offered to take on more of our group assignments to allow me more time to study for my exam. I truly valued that support, and we have since become more than just team members. These are friendships I will hold dear even after I leave Georgetown.  

What clubs do you participate in or what resources at Georgetown have helped you be successful?
I’ve been actively involved in the Finance Club, where I was recently elected VP of Education, as well as the Georgetown Africa Business Alliance, which has provided excellent resources for networking and recruiting. Additionally, Georgetown’s alumni network has been instrumental in connecting with professionals in finance, which is key to my career goals. 

How has Forté helped you on your MBA journey?
The Forté community has empowered me to navigate the MBA journey with confidence and provided tools to advocate for myself in competitive spaces. As a student and Forté Fellow, it has been an incredible resource during the recruiting process, and the Forté Job Center is my go-to. Forté has also offered access to career development programs, industry insights, and a supportive network of women in business.  

What do you hope to do with your MBA?
In the short term, I want to work in investment banking – with a focus on the power, energy, and infrastructure sectors – where I can play a role in financing critical infrastructure and sustainable energy projects. Long term, I want to support economic development initiatives in Africa, particularly through financing infrastructure and empowering female-owned businesses. 

An MBA is not just about gaining technical knowledge — it’s about building a network, finding your voice, and unlocking opportunities.

Advice: Trusting Your Unique Experiences  

What advice do you have for women who are considering an MBA?
Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back. An MBA is not just about gaining technical knowledge — it’s about building a network, finding your voice, and unlocking opportunities. Start early, research programs that align with your goals, and don’t hesitate to leverage resources like Forté to guide you through the process. 

What advice do you have for women who are about to start their MBA?
Be intentional about your goals, while remaining open to new opportunities and perspectives. Engage actively with your peers, faculty, and alumni, and be that person who offers to help others, as the relationships you build will be one of the most valuable aspects of your MBA. Most importantly, trust in your unique experiences — they are your greatest strength.