# Luxury & Retail MBA | Emade Ekukole-Sone

![ Emade Ekukole-Sone](/sites/default/files/styles/866w/public/2026-10/_emade-ekukole-sone_0.png.webp?h=3ec75680&itok=lKnMLgVU)

Student Voices

##  Emade Ekukole-Sone, MBA 2027

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##  Emade Ekukole-Sone, Luxury & Retail MBA 2026

**Hometown**
Columbus, Ohio

**Undergraduate**
New York University, Media Culture and Communication

**Previous Industry**
Fashion Retail / Nordstrom

**Student Clubs**
Luxury and Retail Club - AVP of Career Development
Association of Hispanic and Black Business Students - AVP of Marketing + Operations
Graduate Marketing Association - Member

##  One sentence quote about your experience at NYU Stern so far:

NYU Stern has been a catalyst for my growth: everyone from my classmates, professors, careers team, and the alumni helps me outgrow my comfort zone, be bold and challenge myself to embrace new perspectives.

##  Why did you decide to pursue the focused one-year MBA program?

There are several factors that went into my decision to purse the one-year MBA. First, I knew as early as my senior year of college that I wanted to complete a one-year master's program specifically in fashion or marketing, or both.

Secondly, I was drawn to how tailored the Luxury & Retail program is to the fashion industry, and other industries as well. Having worked across fashion, public relations, social media and retail, I wanted a program that would allow me to build on my existing experience while developing the hard skills that I needed to have a stronger business foundation.

Thirdly, I was drawn to the opportunities that this one-year program offered. We take an international trip to Italy where we will look at luxury in the European market. I love an opportunity to study abroad! Plus, in this program we get paired with an industry mentor. Being paired with a mentor this year has been so valuable. It's been helpful to talk to someone who was once in my shoes and can offer guidance on how to navigate the industry.

##  How would you describe the culture and community within your class?

My classmates are very supportive of one another, especially when it comes to sharing resources and making sure that everyone is in the loop about recruiting events, networking opportunities, personal ventures and even what homework assignments are due for the week.

##  What has been your favorite class at Stern? Why?

My favorite class has been Communications with Professor Burns. I came into the program nervous about public speaking and not confident in my ability to present. Professor Burns showed me that there’s a methodology to becoming a strong public speaker, and that getting better comes down to consistent practice. I learned new speaking techniques, how to engage an audience while presenting, how to become a better storyteller.

One piece of advice I received from alumni, and that I’d pass along, is to take the classes that challenge you as well as the ones that play to your strengths. This semester, I signed up for Corporate Finance. As someone who doesn't come from a financial background it's been interesting to understand how companies invest, spend or raise money.

##  What has been a highlight of your Stern experience?

This is not one particular highlight moment, but I truly appreciated taking classes and intermingling with the Tech Cohort this summer! We were essentially one big cohort.

The summer semester was academically challenging, but we still found ways to enjoy the city together. We spent the Fourth of July weekend at Rockaway Beach, cheered on the Yankees at a baseball game, attended happy hours together, and celebrated completing finals by going for lunch around campus.

##  Why did you choose NYU Stern?

As a double violet, I'm a bit biased when I say this, but I truly appreciated and loved the education I received from NYU in undergrad, especially getting an education from a school that values global education and immersion. I applied feeling confident about the education. Plus, this was one of the best schools in the world that offered an MBA degree that was tailored towards an industry that I love, in the time frame that I wanted.

##  What advice do you have for prospective students?

Never be afraid to ask questions. You never know when the answer might lead to a new resource, opportunity, or valuable piece of advice or information.

##  How has Stern’s location in NYC impacted your experience?

What I love about being in New York City is that we’re surrounded by so many events and opportunities to learn. If you’re curious about something, chances are there’s an event in New York for it. This summer, a few classmates and I attended an AI + Beauty panel where we learned how beauty and wellness brands are using AI tools in their business strategy. I didn’t have much AI experience, but I didn’t want to wait until the fall to start learning, and the event was tied to an industry I care about.

On the train ride home, I thought about NYU’s saying, “The city is your campus.” and what it means to me is that we can learn outside the classroom and beyond the walls of Stern.

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