ada ejike-maduakor
From An Alumna
One maxim I embraced in the program was “think outside the box,” a vital mindset that has given me an edge toward excelling in my life and career. As market development manager at Quintillion, the critical thinking and organizational skills honed in the MSPM program are top drawer in my go-to daily toolbox. They’ve been key to managing complex projects with diverse stakeholders and numerous moving parts that are par for the course at Quintillion. Providing critical broadband infrastructure to the hostile environment of the Arctic is no stroll in the park! An added benefit has been working with a highly competent team and supportive boss, Mac McHale, in achieving these goals.
Likewise, my success wouldn’t have been possible without the fierce support of my husband Ifeanyi Maduakor, himself a telecom engineer, not to mention my entire family. I would be naive not to acknowledge the advantage I enjoyed from growing up in a family with strong bonds. Having happily married parents is always an upward boost in life — mine also happen to be accomplished academics with a strong work ethic who modeled the crucial value of education. Their influence has been a pillar of motivation in running life’s obstacle race.
Living in Alaska for the past 20 years has also significantly shaped my journey. We live in a unique and resource-rich state with a strategic geographic positioning in America’s geopolitical affairs. Add to that a diverse, multicultural community, and you have a potent brew for dispensing all kinds of amazing! Being plugged into this wonderful community and the UAA ecosystem has opened doors to precious opportunities I know I wouldn’t have had elsewhere.
My UAA master’s education has been a real black-belt asset, and I am grateful for the dedicated support I received from the faculty and staff, and the many rich friendships cultivated in the process. As an MSPM alumna, my continued professional and social engagement with the university is a major source of joy and pride. Working with others to promote and improve the program with the remarkable LuAnn Piccard is particularly inspiring to me. Her feisty commitment to excellence in all things is a virtue to be admired and emulated by all.
It is that ever upward spirit and enterprise we all strive for, which I believe cannot be achieved alone. Cooperation and collaboration are the wings on which we soar above the winds of life. “All hands on deck” is the motto, with a united purpose for the common good, pulling one another up to the best we can be. I am determined to keep giving back to the UAA community that has supported my own journey through the peaks and valleys all these years.
I will also share that faith is another bedrock of my life in this upward journey. Every morning as I start my day, I spend time in heartfelt prayer and reflection. The ever upward spirit is always on my mind as I think about how I can continue to grow, correct and improve. Reflecting on the life issues and challenges we all face daily, I practice intentional gratitude for God’s little mercies and all who have supported and inspired me to aim higher.
Passing through the corridors of UAA and emerging as an MSPM graduate has been a major milestone in my life. The knowledge and skills gained, the lessons learned, and the many relationships built are all rich parts of my life today. As we continue on that ever upward journey, I remain enthusiastic about where my voyage will lead. My best to all!
