Gerly Adrien

As the daughter of Haiti-born immigrants, Gerly always believed that education and hard work were the key to opportunity. She firmly believes in the power of education to improve her life…and the lives of others.

“My life’s work is a reflection of my dedication to the eradication of poverty through the promotion of educational opportunity and economic empowerment,” she says. “I am determined to understand how people can break the cycle of poverty in the pursuit of a better life.”

Gerly is not only a first-generation college graduate, but she’s also the first black woman city councilor for her hometown of Everett. She ran for the seat while pursuing her MBA and credits her Questrom professors and advisor for inspiring her to run and helping her achieve her goal.

“It was a time for me to obtain an MBA from an institution with values and a vision that spoke to my heart and intellect,” Gerly says, “to obtain an MBA from a university that would help me be a decisive servant leader concerned by the needs of all. For me, that place was Questrom School of Business at Boston University.”

Gerly began her career in risk management at JPMorgan in New York City, where she came to understand the causes of the mortgage crisis and its effect on low- and middle-income families. In Philadelphia, Gerly managed a grassroots political campaign and worked for United South End Settlements as the finance and contracts manager. All of these experiences convinced her that if she wanted to make lasting, systemic change for underserved people, she needed to build her leadership skills.

What’s her advice for professionals like her looking to influence social change through leadership? “Be open to all opportunities,” Gerly says. “Don’t fall for the stigma that you have to go the traditional way. Create your own path and learn from your mistakes.”

“It was a time for me to obtain an MBA from an institution with values and a vision that spoke to my heart and intellect…”

– Gerly Adrien