Raymond Makharadze Ortiz

When he started Questrom’s OMBA program, Raymond Makharadze Ortiz set three main goals: become more familiar with accounting principles and the tools, identify different leadership styles and techniques, and expand his professional network. In two short years, he’s successfully achieved all three and, as a bonus, even earned a promotion at work.

“My directors and vice presidents recognized the improvements in my performance, perspective, and approach to work, which has put me on the path to potential director roles in the future,” he says. “While I still have much to learn, I can confidently say that the OMBA program has been instrumental in guiding me toward achieving my goals in life.”

 Coming from the public healthcare sector, Raymond thought the business courses might be challenging, but as he worked through each module, they became easier to manage. The most surprising aspect for him was the positive project team dynamics.

“The program is fantastic because it allows you to experience different cultures, approaches, attitudes, and perspectives from around the world, which often differ from your own. Balancing these diverse dynamics with our expectations for success, while also managing our personal lives, provided both enjoyable experiences and unexpected challenges in each module.”

Raymond especially acknowledges Drs. Jaime Birdwell, Jamiel Vadell, and Joyce Boyd, who played a pivotal role in his journey. “With their combination of humor and honesty, they helped me understand who I aspire to be, and I can confidently say that I have become that person, if not even better.”

Raymond the first person in his family to earn a master’s degree, an achievement he takes great pride in.

“This program has had positive effects on me, and also my 5 year old daughter, as she now understands the importance of education by seeing her dad in school, learning and growing. This has encouraged her to go to bed on time and be ready for school each day!”

Raymond believes in providing access to online business education so much that he’s even collaborating with his company’s director to establish an Online MBA program within their organization. The initiative aims to create a pathway for individuals in the healthcare sector to pursue their MBA degrees.

“Whether you are pursuing a degree to enhance your knowledge, cross it off your bucket list, or explore a new industry, Questrom’s OMBA is undoubtedly the right choice. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone,” Raymond adds. “If you’re reading this and need support, feel free to reach out, I’d be happy to act as a virtual mentor and guide you along the way.”