First-generation college graduate Penny Nyokabi selected as scholarship recipient in celebration of UNL’s 25th anniversary.
ATLANTA – May 21, 2025 – Emory University’s Goizueta Business School has awarded a full-tuition scholarship to its prestigious Evening MBA program to Penny Nyokabi, a standout alumna of Usher’s New Look (UNL). The scholarship celebrates the 25th anniversary of UNL and nearly 15 years of collaboration between Emory and UNL to transform lives through education, leadership, and opportunity.
The Usher’s New Look MBA Scholarship at Goizueta is awarded to a graduate of UNL’s Moguls in Training (MIT) program, a flagship college and career readiness initiative that provides mentorship, life skills, and leadership development to students navigating higher education. Nyokabi will begin the MBA program in Fall 2025.
“Education has always been at the core of Usher’s New Look,” shares Grammy Award-winning artist and UNL founder Usher Raymond IV. “This scholarship represents the next chapter in helping our students not only dream big but lead big. I’m proud to see our longtime partnership with Goizueta evolve into a transformational opportunity.”
Nyokabi, a first-generation college graduate who has worked in the tax field for PwC, The Home Depot, AT&T and currently QGEnda, holds both a BA in Business Administration and a Master of Taxation from Georgia State University. She now seeks to broaden her business acumen in areas such as global markets, strategy, and operations.
“Penny embodies the mission of Usher’s New Look—to help young people find their spark and create generational impact,” shares Cammie Rice, Chair of the Board for Usher’s New Look. “This scholarship is more than a gift; it’s a celebration of what’s possible when we invest in potential. We are incredibly proud of Penny and grateful to Goizueta Business School for believing in her journey.”
Goizueta’s Evening MBA program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, known for its rigorous academics, industry connections, and emphasis on practical, real-world learning for working professionals.
“Our program is designed for driven professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey,” shares Jaclyn Conner, Associate Dean of Goizueta’s Evening and Executive MBA programs. “Penny’s passion for growth and her deep connection to the values of both UNL and Goizueta make her the perfect choice for this award. We are honored to welcome her into the Goizueta community.”
The MIT program spans the college years and equips students to thrive in school, career, and life. Participants engage in monthly sessions led by UNL alumni and industry leaders, exploring topics from financial literacy to graduate school prep. Graduates earn a Global Leadership Certificate validated by Emory University, with curriculum developed by Goizueta faculty.
Reflecting on the impact of UNL and the Moguls in Training program, Nyokabi shares “As a first-generation college student, the organization’s guidance and resources were instrumental in my success, offering scholarships and mentorship that allowed me to navigate higher education with confidence. More than just financial assistance, UNL fostered an environment where my academic, business, and social skills could develop and thrive.”
When asked about the impact of the scholarship, Nyokabi adds “This opportunity will be a crucial step in bridging the gap between technical expertise and strategic decision-making. I’m eager to apply what I learn to drive meaningful impact in my career and beyond.”
To learn more and get involved with Usher’s New Look, visit ushersnewlook.org.
To learn more about Goizueta’s MBA programs, visit goizueta.emory.edu.
About Emory University’s Goizueta Business School
Business education has been an integral part of Emory University’s identity since 1919. That kind of longevity and significance does not come without a culture built on success and service. Emory University’s Goizueta Business School offers a unique, community-oriented environment paired with the academic prestige and rigor of a major research institution. Goizueta develops business leaders of today and tomorrow with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Full-time MBA (Two-Year MBA & One-Year MBA), Evening MBA, Executive MBA, MS in Business Analytics, Master of Finance, Master in Management, Master in Business for Veterans, Doctoral degree, and a portfolio of non-degree Emory Executive Education courses. Together, the Goizueta community strives to solve the world’s most pressing business problems. The school is named for the late Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
About Usher’s New Look
Founded in 1999 by Usher Raymond IV and his mother Jonetta Patton, Usher’s New Look (UNL) is a 501(c)(3) organization that transforms the lives of under-resourced youth by developing passion-driven global leaders. UNL’s unique 10-year program begins in middle school and continues through college and career, equipping students with the tools to succeed academically and professionally. Its college-level Moguls in Training program prepares students for life’s marathon with mentorship, career development, and a leadership curriculum backed by Emory University. To date, UNL has impacted more than 50,000 youth around the world.
