Imagine graduating with your mom. 👀 🎓 Michelle & Leni Lemos ‘24G 🏠 Barrington, NH 📚 Master of Business Administration When Michelle Lemos first enrolled in UNH’s online MBA program, she never anticipated her daughter Leni would become her classmate. Last Friday, they graduated together. Michelle works in administrative support at New Hampshire Sea Grant. She first began considering an MBA after researching new ways to climb the career ladder. “I didn’t want to leave [NH Sea Grant] because I love my job,” Michelle says. “But I wanted to do a different kind of work, and have always gravitated towards data and marketing.” Ultimately, Michelle enrolled in the online MBA program in 2020 with a specialization in information systems and business analytics. Three years later, Leni joined her on the MBA path through the full-time program. When Leni graduated from Middlebury in 2023, she thought she would enter straight into the workforce. But it fell through. Her dad suggested she also look into UNH graduate programs. “My undergrad major was very interdisciplinary, and UNH’s MBA allowed for a business-specific focus,” Leni says. Leni also chose the information systems and business analytics specialization, in addition to enrolling in UNH’s carbon footprinting certificate. Leni says her and her mom’s unique dynamic came up a few times in chatting with classmates. “Any time I mentioned my mom and I were graduating together, the reaction was, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s so cool!’” Though the pair were never in the same class, they embraced a shared experience—discussing courses, exchanging books, and carpooling to campus. “We’ve had fun with it,” Michelle says. “Getting my MBA was already a major accomplishment. Having my daughter with me makes it especially memorable.” Post-MBA, Leni will work in a sustainability position with Live Nation Entertainment while Michelle transitioned into a more senior role with NH Sea Grant. “UNH opened my eyes to new opportunities,” Leni says. “I can work in a city, and embrace local jobs in sustainability.” Reflecting on their experience, Michelle jokes “Maybe we should get our PhDs together!”