To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation.

SKK GSB Full-Time MBA Class 6th Graduate: Luciana D'Abramo

Luciana, who completed her Full-Time MBA at Sungkyunkwan University's SKK GSB in 2011, is currently the Chief Development Officer and a board member of FOUR PAWS, a global animal welfare nonprofit organization based in Austria.

FOUR PAWS is an organization that rescues and protects companion animals, including stray dogs and cats, farm animals, and wild animals—such as bears, big cats, orangutans, and elephants—that are kept in inappropriate conditions, as well as animals in disaster and conflict zones.

What made her transition her career from leading global companies like Unilever and Samsung Electronics to a nonprofit organization?

Luciana answered, "My time at Samsung Electronics and Unilever was a precious period that provided me with a strong foundation in strategic thinking, operations, and management, but the desire to have a positive social impact never left me."

She said, "The lessons I learned at SKK GSB played a key role in helping me take the first steps toward realizing my dream. Pursuing the Full-Time MBA was the first time in my adult life that I could focus entirely on my education without having to work on the side. During this time, I was able to dedicate myself to reflecting on my goals and expanding my worldview."

Luciana said that the MBA program at SKK GSB was life-changing. She stated, "The academic rigor of the program pushed me to think strategically, and the international environment broadened my understanding of business and culture. The faculty—many of whom had both academic and industry expertise—encouraged me to push the boundaries of traditional business thinking. The lessons I learned at SKK GSB are a precious asset in my career."

Now, Luciana is working with over 900 people to make the world a better place for animals, people, and the planet. She said that she loves being surrounded by individuals who share the same passion and drive to improve the world.

She introduced her job, stating, "I am building partnerships with various sectors—corporate, governmental, and civil society—creating opportunities for collaboration that amplify our impact. I am developing new strategies and projects to help ensure that our organization continues to grow and achieve its mission."

Luciana said to current and prospective SKK GSB students, "While AI and technology are rapidly advancing and can teach us a lot, there is no replacement for what we can learn from one another as human beings." She advised, "Make the most of the relationships and experiences you gain at SKK GSB, because they will shape you in ways you can’t anticipate."