
This week’s Alumni Spotlight is Kelly Mannenbach, who graduated in Spring 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, a certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics, and an Honors Degree from Barrett, the Honors College!
During her time at ASU, Kelly was highly involved in various leadership roles. She served as Director of Logistics for the Business School Council (BSC) and later became Vice President of Community Service and President of the Department of Information Systems Club (DISC).

Kelly credits her role in BSC with helping her grow as a leader. Reflecting on her time as Director of Logistics, she says, “I was able to develop better organization and task tracking skills that have helped me in my current job.” The Business School Council always strives to build its community with like minded students that empower the community. As Kelly mentioned, “BSC allowed me to network with other like-minded ambitious students. I was able to develop time management and leadership skills and create valuable friendships. I enjoyed being a part of Game Day and End of Year Banquet planning.”

Today, Kelly works as a Technology Risk Advisory Associate at KPMG and is the CEO and a freelance photographer at her business, Kelly Mannenbach Photography LLC. Her role at KPMG stemmed from her involvement with DISC: I was lucky enough to be President of DISC when the KPMG Technology Risk team presented at our club meeting. I got a referral and then an offer 20 minutes after my final interview. The rest is history!”
Kelly’s journey through ASU has been empowering to drive change. Kelly picked ASU by her first experience on campus, she states, “Everyone during campus tours was always friendly. It immediately felt like home to me. I remember Karen Stark pulling me into her office and answering all of my questions one random summer day while walking around campus. That was the moment I knew ASU was a great fit for me.” Leading up to her time at ASU, Kelly describes, “I developed my passion for volunteering Sophomore year while I was VP of Community Service for DISC. I worked with our club coordinator Jessica Wu and our VP of Marketing to develop a Community Service Ambassador program to teach middle school students how to code. I then served as President for 2 years where I witnessed an increase in women attending our meetings and drove change. I joined BSC Senior year and served as Director of Logistics for the Special Events committee where I helped plan the End of Year Banquet. I spent a lot of time mentoring others, and I’m really proud of that. DISC won national awards during my presidency and I was awarded W. P. Carey Leaders Academy Outstanding Graduating Senior First Runner-Up for my efforts advancing women in STEM and academic achievements.”
After college, Kelly acknowledges the challenges of adjusting to a full-time work schedule. Kelly mentions, “It’s going to be challenging and strange learning how to balance a full workday with other tasks like cooking, activities, and cleaning. Finding a routine and schedule and sticking to it is key. Rewarding yourself through hanging out with friends and taking time to focus on yourself is essential to avoid burnout.” In the coming month, Kelly looks forward to her first trip to New York City to reconnect with friends from ASU, BSC, and KPMG, and enjoying the fall colors.

When asked what advice she would give to current students, Kelly shares: “Join clubs and be involved! At the end of your college experience, you're going to remember all the friends and memories you made, not a bad score you got on an exam. Have fun and don’t be too hard on yourself!” Reflecting on her time at ASU, Kelly adds, “I would have invested more time in others and growing them as leaders as well as volunteered more.”
We are grateful for Kelly’s contributions to the Business School Council and the positive impact she has made on the W. P. Carey community.
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