How 100 Alumni Stories Brought Us Together

What happens when you ask 100 Duke alumni to share their best advice? 

You get inspiration, motivation and energy for every stop on the Duke journey. 

Just ask Kareem Cook '93, M.B.A.'00, owner and chief marketing officer at Naturade: "What you think is failure today, will be your biggest accomplishment tomorrow,” he offered to the Duke community.  

That positive attitude has been a driving force throughout Cook's career, giving him the determination to follow his passion for business and wellness. He shares that before founding Naturade, a nutraceutical company selling vitamins and supplements, he was influenced by diet-related illnesses in his own family and the epidemic it posed in underserved communities. Cook's journey, along with many other alumni stories, provided valuable advice for current students.

The alumni storytelling project, which was featured on digital screens across the Duke campus, provided the entire Duke community with moments to feel inspired and connected to Blue Devils who had gone before. 

“The alumni reinforced my belief that Duke is full of endless possibilities; we should embrace the journey, with all its twists and turns,” says Talia Tao, one of the students who collaborated on the project. 

“We wish to showcase not only the exceptional achievements of our fellow Blue Devils, but also the rich stories behind them,” says Jen Wang ’23, a student programs fellow, who helped lead the project. "We want current students to see the power of the Duke alumni network, and learn to initiate conversations, seek support, and draw inspiration from this incredible community."

“This project has given me the opportunity to connect with numerous outstanding and inspiring alumni,” says Vivian Sekandi ’26, a student who helped research and interview alumni. 

Other highlights include: 

Maria Fernanda Diago LL.M.’16, partner at Brigard Urratia

Diago emphasizes being open to unexpected opportunities and mistakes. Her journey into law school led her to becoming a partner at Brigard Urratia, but her openness to embracing new experiences was key to her success. Her advice: “Be open and willing to explore unexpected opportunities.” 

Gail Goundry Jarrow ’74, Author  

Goundry Jarrow encourages students to embrace new opportunities, step outside their comfort zone and build relationships that challenge them to grow. She believes in the importance of forging your own path. Her advice: “Careers should combine talents and passions. If a path doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid of change.” 

Safa Kaleem ’16, M.H.S.’20, M.D.’21, Neurology chief resident physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell 

Kaleem understands the importance of a supportive community and the impact it can have on both personal and professional growth. She cites the Duke Muslim Student Association as the highlight of her Duke experience. Her advice: “Remember to cherish the little moments; they’re the ones you’ll carry with you.” 

Runbin Dong B.S.E’12, Director of commercial and digital partnerships at Moderna  

Dong didn’t just study biomedical engineering during his time at Duke; he also took on the responsibility of caring for his two siblings while being a full-time student, and he remains forever grateful for the support Duke provided. His advice: “Ask for help. You’d be surprised at the generosity of other people.”