Purpose-Driven Business Careers: Leavey Alumni Making an Impact

Silicon Valley is often synonymous with rapid growth, unicorns, and technological disruption. But for many, the true power of business lies not just in profit, but in purpose. At the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, we believe that business skills are some of the most effective tools for creating positive social change.

Located in the heart of the Valley, Leavey integrates a rigorous business curriculum with the Jesuit tradition of service and ethical leadership. This unique combination empowers our students to ask a critical question: How can I use my career to serve the world?

From shaping state policy to driving corporate sustainability, Leavey alumni are proving that you don’t have to choose between a successful career and a meaningful one.

What Is a Purpose-Driven Business Career?

A purpose-driven career is one where your professional skills contribute to a larger societal good. It’s the intersection of high performance and high impact.

While often associated with non-profits, purpose-driven careers thrive in every sector. In the corporate world, this might look like leading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. In the public sector, it could mean applying financial acumen to government budgets.

At Leavey, we prepare students for this reality by embedding ethics and values-based decision-making into every program, from our Evening MBA to our specialized MS in Business Analytics. We teach that competence and conscience go hand-in-hand.

Applying Business Skills to Public Service and Policy

One of the most powerful ways to effect change is by bringing business efficiency and strategic thinking into the public sphere. Government and civic organizations face complex operational challenges that require the exact skills taught in business school.

From Business Education to State Leadership

Garrett Jensen ‘14 is a prime example of how business fundamentals apply directly to governance. With a background in Accounting and Political Science, Garrett’s academic combination was strategic. He recognized that governments create the rules of the game that allow businesses and communities to either thrive or struggle.

Garrett served as a Legislative Director in the California State Assembly, where he managed complex stakeholder environments ranging from transportation to budget requests. His ability to understand the financial implications of policy—skills honed at Leavey and during his time at EY—allowed him to craft legislation that was both idealistic and operationally sound. Garrett’s career demonstrates that an accounting degree isn’t just for auditing; it’s a toolkit for accountability in the public sector.

Communicating for Impact in the Public Sphere

Effective communication is critical for mission-driven organizations, especially during times of crisis. Diego Barragan MBA ’12, Director of Operations at Voler Strategic Advisors, uses the skills he learned at Leavey to help governments and non-profits manage their narratives.

Diego’s role involves crisis management—helping clients navigate high-pressure situations where public perception can shift in minutes. He credits his Leavey MBA with teaching him how to assess situations quickly and lead with integrity. By helping organizations communicate clearly and honestly, he ensures that vital public services maintain the trust of the communities they serve. His work highlights that marketing and management are not just corporate functions; they are essential for civic engagement.

Advocating for Change Through Business Leadership

Leadership is an act of advocacy at its core. Whether you are advocating for a team, a project, or a cause, the ability to influence others is a key business competency.

Business Leadership as a Platform for Advocacy

Erica Valentine ’05, MBA ’13, JD ’19 has built a career as a powerful advocate for working families. As the Political and Communications Director for UA Local 393, she represents over 3,000 union plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians.

A "Triple Bronco," Erica leverages her deep knowledge of business strategy and law to bridge the gap between labor and management. She was named to the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Power 100 list in the "Advocates" category, a testament to her influence in the region. Erica uses her executive training to negotiate fair wages and safe working conditions, proving that business leadership can be a vehicle for equity. Her story illustrates that advocacy is not a separate career track—it’s a leadership style that can be cultivated through a robust business education.

Driving Purpose Inside Organizations and Communities

You don’t have to leave the corporate world to make a difference. In fact, some of the most significant impacts are made from within major organizations, where shifting culture or strategy can affect thousands of employees and millions of customers.

Leading with Values in Corporate and Community Contexts

Joe Allanson ’85 spent over 20 years at Salesforce, serving as Chief Accounting Officer and Controller during a period of massive growth. But his legacy is defined as much by his values as his financial stewardship.

Later in his tenure, Joe took on the role of EVP of Finance for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). He worked to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into the company's core financial reporting, helping to operationalize the idea that business is a platform for change. Joe’s career path—from traditional finance roles to leading ESG strategy—shows that purpose can be built into the very fabric of organizational leadership. He continues to serve his community on various boards, embodying the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis–care for the whole person.

Preparing for a Purpose-Driven Career at Leavey

The alumni highlighted above didn't stumble into their impactful careers—they built them on a foundation of solid business skills and ethical reflection. At the Leavey School of Business, we design our programs to foster this growth.

• Curriculum: Courses across our MBA and MS programs challenge students to consider the human impact of data, financial decisions, and marketing strategies.
• Experiential Learning: Silicon Valley is our classroom. Students engage with real-world companies and non-profits, learning to navigate complex environments before they even graduate.
• Network: The Leavey alumni network is vast and supportive, filled with leaders like Garrett, Diego, Erica, and Joe who are eager to help the next generation of Broncos make their mark.

Whether you are looking to pivot into the non-profit sector, drive sustainability in a Fortune 500 company, or launch a social enterprise, Leavey provides the tools you need to lead with purpose.

Ready to make an impact? Explore our programs to find the right path for your purpose-driven career.