Connecting leaders: The Kellogg alumni club of Dallas-Fort Worth
The Kellogg Alumni Club of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is more than just a network — it's a community of leaders committed to making a difference. Proudly representing more than 4,000 alumni, the club strives to foster leadership, career advancement and lifelong learning.
Michelle Rider ’93 MBA, the club’s current president, first served as marketing chair, and her journey through various roles showed her the club’s untapped potential. “I didn’t plan to become president — it happened over time. From helping with operations to serving on the nominating committee, I jumped in where I could help,” says Rider. “Along the way, I saw an opportunity for the club to be connected to the powerhouse alumni we have in Dallas.”
Here, Rider shares how the alumni club is redefining what alumni engagement can look like — blending bold programming, real career impact and a community that opens doors when it matters most.
Can you describe some of the key benefits you were seeking when you decided to join the club, and how you have seen those benefits in action?
When I joined the Kellogg alumni club, I was looking for two things: a way to give back and a space to build meaningful connections. Kellogg shaped how I lead, and I wanted to stay close to that level of thinking.
I’ve met people who challenge me, inspire new ideas and open doors I didn’t expect. Some of those connections have turned into true friendships. Others have led to collaborations, introductions and meaningful conversations that stay with me long after the interaction has ended.
If you’re someone who wants to keep learning, stay current and build something with others who think at a high level — then this community is for you. More than a network, it’s a place to lead, grow and stay in motion.
“That’s what this club offers: real relationships, real access and real support when it matters most.”
How has the club helped members advance in their careers?
I’ve personally supported two Kellogg DFW alumni in their job searches — both approached me after events. One was looking at a role at Amazon, and the other at a biosciences company. I was happy to step in because we had connected through the club, and not just simply refer them but also coach them throughout the interview process. People are more inclined to help when they know you, and that’s one of the powerful benefits of staying involved.
And this kind of support doesn’t stop with me — it runs through our entire Kellogg DFW alumni board. My Kellogg roommate, Denise Johnson (now Allen, and I don’t talk often — maybe once a year — but we always show up for each other. Her daughter Grace, an undergrad at Northwestern, was preparing for early admission to Kellogg. Denise asked if I’d be willing to do a mock interview, and I said yes without hesitation.
With my schedule packed, I asked fellow board member John Parolisi to step in. Not only did he agree, but I learned he used to lead McKinsey interviews, specifically with Duke students. John is one of the most thoughtful, strategic leaders I know. He stepped in, gave her a rigorous mock interview, and truly helped her prepare.
We haven’t heard from admissions yet, but she had one of the best in her corner. That’s what this club offers: real relationships, real access and real support when it matters most.
Hallmark gatherings and programming
Can you describe a recent event that had a significant impact on the members?
There have been three major events designed to deliver more than just a good program. They brought people together around big ideas, opened up real career and business opportunities and sparked conversations that are still going — which is what meaningful alumni engagement looks like.
Future of Healthcare Summit
This was the Kellogg DFW alumni network’s first healthcare summit, and it came at the perfect time — right when AI, consumer demand, and policy shifts are pushing the entire industry forward. We held it at Pegasus Park, a fast-growing hub for biotech and innovation in Dallas and drew over 300 attendees including hospital executives, startup founders, biopharma leaders, clinicians, data experts and investors.
Chris Durovich ’87 MBA, CEO of Children’s Health, served as our honorary chair. His participation set the tone for the caliber of the room and reinforced that Kellogg alumni are leading at the highest levels in healthcare.
Speakers included Professor Craig Garthwaite, Professor Paul Campbell, executives from CVS Health, Parkland Health and innovation teams working on AI in care delivery. We also deliberately created space for female investors, VC and PE leaders and underrepresented founders to be seen and heard. For our members working in health tech, hospital strategy, investing or early-stage startups, this event created new relationships and visibility they wouldn’t have found elsewhere.
AI for Business Leaders: Unlocking Business Value at Scale
This was a half-day summit focused on helping business leaders move beyond the hype of AI and into practical, strategic application. It was hosted at Microsoft Las Colinas and designed for executives, founders and board members who want to lead — not react —in this fast-changing space.
We invited Professor Mohan Sawhney, a global thought leader on marketing and innovation, to give the keynote. His discussion on Navigating the AI-Driven Future: Personal Resilience and Business Transformation offered a framework for how leaders can collaborate with AI, reimagine value chains and build the personal resilience needed to thrive in constant change.
Senior leaders from tech, healthcare, retail, private equity and advisory firms joined us for a panel featuring Oracle, PMG, Parkland Health and WhiteGloveAI on real-world AI deployment. What stood out wasn’t just the insights — it was the access. Members engaged in strategic conversations, asked real questions and left with frameworks for their exec teams, vendor follow-ups and greater visibility in the AI space.
Kellogg DFW Leadership Symposium – Bold leadership
The lineup featured former AT&T CEO Anne Chow, the Glen Vasel Professor of Finance Mitchell Petersen and best-selling author Rob Wolcott. What made the event stand out was the energy — attendees came ready to engage. Conversations sparked job referrals, investor connections, podcast invites and even led to speaking and board interview opportunities for several members.
Build your network with the Kellogg Alumni Club of Dallas-Fort Worth
If you’re a Kellogg graduate in the DFW area looking to expand your professional horizons, give back to the community or simply bond with like-minded individuals to create lifelong connections, this club has something for you.
Join and be part of a thriving alumni network.
DFW Kellogg alumni share some of their greatest moments
“Collaborating with fellow alumni on strategic initiatives and speaker series has expanded my impact and deepened my sense of purpose. The club has been more than a network — it’s a compass that continues to guide my personal and professional journey with empathy, excellence and intention.”
“Being part of the Kellogg Alumni Club of DFW since 2013 has been a great experience. There’s something special about how we come together with big turnouts, big energy and a warm, welcoming spirit that feels true to Texas.”
“Being one of the founding members of the Kellogg Alumni Club of DFW in the late 1990s was about more than just starting a club — it was about planting the Kellogg flag in Texas. We focused on showcasing the school’s world-class faculty, elevating executive leadership and creating unmatched networking value.”
“Kellogg alumni generally tend to be very focused on engaging with and helping each other — a cultural dynamic referred to here as ‘Purple helping purple.’ Becoming an active leader within the club has helped further deepen those relationships with many other Kellogg alumni.”
