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Merage Alumni in the Spotlight
The Merage School is dedicated to the principle that every graduate from our program has the potential to make a significant contribution both to their profession and to society.
The “Merage Alumni Spotlight” is now a regular feature in our Alumni newsletter. If you would like to be considered or nominate one of your fellow alums, please e-mail the Merage Alumni Relations Office at Meragealum@merage.uci.edu
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Name: |
Sarah Hine, MBA ‘05
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| Biographical Information |
| Born: |
March 31st in Connecticut, USA |
| Undergrad: |
B.S., Chemistry |
| Married: |
No |
| Kids: |
No |
- What are some of your fondest memories as an MBA student?
My section mates and I still joke about our Residential. Good memories are ensured when 50 young, enthusiastic, and ambitious individuals get thrown together to analyze and report on unknown industries which causes sleep deprivation which causes caffeine binges resulting in enjoyable after-hours festivities. It was a great entrée to the life of an MBA.
- How did you choose your career path?
I traveled to India on a trekking holiday and the country seemed to choose me. I then completed a 10 month fellowship in India and decided to live and work long-term on the sub-continent in social enterprise. As a social entrepreneur, I have the opportunity and privilege to use my education and experience to enact positive change worldwide.
- How has earning your MBA at the Merage School helped you in your business?
The Merage School excels in supporting student entrepreneurs. Classes like New Venture Management exposed me to this environment. Classroom principles get applied directly in my role as CEO of PharmaSecure and the Merage community continues to support my efforts through recruitment, advice, and referrals.
- Can you describe your company PharmaSecure, and your role as CEO?
I joined PharmaSecure last year and was named CEO in April, 2009. At PharmaSecure, we seek to end the sale of counterfeit drugs in developing markets. Motivated by the gravity of more than 200,000 deaths annually, billions in lost revenue, and increasing drug resistance due to counterfeits, we are starting with the Indian pharmaceutical market and planning to expand geographically and across industries. I currently focus on sales, investment, and technology oversight, holding down the proverbial fort and setting up PharmaSecure for a successful exit in two to five years.
- What particular skills do you think are critical for succeeding in the business world?
One of our Directors, Bob, likes to say, “tenacity, tenacity, tenacity.” I find this to be true everyday. In a world that seeks to tell us what we cannot accomplish, we must choose to believe that the extraordinary can be accomplished and that we can play a vital role in that change. In my position, I could become overwhelmed by the severity of the counterfeit market or the sheer volume of work that a start-up requires but when I consider the potential long term impact, Bob’s words echo in my head: tenacity, tenacity, tenacity.
- What are some of your hobbies and extracurricular activities that you enjoy?
Ballet and rock climbing are my two greatest passions. Thankfully, I found a terrific ballet studio in Delhi, lead by an Argentinean. I just returned from a weekend in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. I met up with my Nepali friend whom I met on that epic trekking holiday which ultimately led me back to India. I cannot stay away too long from the Himalayas.
- Is philanthropy important to you? If so, why?
Giving back takes so many forms. Yes, I believe we have an obligation to leverage our education to achieve some greater good. And, yes, I believe we have the same fiscal duty. Most importantly, my exposure to social enterprise impresses upon me the need to give back responsibly. Throwing money at problems doesn’t work; careful consideration of how money can be used to solve a problem can work. When I see an organization yielding the social returns they aim to achieve, I want to enable them to do more of that.
- How do you stay involved with the Merage School and your local community?
One of the advantages to being in Delhi is going global with the Merage brand and spirit. I get to meet up with alumni and current students coming through town. I get to recruit Merage students and alumni interested in working in India. And, of course, my Merage classmates continue to offer business advice and keep me updated on life in SoCal.
Locally, chairing Democrats Abroad India keeps me engaged. There are always American citizens to register to vote in preparation for next year’s elections and always important legislative updates to send to our members. When I’m not busy with work or Dems Abroad, I love exploring local events like Thursday evening qawwali music at the 16th century shrine of the Sufi saint, Nizamuddin. Indian history exists at every corner – there’s a 13th century mosque just down the street from work and a madrasah from the same period across the street from my home. This environment makes Delhi an amazing and inspirational community in which to live.
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