Michelle Borde ’24SB (MBA), a resident of Baldwin Harbor on Long Island’s South Shore, earned her MBA from the Sy Syms School of Business in May 2024 as part of the first graduating cohort of the school’s online MBA program.
During her time at Sy Syms, Michelle was awarded a Sacks Impact Scholars fellowship, a prestigious program within the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership, which promotes Rabbi Sacks’ teachings on ethics, leadership and responsibility. Each year a select group of graduate students across disciplines is awarded fellowships to develop projects addressing critical social issues.
Along with fellow Sy Syms student and Sacks Impact Scholar Eitan Kastner ’23R, ’25BR, ’25SB (MBA), Michelle developed a two-sided marketplace software platform to streamline the hiring of adjunct faculty in higher education. They also worked to advance ’s partnership with the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, helping local low-income residents with tax preparation.
“My experience at Sy Syms has had a positive impact on my career,” Michelle shared. “The program’s diverse curriculum, covering areas such as entrepreneurship, strategic management, organizational behavior and business acumen, has equipped me with a well-rounded skill set that is highly valuable in the business world. The program has also offered excellent networking opportunities, allowing me to build and expand my professional relationships by engaging with successful business leaders and well-published academics. The program’s flexible structure, with asynchronous learning and the ability to balance career, personal life and education, has enabled me to pursue my professional goals without compromising other aspects of my life.”
Michelle is currently employed as a Benefits Manager at Forvis Mazars USA, where she is responsible for designing and developing the employee benefits strategy. She has a strong background in employee benefits administration, compliance and strategic planning. With a keen eye for optimizing benefits programs, Michelle ensures employees receive competitive and cost-effective health, retirement and wellness benefits. Her experience in data analysis and cost management helps companies enhance their benefit offerings while maintaining financial sustainability. With 15 years of experience in the field, Michelle aims to become a Director of Benefits, focusing on developing benefit solutions that attract and retain top talent while enhancing the employee experience.
“I would advise young professionals to build and maintain a strong professional network. Building connections can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support and advice. Networking is a crucial skill for career advancement. I recommend attending industry events, conferences and seminars to meet like-minded individuals and to stay up to date on the latest trends. Leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with colleagues and industry leaders, and joining professional organizations for exclusive networking opportunities, are also key strategies. Staying in touch with contacts through regular check-ins and sharing professional updates are essential aspects of effective networking,” advised Michelle.
“In recognition of Black History Month, I encourage everyone to reflect on the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. This month is a time to celebrate the resilience, creativity and strength of the Black community and to honor the rich cultural heritage that has shaped our world. I stress the importance of educating one another about pivotal moments and figures in Black history, from the civil rights movement to trailblazers in arts, science and beyond. It is also a time to acknowledge the ongoing struggles for equality and justice and to commit to being allies in the fight against racism and discrimination. Together, we can create a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.”
Learn more about Michelle and other alumni’s experiences in the Sy Syms Online MBA Program at
