In celebration of 30 years of the Tuck Diversity Conference (DivCo), we’re recognizing the many journeys and voices through and to the Tuck experience. Meet three former DivCo co-chairs: Rahul Jain T'05, Valeria Aloe T’04, and Amanda Witte T’15.
Director, Caram
What have you been up to since attending Tuck?
My career path has spanned diverse sectors. I began consulting at McKinsey & Co., then transitioned to the world of private equity at LGT Capital Partners in Switzerland, followed by a leadership role in the luxury goods industry at Mosaiko Watches in India.
Since 2013, I have been based in Hong Kong, working in the gemstone business at my family’s company, Caram, which has a rich 250-year history. In this role, I have honed my expertise in ethical sourcing, market analysis, and strategy development.
How would you describe your Tuck MBA experience?
My experience at Tuck was transformative, not just academically but personally. Tuck’s tight-knit community is one of its defining features, creating an environment where collaboration, support, and lifelong friendships flourish. The sense of camaraderie among students was palpable from day one, making it easy to connect and work closely with a diverse group of individuals from around the world.
The diversity of both the student and faculty body enriched my learning experience in profound ways. Engaging with peers from different cultural, professional, and academic backgrounds challenged my perspectives and broadened my understanding of global business dynamics. The faculty, with their varied expertise and commitment to teaching, fostered a learning environment that was both rigorous and deeply supportive.
At Tuck, learning extended beyond the classroom. The close community encouraged meaningful interactions, fostering professional growth and personal development. The shared experiences and collaborative spirit at Tuck truly shaped me into a more well-rounded and globally-minded business leader.
As we celebrate 30 years of the Tuck Diversity Conference, what’s one of your favorite memories from DivCo?
One of my favorite memories from the Tuck Diversity Conference (DivCo) was engaging in small group discussions with attendees and seeing the unity and connection that emerged from them. I remember sitting down with fellow attendees from vastly different backgrounds, each with unique perspectives and stories. During these intimate conversations, I truly appreciated the power of diversity—not just in terms of race or ethnicity, but in thought, experiences, and values. The openness and vulnerability that everyone brought to the table created an atmosphere of genuine understanding and respect. It was a moment that reinforced my belief in the strength of diverse communities and the incredible value they bring to both personal growth and professional success.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is starting the Hong Kong office for my family business, Caram. After transitioning from a corporate career, where I had developed a deep understanding of global markets and strategy, I took on the challenge of expanding our family’s legacy in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
Launching the Hong Kong office was a significant milestone for both the business and myself. It involved not only setting up operations in a new market, but also ensuring that our values of ethical sourcing and exceptional craftsmanship were upheld. I immersed myself in the luxury gemstone industry, forging relationships with suppliers, clients, and industry leaders, all while navigating the unique challenges of the Asian market. This venture required a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and deep respect for the traditions that Caram was built upon. Establishing Caram’s presence in Hong Kong has been immensely rewarding, as it has allowed me to contribute to the growth of our family business while continuing to honor the integrity and excellence that have defined it for generations.
What keeps you busy? How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I stay busy with a few passions that keep me balanced and grounded. Tennis is a big part of my routine—I find it’s a great way to stay active and clear my mind. Whether I’m on the court for a competitive match or just a casual game, it’s always a highlight of my week.
Spending time with my family is also incredibly important to me. My wife and our six-year-old daughter, Meera, bring so much joy and laughter into my life. Whether we’re exploring Hong Kong together or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, those moments are what I cherish most.
I also love staying connected with the Tuck community in Hong Kong. Meeting up with fellow Tuckies keeps me connected to my alma mater and provides a supportive network of like-minded professionals who share similar values and experiences. These connections are both personally fulfilling and professionally enriching.
Describe an ah-ha moment for you—a defining moment that changed the course of your life, career, or altered your way of thinking.
One of the most defining "ah-ha" moments in my life occurred during my time at LGT Capital Partners, particularly during the great financial crisis. It was a turbulent period that tested the resilience of financial markets and everyone involved. As I navigated the challenges of that time, analyzing deals and managing portfolios under intense pressure, I had a profound realization—I wasn’t as motivated to work for someone else.
While I respected and valued the experience and skills I gained, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I realized that to feel truly fulfilled, I needed to be in a position where I could drive my vision and take ownership of the successes and failures that came with it. This moment of clarity set me on the path toward entrepreneurship, where I could channel my energy and passion into building something of my own. It was a pivotal realization that changed the course of my career and life, leading me to where I am today.
Who do you most admire and look up to? Who inspires you and why?
The person I most admire and look up to is my dad. His journey has been a constant source of inspiration for me. In 1975, at just 21 years old, he moved to a small town in Germany without speaking a word of German to start a new business. The courage and determination it took to leave his home country and establish himself in a foreign land is something I deeply respect.
My dad’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the entrepreneurial spirit. He faced countless obstacles—language barriers, cultural differences, and the challenges of building a business from the ground up in a new environment. Yet, through sheer willpower and hard work, he not only succeeded but also established a family legacy that continues to thrive today.
His resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to his goals profoundly influenced my journey. Whenever I face challenges, I think of his experience and the example he set. He inspires me to push forward, embrace new opportunities, and approach every endeavor with the same level of dedication and integrity that he demonstrated.
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean for you today, and in your words, why is it so critical?
Growing up as a foreigner in Germany, living and studying in the U.S., and now residing in Hong Kong, I’ve spent my entire life navigating the unique challenges of being an outsider. This experience profoundly shaped my worldview and approach to both life and business.
Being a foreigner means constantly adapting to new environments, cultures, and social dynamics. It requires a deep sense of resilience and the ability to find common ground with people from diverse backgrounds. I’ve learned to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and understanding, which has made me more empathetic, open-minded, and culturally aware.
These experiences have also given me a strong appreciation for diversity and the importance of creating inclusive environments. I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to find your place in a new country, and this has driven my commitment to fostering spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued, regardless of where they come from. Living as a foreigner all my life has taught me that the richness of our experiences lies in our differences, and that true connection and innovation happen when we bring those differences together.
What have you recently, read, watched, or listened to that you enjoyed and would highly recommend to others?
One of the books I just read is called Crucial Conversations. The techniques seem simple but require practice to master. I love how much of an immediate positive impact this book has had on my personal and professional life.
Rahul Jain is a seasoned business professional with a strong academic background, having graduated summa cum laude from Babson College in 2001 and later earning his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in 2005. His career began at McKinsey & Co., where he honed his skills in strategy development and client engagement. Following his tenure at McKinsey, Rahul transitioned to LGT Capital Partners, where he deepened his expertise in private equity.
In 2010, Rahul founded Mosaiko Watches Pvt Ltd, successfully bringing European luxury watch brands to the Indian market. Since 2013, he has led Caram in Hong Kong, a gemstone business with deep historical roots. Rahul is committed to ethical sourcing, innovative design, and expanding Caram’s global presence. His career is marked by a consistent focus on strategy, leadership, and fostering strong relationships, underpinned by a passion for luxury goods and global business dynamics.
Founder of Rising Together
What have you been up to since attending Tuck?
After graduating from Tuck, I continued my corporate career in consumer goods and financial services for over a decade, focusing on innovation and expansion into new markets. When my children were young, I transitioned from the corporate world to lead and expand business incubators for female and multicultural founders, serve on several boards, pursue a Master’s in Spiritual Sciences, and become a dedicated student of neuroscience and behavior change.
Since 2016, I have helped organizations better understand the mindset and behavioral traits of multicultural talent, immigrants, and young diverse professionals. I’ve contributed to the creation of tailored support systems that help these groups reach their highest potential, resulting in increased engagement, performance, and retention. I am a keynote speaker, a two-time published author on the subject, and I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Spiritual Sciences. I am proud to serve at Tuck’s Latin America and Caribbean Council.
How would you describe your Tuck MBA experience?
My experience at Tuck was truly transformative, opening my eyes to greater possibilities and connecting me with a powerful network that has supported my journey, even as I pursued a non-traditional career. Over the past two decades, my active involvement with the Tuck community has allowed me to gain immense value and fully embrace Tuck’s mission of bettering the world through business—a core pillar of both the institution and my own business. Tuck is the gift that keeps on giving and has been and continues to be, a source of pride in my life.
As we celebrate 30 years of the Tuck Diversity Conference, what’s one of your favorite memories from DivCo?
My favorite memory is a recent one—witnessing current students passionately embrace DivCo’s mission. Watching them volunteer to place DivCo front and center, expanding its reach and impact in ways that include and unite everyone on campus, has been incredibly inspiring.
What keeps you busy? How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
My work is more than just a job; it’s a mission with a deep sense of purpose that permeates every aspect of my life. I’d be lying if I said I don’t quite constantly think about how to create a greater impact in underserved communities or develop frameworks to bridge gender, racial, and cultural gaps in organizations. Yet, I also cherish watching my kids play soccer, attending games with them, spending time together at the beach, hanging out at home with our dog Lio, or simply listening to music and reading together.
Describe an ah-ha moment for you—a defining moment that changed the course of your life, career, or altered your way of thinking.
A defining moment in my life occurred in 2016. After experiencing burnout, I embarked on a mission to understand why it happened and what changes I needed to make to prevent it from happening again. It was during this time that I realized success begins from within, starting with recognizing and transforming the limiting mindsets I had inherited from my culture and carried as an immigrant to the U.S. Becoming aware of how these beliefs were holding me back, and consciously shifting my inner dialogue to affirm my capabilities and worth was truly transformational. This moment of embracing my value and worth, which was born out of a very challenging situation, marked a clear before and after in my life. It ignited my self-empowerment and self-advocacy, leading to opportunities and accomplishments I once thought were beyond my reach.
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean for you today, and in your words, why is it so critical?
Diverse perspectives are good for business and society. Research shows that companies with diverse leadership and inclusive decision-making practices outperform others in profits. However, the biggest challenge I see right now in the DEI space is the asymmetry of information in several organizations, which keeps perpetuating leadership gaps and the lack of diversity in the talent pipeline: leaders and managers may be unaware of the barriers diverse talent faces or may struggle to fully relate to their life experiences. Meanwhile, diverse employees, especially those who are the first in their families in those spaces, may hesitate to voice their struggles out of fear of being stigmatized or perceived as lacking leadership potential. As a result, we’ve been trying to implement DEI solutions with only partial information.
Valeria Aloe is a leading expert on the Latino mindset and driving peak performance among Latino professionals—a group that accounts for 52% of U.S. population growth and is projected to contribute 82% of net new jobs in the next decade. Her thought leadership, keynotes, and books have empowered thousands of Latinas, Latinos, and other multicultural professionals who, like her, are the first in their families to attend college and navigate professional spaces. Born in Argentina, Valeria moved to the U.S. in 2002 to earn her MBA at Tuck. With 20 years of experience in brand management, marketing strategy, and finance at global companies like Procter & Gamble, Citibank, TIAA, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, she transitioned to a career as a culture transformation consultant, author, and speaker in 2016. Valeria published her first book, "Uncolonized Latinas", in 2022, followed by "Unbeatable Latinas" in 2024.
What have you been up to since attending Tuck?
I interned at Bain during my time at Tuck and returned there full-time after graduation. After Bain, I worked at Groupon as chief of staff and worked my way up to director of the Groupon Loyalty program. I had the opportunity to manage a large team and realized mentoring and growing the careers of others is one of my passions. I then got an opportunity to run product marketing for a loyalty product Facebook was exploring. I worked on that and other projects at Facebook until 2023. Now, I’m focused on raising my one and three-year-old kids and 2 pugs.
How would you describe your Tuck MBA experience?
My Tuck experience was transformative. I cannot overstate how meaningful those two years were to me, how many incredible classmates I interacted with, and how much I learned from the rock-star slate of professors. I look back on my days in Hanover with immense gratitude for the entire experience.
As we celebrate 30 years of the Tuck Diversity Conference, what’s one of your favorite memories from DivCo?
Being a DivCo co-chair was one of my absolute favorite experiences at Tuck. I got the chance to interact with so many bright and energized prospective students and shape the future generations of Tuckies. My favorite memory was working with my fellow co-chairs to plan the conference. We had to figure out logistics like how to get the right number of sleeping mats to the right dorms (and recruit classmates to help carry said mats across campus). Some of my best friends today were my fellow co-chairs at DivCo.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Driving impact has always driven me, and I love working on projects with enormous scale that have the chance to maximize positive outcomes for people. That being said, when I reflect on the aspects of my career where I feel the most pride, i’s not the macro-scale projects that come to mind; It’s the times when I could help others on my team get promotions they’d earned, or get onto projects that would give them a chance to shine.
What keeps you busy? How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Right now my kids are keeping me very busy, but I still love to do many of the things I was into at Tuck. Where I once ran marathons, I now run 5Ks while pushing a baby stroller. During my time at Tuck, I served as the Beer Club co-chair (shout out to the John Barleycorn Society), but these days I try to get out to breweries in South Florida whenever I can.
Currently, I’m focused on being a mom to my two kids, age one and three, but I’ve focused my career on gaining the skill set to be a general manager. I grew up in Scottsdale, AZ, and went to Vanderbilt University undergrad where I majored in English and Spanish. I started my career working in sales at a small software translation company, then product development at NASDAQ, and then went to Tuck. After Tuck, I worked at Bain in strategy consulting, Groupon in marketing and as a chief of staff, and most recently Facebook (Meta) in product marketing. Through these roles I’ve gotten exposure to most business functions (sales, product development, strategy, marketing, etc) to help me understand how to be a great manager.
About DivCo
The Tuck Diversity Conference (DivCo) was founded in 1994 by Tuck alumnus Scott Johnston T’93 as an opportunity for alumni to reconnect. Beginning in 2001, Tuck began welcoming prospective students to the event. This annual tradition now supports Tuck’s efforts to increase representation in all of our programs, and ultimately the world of business. One of the things that makes DivCo special is that like most of our conferences, it is student-led. DivCo co-chairs work together over the course of 6 months to plan, design and deliver a weekend of discussion, networking, mentoring, and socializing that includes faculty, staff, alumni, students, and prospective applicants.
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