Kevin Thwala ’21 MBA Uses His Success to “Bring Light to the Collective”

By the time Kevin Thwala ’21 MBA enrolled at Montclair, he had completed a computer engineering undergraduate degree at Manhattan University and was already on his way to a successful career as a software engineer for a multinational technology company. “It is interesting project-based work,” he explains. “Teams are formed to fulfill specific software development contracts. As each project is completed, teams are disbanded and re-formed to tackle new assignments.”

“I enjoyed developing code, and I loved the variety and changing nature of project-based work,” he says. “But as my experience as a team member grew, so did my curiosity about other aspects of project-based work. I wanted to go beyond engineering, and to learn about the accounting, project management, business innovation, strategic human resource management, operations & supply chain management, emerging trends in global markets, sustainability & corporate responsibility and communications required to make projects successful.”

Of the many MBA programs that promised a short commute, Montclair stood out. “The University definitely has good brand recognition,” he says, “and the MBA program at the Feliciano School of Business offered the breadth of courses I wanted.”

Thwala welcomed the opportunities Montclair offered to take a broader view of how a project works. “The program taught me how to assess risk & opportunity, manage budget, scope, schedule, staffing and how to motivate a team toward a shared vision,” he says. “I also learned the fundamentals of organizational behavior, new product development as well as how to bring value to the customer and how to ensure your team’s competitive advantage.” Embodying a servant leadership approach, he strives to be the change he’d like to see.

“I have especially benefited from the business communications courses I took,” Thwala notes. “As a result, I am a more effective liaison between different internal audiences, able to translate project goals to team members and successfully interpreting technical information for colleagues in other departments whose background isn’t in software development.”

The Montclair MBA broadened Thwala’s perspective in other ways as well. “I come from an engineering background,” he points out. “My classmates represented a variety of industries, from finance, retail/sales, broadcast media, real estate/construction, to medicine. I learned a lot from them.”

Thwala further solidified his credentials by earning Project Management Professional® certification and he maintains his professional network through organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers and BEYA – Black Engineer of the Year. His volunteer resume is equally impressive, including having served in the past with the New York Urban League Young Professionals, One Hundred Black Men, United Way of Passaic County, and Toastmasters (in a local leadership capacity). Last December he completed serving a 3-year term on the board of CUMAC, an organization dedicated to alleviating hunger, and remains involved as a volunteer since 2017. As a mentor for Students 2 Science, a New Jersey-based academic enrichment program, Thwala supports youth who are interested in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) careers. Paying it forward as did the leaders who inspired him, the giants he stands on the shoulders of and his ancestors who paved the way. He believes he has a moral responsibility to be of service out of gratitude, and feels blessed to be a blessing. A candle loses nothing by lighting another.

“Each one, teach one,” Thwala says, quoting Denzel Washington. “It is a philosophy that I have embraced since I played varsity soccer in high school. I felt, early on, that it isn’t enough to try to shine just for myself, but to bring light to the collective.” As the African proverb tells us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” He believes it takes a village and each one plays a role.

Now, Thwala is bringing his light back to the University as a new member of the Black Alumni Advisory Council (BAAC) and as a contributor to Montclair’s leadership donor society, The President’s Club, through BAAC’s Join Me With $83 campaign. The campaign encourages donors to reach the leadership level with a recurring gift of $83.34 per month to the BAAC Initiatives Fund, which provides resources for scholarships, book funds and other areas to support the success of Montclair students.

He is looking forward to sharing his experience with students, especially those who have not yet decided on a major. “I can introduce students to career options in project management and, if possible, steer them toward opportunities,” he says. “As alumni, we have access to so many things that can benefit students.” As he humbly empowers the next generation, Thwala strives to embody the Arthur Ashe quote each day: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”