Graduate Student Spotlight: Dina Marie Leotsakas

Graduate Student Spotlight

Meet Dina Marie Leotsakas

MBA graduate, AEL President, and nonprofit co-founder.

When it comes to perseverance, few embody it quite like Dina Marie Leotsakas. As a proud Montclair alumna, Dina has earned her MBA with dual concentrations in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics, completed a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing, and is now finishing her final course for the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. But that’s just the beginning. She’s also leading the charge as President of Montclair’s Alpha Epsilon Lambda chapter, and is co-founder of the nonprofit animal welfare organization A Great Set of Paws. Despite the obstacles along the way, including serious health challenges, Dina refused to let anything stop her.

1. Talk to me about your graduate program(s). What inspired you to pursue them?

It has always been a personal goal of mine to pursue and achieve my MBA. I never imagined I would be completing a double concentration, and it still feels surreal to have earned my MBA with concentrations in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics.

I initially planned to begin my MBA right after my undergraduate studies, but before starting the program in 2018, I became very ill and faced serious health challenges. After my last open-heart surgery, I felt ready to take the next step and began my MBA journey during my recovery. Two and a half years later, I proudly completed my MBA, along with the Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing, and I’m set to finish the final course for my Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics in April 2026.

Following graduation, I was truly honored to be elected President of Alpha Epsilon Lambda’s Alpha Kappa Chapter here at Montclair. It’s been such a privilege to stay connected and involved in the university community beyond being a graduate student and lifetime member of AEL.

2. What drew you to Montclair for your graduate studies?

Montclair State University has always felt like home to me. I completed my undergraduate degree here, and the faculty, community, and overall environment have had such a positive impact on my academic and personal growth. When it came time to pursue my MBA, there was no question that I wanted to continue at the university that has given me so much support and opportunity.

3. What has been the most rewarding part of your graduate school experience so far?

The most rewarding part of my graduate experience has been the relationships I’ve built — the friendships, the sense of community, and the support among peers. The MBA program is fast-paced and challenging, especially in the online format, but the collaboration, knowledge sharing, and hands-on learning have made it incredibly fulfilling.

The professors I’ve met and who have instructed my courses throughout the MBA program have also truly elevated my graduate experience. Their mentorship, encouragement, and expertise have made a lasting impact, and I still stay in touch and exchange messages with some of them on a weekly basis.

4. What does a typical day in your life look like — or what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of school?

Outside of academics, I’m honored to serve as AEL President, which allows me to continue giving back to the Montclair graduate community.

I’m also the co-founder of a nonprofit animal welfare organization called A Great Set of Paws, which my best friend and I started during my MBA program. We hosted our first large-scale fundraiser and vendor event in June 2024, partnering with the Animal Cancer Foundation, and later collaborated with Stop & Shop in Wayne, NJ. All proceeds from reusable bag purchases in July 2024 were donated to help animals in need. We’re now planning our second event — a fundraiser, adoption day, and vendor fair — at the grand opening of Paw Couture Pet Grooming and Bakery in Totowa on November 2, 2025.

5. Do you have a fun fact, hobby, or interest you’d like to share?

I’m an avid kayaker, and during my MBA program, I founded an affiliate website called KayakRackShack.com, which provides trusted product reviews and transport solutions for fellow kayakers. My slogan is “Made for Kayakers, by a Fellow Kayaker.”

I also enjoy building websites and helping businesses grow their online presence — I recently began creating an official business website for Paw Couture Pet Grooming and Bakery, as their second location will be opening this November.

Outside of my professional interests, I’m very active in my community. I volunteer and help run events for the Garfield Fire Department, where my partner, Andre, serves as a volunteer firefighter, and I also coach cheerleading at Garfield High School. Working with the students and watching them grow in confidence and teamwork has been such a rewarding experience.

6. What does being a member — and now president — of AEL mean to you?

Being inducted into AEL was an incredible honor, but being elected President has been even more meaningful. It represents academic excellence, leadership, and service — values that align with everything I strive for.

I’m passionate about expanding AEL’s presence by building its social media visibility, making events more inclusive and accessible to all graduate students, and encouraging members to stay engaged and involved beyond induction. I’m especially excited for our upcoming Induction Ceremony this November, where we’ll celebrate new members who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

7. What motivated you to take on a leadership role within AEL?

I wanted to give back to a community that has been such a meaningful part of my graduate experience. Serving as President allows me to help elevate AEL’s visibility on campus, support member engagement, and contribute to the broader graduate community at Montclair. I’m motivated by the opportunity to continue AEL’s legacy of recognizing and empowering graduate excellence.

8. How do you hope to make an impact through your work with AEL this year?

My goal is to grow awareness of AEL among graduate students who embody academic excellence and leadership potential, and to make involvement more accessible through initiatives like enhanced social media outreach and virtual guest speaker events. I also hope to implement an AEL Member Spotlight to showcase our outstanding members and create lasting opportunities for engagement beyond their time in the program.

9. How do you balance your coursework, leadership responsibilities, and personal life?

For me, it all comes down to time management, passion, and purpose. I give 100% to every commitment I take on, whether it’s coursework, leadership responsibilities, or personal life. There are definitely busy moments, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work — it feels like growth. Everything I’m involved in represents a part of who I am and what I value, and that keeps me motivated and fulfilled.

10. What advice would you give to other graduate students looking to get more involved on campus?

Take advantage of the opportunities Montclair offers — there are so many ways to connect, collaborate, and make an impact. Whether through honor societies, student organizations, or leadership roles, getting involved allows you to build relationships, strengthen your professional network, and make your graduate experience even more meaningful.

11. What are your goals after graduation?

My immediate goal is to complete my final course for the Graduate Business Analytics Certificate by April 2026. I’m also looking forward to celebrating our AEL Induction Ceremony in November and continuing to grow A Great Set of Paws through our next major event. Beyond that, I’m excited to embrace new experiences and opportunities — both professionally and personally. I feel so grateful for how far I’ve come, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Dina will officially walk at Montclair State University’s January 2026 commencement ceremony. It marks not just the completion of her studies, but the continuation of a story defined by conviction and perseverance.