Tarek Makawi

Tarek Makawi is an MBA candidate at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he is actively engaged in entrepreneurial initiatives and leadership programs. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he completed his undergraduate studies at Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. Following his graduation, Tarek worked for approximately four years in financial services, most notably as a Product Manager at KeyBank’s Consumer Bank. This experience fueled his interest in entrepreneurship, leading him to pursue an MBA at Sloan to further develop his skills and network within a vibrant ecosystem of innovators.12

At MIT Sloan, Tarek is not only focusing on his studies but also co-founding a startup called Footprint alongside fellow MBA classmates. This venture aims to create a platform that connects consumers with businesses that share their values, emphasizing sustainability and diversity among other important causes. The team came together after building strong connections during their first year at Sloan, with Tarek highlighting the importance of collaboration and community in their entrepreneurial journey.1

In addition to his startup efforts, Tarek holds a position as a Senior Manager in Strategy & Operations at HubSpot, where he is involved in leadership development through an Accelerated Leadership Program. His academic and professional experiences reflect a strong commitment to leveraging business education for impactful innovation and community engagement.23