A Lifelong Learner and Dedicated Teacher: Vera Alves ‘21DBA

Vera Alves ’21DBA is a true lifelong learner. After earning two MBAs and a master’s degree and working 28 years at a large educational institution in Brazil, she realized it was time for her next move: getting her Doctorate in Business Administration. She did some research and saw a ranking that listed Crummer as a top-ten DBA school in the US. Then she met online with fellow Brazilian and Crummer instructor Dr. Henrique Correa, who emphasized that she would get to connect theory and practice, something she found absolutely relevant to the workplace.

In Vera’s dissertation, “Effects of Candidate Gender and Assertiveness on Likability and Promotability to a Leadership Position: Comparing Perceptions of U.S. Millennials with Those of Older U.S. Workers,” she wanted to investigate something that would have an impact. Research indicates the effect of gender differences on career advancement to leadership roles, and Vera was particularly interested in the double bind faced by women leaders. The double bind refers to negative reactions to women in leadership positions, both when they demonstrate a more feminine style, which is liked but frequently not perceived as adequate to leadership, or when they display more assertive attitudes and behaviors, which are frequently perceived as abrasive in the case of female leaders, but completely acceptable when demonstrated by male leaders. These reactions are often unconscious. “The more people realize these unconscious biases, the more we can help their impact be lessened.”

Vera’s teaching experience is extensive; she has over 28 years of experience and is currently teaching Organizational Behavior and Leadership to Rollins undergrads and Crummer graduate students. She has also worked at the Florida Institute of Technology. “The content we discuss with students in class will impact not only their leadership trajectories but also those they will lead throughout their careers. There is an exponential potential to impact lots of people’s lives.”

When it comes to Vera’s favorite Crummer memory, she points to the camaraderie she had in her cohort and with the faculty. “I learned as much from the people in my cohort as from the faculty. This interaction is one of the main assets in the program for me. You have the opportunity to learn from people in all industries who have a profound understanding of what they do.” Her advice for incoming EDBA students? Be curious to learn from different people, sources, and perspectives. And be open to challenge the way you have always done things. When Vera isn’t learning, teaching, or consulting, you can find her spending time with her daughter and her family, watching movies, or doing other activities together. We are immensely proud of Vera and love having her as part of our Crummer family.