The Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) is proud to highlight Alejandro “Alex” Valladares, an accomplished alumnus whose leadership, dedication, and professional achievements reflect the very best of SAM.
Building Leadership at Marshall University
While pursuing his MBA in Finance at Marshall University, Alex immersed himself in both academics and leadership. In 2020, he served as President of the Marshall University SAM chapter, guiding the organization with vision, integrity, and a focus on excellence. Under his leadership, the chapter flourished, creating opportunities for collaboration, professional growth, and a culture of achievement among its members.
His exceptional efforts did not go unnoticed. Alex earned national recognition when he was named the SAM Outstanding Student Award National Winner. This distinction reflected not only his strong leadership and initiative but also his ability to inspire others and leave a lasting mark on the SAM community.
A Reflection on Leadership Growth
Alex credits his SAM involvement as a defining part of his professional journey. As he explains:
“Serving as the SAM president during my time as a graduate student at Marshall University helped me to sharpen my leadership skills and develop a network of fellow students that shared the same academic and career goals. It prepared me for my current role working in the quality space at PwC, where I am supporting and leading various quality initiatives.”
Professional Success at PwC
Today, Alex serves as a Quality & Process Excellence Senior Associate at PwC. In this role, he leads global initiatives that focus on improving quality, streamlining processes, and driving operational excellence. His work includes assessing business operations, implementing best practices, and ensuring consistent standards of excellence. These contributions have had a meaningful impact both within PwC and in the success of its clients.
Alex’s role has also opened doors to international collaboration. By working with colleagues and clients across different regions, he has gained valuable global experience and developed a deeper understanding of cross-cultural business operations. These opportunities have expanded his professional perspective and enriched his leadership skills.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Alex’s journey demonstrates how student involvement in SAM builds skills that extend far beyond graduation. His story shows how dedication, leadership, and engagement can prepare students to succeed in complex and evolving professional environments.
SAM is proud to spotlight alumni like Alejandro Valladares, whose accomplishments serve as an inspiration to current and future members. His success reminds us all of the importance of embracing leadership opportunities, striving for excellence, and creating impact on a global scale.
Invitation to Join SAM
Stories like Alex’s highlight the value of being part of the SAM community. Membership connects you with a network of leaders, professionals, and students who are committed to growth, collaboration, and advancing the practice of management. By joining SAM, you gain access to resources, opportunities, and a supportive community that can help you achieve your career goals while making an impact in the field. Learn more and join now to take the next step in your leadership journey.
Share Your Story
At SAM, we believe in celebrating the accomplishments of our members. If you or someone you know has made an impact in academics, business, or the community, we want to hear about it. Submit a nomination to be featured in our Member Spotlight series and help us showcase the remarkable achievements within our network. Share your story here: https://samnational.org/spotlight/