Becca Rubenfeld '00

Where did you end up after Marshall?

After graduating from Marshall, I continued my liberal arts education in a huge university setting at Arizona State’s Barrett Honors College and got degrees in Finance and Marketing. I spent the next nine years in the offices of apparel companies like American Eagle Outfitters, choosing the assortment and building financial plans. I’m now celebrating nine years at the Starbucks corporate offices in Seattle. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse set of projects, and the love of learning that Marshall fostered has served me well throughout my career and has allowed me to explore business through a variety of disciplines and lenses. Outside of work, I always keep busy; I’m not one to sit still. I have a son, James, who was adopted at 14 from Ukraine. He’s grown now at 22, is living nearby in Seattle, and it’s one of my greatest joys to see him thriving and finding his feet in the world. Most of my free time over the last few years was spent renovating my house—carpentry is my favorite! I am an avid skier and I try to get into the mountains weekly. Recently, I’ve been going deep into learning about blockchain technology and I also have a couple of side hustles. I love to stay productive!

What about your experience at Marshall helped prepare you for where you are in your life today?

I came to Marshall in seventh grade just after having been diagnosed with ADHD, and I was trying to understand how to be successful. Marshall challenged me with a world of new ideas: How to discuss ideas and to love ideas. There is nothing more exciting than the chemical rush of learning something that stimulates my mind in a new way. My teachers allowed me to be myself while helping me build structures and good habits, and let the results speak for themselves. This built my confidence and allowed me to push forward through challenges and trust myself.

Why was it important to you to support Marshall through your class gift?

I believe I got something from Marshall that I wouldn’t have received in another environment. Marshall was what I needed when I needed it, and I want to be sure other kids can get what they need to thrive.