In the hills of Nyakach, Kenya, a grassroots nonprofit is changing the lives of hundreds of children through simple, local solutions—like providing shoes, school supplies, and access to education. Flip Flop Friends, founded by Pamplin alum Carl M. Mazzan (Finance ’88), works to break the cycle of poverty by improving conditions at Magunga Primary School. Now, thanks to a semester-long partnership with students in Virginia Tech’s Management Consulting Capstone course (MGT 4084), the organization is preparing for its next five years of growth.

The collaboration gave students the chance to apply their academic training to realworld impact. “This was an amazing class to get to know how to work properly in my major and a great way for me to gain experience using it in the real world,” said McKenna Marshall. “I learned a great deal about how to understand how my client works, find their preferred communication style, and update styles. I had a great team and a great professor who made the experience even better” .

The student team worked on stakeholder analysis, funding strategies, organizational structure, and a comprehensive business roadmap for Flip Flop Friends. Their deliverables included a five-year strategic plan, internal SWOT analysis, marketing and communication strategy, and recommendations to enhance the nonprofit’s presence both in Kenya and the U.S.

“The nonprofit opened my eyes to the realities of those in need and how impactful their work is,” added Laura Koeppen. “I learned so much about what it takes to make an organization run and how many different factors contribute to a successful outcome. I’m grateful I had this opportunity to work hands-on with a client and navigate such a rewarding project” .

The client, Carl Mazzan, and CEO Amy Mazzan, were equally inspired by the experience. “We were absolutely blown away by the student team’s professionalism, insight, and commitment,” Carl said. “They brought clarity to our vision and gave us tools we didn’t even know we needed. Their work has already helped us communicate more effectively, engage stakeholders with more strategy, and focus our limited resources on the highest-impact areas” .

Melissa Gomez Villalta echoed the project’s deeper value: “The client’s mission truly inspired me, and I had the privilege of collaborating with a great team. I found myself applying concepts I learned during my first year at Tech. Now, a few months into my professional career, I already see how this project experience is helping me in my job” . 

As Flip Flop Friends prepares for its next phase—expanding scholarship programs, improving infrastructure, and planting more roots in Kenya—its journey is now also a Hokie story. A story of business education in action, of global citizenship, and of what happens when students and alumni unite under a shared purpose.

To learn more, visit www.flipflopfriends.com.

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