Love has a way of finding people in unexpected places—occasionally, even in the midst of case studies and career aspirations. This Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing the journeys of a few couples whose love stories have their beginnings within our Goizueta community. From meet-cutes on campus to deepening bonds during international study trips, these Goizueta lovebirds remind us of the power of shared experiences to bring people together in profound ways.
Danielle Donnelly 17EMBA and Ivan Aquino 17EMBA
As answered by Ivan Aquino
How did the two of you meet? Was it love at first sight or a gradual connection?
She definitely caught my eye from day one, but our relationship developed more naturally over time. As the program went on, we found ourselves spending more time together in group settings outside of school. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, we quickly realized that we shared similar goals and values, which brought us even closer.
Do you remember your first conversation or interaction? What stood out to you about that moment?
I sure do—it’s actually pretty funny. On the first day of class, a group of us was walking around campus when we came across a King of Pops stand. I was the only one who had cash, so I bought her a popsicle. It was a small gesture, but looking back, it feels like the first little moment that connected us.
Was there a specific class, event, or project at Goizueta that brought you closer together?
I wouldn’t say it was a single class or project that brought us together. It was more about the overall journey of the program. But if I had to pick a defining moment, the international trip to South Africa was definitely it—that experience truly brought us even closer.
Did either of you make the first move? If so, how did it happen?
She says I did, but I’d say it was mutual. After spending time together in group settings, I eventually asked her out to dinner. I made the move because I couldn’t help but notice her looking at me a lot in class and at events—so in a way, we both did.
How did your time at Goizueta influence your relationship?
In addition to meeting the love of my life, we built incredible friendships that will stand the test of time. Goizueta also provided a strong network that has opened doors and shaped our career goals and ambitions in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
How did you balance academics, career aspirations, and your budding relationship while at Goizueta?
Honestly, it wasn’t always easy, but I think that’s what made our relationship stronger. The program was intense, and we were both juggling academics, career goals, and everything else life was throwing at us. But instead of pulling us apart, it brought us closer—we leaned on each other, whether it was late-night study sessions, tough career decisions, or just venting about the day. Looking back, I think going through all of that together made us an even better team.
How has your relationship evolved since your time at Goizueta? Tell me more about where the two of you are now!
Well, for starters, we’re married now! Since our time at Goizueta, we’ve just kept growing together. We’ve built a life together, supporting each other through career moves, personal milestones, and everything in between. We have a beautiful dog and are raising an 11-year old. We’ve really learned how to support each other in ways that only get deeper with time.
Do you have a favorite memory as a Goizueta couple, whether on campus or beyond?
The international trip to South Africa will always stand out. It wasn’t just the adventure of being in a new place, but the way we experienced everything together—learning from each other, immersing ourselves in new cultures, and seeing the world through different lenses. It really deepened our connection and gave us a whole new perspective on life, both personally and professionally.
Who was the better student?
I had the better grades, but honestly, she’s always been the harder worker. She’s the type who puts in the effort no matter what, and that kind of dedication makes her the better student, hands down.
Ricardo Accioly 14MBA and Mariana Accioly 14MBA
How did the two of you meet? Was it love at first sight or a gradual connection?
We were aware of each other for at least 10 years before we were formally introduced. A mutual friend from our hometown requested that we connect to plan her visit to São Paulo/Brazil, as we both lived there. While discussing this friend’s visit and discovering the many acquaintances we shared, we realized how much we had in common. This conversation lasted five hours, leading to a scheduled date for the next evening. For Ricardo, it was an instant attraction. For Mariana, it was a bit more gradual.
Do you remember your first conversation or interaction? What stood out to you about that moment?
The biggest revelation from our first conversation was how much we already knew about each other even before we officially met. Ricardo’s best friend dated Mariana’s sister, and we both ran competing digital agencies in Fortaleza. We frequently crossed paths in potential client’s hallways without knowing it at the time.
Was there a specific class, event, or project at Goizueta that brought you closer together?
The MBA program brought us together. Before we met, Ricardo already had plans to get his MBA abroad and was studying for the GMAT. We realized that if Mariana was not on board with the plan, the relationship was not going to progress, and we would eventually go in different directions (Ricardo moving to the United States and Mariana staying in Brazil). Ricardo took Mariana to a few school presentations in Sao Paulo (Goizueta was one of them) and got her excited about the possibility of getting married and doing an MBA. He postponed his application by a year so they could study for the GMAT and apply together. Emory was Ricardo’s top choice, having lived in Atlanta as an exchange student, and his acceptance made the decision easy. Mariana joined the full-time one-year program in 2013, allowing them to graduate together in 2014.
How did your time at Goizueta influence your relationship?
Our time at Goizueta helped us understand each other’s work preferences, significantly contributing to our current success. We learned about each other’s weaknesses and strengths and realized that we complement each other very well. We learned how to best work together and now we are business partners at SEI, a management and IT consulting company. Although we may have many differences and sometime even disagreements when it comes to our approach to business, we are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and supporters.
How has your relationship evolved since your time at Goizueta? Where the two of you are now?
Time flies! Since Emory, we’ve both changed jobs. Ricardo left Deloitte for SEI in Jan 2020, and Mariana joined SEI from Cognizant in July 2021. We have two sons: Nicolas (7) born in Sept 2017, and Thomas (5) born in April 2019. We have also became American citizens in 2024, which solidified the decision we made back in 2012 when we decided to move to the United States to pursue our MBAs and make this country our home.
Do you have a favorite memory as a Goizueta couple, whether on campus or beyond?
We hosted several parties and study groups in our tiny apartment at Post Briarcliff while in business school. We were together during KEGs, Mid-Semester Module trip to India, graduation and so many other events. It is great to share so many great memories.
Who was the better student?
Mariana!
Who is more likely to show off their Goizueta pride?
Ricardo. He still does with the Goizueta sticker at the back of the car.
What’s your favorite thing about being a Goizueta couple?
Constant support and being in it together were crucial. Sometimes, we had to study apart and needed to accept this separation. However, we also helped each other with topics, case studies, interview preparations and the uncertainties of the job search. This mutual support made going through the Goizueta MBA program as a couple much easier.
Daniela D. Dimitrova 22EMBA and Stephen (Steve) Kennedy 23EMBA
As answered by Daniela Dimitrova
How did the two of you meet?
We met at Goizueta Business School on the first-class weekend. My team was assigned to greet Steve’s team during the lunch break. It was a gradual connection over the fall semester of 2021.
Do you remember your first conversation or interaction? What stood out to you about that moment?
My first meaningful conversation with Steve happened while walking on the Beltline after my cohort’s usual gathering at Lady Bird. I had invited some of his cohort members to join us, and he happened to come along with a few of his classmates. What stood out to me most was how effortlessly we connected—our conversation flowed naturally, and I was amazed at how well he understood me from the very start.
How did your time at Goizueta influence your relationship?
From the start, Steve and I shared a common academic goal, which strengthened our bond. We built friendships across each other’s cohorts, forming connections that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise due to our different backgrounds and communities. Our time at Goizueta also gave us a mutual understanding of the challenges of balancing work and academics, further deepening our support for one another.
Are there any specific places on campus that hold special meaning for your relationship?
Lullwater Preserve and Patterson Green, along with the broader Emory neighborhood, hold special significance for us. Living between the Clairmont and Clifton campuses, we take daily walks through the area, making it a meaningful part of our routine. Patterson Green, in particular, is especially significant—it’s where we shared many events, got engaged, and where our journey together truly began.
How has your relationship evolved since your time at Goizueta? Tell me more about where the two of you are now!
We got engaged on April 27th, 2024 in front of Goizueta on Patterson Green. The wedding is later this fall at the Miller-Ward House.
Do you have a favorite memory as a Goizueta couple, whether on campus or beyond?
One of our favorite memories is our global immersion trip to Barcelona and Lisbon. Our two cohorts switched locations mid-air, and after the trip ended, Steve flew back to Barcelona. We extended our stay, spending extra days exploring the city, visiting Gaudí exhibits, and touring the Sagrada Familia with my stepsister who flew in from Bulgaria. This was our first trip/vacation together and the first time Steve met anyone from my family.
Who is more likely to show off their Goizueta pride?
Without a doubt, it’s Steve! He sports the Emory logo on all his baseball hats, shirts, and even his rain jacket. My luggage tags also feature Emory branding, and when we travel, we frequently meet people who have children, nieces, or nephews who attended or are currently attending Emory.
