William Thomas Brogan - Master of Business Administration - Lam Family College of Business
After earning an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology in 2015 from the University of California, San Diego, William Thomas Brogan moved home to the Bay Area and worked in marketing for life science products and research. Wanting to bridge his knowledge gap between science and business, Brogan decided to pursue an MBA with an emphasis in sustainability. He chose SF State’s Lam Family College of Business because his mom’s family all attended the University and led successful careers.
At SF State, Brogan achieved excellence inside and outside of the classroom, spending much of his time serving the Center for Ethical and Sustainable Business, Net Impact (SF State Chapter) and the SF State Office of Sustainability.
In addition to his MBA, Brogan completed a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business. The program included a course specifically designed to develop innovative business strategies to address society’s unmet emerging needs. For his final course project, he explored the social, economic and environmental advantages of a decentralized, locally-owned electricity grid. He developed a business plan that would provide low-cost power to remote regions using solar and other renewable sources. The primary goal of his project was to equip local stakeholders with the necessary infrastructure and training for a clean energy transition — ultimately improving community health and economic development while fortifying national energy security.
He currently works in Hayes Valley as a retail lead for the sustainable outdoor brand Cotopaxi. He also volunteers for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) as a referee and coach alongside his dad.
Brogan says he was able to reach this moment thanks to the unyielding support and patience of his family, girlfriend, roommates, friends and coworkers. He dedicates this achievement to his aunt and fellow MBA Jayne Brogan, along with his uncle and fellow Gator Patrick Boland.