So You Think You Know...Brenda Li

Before Stern, I: was the Marketing Manager for the BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, handling all of the retail brands in their portfolio, including BCBGMAXAZRIA, Hervé Léger, Max Azria, BCBGeneration, Max & Miley … and too many more. Very "Devil Wears Prada" in more ways than one.

I wrote my Stern essays about becoming: the CMO of a visionary luxury goods conglomerate, one with a focus on digital innovation and social responsibility.

In 10 years I see myself: styling all of my former Stern classmates (who will then be CEOs at every major company) from head to toe in my West Village showroom, rocking out in an amazing brownstone, hosting fabulous dinner parties and running laps in my massive automated closet ala Alicia Silverstone in Clueless. A girl can dream.

The one word I would use to describe myself is: perfectionist.

If I had one meal left on Earth I would eat: the 5-truffle loaded lobster mac ‘n' cheese from Magnolia in L.A., accompanied with their blueberry-peach sangria. 

My favorite CEO is: Natalie Massenet, CEO of NET-A-PORTER, because she's a successful entrepreneur and fashionista, who unapologetically savors every ounce of fun in life. She started the online luxury fashion site from her Chelsea flat, and it exploded into a multi-million dollar business that now serves as the lynchpin in Richemont's portfolio. She's passionate, fearless, inspirational and believes in women.

I love living in New York because: the options are endless. You can have whatever you want, whenever you want with whomever you want. The people, the places, the energy ... all contained within such a small space. "Only in New York" has become a daily saying of mine.

I hate living in New York because: despite all of the amazing food you can find here, the lack of good Mexican food is a mystery of epic proportions. I was spoiled by authentic, great, cheap Mexican food in Southern California and I struggle settling for anything less. Step it up New York!

My first childhood memory is: tying my mother's high heels to my feet with some homemade shoestring contraption, and to her horror, re-enacting the entire West Side Story rooftop dance-off scene on her brand new hardwood floors. Over and over … and over. My love affair with heels started at age six and we haven't parted ways since.

I'm glad I decided to come to Stern because: I've met some of the most brilliant, talented, creative and fun people I've ever encountered. Every day is a learning experience and one that is so graciously taught. I am fortunate to be in the company of such impressive people.

 Something no Sternies know about me: most of the Sternies in my class know I love, love, love to dance, but not too many know I hail from one of "America's Best Dance Crews" – Kaba Modern. In my years with them, we were the reigning champions (over Jabbawockeez!) of street dance. Stern MBA or Usher's back-up dancer … crossing my fingers I made the right choice.