Nancy Kowalski

Returning to Price College has been a wonderful experience. Guest speaking in the classroom has been particularly enjoyable. The students ask phenomenal and insightful questions, which make for great interaction. Being back on campus, especially during a fall home game, brings a lot of nostalgia. Some things remain unchanged, like walking through familiar paths and parking at the Union. However, stepping into the classrooms reveals a significant transformation—more modern and tech-savvy, which I truly appreciate.

I was originally an accounting major but was facing challenges in my coursework. I reached out to my professor, who was also my advisor, for guidance. We explored my strengths which aligned with investment and real estate investment classes. That led me to switch my major to finance.

Finance offers so many options—I began as a financial analyst, ventured into treasury and supply chain roles and now lead a business. The CEO of our company also holds a finance degree. I believe it’s foundational to so many business roles.  With opportunities that also span investment, banking and real estate, finance provides a solid foundation for diverse career paths.

I've been an advisor and board member of the JCPenney Leadership Program (JCPLP). I have had the privilege of hosting JCPLP students multiple times. The leadership development and exposure to a wide variety of companies through JCPLP set students apart. Being part of JCPLP indicates a student’s commitment and excellence.

Currently, I serve as the leader of the upstream nylon business at INVISTA, a global manufacturer of chemicals, polymers, and fibers. In this role, I am responsible for overseeing our business teams, our commercial teams, and the strategies related to the company’s vision. Throughout my nearly 20-year journey with INVISTA, my finance degree has proven instrumental. The financial acumen and critical thinking cultivated during my education have been crucial in navigating various roles within the company.

Certainly. At INVISTA, we actively offer internships and entry-level positions in finance and in other fields. When considering potential employees, we seek individuals with natural curiosity, self-awareness regarding their weaknesses and a commitment to improvement. Confidence, assertiveness and strong analytical skills are also valued attributes.

My advice is to embrace opportunity and say yes, even when you’re unsure of how to do it.

The most significant learning often comes from stepping into the unknown. Maintain a natural curiosity, adopt a mindset of continuous learning and find joy in the process of learning something new.