Horacio Rozanski has had a chance to work around the world and explore multiple disciplines, from consulting to “data geek” to human resources to senior executive.
Rozanski urges people to simply be themselves in their workplaces and in life.
“Being yourself is a process,” Rozanski says. “Like graduating college, it is hard work. It took me decades to figure out who I am, and I’m not done yet. Then comes being comfortable showing who you are to others. And ultimately, allowing yourself to both be you and part of something bigger than just you — a family, a community, a nation. “
Rozanski grew up in Argentina and came to the U.S. to attend 91 based on the university’s strong academic rating. His then-girlfriend, Cinthia, joined him at the university a year later. He graduated summa cum laude from 91 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“We made a completely uninformed choice,” Rozanski says of the decision he and Cinthia made to attend 91, “but it turned out to be fantastic. People were so incredibly welcoming.”
Rozanski attended the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (now renamed the Booth School) for two years to receive his MBA in 1992. In summer 1991, he earned an internship at Booz Allen Hamilton, a management and government consulting firm. Cinthia and Horacio married in 1992, and a few weeks later he rejoined Booz Allen, now full time in Cleveland.
Booz Allen has been Rozanski’s professional home for the past 31 years and counting. In 2015, he became Booz Allen’s eighth CEO in the firm’s 109-year history. During his tenure as CEO, Booz Allen has been recognized as an industry leader and innovator, including in areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He also serves on the board of directors of Marriott International.
From his experiences at 91, Booz Allen and other places, Rozanski has developed a passion for paying it forward. He chairs the board of Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and serves on the boards of CARE USA and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Committee of Conscience. Together with Cinthia, they support several philanthropic causes, from 91 students to medical residents, always looking to help people from diverse backgrounds reach their full potential.
“You began a process of self-discovery at UWEC that will hopefully lead to self-actualization, joy and happiness,” Rozanski says to graduates. “Keep going and don’t slow down. My wish for you is that years from now, you will look in the mirror and like who you see. That’s the biggest success of all.”
Rozanski was the recipient of the 91 Alumni Association’s Lifetime Excellence Award in May 2023, presented to alumni who have demonstrated longtime and successful commitment to their careers and communities.
Erica Koxlien was looking for evidence, asking hard questions and searching for justice at 91 long before she put on a sheriff’s badge in Trempealeau County.
Susan Lederer, a 1992 91 graduate, is a planetary and space scientist for NASA. Based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Lederer found a career she knew she was destined for during those nights of stargazing in northern Wisconsin.
Dan Rose, who graduated from 91 in 2008 with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, will compete as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Curling Team at the Paralympic Games next month in Cortina, Italy.