Equations to Operations: From Math Major to Leadership

Rachele Johnson (Maciejewski) ’12 chose RIT for its flexible programs, which allowed her to explore different paths as her interests evolved. “I wanted to be challenged in larger group settings to prepare for professional environments,” she said. “I also wanted a university with enough variety, so I’d have options if my interests shifted.” Her decision to study Applied Mathematics was solidified during an open house, where professors shared research and success stories that inspired her. Today, she thrives as an Operations Senior Leader at Goldman Sachs.

"During an open house at RIT, I had the chance to hear from several professors in the Mathematics Department who shared the research and achievements of their students, both current and former. The department's course offerings were interesting, and the professors’ deep expertise confirmed my decision to pursue a Bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics. Their enthusiasm and dedication to their fields made it clear that RIT would be a place where I could grow both academically and professionally."

While at RIT, Rachele earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics in 2012 (College of Science) and a Master of Science in Finance in 2013 (College of Business). She also pursued interests beyond coursework, taking on leadership roles in the Orientation Program and actively participating in RIT Encore Acapella, and RIT Rescue.

“I was always drawn to Applied Mathematics—it was one of my favorite subjects in school. I loved how math always has an answer, regardless of regional or cultural differences. It’s something that can connect people from around the world,” she explains. Rachele also “RIT professors encouraged me to ask questions and consider all factors when tackling solutions—after all, you can’t start solving a math problem in the middle! They balanced individual and group work, helping me build skills in delegation, managing priorities, and overcoming obstacles while maintaining team buy-in. Professor Carol Marchetti, in particular, sparked my love for statistics and Lean Six Sigma, which inspired me to explore operations. I enjoyed mapping processes, identifying waste, and using data to pinpoint and address pain points to keep operations running smoothly. This, coupled with my love of problem-solving, made operations feel like one giant puzzle!”

After spending the last 11 years at Goldman Sachs in the Operations Division, advancing from analyst to Operations Senior Leader, Rachele now oversees a team of 30 across New York City and Salt Lake City. Every day, she draws on problem-solving skills and a big-picture approach developed at RIT, where professors emphasize asking questions so students understand the broader context. This perspective helps her troubleshoot effectively, identify issues, and brainstorm solutions within constraints. Her attention to detail and organizational skills are essential in the fast-paced financial markets, where her team reconciles transactions, handles derivative lifecycle events, responds to client queries, and collaborates with Engineering and Business teams to maintain top service standards.

Rachele’s journey from RIT to Goldman Sachs demonstrates that with passion, dedication, and a strong educational foundation, it’s possible to transform abstract mathematical principles into real-world problem-solving expertise. Her advice to current students is clear: “Be ready to be a sponge—there’s so much to learn and experience. Listen to tenured coworkers; they can teach you everything from nuanced jargon to effective communication skills. Be patient and put in the effort to learn your process from front to back. Often, we want to jump to the end and call ourselves experts, but experience plays a big role. Get to know the stakeholders who support your product line—they can be your best allies when building a new process or diagnosing an issue. Take feedback—both positive and constructive—set goals to improve in key areas, and regularly ask for real-time feedback from your manager to track progress. And don’t hesitate to suggest ideas or changes; a fresh set of eyes often drives process improvement.”

Rachele also encourages students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mathematics or Statistics to keep career options open and explore different paths. “Remember, you’re young, with plenty of time to find the right fit—take the leap, even if it feels scary. You might find a role that isn’t ‘typical’ for a math major, but checks all the boxes for using skills you truly enjoy!”