Maggie Kuchinski MBA '25: Building a Purpose-Driven Career
From the Army to MBA and into the construction industry, CU Denver graduate Maggie Kuchinski shows how education and community connections can guide a meaningful career transition.
Yining Wang | Office of Advancement Jan 9, 2026
When Maggie Kuchinski joined the Army, she was still searching for direction. College did not feel within reach at the time, and she wanted a path where she could learn, serve, and grow. “The military felt like a better choice than doing nothing while I figured things out,” she said.
Ten years later, she left the Army with confidence, structure, and leadership experience that still guide her today. “The Army taught me that competence is key and that consistent effort matters just as much,” she said. “But more than that, it taught me that culture matters. You can have the smartest people in the world, but if they do not trust or care about each other, you will not get far.”
As a field artillery officer, Maggie was responsible for both training and operations, leading her team through a wide range of missions. Some days she worked long hours in the field with her unit. Other days, she planned missions from behind a desk. “I was not the smartest person in the room,” she said. “But I cared. I showed up. And I worked hard to make sure my team had what they needed.”
Looking back, Maggie said the Army taught her more than discipline or skill. It showed her how to care for people, how to stay steady under pressure, and how to find purpose in teamwork. “You learn that leadership is about people, not position,” she said. Those lessons shaped the way she approaches challenges and continue to guide her growth as a professional and a leader.
Finding Direction at CU Denver
After a decade in the Army, Maggie wanted to stay challenged while moving into the business world. Her final duty station was in Colorado Springs, so CU Denver’s one-year MBA program felt like the right next step. “It was accredited, it had a great reputation, and I liked the rigor,” she said.
At CU Denver, she found a program that connected classroom learning with real-world experience. “The Army taught me how to manage chaos,” she said. “CU Denver taught me how to manage complexity.” In the Army, Maggie learned to act fast and stay steady when things became unpredictable. Those lessons built her strength and confidence. At CU Denver, she found a new layer to that experience. She learned to slow down, think across systems, and understand the bigger picture.
Through courses, guest speakers, and networking events, she began to see how her leadership and problem-solving skills could transfer beyond the military. “It did not just tell me what to do,” she said. “It helped me figure out what I did not want to do, which was just as important.”
This experience gave her clarity and helped her see how business could also become a great space for teamwork, structure, and growth.
A Connection That Changed Everything
One short conversation at CU Denver’s One-Year MBA graduation in June opened a new door. Maggie met Ray Pittman MBA '16, a CU Denver donor and development industry leader, who was impressed by her confidence and experience. “After we talked for maybe 30 seconds, he said I should be in construction,” Maggie recalled with a smile. “Two of my close friends had told me the same thing before, so when he said it too, I thought maybe this was a sign.”
Soon after, Maggie joined the Discovery Land Co. team as a Construction Management Associate. Her first project is the Austin Surf Club in Texas, a residential community built around a 22-acre wave basin generating the largest and longest man-made waves in the world for surfing and other watersports. “Everyone here is so passionate,” she said. “It is not just checking boxes. People really care about what we are building. It reminds me of the Army because it is about teamwork and purpose.”
“Everything about our project is challenging, innovative, and new”, Pittman said. “We all saw Maggie’s brains and talent and felt that her background as a field artillery officer in the Army would allow her to step in and contribute quickly, adapt on the fly, and not be intimidated by the size and complexity of the job”.
When the original founders began developing the Austin Surf Club, the goal was to create something that represented both innovation and opportunity for the people who would help bring it to life. “We are building something truly unique here, and everyone here is so passionate about our vision for the project and the community we are building, and the lifestyle we want to deliver,” said Pittman. For Maggie, being part of that vision made her first project even more meaningful.
Now, early in her new role, Maggie already sees construction as a long-term career. “I know the people, the pace, and the environment,” she said. “I just need to learn the language. Once I do, I think this will be something I truly love.” Maggie plans to keep building her leadership skills in project management and continue applying the lessons that have guided her since her first day in uniform: competence, care, and commitment.
Community and Connection
Reflecting on her time at CU Denver, Maggie said the school’s investment in its students continues well beyond the classroom. “They care about what you are doing and make sure you have the resources to grow,” she said. Her advice to other students, especially veterans or career changers, is simple: “It is okay to change your mind. It is not easy, but it is doable. Show up, care, and put in the work. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Maggie’s story shows how CU Denver’s community of students, donors, and industry partners turns education into opportunity. It reflects how learning, connection, and purpose can shape a life of leadership and impact.