Tell us about your life before HBS.
As a first-generation Latina who was raised by a single mom, I’ve always felt a deep urgency to advocate for those whose voices have historically been marginalized. To that end, after college I worked with a Brazilian NGO to implement a pilot social welfare program for youth living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. This work was deeply gratifying, and it also helped me realize that in order to be most effective and drive scalable impact, I needed to build strategic, analytical, and leadership skills. This need motivated a transition into strategy consulting where I was able to gain foundational business experience which ultimately led me to HBS.
What is your favorite memory from HBS?
The Latino Student Organization (LASO) was my home away from home. The annual LASO retreats stand out as some of my favorite HBS memories. Whether going on hikes, salsa dancing, or sharing a meal, our retreats were moments in which we came together to connect and build community. To this day, the friends fostered through LASO comprise my closest HBS friends. We enjoy cheering each other on as we progress professionally and being there to celebrate and support each other as we reach personal milestones.
What are you doing now? How has your MBA prepared you for your post-HBS career?
I have the honor of serving as Vice President of Marketing at Ellevation Education, the nation’s leading K-12 software solution for multilingual learners and the educators who serve them. Ellevation serves a third of English learners in the United States, and has plans to reach 70% within the next five years. While I sort of stumbled into EdTech, as a former English learner, this role perfectly marries my personal and professional passions and my drive to make an impact at scale. HBS played a critical role in equipping me with a general management skill set. The case method, specifically, prepared me to confidently take on work across new industries from consumer goods to travel & tourism to EdTech as well as new functional areas such as brand management, sales, and product marketing.
Tell us about your involvement with HBSLAA.
While I was deeply involved in LASO as a student, it is my experience on the HBS Latino Alumni Association (HBSLAA) Board that I am most proud of. After serving on the board for a couple of years, I had the honor of serving two terms as co-president alongside my partner in crime, Lulu Curiel (MBA 2010). This experience was made significantly more meaningful through the friendships we made across the HBSLAA/LASO boards and a strong partnership with HBS Admissions, HBSAAA, and local Clubs.
What advice do you have for prospective MBA students?
One memorable piece of advice I received came from Professor Jose Alvarez, our LASO/HBSLAA faculty sponsor. When addressing prospective Latinx students, he would always say “put your own oxygen mask on first.” To ensure you can consistently serve those who depend on you and maximize your impact, prioritize self-care (physical, mental, spiritual, etc.) and establish a solid foundation (financial, professional, etc.) for yourself.