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MBA Voices
MBA Voices
Growing up in the US as the daughter of immigrants — my mom from Colombia and my dad an Armenian from Turkey — I never quite fit in. I felt too foreign to be American and too “other” among individuals from either of my heritages. My childhood and teen years were filled with the challenge of juggling each of these unique identities, often assimilating or overcompensating one or some combination of them to try to fit in. [...]
To me, being Latino means taking immense pride in our Hispanic heritage and the traditions that come with it. I was raised in Lima, Peru, but my journey led me to the United States, where I attended college at the University of Kansas and later embarked on a career in Kansas City. I never imagined I would spend a decade in the Midwest. However, as I transitioned into adulthood, I began to realize that certain elements of Peru were conspicuously absent from my life. I yearned for the cuisine, the vibrant national holiday celebrations, the fervor for soccer, and so much more. Yet, I came to understand that what I missed were not mere physical artifacts, they were experiences—the warmth of the people from my homeland, which I still fondly call home. This realization fuels my fervor for encouraging others to visit Peru, to immerse themselves in its enchanting culture. It's why I consider myself an ambassador of my country, eager to introduce people to its rich traditions and to kindle the warmth within their souls. [...]
According to research, only a mere 3% of individuals holding an MBA identify as Latinas, and we have among the lowest representation in senior business positions and corporate boards. In part, the strong desire to challenge these statistics fueled my path to apply to HBS. With its long-standing mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world, Harvard provides the platform to develop the critical skills and connections to challenge the status quo. For me, that means championing investment in the educational and financial empowerment of underserved communities, especially the Latine community. [...]
Malcolm McClain (MBA/MPP 2023) has been named the first recipient of the Harvard Business School (HBS) RISE (Recognizing Individuals Seeking Equity) Career Fellow, with his income supplemented for one year following graduation so he can work with, learn from, and make a difference in a growing business that is creating economic opportunity for marginalized communities in the United States. McClain, who also completed a master’s in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, will serve as chief of staff at BrightUp, a seed-stage Boston-based fintech company focused on democratizing wealth building and well-being. [...]
The Asian Affinity Business Association (AABA), in collaboration with students and organizations across campus, is proud to share the stories of our community members in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We hope these stories showcase the history, richness, and diversity of the AAPI experience and inspire hope for a world of empathy, compassion, and courage. [...]
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The views and opinions expressed in the MBA Voices blog are those of the authors.
Any political views shared by students are their own; HBS does not endorse a
particular party or candidate.