What was your undergraduate university and major?
I studied Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard College.
Why did you decide to apply to HBS via the 2+2 deferred admissions process?
I’ve always aspired to integrate my values and passions in my career. After cross-registering for a course at HBS in college, I was drawn to the case study method and opportunity to further develop my network and leadership skills to achieve this integration and have a meaningful impact.
How long was your deferral (2, 3, or 4 years)?
3 years.
Did 2+2 change your path or alter your post-undergraduate plans?
Absolutely. With the security of the 2+2 program, I was able to take more risks, forgo traditional paths, and explore my passions – at that time, working in government.
Where are you currently working? Can you describe your role?
I currently work at Social Finance, a national nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing capital to drive social progress. In my role, I work on our strategy and social investment teams. I’ve helped develop our impact management and field building strategies and contribute to firm-wide fundraising efforts. On the investment side, I work on the UP Fund – an impact investment fund focused on unlocking pathways to economic mobility for low-income, underserved students. I also co-lead our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative.
What projects/roles/opportunities did you purse during or after the 2+2 Program?
For years, I’ve been asking myself the following question: what is the most effective way for me to make a difference in the world? Is it through public service, impact investing, social entrepreneurship or even academia? The 2+2 program gave me the runway to actively investigate this question and explore a couple paths – politics and private equity. I first worked as a legislative fellow for my Congresswomen (now Senator) Kyrsten Sinema, who had recently been elected to office. I then pivoted to work in private equity at Cube Hydro Partners - a firm focused on renewable energy infrastructure investments. After 2+2, I decided to continue on the path of impact investing and develop my craft at Social Finance.
What impact has HBS had on your career?
HBS has already influenced my career quite a bit. I joined Social Finance as an HBS Leadership Fellow – a program which places graduates in high-impact management positions in nonprofit and public sector organizations and provides ongoing support and programming to Fellows. At Social Finance, I’ve been able to translate key learnings from the classroom to practice and importantly, leverage the school’s strong network of faculty and alumni to advance our work. HBS truly offers a life-long commitment to learning and community – I’m excited to stay connected to the school and its network to broaden and deepen my understanding of business and leadership and ultimately realize my goals.
Are you still in touch with your fellow HBS students/section mates?
Definitely. Many of my HBS classmates have become true friends– four of whom were even in my bridal party! Particularly in 2020, when it was difficult to maintain connection in a socially distanced world, I leaned on my HBS section’s Zoom reunions and creative virtual events to help me feel a sense of community.
What is the most inspiring/exciting project or opportunity you’ve worked on?
I’ve been very excited to work on a new strategy at Social Finance – the Career Impact Bond (CIB). This represents a new, student-friendly way to finance education and training opportunities and has great potential for scale and impact. Especially in this moment, when the pandemic has exposed and deepened the fragility and structural inequity of our systems, I’m inspired that the CIB could contribute to a more equitable economic recovery.
What advice do you have for prospects considering the 2+2 program?
Think holistically about your career – it is a marathon, not a sprint. Ask yourself, what impact do you want to affect in this world? Why? Once you are centered on this, figure out how you can make your dreams a reality. If HBS and 2+2 can give you the runway to test new approaches/ideas/pathways, then go for it! It can hopefully be a launching pad for a meaningful career.