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MBA Voices
MBA Voices
Brian Ventura (MBA 2022) is one of two DEI officers for PRIDE, the LGBTQ+ club at HBS. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Brian identifies as a queer Afro-Latino and came to Boston ten years ago as a first-generation college student at Harvard College. He worked in fields ranging from financial services to catering to product management before returning to Harvard for his MBA. Here, Brian shares a reflection of his first time coming out in the workplace in honor of National Coming Out Day. [...]
In the year since the Plan for Racial Equity was established, the MBA Admissions and Financial Aid teams have continued and extended efforts toward increasing opportunities for Black applicants. Alongside reinforcing and expanding current outreach efforts, the Plan outlined three clear commitments aimed at reducing financial barriers that often prevent students from underrepresented minority groups from applying to and attending HBS. [...]
Before HBS it was challenging for me to be totally authentic at school and work because I was afraid that people would “discover” that I was mistakenly admitted or hired. I hid my identity as a first-gen low-income student and professional. My EC (second) year I did one of the scariest things of my life: I shared with the whole HBS community my life story – pure, raw, and emotional. [...]
At HBS I learned to prioritize, and that included personal goals. I learned that self-worth was NOT driven by my salary or recognition. I learned that cultural differences were a gift and an asset. I learned women don’t take the back seat. I learned that I could do anything I dedicated energy to, because I had just completed the most rigorous program there was. [...]
The Latino Student Organization (LASO) proudly promotes and supports Harvard Business School’s Latino students and works alongside the Latino Alumni Association (HBSLAA). Representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and Latino heritage, LASO members spearhead initiatives related to MBA admissions, alumni engagement, career development, and more to advocate for and empower the Latino community on campus and beyond. The LASO Board is led by the club’s three Co-Presidents – Victoria Alvarez-Arango, Ale Eguren, and Olivia Melendez – who are all excited to continue LASO’s legacy this upcoming year. [...]
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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.