Mother’s Day is a special occasion for our MBA moms. We asked Jimena Gutierrez (MBA 2024), Cecilia Liu (MS/MBA 2025), and Carlene Oestergaard (MBA 2024) to tell us about the challenges and joys of raising kids while earning an MBA.
Transcript
Jimena Gutierrez (MBA 2024): I decided to pursue an MBA because I wanted to become a better leader, but over time, as I became a mother and I see the influence that I can have on Rafaella, the word has broadened.
Cecilia Liu (MS/MBA 2025): I have two kids. They're twins. Lucas. The second one is Liam.
Carlene Oestergaard (MBA 2024): I have one son. His name is Christian, born in my first semester of my second year of my MBA.
Cecilia Liu: There's no best time to have kids. I had the kids before I applied for grad school. In fact, I think I find myself deriving a lot of my strength and curiosity and confidence from having kids.
Jimena Gutierrez: It's all about knowing my priorities …
Carlene Oestergaard: and plan as a family …
Jimena Gutierrez: the support of other MBA moms and my husband, Ernesto, an MBA student.
Carlene Oestergaard: For my husband and I, as a dual career couple …
Jimena Gutierrez: this time has been challenging for both of us, but in a good sense.
Cecilia Liu: I don't deny the fact there are times things get hard, but it's also quite joyful.