Rafaella Mazza, member of the Class of 2023, is photographed for their student profile featured on the MBA Admissions website.

Rafaella Mazza

MBA 2023

Home Region

Sao Paulo, Brazil

    I love when casual non-planned chit-chats turn into deep conversations about our beliefs or future plans.

    Why did you choose this path at this point in time?

    An internal feeling of inquietude regarding my career path and future opportunities and a desire to “go back to school” as a growth platform. Also, the support of mentors who believed I actually had a chance of being accepted at HBS.

    Coming to HBS is like…

    Riding on a rollercoaster. To be honest, HBS often feels like too much, too fast. I was surprised by how much I was being pulled in different directions (social, career, academics, etc.). Sometimes I look at my Outlook agenda and feel very anxious, so I try very hard to be deliberate about what I choose to do and not do to, prioritizing taking care of myself and pursuing my goals.

    Being part of the HBS community is like…

    Having access to people and resources that I never imagined. I love when casual non-planned chit-chats turn into deep conversations about our beliefs or our future plans. I try my best to explore that richness instead of looking for reinforcements of the things I already knew or believed in before coming here.

    As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

    A veterinarian. But I realized I don’t have the stomach for it that the profession requires. After that, I thought of environmental engineering, but upon learning that environmental engineers design sewage while agronomic engineers get to drive tractors, I chose that instead.

    What is your favorite childhood memory?

    Waking up early at my grandpa’s small farm and rushing to the milking parlor to help feed the cows.

    Who is one person from your life that you admire the most today?

    My mom. She has had a very rough life but always showed unconditional love. She also always prioritized my education. I would not be here if not for her.

    What’s the best thing about your hometown?

    Best thing about Sao Paulo, Brazil is definitely Carnival. The open street parties are something I can’t even explain, you have to come!