Creating opportunities through partnerships

Meet Latin Alumni Network co-chair Iveth Reynolds ’12S (MBA)

Iveth Reynolds ’12S (MBA)

Tell us about your time as a student.

I loved my time as a student of the Executive MBA (EMBA) Program at Simon. Our time was tight, but the staff made sure we had enough fun events outside of class to keep us going. Two of my favorite memories were a trip to Switzerland to visit our sister EMBA program and a project where we worked collaboratively with University leaders to come up with new ideas for the program. I remember Dean Zupan always being accessible and introducing me personally to leaders across the world that helped with our project.

How did your experience at the University of Rochester influence your life?

The Executive MBA challenged me not just academically, but personally. Sometimes to grow you have to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things and ideas. This program certainly did that for me and I am now more confident and strategic in my decision-making.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I was very involved with my community prior to attending the EMBA program. I was a founding board member of Latinas Unidas and chair of the ¡Soy Unica! ¡Soy Latina! Rally. This event focuses on building self-esteem in young girls, and I had created and introduced a workshop around career planning for high school students. At the workshop, in a room of 30 girls, only two aspired to go to college. I knew I needed to reach out to Dean Burdick at the University of Rochester to help show these young women the endless possibilities for their futures. We met to discuss a location for The Rally, barely 5 minutes into my presentation, he offered to host us for the next 8 years! I have seen the impact the University can make and want to be part of the changes that need to take place to help the University stay in pace with our changing community.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

I am currently on the Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) and have seen the impact of our work.  I could not be more proud of the progress. There is still a lot of work to be done but seeing the progress keeps me connected.

What are you looking forward to next?

I’m looking forward to and honored to be a founding co-chair of the Latin Alumni Network. I love the work we do and hope to continue to volunteer more.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

Attend an event and meet other alumni volunteers! Make sure to ask them about all the projects and events happening; we often don’t realize how much the University has going on until we ask.