Student Profiles

Gabriela Peña

Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico
Anticipated graduation year: 2025
Degree: BS in business: marketing track and BA in international relations

Why did you choose the University of Rochester?

There were two key factors that led me to choose the University of Rochester as my educational institution of choice. Firstly, it was the groundbreaking curriculum offered by the university that caught my attention. The University of Rochester has a reputation for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world applications of knowledge. The university's commitment to providing cutting-edge academic programs and opportunities for experiential learning was a major draw for me, as I was eager to challenge myself academically and explore my interests across different fields. Secondly, the sense of community at the University of Rochester was truly inspiring. From the moment I set foot on campus, I could feel the warmth and support of the university's community. Faculty, staff, and fellow students were all genuinely interested in helping me grow as an individual and succeed academically. The university fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to engage in meaningful discussions, participate in research projects, and pursue their passions. The strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support among students and faculty was something that I was looking for in a university, and I found it at the University of Rochester.

Why did you choose to major in business?

I chose to major in business because of my passion for the fast-paced industry and my desire to put my problem-solving skills into practice. I have always been fascinated by the dynamic nature of the business world and the opportunities it presents for innovation and growth. I believe that pursuing a business major will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate this dynamic environment and make a meaningful impact. Moreover, as a personable individual, I aspire to inspire others and be a representative of the Latino community. I believe that pursuing a business major will provide me with the platform to make a positive impact and serve as a role model for fellow Latinos who aspire to succeed in the business world. I am motivated to contribute to the representation of the Latino community in the business field and to help break barriers and create more opportunities for underrepresented groups. Additionally, as a Girls Who Invest Scholar, I am passionate about promoting gender diversity in the investment management industry specifically. I believe that by majoring in business, I can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the investment management field and contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive industry. I am committed to advocating for gender diversity, promoting inclusivity, and being a catalyst for positive change in the business and investment management fields.

What has been your favorite undergraduate business course and why?

My favorite undergraduate business course has been Principles of Economics. This course provided me with a solid foundation in economic concepts and the economic way of thinking, which has been invaluable in understanding how businesses and economy’s function. One of the aspects I enjoyed the most about this course was learning about different economic theories and models that explain how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions and interact in the marketplace. It was fascinating to apply economic principles to real-world scenarios, such as analyzing supply and demand dynamics, understanding market failures, and exploring the role of government in regulating markets. Moreover, Principles of Economics exposed me to various economic perspectives and helped me develop a critical mindset when evaluating different economic policies and their potential impacts. This course encouraged me to think critically, analyze data, and make informed decisions based on economic principles. Professor Rizzo was also engaging and passionate about the subject matter, which made the course even more enjoyable. The class discussions and debates on economic topics were stimulating and encouraged me to think critically and develop my own perspectives on economic issues.

What are your activities outside of class?

Outside of class, I am actively involved in several extracurricular activities on campus. I am a member of the Puerto Rican Student Organization (PRSO), where I participate in events and initiatives that promote Puerto Rican culture, raise awareness about social issues affecting the Puerto Rican community, and provide support and resources to fellow Puerto Rican students on campus. Being part of PRSO has allowed me to connect with fellow students who share a similar cultural background and has provided me with opportunities to contribute to the campus community through cultural education and advocacy. I am also a member of the Committee for Political Engagement (CPE), which is focused on promoting civic engagement and political awareness among students on campus. As a member of CPE, I participate in organizing and facilitating events such as voter registration drives, candidate forums, and discussions on relevant political issues. CPE has allowed me to actively engage in the democratic process and contribute to fostering a politically engaged campus community. Additionally, I am part of the Medallion Program, which is a leadership development program that offers workshops, seminars, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a participant in the Medallion Program, I engage in activities such as leadership training, community service, and reflection on personal values and goals. The Medallion Program has provided me with valuable leadership skills, networking opportunities, and a supportive community of fellow student leaders. Participating in these extracurricular activities has allowed me to develop leadership skills, broaden my horizons, and make a positive impact on campus. These activities have not only complemented my academic pursuits but have also enriched my overall college experience by providing me with opportunities to engage with my community, pursue my interests, and grow personally and professionally.

Have you completed any internships?

Yes, I have completed two internships. During my first year, I worked as an intern with La Fortaleza at Puerto Rico's Infrastructure Financial Authority. In this role, I worked closely with the project management team, assisting with various tasks related to infrastructure projects in Puerto Rico. This internship provided me with hands-on experience in project management, financial analysis, and government operations, and allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world projects. I am currently part of the Girls Who Invest program and will be interning with Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management Division. This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in the wealth management industry, working with clients to manage their investments and financial goals. I am excited about the hands-on experience and learning opportunities that this internship will provide, and I am eager to further develop my skills in wealth management through this internship experience. Both of these internships have been valuable opportunities for me to gain practical experience, apply my classroom knowledge, and further explore my interests in finance and investments. They have provided me with insights into the business world, allowed me to network with professionals in my field, and helped me further clarify my career goals. I am grateful for these internship experiences, as they have been instrumental in my professional development and preparation for my future career.

What are your career goals?

My career goals are centered around my passion for finance and investments, as well as my desire to make a positive impact on my community and give back to my country of Puerto Rico. Ultimately, I aspire to become a venture capitalist, utilizing my financial knowledge, problem-solving skills, and business acumen to identify and invest in innovative start-ups and early-stage companies with high growth potential. I am particularly interested in supporting ventures that align with my values, such as those focused on social impact, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. I believe that venture capital can be a powerful tool for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and creating positive social change. In addition to my career in venture capital, I also have a strong desire to give back to my country of Puerto Rico. As a proud Puerto Rican, I am committed to contributing to the economic development and well-being of the island. I am passionate about supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, entrepreneurship, and social impact in Puerto Rico, and I aspire to play an active role in these efforts throughout my career. Overall, my career goals are driven by my passion for finance, my aspiration to become a venture capitalist, and my commitment to making a positive impact on my community and my country. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and eager to continue working towards achieving my career goals while contributing to the betterment of society.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

Simon Business School's Collaboration Space

What is your favorite Rochester restaurant?

Black and Blue

What is one piece of advice you would tell your past self the summer before starting at UR?

I would say: "Believe in yourself and always pay attention to deadlines."