Gabriela Yurrita

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“I am enthusiastic, hardworking, and passionate. I really enjoy teamwork and aspire to be a great leader.”

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Fun Fact About Yourself: My husband is also part of the 2024 Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business MBA class!

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Francisco Marroquín (Guatemala City) Business Administration with a Specialization in Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Plecto Latinoamérica (Latin American partner for Danish Saas data visualization platform, Plecto) Project Manager

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I think about Notre Dame, I think about community. Notre Dame’s community was one of the main reasons why I chose this program, and hearing about it does not even compare to being a part of it. I am surrounded by people who are not only seeking to build a better future for themselves, but they are seeking to contribute to a greater good. Being at Notre Dame is being surrounded by people who are always willing to give you a hand, to teach you, advise you and who want to see you succeed.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Aside from the amazing community that I knew Notre Dame had, I really liked that the program was small. I knew I was going to be able to build stronger relationships and get to know everyone in my class well. Another key part was Notre Dame’s philosophy of growing the good in business, and their focus on developing values-based leaders. It was important for me to be surrounded by incredibly talented people, who have a good foundation of values.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? The activity that I have enjoyed the most was Leadership Launch during orientation. I enjoyed the week-long sessions where I was getting to deeply know my new classmates – where they came from and how their experiences had shaped them and brought them to where they are today. Also, it was a week of getting to know myself, my leadership style, and beginning to understand how to become a better and great leader.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest personal accomplishment so far as an MBA student has been getting out of my comfort zone and feeling comfortable with networking. Before I started the program, and as an international student, I was very nervous about networking and trying to establish relationships with such talented people. However, Notre Dame has given me many resources to overcome this fear and learn how to do it better. I can now say I feel comfortable networking and actually enjoy it because it is all about establishing meaningful relationships!

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? My mission is to be an inspiring leader, especially for young women who have big goals and dreams. I want to create a positive impact on everyone who surrounds me in my personal and professional life, and contribute to a good greater than myself. Notre Dame is helping me develop the skill set necessary to become the leader that I want to become.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? I have collected so many amazing memories at Notre Dame in these few months that it is so hard for me to choose the best one. I might have to pick the first football home game that I attended; standing in the stadium and just soaking it all in, the band, the excitement, and the amazing feeling of being a part of this community.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Mendoza MBA program? My advice would be that, other than showing the skills that you have learned and how talented you are, be sure to show that you are a team player. Show that you want to come to this program to learn from others as well as to teach others, and that you are excited about obtaining not only professional growth but also personal growth. Show that you have a purpose that is bigger than yourself.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2024