Denisse Rebolledo

New York University, Stern School of Business

“Mission-driven cross-cultural professional determined to have an impact through a career in finance.”

Hometown: Panama City, Panama

Fun Fact About Yourself: I went to China when I was 13 years old to study Mandarin. Since then, I have taken every opportunity to go abroad and learn different languages.

Undergraduate School and Major: Northeastern University, Boston. I majored in International Business and Finance with minors in Economics and Chinese.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), Consultant

What excites you the most about living in New York City and how do you see it enhancing your learning experience?  New York City is an incredibly dynamic city, offering endless professional opportunities. The access to some of the world’s most ambitious professionals and leading companies is unparalleled. I am eager to meet purposeful and driven people and build long-lasting relationships. Moreover, its cultural diversity is inspiring, and I am sure it will play a fundamental role in my personal growth. I lived in New York City five years ago and couldn’t wait to come back.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of NYU Stern’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Besides Stern’s diverse and robust community, its finance-focused curriculum and extracurricular activities were key reasons why I chose its MBA program. I loved the ability to learn from world-renowned faculty while having access to extracurricular activities that allow me to put classroom skills into practice and collaborate with like-minded classmates, such as the NYU Impact Investment Fund. These benefits further solidified Stern as the ideal program for honing my financial skills and making a meaningful impact.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at NYU Stern? I am very excited to join Stern’s EmpowHER cohort. I applied in the spring and was lucky to be selected to join. The EmpowHER program provides complementary mentorship, networking, and workshops. I strongly identify with its mission of fostering equality for women in sustainable finance and finance. As a woman and an international student, joining the EmpowHER cohort will be key to reaching my goals and building a strong network.

What does EQ (Emotional Intelligence) mean to you and when have you seen its value in your career? To me, EQ means keeping emotions in check when facing uncertainty and pressure. In addition, demonstrating empathy towards the feelings and perspectives of others. Throughout my career I have worked in diverse team-oriented settings and possessing strong EQ has proven invaluable when dealing with challenges and when welcoming different perspectives. Lastly, having strong EQ is a crucial leadership skill as a professional aiming to do business at a global scale.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant achievement has been establishing a global career at a young age. Through internships and full-time positions, I’ve had the privilege of working in six different countries. This experience has enriched my perspective on a global scale, enhancing my ability to connect with people and thrive in fast-paced environments.

Moreover, I find great fulfillment in contributing positively to various countries through my previous roles, and I hope to continue doing so in the future. During my time with IFC, I had the opportunity to support the Central American region through investments aimed at promoting financial inclusion, climate initiatives, and other key development areas. Dedicating my career to supporting economic development has certainly been an achievement.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? By integrating my prior experience with the skills acquired during my MBA, my aspiration is to transition into the finance sector in New York.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into NYU Stern’s MBA program? I highly encourage engaging with numerous current students and alumni at various stages of their careers. Networking proves invaluable in grasping Stern’s impact, culture, and what the school seeks in candidates. Being specific about how Stern aligns with your goals will undoubtedly set you apart during the application process. Moreover, Stern’s community is exceptionally supportive, with everyone eager to lend their insights and answer questions.

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