Mireya Iglesias Ayala

Harvard Business School

“A first-generation Mexican-American whose unique worldview was shaped by growing up near the U.S.-Mexico border.”

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Fun Fact About Yourself: In 2022 I founded Envisions Project (EP), which aimed to support high-achieving, first-generation low-income (FGLI) students, particularly those leaving their home state for college, by providing financial support and a 12-month professional mentorship program. This initiative is a direct reflection of my experience leaving Arizona in 2015 to pursue my higher education goals. Envisions Project is an effort to pay it forward to the community that helped me create and seize the opportunities that have led me to where I am today.

Undergraduate School and Major:

Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business

Double Major: Marketing and International Business

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: PepsiCo, Senior Marketing Analyst

Tell us your best Harvard Business School story so far: My best HBS story thus far is serving as one of the presenters for the Women Student Association (WSA) marketing review session. This tradition started 60 years ago, when HBS admitted women into the MBA Program. Every semester the Required Curriculum class nominates women from their section to lead the final exam review sessions across our five fall semester courses. It was truly an honor and a privilege to continue this WSA tradition and elevate women in business—particularly to do so in the beautiful Klarman Hall. Thank you to my classmates for entrusting me with this responsibility and to the best section mates for the nomination!

What makes the case method so effective to learn how to become a better manager? The case method is truly magical. I believe that as future managers we are inclined to always have the answer and are not necessarily trained to uncover our biases through the undervalued skill of listening. The case method places a premium on the value and skill of listening, fostering an environment in which aspiring managers learn to discern key insights from diverse viewpoints. This emphasis on effective listening not only enhances communication skills, but also cultivates a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in managerial decision-making. That makes it an invaluable tool for becoming a more adept and well-rounded manager.

Additionally, I believe the case method makes you a better manager as it serves as a powerful tool for recognizing and mitigating managerial biases. Through various cases, we learn to critically evaluate our own preconceptions and inherent biases, fostering self-awareness. We develop this self-awareness by considering alternative viewpoints in the ongoing discussion and learning to appreciate the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key part of Harvard Business School’s MBA Program that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? The tangible commitment to leadership was what led me to pick HBS. Harvard’s emphasis on leadership development aligns seamlessly with my personal values and aspirations.

Growing up an hour north of the U.S.-Mexico border shaped my views of the world as a first-generation Mexican American. Being a native Spanish speaker had its own set of challenges; I was deemed an “underperforming” student and treated as an “other,” regardless of my merits. Reflecting upon this early obstacle, I understood the need for agency, especially for underrepresented communities. Ultimately, my upbringing shaped me to carry a strong sense of commitment to others and to seek the change I want to see in the world—to lead with purpose, empathy, and resilience. This sense of purpose through leadership drives both my professional and personal endeavors.

Therefore, Harvard’s focus on leadership, which is not only effective but also ethically grounded and socially responsible, is of paramount importance to me. After speaking with various HBS community members, I got a taste of the HBS holistic approach to leadership development. Leadership is embedded into each case, and reflected in student club leaders, administration, phenomenal professors, and even in the alumni who come back to host leadership workshops for current students. This was key for me because I wanted to be in a place where I could grow alongside other leaders navigating the complexities of the modern world and contribute meaningfully to society.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Harvard Business School? I am thrilled for the FIELD Global Immersion experience next spring! As an international business undergraduate major, I cannot wait to marry this passion with the skills we have acquired at HBS to help an international company with their most pressing business problems. I look forward to experiencing and acting on the intersectionality of cultural intelligence and business across diverse cultures and environments.

When you think of Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Intentionality. The program is meticulously designed to foster growth by challenging individuals in all facets, encouraging a purposeful and deliberate approach to one’s education and personal development. The emphasis on intentionality ensures that every aspect of the HBS experience is curated to maximize learning, growth, and success. This is seen in the section experience, the cold call method, the encouraged debate in class, our Flag Day traditions, and continuous moments of reflection embedded in our calendars. This word encapsulates the purposeful and thoughtful nature of the HBS experience, where each element is crafted to contribute to the holistic development of aspiring leaders.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of the most significant achievements in my career has been leading innovation initiatives at Pepsi as a brand marketer, where I managed cross-functional collaboration across R&D, supply chain, and sales for nationwide initiatives. Out of the many tasty Pepsi flavors, my favorite was the launch of the iconic Pepsi x Peeps (or as the internet coined it, “Peepsi”) and the introduction of the zero-sugar version of Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop. My experience at Pepsi equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of product development, market dynamics, go-to-market strategies, and the importance of effective leadership in driving successful initiatives. My ability to extrapolate consumer marketing insights, collaborate with diverse teams, and drive positive business outcomes has been a direct result of the experiences and accomplishments gained in my Pepsi innovation role, enriching my contributions to the dynamic learning environment at Harvard Business School.

What do you plan to do after graduation? Post-graduation I aim to pivot into strategy consulting at a top firm to sharpen my analytical proficiency and deepen my industry knowledge as a generalist. Upon reflecting on my experiences within PepsiCo, I discovered my affinity for solving critical business problems across different functions and verticals. Consulting offers me the opportunity to further this aspiration through high-impact projects with a high degree of people contacts while leveraging my unique and transferable marketing skills.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA Program? The best advice I can provide is to prioritize intentionality and self-awareness throughout the application journey. Approach each step purposefully, allocating your time, energy, and focus accordingly. Whether it is studying for standardized tests, cultivating professional relationships, or reflecting on your aspirations, be intentional in every decision; never make hasty choices.

Maintain a keen self-awareness of your long-term objectives. Clearly define your career and personal goals, and let these aspirations guide your essay, your interviews, and your final school of choice. Understand that the pursuit of higher education is a unique opportunity with lasting implications. Embrace the privilege of having access to resources for education and leverage this experience to align with your broader life ambitions; do not think short term.

Being intentional and self-aware allows you to make informed decisions, set realistic expectations, and maximize your efforts effectively. Regularly assess your progress, adjust strategies as needed, and stay focused on the intentional path you have set for yourself. By integrating intentionality and self-awareness into your application journey, you not only enhance your authenticity (which HBS values), but also lay a strong foundation for achieving your long-term goals with purpose (a key skill of an HBS leader).

The rest will take care of itself.

DON’T MISS: MEET HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2025

 

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