Cristina García Abedrabbo

Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

“Fluent in Spanglish, promoter of the art of handwritten notes, first on the dance floor.”

Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Fun Fact About Yourself: I take pride in being a dog mom to Theo, my beloved eleven-year-old black Labrador Retriever, who has been my faithful companion since he was three months old.

Undergraduate School and Major: Rice University; Major: Psychology, Minor: Business.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Import/Export and Commercial Development Manager for Grupo AyR, a Honduran-based agribusiness group specialized in the production, processing, and manufacturing of non-traditional agricultural products for export to the US, Canada, and Europe.

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? For me, Notre Dame has always embodied rich tradition, academic prowess, strong alumni network, and, of course, the iconic Fighting Irish spirit. These impressions have been further solidified during my time in the Mendoza MBA program, where the unwavering commitment to excellence, values-driven education, and sense of community mirror the core ethos of Notre Dame. During “Becoming Irish,” our program’s emblematic orientation week, I encountered a quote attributed to Coach Lou Holtz: “You don’t go to Notre Dame to learn something. You go to Notre Dame to be somebody.” Now, a semester into my MBA program, I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments. Notre Dame and Mendoza both serve as transformative platforms, shaping individuals into tender, strong and true leaders to be a force for good in business and beyond.

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? I was very intentional in choosing an MBA program that not only aligns with my professional aspirations but also resonates with my personal values and offers a holistic approach to leadership development. Mendoza stands out by providing its students with a comprehensive exploration of global business challenges through immersive international and domestic learning experiences. I am eager to embrace these opportunities for growth and excited to apply the knowledge acquired in class to find action-oriented solutions that contribute positively to the sustainable economic growth of our partner organizations in both the US and abroad.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? My academic journey at Mendoza has been complemented by my role as a Student Startup Coach at the Innovation, De-Risking and Enterprise Acceleration (IDEA) Center – a fundamental resource for all commercialization and entrepreneurial initiatives at the University of Notre Dame. Throughout the semester, I provided guidance to over a dozen of Notre Dame student entrepreneurs, supporting them in navigating the early stages of venture development. From problem-validation and investor-focused deck creation to prototyping and market entry, I had the privilege of mentoring these emerging innovators. This experience has not only enriched my professional development but has also allowed me to actively engage with the university’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that extends beyond Mendoza.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant achievement in my career to date has been successfully transitioning from a corporate communications role to a commercial development position within a different industry. This pivot required a strategic shift in skills and a keen ability to adapt to new challenges, underscoring my versatility and determination to explore new professional avenues. In this role, I led the restructuring of import-export activities in two agro-industrial free-trade zones, achieving efficiency gains and financial savings; established and managed relationships with key stakeholders, surpassing the export goal; directed the integration of a new product line, contributing to an important revenue increase; and spearheaded international third-party auditing processes, securing certifications for food safety, quality management, and organic production.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? The transition from the professional realm back to the academic environment presented a notable challenge. However, it has undoubtedly proven to be a necessary pause for reflection and consideration of my future career trajectory. Despite initial apprehension about returning to school, the experience at Mendoza and Notre Dame has surpassed my expectations. During my first semester, I not only excelled academically, but also learned to trust my training and discover new interests. When deciding on a major, Dr. Robert Battalio, my professor, played a pivotal role. Encouraging me to consider majoring in finance based on my performance in his class, his confidence in me became a catalyst, helping me overcome apprehensions about my own capabilities. The guidance of my professors, including Dr. Battalio, has been instrumental in making this academic journey not just successful but profoundly enriching on a personal level.

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? In my brief but impactful semester at Mendoza, the program’s commitment to growing the good in business has already profoundly shaped my mission to evolve into a more tender-strong-true leader. The emphasis on introspection, values alignment, and a growth mindset has laid a solid foundation for my journey. Coupled with the support network of my classmates, faculty, staff, and alumni, this has been an invaluable guiding force in realizing my full potential. While I have yet to experience more of what Mendoza has to offer, the inclusive and nurturing environment assures me that I will gain the necessary experiences and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others and the community at large.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? The most cherished memories of my MBA experience thus far center around the spirited atmosphere of the legendary Notre Dame football games. Filled with eager anticipation to rally behind our team, we gather at the MBA tailgate before walking together to the stadium. There, as a united class, we stand in the bleachers, our collective cheers echoing the spirited chant, “Go Irish!”

In instances where home games were not on the agenda, our cohort organized gatherings to support the Fighting Irish. One unforgettable memory stands out – a classmate and his gracious wife generously opened their doors to host a watch party. The day unfolded amidst the backdrop of a fine Midwestern autumn afternoon, with each classmate bringing in a delicious dish made by them, creating a vibrant potluck that reflected the diverse culinary talents within our group. The shared joy of watching the game seamlessly blended with a spirited cornhole tournament, culminating in the warm glow of a bonfire as night fell.

These moments have transformed us from mere classmates into a tightly-knit family. Beyond the excitement of the game itself, these gatherings symbolize a deeper connection — one that transcends the ordinary. These shared experiences have not only fostered a profound sense of belonging and unity within our group, but also elevated our collective MBA journey into a meaningful and unforgettable chapter in our lives.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2025