Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Lee Ana Hess, Notre Dame (Mendoza) by: Jeff Schmitt on July 23, 2024 | 129 Views July 23, 2024 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Lee Ana Hess Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame “Energetic and community-focused student dedicated to making a difference through ethical leadership, service, and sustainable business practices.” Hometown: Rochester, New York Fun Fact About Yourself: Every year as a child, I spent all summer breaks in Bogotá, Colombia. Undergraduate School and Major: Roberts Wesleyan University, International Business, and Hispanic Literature Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Empire Justice Center, CASH Volunteer Program 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 considering Notre Dame, the first things that come to mind are a strong commitment to academic excellence, a rich tradition rooted in values, and a community fostering personal and professional growth. My early impressions of Notre Dame were shaped by its reputation for producing well-rounded and principled leaders, and my experiences with the Mendoza program have reinforced and deepened these impressions. 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? The Meyer Business on the Frontlines Program played a role in my decision to join the Mendoza MBA program, showcasing the school’s commitment to creating a positive impact on a global scale. While the overall curriculum was impressive, the prospect of participating in the optional Business on the Frontlines class truly set Mendoza apart for me. What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? One of the most enjoyable and challenging experiences I’ve had at Mendoza thus far is my involvement in the Women’s Boxing Club, Baraka Bouts. This club has given me a unique Notre Dame experience beyond traditional coursework. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant accomplishment in my career thus far has been the substantial growth and enhancement of the internship program during my time as the Volunteer Program Manager at CASH (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) in Rochester, New York. The growth of the internship program increased the program’s capacity and efficiency and contributed significantly to the community by providing valuable tax-related services and cost savings. Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Receiving the Tender Leader Award was a significant and humbling achievement that reflects my efforts and the collective spirit of care and compassion within the MBA program. It inspires me to continue leading with tenderness, seeking opportunities for positive impact, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for my peers. 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 leverage business as a force for positive change, contributing to the good’s growth in local and global communities. I aspire to lead purposefully, integrating ethical considerations, social responsibility, and sustainable practices into business strategies. Mendoza’s purpose-driven MBA program has empowered me to fulfill my mission by instilling ethical responsibility, cultivating a holistic business perspective, offering transformative experiential learning, and promoting community engagement as essential elements of responsible and impactful business practices. Through these avenues, Mendoza has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to be a purpose-driven leader and cultivated a community that shares a collective commitment to growing the good in business. What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Apart from football games, one of my fondest MBA memories is the grand Mendoza Diwali celebration organized by my friends. From a lively dance performance to an engaging trivia game, it culminated in a feast of delicious Indian food. Witnessing their dedication and efforts unfold into a joyous cultural celebration was heartwarming. I felt blessed to be part of this vibrant and united community. DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2025