Felipe Reyna

University of Washington, Foster School of Business

“Driven first-gen Mexican-American adeptly navigating higher education complexities while cultivating enduring friendships.”

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m passionate about staying active and competitive.  Not only have I recently completed two BP MS150 road bike events – a grueling 150-mile ride from Houston to Austin – but I’ve also conquered my second Tough Mudder event, a 13-mile run through muddy terrain filled with challenging obstacles.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Texas at Austin – Electrical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  Employer: HMS Networks – Role: Strategic Account Manager

What makes Seattle such a great place to earn an MBA? My decision to come pursue my MBA at the Foster School of Business was the best decision for me.  Beyond the charm of Seattle everyone knows of, with its breathtaking outdoor scenery and dynamic population, the city stands as a pivotal hub for technological innovation.  The Foster School’s robust connections with tech giants – Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, and Accenture – have opened doors for me to effortlessly network with professionals from these companies, allowing me to understand their operations and roles.  This is instrumental as I shape myself into the best version of a future MBA leader.

Aside from your location and classmates, what was the key part of Washington Foster’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The pivotal factor in my decision to attend Washington Foster’s MBA program was the school’s commitment to maintaining an intimate cohort size, typically around 100 students. This smaller class size promised a closer, more personal interaction with professors and the opportunity to truly get to know my peers. I found this incredibly appealing for my business education journey. Additionally, the Foster School of Business offers attractive Applied Strategy projects that allow students to engage directly with major firms on consulting-type projects. This hands-on approach not only enhances the learning experience, but also significantly boosts exposure to industry-leading companies. This year, for example, I had the invaluable opportunity to work on a project with Microsoft, which proved to be exceptionally rewarding and a testament to the unique educational approach Foster adopts. These aspects were crucial in my choice of business school, as they align perfectly with my aspirations to deepen my practical business insights and foster meaningful professional relationships.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Foster? During my time in the Washington Foster MBA program, I’ve immersed myself deeply, engaging in a variety of roles and clubs that span from educational and career enhancement to personal investment. Among these, the Global Business Association (GBA) has been the highlight of my experience. Additionally, as the first-year representative for diversity, I’ve had the unique opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and bring richer, more inclusive perspective to our cohort, which aligns seamlessly with GBA’s objectives.

The GBA, as the sole MBA student club dedicated exclusively to global business matters, has played a pivotal role in broadening my understanding of international business landscapes.  The club’s focus on dissecting cross-border and cross-cultural business challenges has been instrumental in shaping my global business acumen. Through organizing and participating in multicultural events, I’ve not only contributed to enhancing the cultural diversity within our cohort but also deepened the collective comprehension of global business dynamics.

Washington Foster operates off a philosophy of We>Me. Give us an example of how you’ve seen that among your classmates so far. The “We>Me” philosophy resonates deeply within the Washington Foster community, and I have witnessed its embodiment among my classmates in numerous ways. A prime example of this collective philosophy is the inherent desire among my cohort members to support each other. This spirit of collaboration was evident from the beginning of our MBA journey, with classmates extending help in navigating the complexities of securing housing in a new city to reaching out and wanting to meet each other. This supportive network extends into our academic lives as well; whether it’s preparing for exams or understanding challenging assignments, there has always been a willing hand extended to aid in comprehension and preparation.

In this program, I have never felt isolated; there is a consistent and comforting presence of camaraderie and mutual support. This environment has been exceptionally rewarding for someone like me, who values collaboration and community. The “We>Me” philosophy doesn’t just signify collective success over individual achievements; it defines the nurturing and inclusive culture of Foster, where everyone is committed to the collective well-being and success of the group. This approach has fostered a tight-knit community, encouraging all of us to strive not just for personal success, but for the success of all our peers.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant career achievement to date has been securing a place in a top 20 MBA program, which has provided me with an unparalleled platform to network with individuals from leading technology companies. Coming from a business development background as a Strategic Account Manager, I have had the privilege of connecting with many industry leaders, engaging in meaningful and insightful conversations.

This opportunity to network, particularly through special events, and interview with top consulting and tech firms has marked a pinnacle in my professional journey. The exposure and insights gained through these experiences have not only broadened my understanding of the business landscape, but have also significantly enriched my career. This transition from a focused role in business development to a broad, insightful exploration in a top-tier MBA setting represents the culmination of my efforts and achievements thus far. It has set a new benchmark for my professional development.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: My most notable achievement in the MBA program thus far has been earning the nomination for VP of Diversity for my class as a second-year representative. This role is particularly significant to me as it enables me to actively contribute to important diversity initiatives within our community. My aim is to not only address and enhance diversity efforts, but also to foster a close-knit community where every member feels valued and included. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the school’s culture, ensuring that it reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences. I view this accomplishment not just as a personal milestone, but as a platform to advocate for inclusivity and to bring about meaningful change within the program.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA student so far has been the Foster School of Business TG (Thank Goodness) events. Once a month, the students come together to celebrate the end of the week with a large party. These events offer a precious opportunity to decompress and network with one another outside the rigorous academic setting.

Attending these TG events has been an absolute highlight for me. They provide a vibrant platform where I can connect with my classmates on a more personal level, beyond the day-to-day grind of classes. It is in these relaxed, joyful gatherings that I’ve been able to form deeper bonds and create lasting memories with my peers. The sense of community and camaraderie that these events foster is truly special and embodies the spirit of the MBA experience at Foster.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON FOSTER’S MBA CLASS OF 2025