Dalia Rais

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“Immigrant, veteran, and first-generation student interested in the intersection of quality care and affordability in health care.”

Hometown: Barranquilla, Colombia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I had a pet rooster growing up. I’d pass a soccer ball to him, and he would try to peck it to death; he was incredibly mean, but I loved him so much.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Arizona, Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Flight Chief (Senior Manager) of Healthcare Operations, Air Force Special Operations Command

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? Supportive ambition has always been a principle I’ve held near-and-dear to my heart. From playing sports from a young age to a 12-year military stint, I’ve been driven by the notion that excellence is best achieved through the power of teamwork. This core principle will guide me to push my Fuqua teammates to reach their highest potential while learning from them how I can become a better version of myself, too.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? I was particularly drawn to Fuqua’s Center for Health Sector Management (HSM). Losing my father to heart disease at a young age and serving my country as a medical professional ignited a deep passion in me for improving health care delivery on a large scale. Fuqua’s HSM program offers the comprehensive education and tools needed to drive meaningful change in the industry.

What has been your first impression of the Fuqua MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Fuqua story so far. My first impression was that Fuqua students will stop at nothing to help each other succeed in any way they can. Team Fuqua is not just a buzzword. As a first-year student, I and several peers, have been involved in early recruiting, often times for the same internship positions. We’ve shared every resource we found and helped each other prepare for interviews. While this would be counterintuitive to one’s professional goals at some programs, Fuquans genuinely want to see each other succeed, even when contending for the same roles.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? Countless people helped me navigate my transition out of the military. Among some of the most edifying support I received was from Duke Armed Forces Association (DAFA) veterans. I am so excited to join DAFA and continue paying it forward by supporting, motivating, and guiding fellow veterans, just as others did for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Completing my undergraduate degree is my proudest accomplishment. As a first-generation student, attending college was highly improbable. This achievement is even more significant because I completed it while serving on active duty. Taking one class at a time while balancing military commitments, it took me eight years to earn this (incredibly expensive) piece of paper. I even took a few finals in a tent while deployed—an experience I wouldn’t recommend! Overcoming these hurdles makes what may seem like a mundane achievement in the MBA community my proudest accomplishment yet.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? A job would be great – Haha! In all seriousness, I chose Duke because of Team Fuqua. I realized that what I valued most from my MBA experience was creating meaningful relationships—what can I say? I’m a people person, after all. The education itself is invaluable for my professional goals, but the people who will be alongside me throughout this journey will make my MBA experience whole.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Duke Fuqua’s MBA program? Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to showcase some vulnerability on your application! Our unique experiences, perspectives, and thoughts set us apart from every other person. There is no one else in the world like you. Let this shine through in your application, especially in your “25 Random Things” essay—it is, in my opinion, the only way to stand out from other applicants.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2026: THE ‘DO ANYTHING, BE ANYONE’ COHORT