Yumi Daniela Rivas Quintero

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“Caring leader and problem-solver dedicated to creating positive global impact through technology and innovation.”

Hometown: Weston, Florida

Fun Fact About Yourself: As a child, I dabbled in acting. No Oscar nominations here, but my family and I are in some stock photos, I presented “Lights, Camera, Action” on Univision for a news segment, and we were featured on a home improvement show on the Discovery Channel.

Undergraduate School and Major: Georgia Institute of Technology (Industrial & Systems Engineering)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Strategy Consultant at Accenture

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I was drawn to Kellogg by the Kellogg Future Leaders (KFL) program, a deferred enrollment program that allows college seniors to reserve a spot in the MBA program before graduating. This program gave me an opportunity to start integrating into the Kellogg community before officially beginning my studies.

Additionally, Kellogg’s flexible schedule is particularly appealing to me as it allows me to focus on the electives that I am passionate about, specifically in entrepreneurship. My family and I immigrated to the United States from Venezuela, and seeing how starting a business enabled us to succeed here inspired me to pursue the same path. Kellogg offers an entrepreneurship pathway with classes designed to prepare you for starting a business from the ground up. For example, the New Venture Series provides the opportunity to identify a problem, develop a solution, and launch a business. This program will equip me with the skills necessary to become an entrepreneur, even during my time at Kellogg.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Although I have no ties to the Midwest, I’ve loved being close to Chicago. The city offers endless activities—my classmates and I have already rented a boat for a day on the lake, attended a Cubs game, and enjoyed a music festival. Additionally, being in a major city like Chicago provides numerous professional opportunities, including part-time internships and junior board positions.

Kellogg is known for a team-driven culture. What quality do you bring as a teammate and why will it be so important to the success of MBA class? I bring inclusivity and positivity to every group I’m part of. The Kellogg class is exceptionally diverse, making team projects immensely rewarding. You have the opportunity to learn from peers with various backgrounds, each contributing a unique perspective. I strive to create a collaborative environment where every team member feels comfortable sharing their views and feels a sense of belonging. Additionally, I maintain a positive attitude, even when assignments are challenging and deadlines are tight. This approach not only helps to meet our goals but also ensures a supportive and dynamic team atmosphere.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I am most excited about participating in the Kellogg Board Scholars program. This program allows students to serve as board members for a nonprofit partner while taking board governance courses at Kellogg. As part of the program, students will complete a strategic project to advance the nonprofit’s work. This experience will prepare me to operate as a leader in the social sector by connecting me with like-minded individuals and providing insights into best practices in social impact. The relationships I cultivate through this program will be invaluable for my future board roles, and the knowledge gained will enhance my ability to drive meaningful change in the social sector.

What has been your first impression of the Kellogg MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kellogg story so far. Kellogg MBA students and alumni are genuine and authentic. For a class assignment, I needed to interview a senior executive and decided to cold email five Kellogg alumni. Impressively, four out of the five responded to my message. This exemplifies the strong spirit of paying it forward that is deeply ingrained in the Kellogg community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment was developing a program that helped hundreds of companies across various industries advance their societal goals, including equitable human rights and labor practices, environmental sustainability, and anti-corruption measures. This experience allowed me to personally witness and contribute to the reality that corporations can be both profitable and responsible.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? I would consider my MBA experience at Kellogg to be truly successful if I achieve two key goals: building a lasting network and launching a business. I aim to cultivate connections that I can rely on and collaborate with even 20 years down the line. The relationships formed during my time at Kellogg, with both peers and alumni, will serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and opportunities throughout my career. Additionally, one of my primary aspirations is to leverage the resources and collaborative environment at Kellogg to turn my entrepreneurial vision into reality. Achieving these goals will set the stage for long-term success and fulfillment in my career.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business, University of Chicago Booth School of Business

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? I encourage potential applicants to connect with current students and recent alumni to learn about the opportunities that Kellogg offers. With a diverse array of courses and extracurricular activities available, there is something for everyone to get involved in. Engaging with Kellogg students and alumni can provide valuable insights into these opportunities, help you discover your passions, and prepare you to hit the ground running when you start your MBA journey. For undergraduate students already committed to pursuing an MBA, consider applying through KFL. This approach not only secures your admission in advance but also provides early access to Kellogg’s resources.

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