Taylor Martin

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“An Authentic and resilient leader, navigating life on my terms with empathy and courage.”

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Fun Fact About Yourself: While studying abroad in the middle east, I had the opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea. What’s interesting is that, since the sea is drying up, the ground leading up to the water is nothing but salt. One of the coolest experiences!

Undergraduate School and Major: The University of Texas at San Antonio, B.B.A. – Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Fairview Capital, Fund Investor

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? The pathway offerings were a key aspect of Kellogg’s curriculum that led to my decision. In addition to choosing a major for your MBA, Kellogg allows you the option to select a pathway; some pathways include AI and Analytics, Sustainability, Healthcare, and others. I’m looking forward to exploring the AI and Analytics pathway. Having the opportunity to customize my degree in a specific discipline will allow me to develop unique skills and competencies to be a dynamic leader. After receiving admission into the Kellogg Advanced Private Equity Experience program (APEX), I was also drawn to the program. APEX is an opportunity provided to students who have led careers in private equity before attending Kellogg and who plan to stay in the industry post-grad.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? I was very excited to move to Chicago to attend Kellogg. It’s a vibrant city and well-known for being a hub for innovation. There are vast professional opportunities within various industries and sectors, and a strong young professional demographic enriches the community. These aspects make networking in Chicago unparalleled. You will definitely find a community no matter what profession you’re interested in.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much fun the city is! There are so many different restaurants, museums, and activities that you can participate in. I’m personally looking forward to getting involved in the music scene when I’m not studying. Overall, Chicago provides a well-rounded professional and social experience for aspiring leaders.

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 empathy and optimism to Kellogg’s team-driven culture. As a teammate, I ensure that each person’s ideas are thoughtfully considered and that we maintain a positive and focused approach throughout any endeavor we’re working on. Empathy allows me to understand and value diverse perspectives, to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated. Optimism helps to keep the team motivated and resilient, even in the face of challenges. I firmly believe that a successful team thrives when its members are enthusiastic about working together and are committed to achieving shared goals. I look forward to collaborating with my classmates during the school year!

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I am excited to participate in an activity known as KWEST (Kellogg Worldwide Exploration Student Trips) before the start of the semester. This is an opportunity for incoming students to spend a week abroad or domestic with the option to choose from multiple different countries. One of the key elements of the trip is that you cannot tell your classmates where you’re from or what your occupation was pre-MBA until a few days into the trip. I think the concept of this activity is so cool. I will be attending Thailand for my KWEST trip and I am excited to build bonds and explore the country with my classmates.

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. My first impression of students and alumni I’ve met so far have been down-to-earth and ambitious. During my decision-making process, I was able to have a coffee chat with current faculty and lunch with a few incoming and current students during the spring. Although I was impressed by their backgrounds and experiences, I was just as impressed by their approachability and kindness.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As a fund investor at Fairview Capital, I have had the privilege of supporting the deal-making processes of some of the highest-quality emerging and tenured private equity and venture capital fund managers in the industry. During my tenure, alongside the Partners at the Firm, I’ve supported diligence that resulted in approximately $200 million allocated to diverse and emerging managers across the Firm’s $10.8 billion platform. In addition, I have built many relationships with industry stakeholders and fund managers, providing me with even more knowledge and meaningful connections.

Lastly, I have been able to support the next generation of leaders at the Firm by supporting and uplifting junior talent, including the firm’s current analysts and interns.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? My MBA experience will be successful by building genuine friendships with my classmates, completing at least three international travel experiences, and leaving a lasting contribution or legacy at Kellogg.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Rice University, The University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School, and The University of Texas at Austin

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? My advice is to not shy away from personality and vulnerability in your application. From my experience so far, Kellogg is people-centered and it would be in your best interest to show your well-roundedness as a candidate. Additionally, be thoughtful about what you want to gain from the program as well as what you are looking to contribute to it. What I’ve learned about Kellogg is that there is tremendous support for innovation and ideas from students. Having clarity on what you are looking to contribute will be a key aspect to success.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG’S MBA CLASS OF 2026