Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Marilyn Alvarenga-Gaxiola, Cornell University (Johnson)

Marilyn Alvarenga-Gaxiola

Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

“An energetic person passionate about community impact, advocacy and education; arts lover and avid film enthusiast.”

Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska

Fun Fact About Yourself: While attending college full-time and working, I professionally danced modern/contemporary for five company seasons.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Alaska-Anchorage, international studies; Harvard University, master’s in education policy and analysis

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Frontier Tutoring, Executive Director

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Cornell’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Having just completed my master’s in Education Policy and Analysis from Harvard University, I knew that I wanted to attend an institution renowned for its MBA and leadership programs for my MBA. Cornell University excels in producing innovative and influential leaders, which was a critical factor in my decision. Johnson’s commitment to fostering leadership, through its leadership expeditions and immersion programs, stood out as opportunities to enhance my leadership skills above and beyond.

What excites you the most about living in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region? What excites me the most about living in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region is the opportunity to immerse myself in its natural beauty and vibrant community. Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, I have always been surrounded by stunning lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges. Although Ithaca is 4,244 miles from home, its picturesque landscapes and close-knit community remind me of Alaska in a special way. I am particularly excited about the hikes near campus and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of New York’s autumn.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Cornell? First, I was thrilled to learn about the work being done by the Hispanic American Business Leaders Association (HABLA). I’m enthusiastic about being involved with HABLA and contributing my years of executive experience in leading public and private boards. Any work I’m able to do to bring more representation and opportunities to other Hispanic women is incredibly meaningful to me, and I am committed to making a positive impact in this vital area.

Second, I love interacting with people, so I’m eager to attend Sage Socials every Thursday afternoon to engage with fellow community members, share experiences and build meaningful relationships.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Johnson was the right program for you? Why? My special recruitment moment happened at the 2022 Johnson Women in Business (JWiB) conference for prospective students. During the event, I shared a vulnerable story about why I wanted to pursue an MBA with a Johnson alumna. Initially, I feared I had made a terrible first impression. However, later that evening, she sought me out at the reception and said, “You must come to Cornell. From what you shared; I believe the support you need is here.” She shared other encouraging comments and introduced me to Eddie Asbie, executive director of admissions and scholarship. Her unwavering support completely shifted my view of the Cornell MBA program, showing me that Johnson was the perfect place for me. Now, I am eager to reach out to prospective students, share the incredible opportunities that await them and welcome them into the Big Red community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I stepped up to become the first woman and minority to lead Frontier Tutoring as executive director. Taking on this role during such a critical time, I was committed to revitalizing the organization. Facing immense financial struggles, I initiated a complete turnaround, returning staff and revenue to pre-COVID-19 levels. Given the collapse of our SAT/ACT tutoring due to new test-optional policies, I identified academic tutoring as the best product to drive growth. Our tutoring operations had not been updated since 2015, so I created a task force that led to a six-month improvement process spanning seven phases and more than 25 objectives. We tripled staff, improved systems and operations and increased academic tutoring by over 60%.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? A successful MBA experience at Johnson for me would be defined by the long-lasting friendships I forge and the positive impact I make on campus. Building strong relationships with my peers is essential, as these connections will not only enrich my time at Cornell Johnson, but also support my personal and professional growth long after graduation.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Cornell’s MBA program? I highly encourage you to visit. I was hesitant to make the trip due to the distance, but I’m so glad I did. Experiencing the community at Sage Hall firsthand is unparalleled. By coming to campus, I had the opportunity to connect with students and the admissions team in a way that allowed me to share aspects of myself that might not have come through in my application alone.

Be authentic and proactive. Reach out to current students and alumni, attend online events, and engage with the community. Show genuine interest and let your passion shine through every interaction. Your journey to Cornell Johnson is not just about gaining admission; it’s about finding a place where you can thrive, grow and make a lasting impact.