Diana Yurchak Ahluwalia

Harvard Business School

“From Ukraine to HBS: a refugee turned CPA and M&A advisor, finding purpose through resilience and curiosity.”

Hometown: Donetsk, Ukraine

Fun Fact About Yourself: I started playing violin when I was 6 and toured Europe as a classical violinist during high school years. Got a taste of performing in concert halls and briefly dreamed of becoming a professional violinist!

Undergraduate School and Major: Donetsk National University, Economics and Business

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: M&A and Transaction Advisory Manager, EY

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method perfectly simulates real-world leadership challenges – making tough calls with limited information and no clear right answers. At HBS, when I walk into Aldrich Hall each morning, I know I’ll be challenged to take a stance and defend it, just like I’ll need to do as a future leader. I’m not just analyzing data – I’m developing crucial leadership skills by defending positions, absorbing diverse perspectives from classmates, and often having my own views challenged.

This also teaches humility – there have been numerous times when I’ve walked into class confident in my analysis, only to have my views thoroughly challenged by my peers. These daily exercises in decision-making and intellectual flexibility are preparing me for the complex realities of business leadership.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key part of Harvard Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The scale of HBS creates this perfect balance of breadth and depth in relationships. You get this massive, diverse class of over 900 students and access to an incredible global network of 90,000+ alumni, but you also get tight-knit spaces to form real connections. Your section becomes like family over the first year (shoutout to section D!), while small groups and club activities create even more chances for close friendships. It’s pretty amazing how HBS turns such a big school into something that feels personal and connected.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Harvard Business School? I’m most excited about being selected as a Women’s Student Association (WSA) academic review leader for the class of 2026 Financial Reporting and Control course. This tradition of having women students lead exam reviews goes back 60 years – all the way to when HBS first opened its doors to women MBA students. Presenting in Klarman Hall, I’ll be joining a long line of women who’ve helped their classmates crush their finals while showing that women belong in every business conversation. The fact that my amazing classmates nominated me for this position makes it even more meaningful!

When you think of Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Limitless. What amazes me about HBS isn’t just the knowledge gained, but how the place rewires your entire approach to solving problems and seeing opportunities. The intensity of each day here shapes you into someone who thinks bigger and aims higher than you ever thought possible. In this environment, potential feels limitless.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Harvard Business School was the right program for you? Why? My “this is it” moment came during my campus visit when I found myself with current students over lunch in Spangler. The genuine warmth and intellectual curiosity immediately drew me in. What struck me wasn’t just their impressive achievements, but their authentic desire to learn from each other. Later, sitting in on a case discussion, I saw this same spirit come alive in the classroom. That combination of a supportive community with rigorous learning confirmed HBS was where I wanted to be.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Leading a large cross-border acquisition for a US medical technology client during my first year as a manager at EY was an unforgettable experience. When our client decided to acquire a French medical device manufacturer, I took on the responsibility of managing a team of over 20 professionals spanning two continents. The role required me to navigate not just different time zones and regulatory frameworks, but also distinct business cultures. The real reward came from seeing our multifaceted team collaborate seamlessly – blending different working styles and expertise to drive the deal forward. Beyond closing the transaction, this experience taught me invaluable lessons about the power of bringing diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? The growth that I have experienced in my leadership style – I have grown to be someone ready to lead with purpose. Coming to the US as a refugee, I’d spent a lot of time focused on execution that I hadn’t given myself space to think about leadership. The LEAD course became a transformative experience, pushing me to reflect on my journey and discover my authentic leadership voice. The relationships I’ve built here have helped me see that my background isn’t just part of my story – it’s a source of strength in how I approach leadership.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA program? The best advice I can share is to prioritize authenticity in your essays – this isn’t about crafting what you think admissions wants to hear, but about revealing what truly makes you unique. While GMAT/GRE prep is crucial, don’t let it overshadow the narrative piece of your application. Your story should clearly connect three dots: why an MBA now, how HBS specifically fits into your journey, and where you’re headed afterward. Be introspective and embrace this opportunity for self-reflection – the application process, even though challenging, forces you to deeply examine your path and aspirations!

DON’T MISS: MEET HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026