Angelica Janette Amaya Zendejas

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Trailblazing Latina, supply chain strategist, and change-maker driving impact in business and community.”

Hometown: Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico

Fun fact about yourself: I love dogs, and my MBA journey wouldn’t be the same without my four-legged sidekick, Scout. I moved to Houston with him shortly after adopting him, and he’s since become an honorary member of my MBA class. In fact, he even took home the 2023 Halloween Pet Costume Contest trophy. I dressed him as an investment banker (blue suit, tie and all). He definitely looked the part, minus the spreadsheets and 80-hour workweeks.

Scout is my kindest reminder that there’s a time to be an MBA executive and a time to pause, play and just enjoy life with the ones who matter most.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor of Arts in international business, Tecnológico de Monterrey; Master of Engineering with specialization in quality and productivity systems, Tecnológico de Monterrey

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? HP Inc, Business Operations Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024?

• Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston, Houston, Texas
• RE Consultores, Strategy Intern, Mexico (remote)

Where will you be working after graduation? Amazon, pathways operations manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Fellow, Forté Foundation
• Rice University Forté Ambassador, Forté Foundation
• Rice Business Board Fellow 2023-2024
• Board member, Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston
• President, Latin Business Student Association
• President, Supply Chain and Operations Association
• Rice Business Student Ambassador
• Teaching assistant, Leading Across Differences and Strategy Formulation and Implementation

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Being selected for the Rice Business Board Fellows Program was a defining moment in my MBA journey. Through this experiential program, I served as a board member for the Institute of Hispanic Culture Houston (IHCH), a nonprofit dedicated to inclusiveness, education and celebrating Hispanic culture. This achievement was deeply personal — marking a full-circle moment in my life. I have earned scholarships, worked across countries, pursued a second STEM master’s degree, and secured a post-MBA role in supply chain. My journey has been shaped by the very opportunities I now help create for others.

One of the most meaningful moments was organizing IHCH Education Day 2024, where I brought together hundreds of Latin high school students for a day of mentorship. I also led a scholarship program for Latin undergraduate students, reading their inspiring essays and serving as an evaluator. As a multiple-time scholarship recipient, I know how life-changing financial support can be, and I poured my energy into paying it forward.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we hosted DANMAR Academy of Performing Arts’ breathtaking production, ANAHUAC: A Paradise Between Waters, at Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. Over 6,000 attendees, including 300+ Rice students and faculty, experienced this powerful performance. Sitting in the audience, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude — no matter where I go, my Latinidad carries me forward.

Serving as an IHCH board member and co-president of the Latin Business Student Association strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my commitment to uplifting future generations. Being in a position to empower others has been the most fulfilling part of my MBA journey.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I led the operations behind HP Inc.’s printer distribution across North America during the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented moment in supply chain history. Despite extreme uncertainty, my operation remained safe, efficient and uninterrupted.

With global supply chains pushed to the brink, every cargo ship, airplane, port, and warehouse operated at full capacity. It was the kind of crisis that is studied in MBA classrooms — but I was living it in real time. I adapted processes on the fly, coordinated global cross-functional teams and ensured operational continuity in a business-critical distribution effort. As medical facilities filled to capacity and remote work and learning surged, our ability to deliver essential technology helped ease the burden of a rapidly changing world. I’m incredibly proud of the role I played in keeping critical operations running when people needed them most.

This experience pushed my creativity, resilience and leadership to new levels. Healthcare professionals and supply chain leaders were the unsung heroes of that time, and I’m honored to have been part of the response.

Why did you choose this business school? Just as my alma mater, Tecnológico de Monterrey, shaped my ambition with its motto “Nos exigimos ser mejores” (“We demand to be better”), Rice Business resonated with me through its simple, powerful tagline: “You belong here.” I first experienced this sense of belonging in February 2023 when Rice invited me to its Women in Leadership Conference. From the moment I walked in, I felt empowered, seen, and inspired. It was clear that Rice Business wasn’t just a top-tier business school — it was a tight-knit, vibrant and caring community where I could be myself, grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact.

Rice is a Texas gem, and if you ever visit Houston, I highly recommend taking a walking tour. You’ll feel the magic of this place just like I did.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Professor Ian Wedgwood was my professor for courses on continuous improvement and operational toolkit. His fun approach to managing change was refreshing and constantly reminded me that great leadership is as much about identifying the right opportunity as it is about driving results and uplifting others in the process. He pushed us to be not only great professionals, but great humans — that’s what I appreciated the most. He guided me as I navigated my full-time offers and always encouraged me to dream big and pursue whichever option brings my best leadership to life.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? The Women in Leadership Conference (WILC) at Rice Business is one of the most empowering and inspiring events of the year. Organized entirely by MBA women, the conference brings together leaders from diverse industries and executive levels across the country to share insights, foster mentorship and create a space where women can amplify their voices and support one another’s growth.

I attended my first WILC three years ago, and the experience was transformative. I met incredible women who became mentors, friends and lifelong connections, and we have stayed in touch ever since. This conference isn’t just an event — it’s a community, a movement and a reminder of the power of women supporting women.

This year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of WILC, marking a milestone in its legacy of impact. I can’t wait to return next year and continue being part of this powerful tradition that defines the spirit of Rice Business.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? If I could do one thing differently, I would have designed a better system to intentionally nurture relationships within my cohort. The MBA experience moves fast, and between leadership roles, coursework, recruiting and personal commitments, it can be easy to assume there will always be time to catch up later.

Looking back, I realize how valuable it is to proactively create structured ways to stay connected (MBAs will understand), whether through standing meetups, mentorship circles, or even simple recurring coffee chats. While I built incredible relationships at Rice Business, I know that meaningful connections don’t just happen; they require intentionality and effort.

As I move forward in my career, I want to take this lesson with me, building systems that keep professional and personal relationships thriving, no matter how fast-paced life gets. Because at the end of the day, business is about people, and the relationships we cultivate are what truly last.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about Rice Business is that it’s a small community.

While it’s true that our MBA class is smaller than those at many other programs, the exponential impact of our tight-knit, supportive network knows no bounds. Throughout my MBA journey, I’ve connected with alumni across industries and experience levels. One thing has remained constant: everyone is incredibly responsive, eager to offer advice and willing to lend a hand.

This sense of connection extends beyond the business school. Rice fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, which has allowed me to engage with professionals across all programs — from biotech scientists and engineers to musicians and entrepreneurs. The strength of our network isn’t just in its size, but in the depth of relationships and opportunities it creates.

It’s no surprise that Rice Business is ranked No. 1 in entrepreneurship; the spirit of innovation and collaboration is woven into everything we do. MBA students regularly join forces with Ph.D. candidates and researchers to bring groundbreaking ideas to market. Being here has shown me that Rice may be small in numbers, but its influence and reach are anything but.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Some cities feel like a world of their own, and Houston is one of them. The city’s incredible blend of cultures is reflected in its food scene, where you can find authentic cuisine from nearly every corner of the globe. Whether it was sharing tacos that reminded me of home, exploring new flavors from different traditions or enjoying a late-night bite after class, every meal became an experience.

What I loved most, though, wasn’t just the food, it was the connections built over those meals. Sitting around the table with classmates and friends, we bonded over shared stories, laughter and deep conversations that made my MBA journey even more special.

Houston isn’t just a city, it’s a place where traditions, flavors and friendships come together.

What movie or television show (e.g., The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? Suits perfectly captures the high-stakes decision-making, strategic thinking and sharp negotiation skills that define the business world. In the show, deals are won not by waiting for the perfect conditions but by reading the room, anticipating challenges, and acting with confidence at the right moment. One of the biggest lessons I took from it is that leaders don’t always have the luxury of certainty; sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts, make a move, and adapt as the situation unfolds.

This is especially true in logistics and supply chain, where perfect conditions rarely exist. Whether it’s navigating disruptions, solving unexpected bottlenecks, or negotiating with vendors under tight deadlines, success often depends on thinking fast, managing uncertainty and making the best possible decision with the information at hand.

This show is also special to me because I watched it with my brother Ricardo, a finance data science professional. As we binged episode-after-episode, we had fun debating and breaking down the business strategies, negotiation tactics and leadership moves in each storyline. It became more than just a show for us — we really explored how business decisions play out in real life. Suits reinforced that success isn’t about having the perfect environment, it’s about making the best moves with the cards you’re dealt.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? I had the opportunity to participate in a pilot AI course led by Kathleen Perley, Rice Business’ AI Advisor. This class was designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools to integrate AI into business strategy. What made it unique was that it wasn’t just open to MBA students — it also welcomed faculty and staff, creating a dynamic learning environment where different perspectives on AI’s role in business came together.

The turnout was incredible, demonstrating that AI isn’t just an isolated topic; it’s a collective priority for the entire Rice community. The feedback gathered from this course is now shaping curriculum updates and helping professors adapt their teaching to incorporate AI-driven decision-making. Professors have shown increasing curiosity about how students leverage AI tools to enhance critical thinking and business judgment. Some have integrated discussions on AI into their courses, encouraging students to explore when and how AI should complement, rather than replace, human expertise.

According to a recent LinkedIn and Microsoft study, candidates with AI skills are 70% more likely to be hired, yet only 39% of employers currently provide AI training. Rice Business recognizes the importance of preparing students for this rapidly evolving landscape. Rather than treating AI as a standalone topic, the school integrates it throughout the learning journey, emphasizing not just technical tools, but deep industry knowledge and strategic problem-solving.

The future of business won’t be shaped solely by machine-learning Ph.D.s, it will be driven by professionals who understand their industries and can harness AI to solve real-world challenges. Under Professor Perley’s leadership, Rice Business continues to expand its AI integration, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and strategic mindset to navigate an AI-powered world. Those interested in staying ahead of AI trends can explore her DemystifAI Digest, where she shares some of the most fascinating advancements in the field.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Diana Katherine Carrillo Romero has been my ride-or-die throughout the MBA program. Her insatiable curiosity, sharp intellect, and resilience are truly unmatched. She makes balancing everything seem effortless — excelling as a professional, an engaged classmate, a loving mom and a supportive friend, all while asking the most thought-provoking questions in class and delivering exceptional work with care and precision.

She leads with confidence and generosity, always lifting others up. She embodies the kind of trailblazing woman our grandmothers dreamed of becoming. Some of my favorite projects were the ones we tackled together — where we challenged each other’s ideas and brought out the best in one another.

I know I’ll miss her immensely, but I have no doubt that we’ll both thrive in our next chapters. Our friendship is, without a doubt, one of the greatest gifts Rice Business has given me.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I will write a book that uplifts and empowers women to step into leadership with confidence, especially in industries where they may not always see themselves represented. My goal is to help women recognize their potential and lead in a way that feels authentic to them. I see this as an opportunity to create a movement of mentorship and empowerment, one that encourages women to own their space, trust their abilities and shape the future of business with confidence.

Another major goal of mine is to reach the C-suite, breaking barriers for Latinas in executive leadership. According to the most recent “Latinas in Corporate America” report by Lean In & McKinsey, Latinas make up only 1% of all C-suite executives. Representation isn’t just important; it’s a business advantage. Whether by advancing my career in corporate leadership or building my own business, I am committed to leading at the executive level and proving that diverse leadership drives success.

What made Angelica Janette Amaya Zendejas such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“It’s hard to capture Angie’s impact in just a few words because she has been such a driving force at Rice Business. I first met her as a first-year MBA student in my Strategy Implementation and Formulation class, where she left a lasting impression for her honest curiosity, thoughtful contributions, and eagerness to learn. She didn’t just participate, she pushed conversations deeper, making insightful connections between theory and real-world leadership. When she became my teaching assistant, she applied that same dedication to supporting both students and faculty. She made herself available, ensuring students felt heard, providing thoughtful written feedback and encouraging quieter voices to speak up in discussions. Beyond my class, she has collaborated with faculty and staff to integrate inclusive leadership training into our MBA program’s launch agenda. Angie doesn’t just talk about ideas — she turns them into lasting improvements, leaving every organization better than she found it.

But Angie’s influence at Rice Business extends well beyond academics. She’s the person who brings gifts to her entire cohort on Valentine’s Day, the one making sure everyone feels included. She has been a relentless advocate for underrepresented voices in business and has driven meaningful change in representation. As president of the Rice Business Operations & Supply Chain Association, she mentored women pursuing careers in operations and ensured that female professionals were represented in industry panels. As president of our Latin Business Student Association, she led career development initiatives, organized Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, and helped undergraduates establish their first-ever Hispanic business association. Her leadership extends beyond Rice Business — she served as a board fellow for the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston, where she directed a scholarship program promoting gender parity. Angie doesn’t just step up — she leads. I have no doubt she’ll continue to make an impact as an operations manager in Amazon’s Pathways Program, and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”

Diana Jue-Rajasingh, Ph.D.
Faculty, Assistant Professor of Strategic Management
Rice Business, Rice University

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