Magdala Díaz de Rávago Zevallos

Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

“Empathetic, resilient leader who embraces her journey to empower others.”

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Fun fact about yourself: I have played golf since I was five years old!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Universidad de Lima, Industrial Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? I was an independent consultant specializing in business development, sustainability, and process optimization. I also managed my own home-based bakery: Magdala Patisserie.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Bain & Company, Chicago

Where will you be working after graduation? Bain & Company, Consultant (Chicago)

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Co-chair, Mental Health and Wellness Initiative at Tuck
• Visiting Executive Program Fellow
• Co-chair, Tuck Community Consulting
• Co-chair, Admitted Student Weekend 2024
• Co-chair, Tuck Golf
• Tuck Peer Support Counselor as part of Mental Health and Wellness Initiative
• Consulting Club Mentor
• LABA Pre-MBA Consulting Mentor

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Being selected as a co-chair for the 2024 Admitted Students Weekend (ASW) is the achievement I’m most proud of during business school. I wasn’t able to attend my own ASW due to the distance from Peru, but being part of this important event gave me the chance to give back to the Tuck community—a community that supported me throughout my application journey and played a key role in helping me get to where I am today.

I saw ASW as an opportunity to showcase how Tuck empowers you to shine in your true colors—by being authentic, curious, and open to discovering new passions, all within a deeply supportive environment. I was fortunate to work with an amazing team of co-chairs. Each of us brought different backgrounds and experiences. Together, our collaboration made this student-led event a true success. It was the largest ASW since the pandemic, and we knew the logistics and coordination had to be flawless. What made it work was our shared spirit of collaboration and commitment—the willingness to adapt, solve challenges, and give our all to create an unforgettable experience. What we built wasn’t just a successful event—it was a set of memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? As an independent consultant, I had the opportunity to lead the B Corporation certification process for a Peruvian seaweed-based solutions company. This six-month project stands out as one of my proudest accomplishments. I worked alongside a diverse team, developed my leadership skills, and proposed and implemented improvements that helped the company achieve a competitive score on the B Impact Assessment. As a result, the company joined a global network of impact-driven businesses, reinforcing its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world.

This experience not only helped me grow professionally but also equipped me with the skills to become a certified B Corp consultant in Peru—part of the country’s very first cohort. I am deeply committed to generating impact and helping others discover their purpose in service of the greater good. This accomplishment opened doors for me to mentor companies and startups as they pursued B Corp certification, allowing me to continue expanding my mission in the impact space.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose the Tuck School of Business because of its community. When deciding on a business school, I knew I wanted to be in a place where I could build lasting relationships and be known for who I truly am—within a close-knit, supportive environment. I wasn’t looking for distractions; I wanted two focused years to fully immerse myself in the MBA experience, and Tuck’s community-driven mission made that possible.

What makes this journey truly unique is the ability to connect deeply—not just with classmates, but also with staff, professors, and alumni. I was seeking a collaborative environment filled with people equally committed to making the most of this experience and investing in one another’s growth. That’s exactly what I’ve found at Tuck—and the depth and consistency of those connections have far exceeded my expectations.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Ramon Lecuona Torras. I heard amazing things about him during my application process, so I was both excited and nervous to meet him. I took his core Strategy class and later his Strategy in Emerging Markets elective, as well as the India Global Insight Expedition he led—all of which were incredibly well designed and impactful.

Professor Ramon brings deep expertise and passion to the classroom, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. He encourages curiosity, thoughtful questions, and a commitment to lifelong learning. His humility and openness to learning from students make his teaching style truly unique. He also genuinely cares about the Tuck community—always present, approachable, and supportive. To me, he represents the very best of Tuck’s faculty.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course at Tuck has been the Global Insight Expedition (GIX) to India, led by Professor Ramon Lecuona Torras. This international elective focused on “Entrepreneurship in Mega Markets” and offered hands-on exposure to three key sectors: food and retail, financial services, and health care.

I worked in the food and retail track, where we explored the entire value chain—from visiting farmers in Chennai and interviewing families in both rural and urban areas, to meeting startup founders tackling major challenges in the sector. As Professor Ramon put it, we were “following the apple,” tracing its journey through the system.

What made this experience so meaningful was the opportunity to connect our learnings to my home country, Peru. My final project involved identifying parallels between the Indian and Peruvian food retail sectors, and exploring how India’s innovative solutions could be adapted to strengthen Peru’s value chain.

The combination of real-world learning, a dynamic team, and the thoughtful guidance of Professor Ramon made this one of the most transformational experiences I’ve had at Tuck.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA tradition is Small Group Dinners (SGDs). Tuck’s community-oriented culture shines through events like these, which are designed to foster new connections and strengthen the school’s tight-knit spirit. SGDs are organized by a student-led club that randomly pairs first- and second-year students to share a meal hosted by a fellow classmate—creating space for new conversations and meaningful relationships.

Once a year, SGDs include faculty guests, giving students the unique chance to connect with professors outside the classroom. The whole community is genuinely enthusiastic about participating. Personally, I loved hosting. It gave me the chance to share Peruvian flavors with my classmates and build special memories.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, I wish I had pushed myself take part in more activities during my first year. As an international student, I felt a strong pressure to focus on academics, recruiting, and adapting to a new country. While those are important, I’ve come to realize that the social and networking aspects are just as crucial to a well-rounded MBA experience.

Towards the end of my first year and my second year I found a better balance. I learned to be more creative, to put myself out there, and to try new things. I encourage others to do the same—share your story, embrace your background, and trust the transformational journey the MBA offers from day one.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love most about Hanover is how close and connected everything—and everyone—feels. It’s such a special experience to bump into professors, staff, and classmates while walking through town.

I’ve also enjoyed getting to know local store owners and becoming a regular at some of my favorite spots. One of them is Red Kite Candy, a charming candy shop that’s helped me stay connected to my passion for baking, confectionery, and chocolate. It’s small moments like these that make Hanover feel like home.

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? I believe Moneyball reflects the realities of business from a compelling angle. It demonstrates how data-driven decision-making can create competitive advantages, especially when resources are limited. It also highlights how strong general management—rooted in strategic thinking—can lead a team to success through uncertainty.

What I learned from the movie is that challenging traditional processes and embracing innovation through creativity, collaboration, and resilience can drive meaningful results. Most importantly, it reinforced the idea that success is achieved by staying true to one’s values and professional integrity throughout the journey.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Tuck has integrated AI—particularly tools like ChatGPT—into our day-to-day resources as a way to support idea generation, strengthen thought processes, and encourage curiosity. Students are actively encouraged to explore how AI can be used thoughtfully in both academic and professional contexts.

One key insight I’ve gained from using AI is that while it offers diverse perspectives and accelerates the research process, it also reinforces the importance of critical thinking and personal validation. AI can guide you in the right direction, but combining its input with your own research and judgment is what leads to the most effective and insightful outcomes.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Mariela Aguilar Pineda is the classmate I admire the most. She is a remarkable example of commitment, community spirit, and generosity. She is deeply involved in the Tuck community, serving in leadership roles across several clubs, including LIFT (Low-Income, First-Generation at Tuck), HASA (Hispanic American Student Association), and the Food and Agriculture Club. At the same time, she actively supports her own flower business, Casa de las Flores, in Houston.

What I admire most about Mariela is her willingness to learn, step outside of her comfort zone, and offer support wherever she can. She embodies the values of consistency, professionalism, and kindness—and shows that it’s possible to thrive by lifting others along the way.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Become an expert in the Food & Beverage sector
2. Launch my own chocolate factory

What made Magdala such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Magdala’s presence has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her generosity and commitment to building a stronger, more connected community have left a lasting impact on Tuck. Coming from a non-traditional background, she found a path to a consulting role with Bain and shared her experiences with her classmates, offering guidance and support as they pursued their own goals. As an international student, she embraced leadership roles with enthusiasm, always prioritizing collaboration and inclusivity. Her involvement with Tuck’s Mental Health and Wellness Initiative has been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for her peers, exemplifying what it means to lead with both passion and purpose.

Beyond her professional and leadership accomplishments, Magdala’s warmth and generosity have enriched the fabric of the Tuck community. She has brought people together in the most heartfelt ways.  Magdala’s secret weapon? She is a professional baker and has shared her incredible (and delicious!) talent with the entire Tuck community by baking for her classmates, hosting the first ever Tuck Cupcake Decorating workshop which brought 50 Tuck students together, and sharing the joy that comes from an unexpected baked “gift” on your desk when you most need it! But more than what she has done, it is who she is that inspires others. Her journey—navigating challenges with resilience, embracing leadership with humility, and making every space she enters more welcoming—serves as a powerful example to her peers. She is a wonderful example that leadership is not just about achievement but about uplifting others along the way. Magdala’s legacy at Tuck is not just in the programs she has led or the initiatives she has started, but in the hearts of those she has inspired to lead with courage, generosity, and a deep commitment to community. I will miss her!”

Sally O. Jaeger
Associate Dean, MBA Program

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