Santiago Paz Ojeda

Stanford Graduate School of Business

“Economist passionate about bridging public finance and private investment to drive sustainable growth.”

Hometown: Arequipa, Peru

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I played basketball for the Peruvian national team at 15. We faced Argentina and Brazil, whose players were over 15 inches taller. We lost every game in the South American Championship—but it was an unforgettable experience!

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad del Pacifico, Peru – Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru – Coordinator of Economic Development Public Budget

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Stanford GSB’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Stanford GSB’s emphasis on impact, innovation, and collaboration made it the perfect place for me. What truly stood out was the diversity of interests and ambitions that people bring—it’s incredibly stimulating to realize that I’m not the only one with bold ideas and big dreams. At GSB, those ideas aren’t dismissed; they’re explored, challenged, and refined. I’ve particularly appreciated the blend of technical classes like finance and accounting, which I enjoy. They help me better understand how businesses operate, with discussion-based courses like Lead Labs and ethics, which build leadership and decision-making skills. This mix has helped me evaluate ideas critically while also finding career paths that maximize my potential to create real impact.

What has been the most important thing that you’ve learned at Stanford GSB so far? One of the most important things I’ve learned at Stanford GSB is a deeper self-awareness of my strengths and weaknesses. Classes like Lead Labs have been instrumental in helping me reflect on my leadership style. Even more so, the constant interaction with diverse classmates has given me real-time feedback on how my ideas land with others. Seeing how different perspectives challenge and refine my thinking has been invaluable.

On the technical side, I’ve learned that for impact to be sustainable, it also has to be financially viable. Coming from the public sector, I used to see private investment as a separate force. Through my MBA, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of how profitability and social good can align. I’ve particularly appreciated diving deeper into risk management, recognizing how investors assess and mitigate uncertainty—critical knowledge for mobilizing private capital into emerging markets.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Stanford GSB? One of the experiences I’ve enjoyed the most at Stanford GSB is the tradition of small group dinners. These gatherings create a unique space to connect with classmates in a more intimate setting, sharing ideas, backgrounds, and ambitions over a meal. I had the opportunity to cook Peruvian food and host a dinner, which was a great way to share my culture while engaging in meaningful conversations. At the same time, being invited to other dinners exposed me to incredible personal stories and perspectives that I wouldn’t have encountered in a classroom. What’s been particularly exciting is that through these conversations, I discovered more classmates who share my interest in international development. As a result, we’re now planning activities together with the Social Impact Club. These dinners have been more than just social events—they’ve been catalysts for collaboration and new ideas.

What quality best describes your MBA classmates you’ve met so far? Give an example why this is true. Relentless curiosity. At GSB, every interaction pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, with people not only exploring new ideas but actively supporting each other’s projects. I’ve seen classmates with backgrounds in venture capital get excited about public policy, and those from government, like myself, rethink how private sector mechanisms can be leveraged for social good. No matter the topic or your background, you can always find someone eager to engage in meaningful discussions. Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places, making every conversation an opportunity to learn and grow.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment so far has been serving as Economic Development Budget Coordinator at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Peru. Leading a team of 12 was both a challenging and transformative experience, especially during a critical period when the country was designing and passing economic stimulus packages to foster growth and employment—similar in scope to the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S.

Managing a large budget and balancing the priorities of multiple sectors required constant coordination with diverse stakeholders, ranging from government officials to private sector representatives. Through these interactions, I gained invaluable insights into the complexities of economic policy, fiscal responsibility, and the real-world impact of financial decisions. It reinforced my belief in the importance of designing policies that effectively mobilize resources while ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been achieving far better grades than I expected during my first quarter at GSB. Coming from a non-traditional background, this was particularly meaningful—not just because of the grades themselves, but because of the mindset I adopted toward my coursework. Instead of seeing classes as just academic requirements, I approached them as opportunities to engage deeply with topics I wasn’t entirely familiar with, using them as a way to test my hypotheses about what I enjoy and where I can add the most value.

This process has been incredibly insightful, helping me refine my interests and shape my career path with more clarity. Now, my next goal is to secure an internship in areas I’m passionate about, particularly at the intersection of finance and development, where I can apply what I’ve learned and continue exploring how to mobilize capital for emerging markets.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? It’s hard to choose just one moment because what makes the MBA experience special is the accumulation of everyday moments—the late-night case discussions, spontaneous coffee chats, hikes, and small group dinners that turn into deep conversations.

That said, one of the highlights has been the friendships I’ve built within the Pride Club and the LatAm Club. Having a supportive and welcoming community has made a huge difference, especially during overwhelming times when classes, recruiting, and events feel nonstop. Whether it’s just hanging out in San Francisco or having a safe space to unwind and be myself, it’s been incredibly valuable to have that sense of belonging. GSB is a place of constant learning and pushing boundaries, but it’s also about the people who make the journey meaningful

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant looking to join the Stanford GSB Class of 2026? Come with a deep passion, but an open mind. GSB will challenge everything you thought you knew. Be ready to unlearn, adapt, and embrace perspectives that push you beyond your comfort zone and let you grow, first personally, and then professionally.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE STANFORD GSB MBA CLASS OF 2026