Mahsa Javadi

University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

“I’m passionate about social impact, love collaborating with others, eager to inspire change, and always excited to make new friends!”

Hometown: Tehran, Iran

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have a collection of funny mugs, each with a different joke. They always make my morning coffee routine a lot more fun!

Undergraduate School and Major: I studied law at the University of Tehran.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Consultant in Navid Institute

Michigan Ross is best known for experiential learning programming like MAP, Living Business Leadership Experience, and the Leadership Crisis Challenge. What experiential program interests you the most? I think the experiential program that interests me the most is the Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) at Michigan Ross. Given my background in consulting and social impact, I find MAP to be an excellent opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting by working on complex business challenges for diverse organizations. The collaborative nature of the projects, coupled with the opportunity to work with both domestic and international clients, aligns with my passion for social impact and my desire to broaden my strategic and leadership skills.

Additionally, MAP provides a unique chance to engage with teams from various backgrounds, enhancing my ability to navigate cross-functional environments and develop solutions that have a tangible impact on the organization and society as a whole.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Michigan Ross’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I chose Michigan Ross mainly because of the amazing community and culture. The supportive atmosphere really encourages collaboration, which I think is crucial for both personal and professional growth. The various events and activities (AMAZING GAME DAYS!) create shared experiences that help us connect and build our community. This sense of belonging and the excitement of the Go Blue community mean a lot to me.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Michigan Ross? If I had to pick just one thing, I’d say I’m most excited about Business Leadership in Changing Times and Business in Society. They explore how businesses can make a real difference in today’s world, which is exactly the kind of work I’m passionate about.

As for clubs, the Ross Consulting Club is high on my list since it’ll help me sharpen my consulting skills. And I’m all about Michigan Business Women (MBW)—I can’t wait to connect with and learn from so many inspiring women! I’m excited about the Wolverine Wine Club because it’s a chance to explore new tastes while connecting with classmates in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.

The M-Trek was truly one of the best experiences I’ve had so far. Spending a week in Hawaii with new friends was unforgettable, and it gave me a clear sense of how special the Ross community is—welcoming, supportive, and full of genuine connections. It really showed me what makes this community one of the best, both professionally and personally, and I’m excited to continue building these relationships throughout my time at Ross.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that the Ross School was the right MBA program for you? Why? The moment I knew Ross was the right MBA program for me was when I connected with the Career Development Office (CDO). As an international student, recruitment can be a bit overwhelming, but Ross has such incredible support specifically designed for international students. Learning about the tailored workshops and recruiting strategies for navigating the U.S. job market gave me a huge sense of relief and excitement.

What really sealed the deal was discovering the Fact Group and the weekly career coaching sessions. The idea of having a dedicated career coach guiding me every week. Being surrounded by a community that’s truly invested in my success made it clear that Ross is where I belong. The level of personalized support and focus on preparing us for every step of the recruiting process is exactly what I was looking for!

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? As a woman from the Middle East, I bring a unique perspective shaped by both personal and professional experiences. My background in consulting and venture philanthropy has helped me learn how to balance business goals with social impact, especially in challenging environments. Growing up in a region with fewer opportunities for women has taught me resilience and adaptability, which I believe will add value to our class discussions.

I hope to contribute to the Ross Class of 2026 by offering a global, impact-driven approach to problem-solving, while learning from the diverse experiences and insights of my classmates.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest accomplishments has been working in venture philanthropy to support innovative social enterprises. I had the amazing opportunity to lead initiatives that provided both financial and non-financial support to startups tackling important social challenges.

What really made this experience special was working directly with these social enterprises and seeing their growth firsthand. For instance, I helped a startup focused on early autism detection expand its team and refine its strategy. Watching them make a genuine difference for families was incredibly rewarding and truly inspiring. It really reignited my passion for combining business with social impact, and I couldn’t be more excited about the work ahead!

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Michigan Ross’s MBA program? My advice would be to prioritize self-reflection and authenticity throughout the application process. Take the time to deeply understand your values and experiences, as this will help you illustrate how they align with the principles that Ross embodies. Be candid about your journey and what motivates you to pursue an MBA, as well as the impact you aspire to make in your future career. And after doing all that, don’t stress!

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MICHIGAN ROSS MBA CLASS OF 2026