Luz Aguirre Ramirez

“I am a resilient, empathetic leader, passionate about empowering others and making a global impact”

Hometown: Oakland, California & Guanajuato, Mexico  

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was a coxswain in college for the rowing team. I loved being on the boat and the water, but I don’t know how to swim!

Undergraduate School and Major: BA in Sociology/Anthropology & Hispanic Studies from Lewis & Clark College; MA in Higher Education/Student Affairs from University of San Francisco

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Enterprise for Youth, Senior Program Director

What makes Seattle such a great place to earn an MBA?

Seattle is an amazing place to earn an MBA. The city itself is vibrant and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, which offers a great balance between professional life, personal life, and a big bonus: outdoor activities. Being a tech hub with giants like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle provides countless opportunities for internships, networking, and jobs in the tech industry. But it’s not just about tech—Seattle is also home to diverse industries like aerospace, healthcare, sustainability, and retail, giving me the chance to explore various career paths.

Aside from your location and classmates, what was the one key part of Washington Foster’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

Aside from the location and classmates, the key part of Washington Foster’s MBA program that led me to choose this business school was the hands-on learning experience. As a career pivoter from non-profit to consulting, I was looking for a program that offered a strong blend of academics, practical experience, and career support. Foster demonstrated that I would be learning in the classroom through a mix of case studies, team projects, lectures, and hands-on practice. For me, it was crucial that my MBA coursework provided practical experience. This quarter, through the Applied Strategy course, I am working on a consulting project for Columbia Sportswear, which has made my experience unique. Additionally, as a career pivoter, I had concerns about taking the right steps, and the support from Career Management and various clubs has been integral in guiding me through this transition.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Foster?

I have been heavily involved in the Foster Consulting Society (FCS). As a member, I have utilized the resources to prepare for my consulting interviews, including signing up for group case studies and individual coaching sessions with second-year coaches. I also enjoyed the events they hosted with consulting firms, particularly our Fall Formal. I met many Foster alumni who went into consulting at a diverse range of firms. Overall, FCS has done a great job supporting first-year students through the recruitment process.

Washington Foster operates off a philosophy of We>Me. Give us an example of how you’ve seen that among your classmates so far.

The best example I can give is the uplifting and cheering we provide for each other as we interview for internships. I feel happy hearing of others interviewing at the same companies and supporting each other in preparation. For example, when consulting interviews were announced, we created channels to share our prep materials, casing slots, and other resources. We leaned on each other for preparation and cheered each other on. As a class at Foster, we recognize that uplifting each other is uplifting all of Foster!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

One of my proudest achievements has been opening more career tracks for underrepresented high school students. I have worked diligently to create opportunities and provide resources that help these students explore various career paths, particularly in tech and business. My efforts have included organizing workshops, mentorship programs, and partnerships with local businesses to offer internships and job shadowing experiences. I am committed to striving for diversity in business and plan to continue this work during my MBA and beyond. I aim to leverage the skills and connections I gain through the MBA program to support and empower underrepresented students further, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed in their careers.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far:

One of my biggest accomplishments during my MBA has been diving into understanding finance, a subject I initially found challenging. I decided to tackle this head-on by dedicating extra time to studying and not being afraid to seek support. I reached out to a second-year tutor who was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. With their guidance, I was able to grasp complex financial concepts and apply them effectively in my coursework. This experience not only boosted my confidence in finance but also taught me the importance of seeking help and leveraging the resources available.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

One of my best memories as an MBA student has been celebrating Diwali with the Global Business Association. It was incredible to see everyone from my class come together to celebrate and engage in this vibrant cultural event. We decorated the space with colorful lights and traditional decorations and enjoyed delicious Indian food. It was heartwarming to see my classmates embracing and respecting a new culture, which made the celebration even more special.

 

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