Nina Maelin Monilla Briones

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Filipina. Certified Foodie. Powered by Coffee. Driven by Purpose. DE&I Champion.”

Hometown: Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m old school when it comes to writing — I still prefer pen and paper for notes, drafts, to-do lists and even letters! You’ll often catch me scribbling ideas on a whiteboard during meetings or brainstorming sessions. It’s helpful for me as I tend to remember more and gather my thoughts better when I write by hand. I guess it’s no surprise that journaling and paint-by-numbers are two of my favorite ways to unwind.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of the Philippines, B.S. in Chemical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Shell, Diesel Pricer for U.S. Mobility

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? The Rice University campus! It’s such a beautiful space, with lush trees and stunning architecture. On days when the weather’s nice, I love walking to class or simply taking a leisurely stroll around campus. The serene atmosphere helps me clear my mind and stay focused, especially when the academic workload peaks or when things start to feel overwhelming.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of the Rice Jones MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the key factors that drew me to the Rice MBA program was the opportunity to customize my coursework to align with my interests and post-MBA goals, particularly in energy and sustainability. This level of customization also allows me to explore areas like marketing and strategy, which perfectly complement my engineering background and broaden my business perspective. The flexibility to choose courses that directly align with my career aspirations not only enhances my learning experience, but also ensures that I’m equipped with the diverse skill set needed to succeed in today’s evolving business landscape.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Jones? Serving as a corporate ambassador through the Career Development Office (CDO) has been an incredible experience. I initially applied for this role as an opportunity to give back to Rice, contribute to the Rice Business MBA community and integrate more deeply into the school’s network. So far, the experience has exceeded my expectations. I’ve gained valuable insights through my interactions with both employers and the CDO team, while also honing my communication and leadership skills. This role has helped me step out of my natural introverted tendencies and grow personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to support employers and fellow students during Info Sessions and Coffee Chats has been both fulfilling and rewarding.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest accomplishments was being appointed as productivity lead during a refinery maintenance turnaround. Originally part of the process engineering team, I was asked to take on this new role midway through the project. While I was honored that the leadership team recognized my passion and skills for continuous improvement, I was also nervous about quickly learning the full scope, analyzing the situation, developing a plan, and getting the team up and running the very next day. We adapted on the fly, making sure not to disrupt existing processes while driving improvements in time management, tools and efficiency. What I found most rewarding was the team’s appreciation for the initiatives we implemented, which not only made their tasks easier, but also contributed to the success of the turnaround.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Growing, adapting, and learning alongside my MBA cohort and core team. When we first started, we had different — and sometimes conflicting — work styles and perspectives. Through open communication, mutual respect, and learning from each other, we became a stronger, more cohesive team. This process has not only improved our teamwork, but has also taught me valuable lessons in leadership, patience and adaptability that will surely stay with me throughout my career.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? One of my most unforgettable moments in the MBA program so far happened during our “Launch” Week, when we had lectures on leadership and diversity. That was my “This is why I’m here” moment. I was impressed that Rice doesn’t just focus on developing our technical and academic expertise; it emphasizes the importance of building the interpersonal skills that define great leaders. It was an enriching experience to embark on a deeper journey of self-discovery just two weeks into the program, all while studying competitive strategy.

Our leadership lectures gave me the opportunity to reflect on my values, gain a deeper understanding of my cultural background and begin shaping my identity as a future leader. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about knowledge, it’s about growth — both within ourselves and in how we connect with others.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE RICE JONES MBA CLASS OF 2026

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