Caitly Reynoso

Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business

“Servant leader driven by faith, perseverance and impact — passionate about empowering people and communities.”

Hometown: New York City, New York

Fun fact about yourself: When I worked in broadcast journalism, I could never find my ‘anchor voice’— any news report that I attempted felt like an awkward performance. However, I now serve as a live interpreter at Trinity Church during Sunday preachings, and speaking in front of a crowd feels completely natural. Turns out, I just needed the right message to deliver!

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Wheaton College (MA)

Bachelor of Arts, Film & New Media Studies, Business & Management, Italian Studies

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school?

All Stars Project Inc.

Coordinator, Office of the CEO and the President

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Bank of America, Dallas, TX

Where will you be working after graduation? Bank of America, Dallas, TX

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Forte Fellow
• President, Latino Business Club
• Vice President, Cox Graduate Entrepreneurship Club
• Cox Distinguished Scholar
• Cox Community Scholar
• Vice President of Engagement
• Trinity Church Latin Connection:
  • English-Spanish Interpreter
  • Youth Leader
  • Photography Volunteer
  • Social Media Volunteer

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? The extracurricular achievement I am most proud of during business school is revitalizing the Cox Latino Business Club (LBC). When I started the school year as President of the LBC, one of the assistant deans expressed his strong hope that the club’s recent history of inactivity and minimal engagement would change. I am thankful that I was able to cultivate and be part of a team of leaders that re-engaged the Latino community on campus and expanded club membership to include even non-Latinos who wanted to practice and learn Spanish. We’ve hosted more than 10 events in six months, with many more planned for the remaining few months of the academic calendar.

This experience and achievement are particularly meaningful to me because I recognize that building community is extremely important. Not only is a network valuable in the professional space, but as MBA students, having spaces where we can decompress, encourage one another, and enjoy shared experiences over music, food, or memories makes the experience more wholesome. By revitalizing the LBC, we created a space where students could connect, support each other, and celebrate their shared heritage. This not only enriched the overall business school experience but also fostered a sense of belonging and inclusivity on campus.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? While I’ve had many fulfilling moments throughout my career thus far, one achievement stands out as particularly meaningful. When I served as an Academic & Career Counselor in New York City, I managed a caseload of over 75 program participants for a city-funded program, Train & Earn. Most were participants I assisted from intake through program completion, but others preceded my time. I received over 30 participants from a previous counselor—individuals nearing the end of their program support.

One participant, a young woman from the previous counselor, answered my call for her final program check-in. During our conversation, I asked about her ambitions, and she revealed her ambition of becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I also learned she had a car, lived on her own, and worked a job as a retail sales associate. Compared to other young adults in our program, she was very self-sufficient and living a comfortable lifestyle. However, like the rest, she lacked the academic and professional background necessary to pursue her passion.

Months later, I discovered a free EMT training program being offered in Yonkers. I reached out to her to share the unique opportunity to join the EMT academy. Despite living in Harlem, she committed to the commute and enrolled. On my very last day at that job, I received a late-night email from her: she had passed her exam and was now a licensed EMT in New York State.

This achievement was profoundly fulfilling. Our brief interaction allowed me to be a catalyst in her life, helping her realize her greatest professional dream. Even though she was a young adult I was required to engage with only once, I prioritized our single interaction, taking the time to learn about her and listen to her aspirations and circumstances, treating her with the same dedication I gave to my other participants who had numerous interactions with me. This achievement reinforced the power of serving with excellence and the impact a single connection can have on someone’s life trajectory. It brings me joy to know I played a role in someone living a more fulfilling life.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose the SMU Cox School of Business because of its rigorous nature. I knew that to fulfill my goal of growing as a leader and professional, I needed to be challenged and pushed beyond my comfort zone. The Cox School’s reputation for academic excellence and its demanding curriculum resonated with my desire for a transformative learning experience.

From the core coursework that delves deep into business fundamentals to the specialized electives that allow for focused exploration, rigor is embedded in every aspect of the Cox MBA curriculum. The faculty, renowned experts in their fields, demand intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, fostering an environment where students are constantly pushed to excel.

Furthermore, the school’s focus on experiential learning provides ample opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world settings. The international consulting projects, for example, immerse students in complex global challenges, demanding thorough analysis, innovative problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork. These experiences not only enhance our understanding of international business, but also cultivate the resilience and adaptability essential for success in today’s dynamic global landscape.

The Cox School’s emphasis on rigor extends beyond the classroom. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, where students are encouraged to strive for excellence in every endeavor. This commitment to rigor prepares us for the challenges of the business world and instills a lifelong dedication to continuous learning and growth. I believe the rigorous training and transformative experiences I have gained at SMU Cox have equipped me with the skills and mindset necessary to excel as a leader and make a meaningful impact in my future career.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Professor of Practice in Strategy and Entrepreneurship Helmuth Ludwig. His dynamic teaching style and genuine commitment to students create a transformative and enriching learning experience for all. Professor Ludwig’s classes are always engaging and mentally stimulating. He is known for bringing in guest speakers who are business leaders with Fortune 500 companies, providing real-world insights and invaluable networking opportunities. He also proactively seeks student feedback and incorporates it into the same term, demonstrating his dedication to continuous improvement.

Professor Ludwig structures his courses to encourage collaboration and shared learning, fostering a strong sense of community. He is skilled at provoking critical thinking, challenging us in healthy ways, and sharing innovative learning material and readings. Beyond the classroom, Professor Ludwig generously makes time for students, offering guidance and support. He’s genuinely invested in our success and development, both personally and professionally. Professor Ludwig’s classes aren’t just about acquiring knowledge; they are also about developing the skills and mindset necessary to become effective leaders and innovators. His influence extends far beyond the classroom, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such an exceptional educator.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course would have to Business Communications because it surprised me the most, challenging me in ways I didn’t expect and pushing me to grow significantly. Every assignment and class session taught me something new about public speaking, presentation design, and effective communication. The class humbled me, highlighting areas where I had room for improvement, and it ignited a desire to hone my skills.

The experience was invaluable. The information was relevant, the instruction and grading were rigorous, and I undeniably emerged from the class as a more proficient business communicator. I was able to apply what I learned immediately, even while still in the class, both in other courses and during my internship. This immediate application solidified my understanding and allowed me to see the real-world impact of the skills I was developing. Business Communications was truly a transformative experience that has equipped me with essential skills for success in my career.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why?As I reflect over my MBA experience, the one thing I would do differently is manage my time and extracurricular involvement more effectively. I have a tendency of becoming extremely enthusiastic about leading and serving, often overcommitting myself. This created a rushed pace that prevented me from fully embracing the small moments and memories that ultimately define the past two years of my life at SMU Cox.

By managing my time differently, I could have been more present and perhaps developed even deeper connections with my classmates. This is an area of development for me that feels particularly complex because serving and leading are profoundly fulfilling, but I often lose sight of my limits until it’s too late.

While I cherish the contributions I made to various clubs and initiatives, I realize that striking a better balance between my commitments and personal well-being would have allowed me to savor the journey more fully. It’s a valuable lesson I will carry with me as I move forward in my career.

What is the biggest myth about your school? A common misconception about SMU is that it’s a very conservative institution. While SMU certainly values tradition, legacies, and upholds high standards of academic excellence, my experience was that it also fosters an innovative and forward-thinking environment. This was evident in the school’s willingness to embrace and support student initiatives. For example, through the student advisory board, my program associate director championed the launch of an expanded snack cart that represented the myriad cultures and ethnic backgrounds of our student body. This seemingly small initiative fostered a greater sense of inclusivity and celebrated the richness of our community.

Another example is the ‘Dining with Decision Makers’ experience, which gives students the opportunity to network and enjoy dinner with the SMU Board of Trustees. This innovative program provides invaluable access and fosters a direct line of communication between students and the school’s leadership. Furthermore, the establishment of a student pantry demonstrated the school’s commitment to addressing student needs and creating a supportive environment.

While I did experience some conservatism in terms of bureaucracy and the pace of certain procedures, which is common in most higher education institutions, it was far from the defining characteristic of my experience. For the most part, SMU Cox proved to be a place that encourages innovation, actively listens to student voices, and strives to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love most about Dallas is its incredibly health-forward environment. It’s a city that promotes well-being in numerous ways, which has made a profound impact on my lifestyle. Since moving here, I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone and embraced new experiences like Pilates, plant-based diets, and found myself inspired to incorporate running and cycling into my routine. Dallas makes it easy to prioritize my health, both physically and mentally.

Beyond the focus on wellness, I’m drawn to Dallas’ warm weather. All the sunshine makes it easier to feel and express joy and gratitude. As a daughter of Caribbean immigrants, the warm climate evokes a sense of familiarity and connection to my roots. Dallas provides a comforting sense of home, bridging the distance between my family and me and keeping me connected to the warmth and vibrancy of my heritage.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The Office is a comedy that perfectly captures the realities of business. For example, the friction between the warehouse and office staff shows how easily divisions can form, even when everyone’s working for the same company and towards the same goal. These relational dynamics taught me that building bridges between teams is critical for team morale and a strong, positive workplace culture. Then there are the Dundie Awards. They’re meaningless and silly, sure, but they represent how much people enjoy being recognized and appreciated. Even employees who seem indifferent to most things light up when they receive an award. This highlights the power of acknowledgment and appreciation in the workspace to boost morale.

Providing opportunities for teams to unwind, connect outside of work, and relieve tension fosters a refreshed and more engaged workforce. And then there’s Dwight, who is relentless in his pursuit of the Assistant Regional Manager position. His character demonstrates how ambition can manifest in the workplace, sometimes leading to overzealous behavior and a hyperfocus on climbing the ladder. This emphasizes the role leaders can play in establishing clear expectations, offering mentorship, and creating a healthy approach to ambition.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? I found that my Marketing classes truly embraced AI in diverse and impactful ways. Professors often exposed us to new AI tools we could leverage for various purposes, including conducting market research, generating insightful notes, studying for exams, brainstorming creative ideas, developing presentations, and even creating visuals like photos for mock websites and logos. This integration of AI in our curriculum not only enhanced the learning experience, but also provided valuable hands-on experience with tools that are increasingly essential and can enhance our performance post-graduation in our career tracks.

What insights did you gain from using AI? Using AI throughout my MBA experience provided valuable insights into the power of efficiency and leveraging tools to optimize performance and the quality of output. I learned how AI can automate tasks, elevate my academic writing and professional communications, freeing up time and resources to focus on strategic decision-making, personal development, and thought leadership. This experience reinforced the importance of embracing technology and utilizing tools to enhance productivity and achieve better outcomes. I also learned that AI can be beneficial in diverse settings, from the classroom to a nonprofit organization—it is very multifunctional.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Among my many exceptional classmates, Gunsoo Choi stands out as the individual I most deeply admire. His journey to SMU Cox, defined by resilience and dedication, is truly inspiring. In the months leading up to the start of our MBA experience, Gunsoo underwent a surgery related to a cancer diagnosis. Shortly after, he moved to Dallas, TX to participate in an English language class to prepare for our program. I admire Gunsoo for his tenacity and ability to persevere through significant challenges and change.

Gunsoo is a devoted father of two young daughters, and he and his wife make many sacrifices to give them a wonderful childhood. He is sincere, selfless, and incredibly generous. Everyone in our cohort loves him because he’s always there with support, silly jokes, and genuine kindness. He’s a dedicated student, a committed parent, and a loyal friend.

His employer sponsored his MBA experience to prepare him for future leadership roles. However, Gunsoo’s bold and ambitious nature has led him to explore the possibility of building a new life for his family in the United States. For months now, he has been studying for the America CPA exam and license. Even though making the decision to leave his career in Korea means he would be legally required to repay his company’s investment, he is willing to make that sacrifice for his family. I admire his courageous nature.

I remember first meeting him at orientation; he was embarrassed about his English-speaking skills and encouraged me to connect with others instead. However, choosing to sit at his table and become his friend is the best decision in my MBA career. Gunsoo is my most cherished friend and classmate. He embodies the qualities of a true leader and friend, and he brings joy to everyone around him. I am eternally grateful that our paths crossed.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? At the top of my professional bucket list is the desire to establish a non-profit organization with global impact. I would love to develop the strategic and innovative insight necessary to address the root causes of problems. I envision creating an organization that revitalizes communities and fosters sustainable solutions worldwide.

Secondly, I aspire to become a speaker and author who empowers diverse audiences. I want to contribute to the transformation and development of business leaders, young professionals, inner-city kids, immigrants, and more. I believe that my versatile personal, professional and academic experiences will help me share valuable wisdom, ignite change and unlock potential in individuals from all walks of life.

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

“It has been my privilege to work closely with Ms. Caitly Reynoso during her time at SMU Cox, both as her professor and as an informal mentor. Caitly is only the second student in over a decade to achieve a perfect score in my core course, a remarkable feat that speaks to her exceptional intellect. But what truly sets Caitly apart is her unwavering commitment to more than just achieving academic success — she is driven by a genuine passion for learning and a deep desire to apply her knowledge to make a positive impact. She would often share insights from additional readings she had undertaken, demonstrating a thirst for knowledge and a level of intellectual curiosity that is rare. She consistently helped elevate the learning environment in the classroom through pushing the conversation to a deeper level and focusing on how to apply the material, encouraging her peers to think critically, and engage more meaningfully with the material. This mindset reflects Caitly’s servant-leader mentality, as she constantly seeks ways to use what she’s learning to elevate her peers and challenge them to be better.

Caitly’s servant-leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As a Cox ambassador, she plays a vital role in new student orientations, providing essential support to students from diverse backgrounds and helping them navigate their personal challenges in graduate school. Caitly also served her fellow students as Vice President of the Graduate Entrepreneurship Club and President of the Latino Business Club, where she set a high standard for leadership that is both purposeful and impactful. Her influence reaches beyond the Cox community, particularly through her involvement in initiatives like the Business Leadership Center’s Nonprofit Consulting Project. In this role, she worked alongside a team of students to assist a local nonprofit in ensuring the continuity of its leadership while sustaining its mission of supporting underserved youth. This work is reflective of Caitly’s strong faith and her ongoing commitment to enhancing the social and emotional well-being of others, as well as giving back to the communities around her.

To me, Caitly is the embodiment of the “Best & Brightest” — not only due to her academic excellence, but also because she leads by example, continually seeking to grow, innovate, and serve others. Her profound impact at Cox and in the wider community is a testament to her exceptional leadership and character, and I have no doubt she will continue to inspire and lead others as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.”,

Maribeth Kuenzi
Associate Professor of Management, Strategy, & Entrepreneurship
Merriman Endowed Professor
Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor
Director of the Niemi Center for Economic Growth and Leadership Development
Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
 

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