Julissa Davila

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“First generation female Peruvian management consultant; fueled by family, purpose, and a promise to make healthcare more accessible.”

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was born on October 13th, a date often labeled unlucky in many cultures. But for me, it’s always been quite the opposite. Every birthday seems to bring an unexpected moment of joy or good fortune. One year, while celebrating in Mexico, I won tickets to swim with dolphins—completely by chance. It’s become a personal tradition to embrace the 13th as a reminder that perspective shapes experience, and luck often follows optimism.

Undergraduate School and Major: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. BSc. Industrial Engineer

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: McKinsey & Company, Senior Business Analyst

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? Impactful Stewardship is the principle that resonates most deeply with me because it reflects a value I’ve consistently upheld throughout my professional journey as a consultant: taking ownership not just of outcomes, but of the lasting impact my work has on clients, communities, and systems. For me, stewardship means ensuring that the value I create endures—by leaving teams, organizations, and initiatives better than I found them.

As a Fuqua MBA, this principle will demand more than participation—it will call me to lead with intention and accountability across every setting I engage in. Within student clubs like the Duke MBA Consulting Club or the Health Care Club, I won’t simply join; I’ll look for opportunities to co-create new initiatives or improve existing ones, whether that’s by introducing mentorship programs for first-year students or organizing panels on healthcare.

In programs like the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP), this principle would guide me to consider not just the client’s immediate objectives, but also the long-term implications for employees, communities, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem. It will push me to ask deeper questions, propose sustainable solutions, and remain mindful of ethics and legacy—not just deliverables.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? My ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact by expanding access to quality healthcare and fostering equal opportunities. Fuqua stood out to me not only for its collaborative culture and inspiring classmates, but also because of its unique Healthcare Sector Management (HSM) Certificate, which aligns directly with my aspirations.

What drew me most to the HSM Certificate was its comprehensive approach to healthcare education—combining rigorous academic coursework with immersive, real-world experiences. Beyond strategy and management fundamentals, the program offers hands-on opportunities through the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum and the Duke University Hospital Experiential Learning Practicum. These experiences provide a rare chance to engage directly with healthcare professionals and key stakeholders, bridging classroom knowledge with practical industry challenges.

This intersection of management education and real healthcare exposure was exactly what I was seeking. It will equip me with both the insight and the network necessary to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? One of the activities that excites me most at Duke Fuqua is the Health Care Club. As someone deeply committed to advancing innovation and equity in the healthcare sector, I see the club as a unique platform to connect with peers who share that passion, gain exposure to real-world challenges, and deepen my industry knowledge beyond the classroom.

I’m particularly drawn to events like the annual Duke MBA Health Care Conference, which brings together leaders across the industry to explore trends, policy changes, and disruptive technologies. The opportunity to engage in experiential learning—whether through industry treks, speaker series, or case competitions—will allow me to broaden my perspective and sharpen the practical skills I’ll need to drive change in healthcare. Fuqua’s collaborative culture and strong ties to the Duke University Health System make it an ideal environment to grow as a leader.

What do you like most about North Carolina so far? What I’ve enjoyed most about North Carolina so far is the perfect balance it offers between city life and natural beauty. Being surrounded by so much greenery, trails, and open spaces brings a sense of calm and helps me feel recharged each day. It’s refreshing to live in a place where I can engage with a vibrant community while still having easy access to nature—it truly supports both my personal well-being and my professional focus.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career? As a first-generation woman professional, every milestone in my career feels like a significant accomplishment. In my early days, I lacked a female business role model to guide me through the challenges I faced in the workplace. While my father was a strong influence, I often felt the absence of a woman’s perspective—especially in moments when I was the only woman on a team. In those situations, I would have appreciated advice on how to navigate difficult conversations or set personal boundaries with confidence.

If I had to highlight one accomplishment, I’m especially proud of, it would be building a successful career at McKinsey & Company. Breaking into consulting at one of the world’s most competitive firms was no small feat. It required rigorous preparation, resilience, and a steadfast belief in my potential. From navigating an intense recruiting process to delivering value on high-stakes projects and collaborating with senior stakeholders, every challenge helped me grow.

What makes this achievement truly meaningful is not just earning a seat at the table—but thriving there. It’s been a journey of continuous growth, one that has tested me in unexpected ways and shaped me into the professional I am today.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Looking ahead two years, I would consider my MBA experience successful if three key outcomes align: First, success is building lasting friendships with peers from around the world—people who inspire me, and with whom I can grow personally and professionally. Second, I would consider my two years a success if I significantly develop my leadership skills, particularly in navigating complex environments. And third, I want to gain deep, practical knowledge of the healthcare sector that enables me to drive meaningful innovation and impact within the industry. Together, these elements would not only define a successful MBA experience but also set the foundation for my long-term career goals.

© Copyright 2025 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.