Helena Epstein

University of California-Berkeley, Haas School of Business

“Passionate about energy—whether it’s powering homes or igniting sparks when great minds connect.”

Hometown: Miami Beach, FL

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was on Good Morning America last summer with my older sister!

Undergraduate School and Major: Washington University in St. Louis: BS, Environmental Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Bain & Company: Senior Associate Consultant

Berkeley Haas is founded on four Defining Leadership Principles: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. Which principle resonates most with you and why? As someone passionate about addressing climate change, I resonate with the principle of Question the Status Quo. To me, this means exploring uncharted areas and asking why they remain unexplored. It’s about pushing boundaries that have yet to be challenged.

Radical change stems from radical thinking, and by challenging the status quo, we can begin to shape new ways of thinking, working, and living. The current state of the world demands that we do so. In an era marked by rapid innovation—through the internet, generative AI, rising energy demand, and more—we must start testing the limits.

What excites you about earning your MBA in the Bay Area? I’m thrilled to be moving to the Bay Area! On a personal level, I’m especially excited to be closer to my sister, Emilia, who lives in San Francisco. Professionally, the Bay Area represents the heart of innovation and bold thinking, which aligns perfectly with my passions and ambitions. As someone deeply committed to addressing climate change, I’m energized by the opportunity to immerse myself in the epicenter of climate tech innovation. As a bonus—after the heat of Texas—I’m very ready for a place where the temperature doesn’t go above 90 degrees!

What was the key part of Berkeley Haas’ MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The clean energy and sustainability focus at Haas was the defining factor in my decision. I’m eager to dive into a curriculum that challenges conventional thinking and fosters meaningful impact. The opportunities to engage with forward-thinking professors, collaborate with like-minded peers, and get involved with the Center for Responsible Business make Haas the perfect fit for my goals. It was clear to me from the start that Haas doesn’t just talk about values, it truly lives them.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Berkeley Haas? I’m especially excited about the Cleantech to Market innovation course. The chance to work hands-on with startups to evaluate the commercial viability of breakthrough technologies in low-carbon energy, clean water, and green chemistry is the ideal intersection of my two passions: sustainability and entrepreneurship. It’s a rare opportunity to create tangible impact while gaining real-world experience.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest accomplishments has been leading diversity recruiting efforts across more than 40 schools for both intern and full-time hires. I thrive on building connections and find it incredibly fulfilling to support students as they navigate their career journeys. It’s work that’s both personal and purposeful to me.

At this point, what do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I hope to join a startup or early-stage company in the renewable fuels space—particularly focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). I’m excited about the transformative potential of this industry and the opportunity it presents to drive scalable, lasting environmental impact.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Berkeley Haas’ MBA program? My best advice is to invest real time into figuring out the story you want to tell—especially in your main essay. Before you even start writing, talk to people who know you well—friends, mentors, parents, colleagues—and ask them how they see you, what strengths they notice, and what moments stand out. It takes deep reflection and research, but once you find that core insight, your application will start to flow naturally.

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