Maria Felix-Padilla

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“Curious, creative thinker who leads with empathy and loves solving complex problems with others.”

Hometown: Miami, FL

Fun Fact About Yourself: I run a creative writing blog in my spare time!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Pennsylvania – Operations (Wharton School) and International Studies (School of Arts and Sciences)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Bain & Company, Consultant

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? KWEST (Kellogg’s pre-MBA trip) is more than just an orientation; it’s an immersive way to build deep, early bonds without making initial assumptions based on resumes or titles. That kind of intentional community-building signaled to me that Kellogg invests deeply in its people and culture from day one, and I knew that was the kind of environment I wanted to complete my MBA in.

Kellogg’s One-Year MBA Program was the single most important factor in my decision, as its accelerated pace and immersive structure perfectly match my appetite for steep learning curves. After years in high-intensity environments at Bain and Penn, I know I thrive when challenged to absorb and apply knowledge at speed. The 1Y format allows me to build on my existing business foundation without repeating coursework, freeing me to focus immediately on advanced electives and experiential learning. Coupled with the program’s reputation as the most tight-knit cohort at a school already known for collaboration, it offers rigor and the community where I can learn, contribute, and grow from Day 1.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Chicago offers the best of all worlds: global business access and a vibrant, livable city atmosphere. Whether it’s connecting with Fortune 500 firms or enjoying lakefront runs, Chicago possesses the ideal balance of professional opportunity and personal enrichment. Evanston itself exists as a welcoming, tight-knit haven where students can connect, recharge, and build community beyond the classroom. Location-wise, it’s an unbeatable combination.

Kellogg is known for a team-driven culture. What quality do you bring as a teammate and why will it be so important to the success of MBA class? One of my greatest strengths as a teammate is the willingness to make difficult choices, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. I’ve learned that growth often comes from taking risks, learning from failure, and choosing the harder path when it might lead to progress. In a team-driven environment like Kellogg, that mindset helps push teams forward and fosters a culture of resilience and continuous improvement.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I’m especially excited about the Growth Strategy Practicum course because it offers the opportunity to tackle real business challenges in collaboration with leading companies. It is the kind of immersive, hands-on learning that drew me to Kellogg in the first place, and I’m looking forward to applying concepts to live projects with my peers.

What has been your first impression of the Kellogg MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kellogg story so far. What impressed me most about Kellogg is how every conversation ends with, “You have to meet [this person].” I remember that, after being accepted, I had no less than eleven people reach out to me from Kellogg and offer their time to connect. This community isn’t just friendly, it’s actively connective, with students and alumni constantly expanding your network. It’s a place where introductions are a reflex rather than a favor, and there is nowhere better to set you up for success down the line.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: While at Bain, I worked on a high-profile merger that initially created significant tension between the two organizations. By building strong client relationships and leading trust-based workshops, I helped shift the tone, eventually getting teams not just aligned, but genuinely excited about the change. It was a powerful lesson in the value of empathy, partnership, and working side by side to drive real transformation.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? A successful MBA experience means graduating with lifelong friends, stronger leadership skills, and the confidence to pursue bold, high-impact moves. If I’ve routinely pushed myself outside my comfort zone, I’ll know I leveraged Kellogg to its fullest.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? Focus on showcasing your team experience and interpersonal strengths. You will have hundreds of team meetings at Kellogg, and this system is by design; Kellogg wants people who thrive in collaboration, not just competition.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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