Meet MIT Sloan’s MBA Class Of 2027

Boston is a city of winners.

The New England Patriots are heading to another Super Bowl, hoping to add a 7th Vince Lombardi Trophy to their collection. The Boston Celtics have hoisted 18 NBA Championship banners, with the Boston Bruins owning 6 Stanley Cups. Even the Boston Red Sox have won 4 World Series titles since exorcising the Curse of the Bambino in 2004.

Tom Brady…Bill Russell…Bobby Orr…Ted Williams – winners all! There’s the Hail Flutie miracle pass and the Boston Marathon’s return after the 2013 terrorist bombing too. In business education, Boston is a winner too. Just look at the concentration of programs: Harvard Business School, Boston University (Questrom), Boston College (Carroll), Babson College (Olin), and Northeastern University (D’Amore-McKim). At the top of the list, you’ll find the biggest winner: MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Named the top university for Business and Economics programming by Times Higher Education in 2026, Sloan sits a mile down the St. Charles River from Harvard Business School. It also ranks above its Beantown brother in both The Financial Times and U.S. News rankings. Like HBS, Sloan can draw from the expertise and resources of MIT, which ranks as the top university in the world according to the QS World University Rankings.

BOSTON MEANS BUSINESS

More than that, Sloan MBAs can tap into the spirit of Boston. Since America was founded, the area has produced some of the most revolutionary minds in its history: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Alexander Graham Bell, John F. Kennedy, and Malcolm X. Chloe Brown, an MIT Chemical Engineering major who became an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and a Senior Business Analyst at McKinsey joined Sloan’s MBA Class of 2027 last fall. She describes Boston as “very young and highly energetic.” One reason: the metro Boston area is home to nearly 350,000 college and university students. For Shane Pornprinya, this concentration of student talent makes networking “effortless.” Even more, it enables him to take advantage of events and opportunities at other campuses.

Pornprinya’s classmate, Connor Grigg, is equally bullish on the area’s “academic energy.” “With so many top universities and graduate programs in one place, the environment feels alive with ideas and intellectual curiosity,” writes Grigg, who earned a degree in Chemical Engineering before becoming a marketing manager. “I’m thrilled to be a part of a community where people are constantly learning, questioning, and creating across disciplines. I also love that MIT Sloan embraces this broader academic ecosystem and allows me to cross-register for courses at nearby schools, opening even more doors to explore and grow.”

…and win too!

This wealth of educational institutions creates opportunities for partnerships, be it research, advising, or internships. Thanks to the academic influence, Boston means business too. The area is home to 23 Fortune 1000 companies, including Liberty Mutual, Wayfair, and State Street. That doesn’t include renowned toy brands like LEGO and Hasbro moving their headquarters there. Plus, the area houses large operations for top companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. In fact, Boston is sometimes called the “sneaker capital of America” with New Balance, Reebok, and Converse all staking their headquarters there. Beyond the household names, Boston offers a hidden advantage: more than 250,000 tech workers who can supply infrastructure and spur innovation at a scale that few metros can match.

The city has also nurtured startups like CarGurus and DraftKings, and Circle. That’s because the region is an entrepreneurial hub. Startup Genome ranks ‘the cradle of liberty’ as the 5th-largest startup hub in the world. It has spun out 44 unicorns, while generating $72-billion in total venture capital funding from 2020-2024. The second largest recipient of VC funding for artificial intelligence, Boston-Cambridge has earned the moniker of being the “Life Sciences Capital of the World.” More than 1,000 biotech companies operate in the region, including Biogen, Vertex, and Moderna. Even more, regional firms collect more pharma or biotech patents than anywhere else in the United States. At the same time, the Boston region features one of the largest concentrations of lab space, along with high-tech incubators and accelerators like the Cambridge Innovation Center and MassRobotics.

UNMATCHED OPPORTUNITIES

The Sloan School itself is found in Cambridge – just 5 minutes from Kendall Square, which bills itself as “most innovative square mile on the planet.” Picture an area where the best minds in finance, healthcare, and biotech cross paths daily, says ’25 Sloan alum Toritse David Maroh, a “melting pot of ideas” that “makes you feel part of something bigger.” Home to companies like Google, Facebook, and Novartis, the “smartest square” also features famed research facilities like the Broad Institute and Draper Laboratory. This convergence of world-class educational institutions, Fortune 500 might, accelerator and lab support, and entrepreneurial spirit – know-how, money, connections, and energy – makes Sloan’s Boston-Cambridge setting so formidable, says Isabelle Callaghan, a project manager. The best part of all, as one classmate points out, the Sloan School is right in the thick of it.

“As someone who wants to work on the next generation of green materials technologies, the presence of MIT-bred startups like Sublime Systems and research centers like the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub were big draws for me,” writes Claudia Mezey, a Yale-trained regulatory lead.

“It’s the unmatched innovation ecosystem here,” continues Shane Pornprinya. “Being surrounded by world class research labs like MIT CSAIL, the MIT Media Lab, and the Broad Institute means daily exposure to groundbreaking research. The area is also home to global leaders in robotics like Amazon Robotics and Boston Dynamics. The proximity to the people driving this work creates endless opportunities to collaborate on transformative ideas or to form a start-up.”

‘SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT’

Beyond business, there is the Boston lifestyle. Consistently ranked among the country’s safest large cities, the region boasts over 300 parks and hosts over 500 arts and cultural events annually. Chloe Brown calls it one of the most “walkable” cities…before adding that the “T” (subway line) “goes pretty much anywhere.” Sreelakshmi Sandeep, who most recently worked as a scientist and engineer for the Indian Space Research Organisation – relishes being part of four distinct seasons…including the celebrated New England winters. Of course, there are the scrumptious cannolis at Mike’s and Bova’s adds ’25 MBA alum Lizzy Salata. In other words, there is something for every Sloan MBA, whether it is jogging along the St. Charles River or sailing in the Boston Harbor.

“Boston is a dream for students,” observes Adalberto Acuña Girault, most recently a project manager at Procter & Gamble. “It’s vibrant, youthful, and packed with social and cultural activities year-round. As a foodie, I also love the diverse culinary scene, and the city’s blend of tradition and modernity makes it feel both rich and accessible. For nature lovers like me, it’s perfectly located: whether it’s hiking Mount Washington, swimming on Cape Cod, or skiing at Cannon or Sugarloaf resorts, adventure is always a few hours’ car ride away.”

More than that, Boston is a place where Sloan MBAs are surrounded by the people who are “shaping what’s next,” says Adi Yehoshua, most recently a senior AI solutions architect with Nvidia. “Between MIT, Harvard, and the hundreds of startups and research centers nearby, you feel like you’re constantly surrounded by people solving meaningful problems—in tech, health care, climate, and more. Honestly, every coffee shop feels like it could turn into your next big brainstorm session.”

IMPORTANT ROLES ON IMPORTANT PROJECTS

Versatile…tech-savvy…well-rounded…highly accomplished: all words that could describe the Sloan MBA Class of 2027. Take Yehoshua. At Nvidia, he was part of an engagement that turned one of Israel’s largest hospitals in an “AI-driven hospital” – an effort that brought together health care, data science, and engineering. Likewise, as a WSP project manager, Claudia Mezey partnered with a Fortune 500 bank to deliver a net zero program.

“With a climate program, it’s easy to fall into the trap of setting targets that are popular in your industry, or that are recognized under ESG standards, stopping short of defining what environmental stewardship means for your organization. I felt that our team helped the client articulate a clear climate action vision in their own voice, and this achievement was especially rewarding.”

Sara Dugan, a Berkeley Economics major, managed investments at Bell Partners before joining the MBA Class of 2027. Her biggest achievement she says, was creating a “more diverse and inclusive hiring pipeline” in the firm’s internship program. In contrast, Shane Pornprinya oversaw Tesla’s validation of Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) technology, ensuring millions of vehicles met Federal safety standards. At Deep Sky Climate, Isabelle Callaghan managed the construction of a Deep Air Capture (DAC) facility – a project that tested her mettle at every turn.

“I oversaw site selection, permitting, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning while coordinating dozens of contractors and technology partners across multiple countries,” she explains. “But what makes this my greatest achievement is not just the complexity and final outcome, it was the obstacles I managed to overcome along the way. Over the course of the project, we had to cut millions from the budget, relocate the project to a new province, and completely change the complex execution plan to accommodate major equipment delivery delays. Each hurdle forced us to adapt quickly, find creative solutions, and keep the project on course without compromising our goals.”

TAKING INDIA TO SPACE

While Sreelakshmi Sandeep worked for India’s answer to NASA, you might be surprised to learn she is afraid of heights – something she overcame when she had to climb 70 meters to a rocket launch pad (with open floors, no less). Her role has also enabled her to be part of several “firsts.”

“I had the opportunity to work on one of the most critical launch systems for ISRO’s successful moon mission, which made India the first country to land near the moon’s southern pole. I also contributed to designing and delivering key systems for India’s upcoming first human spaceflight mission. For me, these milestones were not just about developing new technologies—they were also about working alongside an incredible team to create something that could have profound impact, making the entire nation proud, and inspiring hope for the future.”

Sandeep was also responsible for one final ‘first’ at ISRO. “I became the first female scientist in the launchpad section, a high-pressure, tech-driven environment where precision is everything. Breaking that glass ceiling wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was about proving that women can excel in dynamic, high-stakes roles and helping create a smoother path for others entering underrepresented sectors.”

A UNIQUE SET OF SKILLS

Beyond their resumes, the Class of 2027 also bring unique skills to the table. Sandeep herself credits her success to aligning people with a vision so they could tackle issues as a unit – something that fits well with Sloan’s “collaborative culture.” Seasoned in the public sector, Claudia Mezey can show classmates how to navigate bureaucratic snags to better turn ideas with potential into realities with results. For Adalberto Acuña Girault – who collects analogue cameras – his gift is the “power of enthusiasm.”

“I bring passion to everything I do—whether it’s trying new ideas, innovating better processes, or encouraging others to explore different perspectives. Enthusiasm is contagious, and when infused into a community, it drives us all to achieve more, go further, and do better.”

Like many Sloanies, Adi Yehoshua understands the intricacies of technology. His unique talent, however, is being able to teach it. “I know how to connect the dots—between people, ideas, and technology. With a strong background in AI, I bring technical expertise but also know how to make complex things feel simple and useful. I’m a people person who loves to bring others in, share ideas, and help move things forward. I dream big, and I’m not afraid to go after things that seem out of reach, but at the same time, I try to support the people around me and lift their energy.”

Those skills will only be amplified at MIT. Synonymous with Computer Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, and AI, MIT has been responsible for some of the biggest innovations of the past century: radar, world-wide web, nuclear fission, GPS, and lithium batteries – not to mention spreadsheets and computer games. And that doesn’t include the companies founded by its alumni: E*Trade, Texas Instruments, Hubspot, iRobot, Dropbox, and Hewlett Packard. Coming into their first years, the Class of 2027 had their own impressions of MIT:

“Inclusivity, diversity of thought, intellectual curiosity, and rigor.” – Isabelle Callaghan

“Innovation, and intellectual intensity.” – Adalberto Acuña Girault

“A place that encourage(s) fearless thinking and taking risks.” – Sreelakshmi Sandeep

“Exposure to a wide variety of perspectives and creative thinking.” – Sara Dugan

Connor Grigg would add that MIT is a place that pushes students to push boundaries and think differently. Still, these observations miss the true MIT difference. Before joining the Sloan MBA, Adi Yehoshua associated MIT with “robots and genius-level code.” Now, he sees that MIT is all about people, the winners who “care deeply about real-world impact, lifting others up, and solving big problems with heart and hustle.” It was an epiphany shared by Sreelakshmi Sandeep.

“Every conversation I’ve had with current students, alumni, and the MIT Sloan staff has reinforced that impression. I’ve heard inspiring stories of students launching ventures to solve complex problems in our society, working on action learning labs, or diving into tough challenges, all while being surrounded by a community that genuinely wants them to succeed. What stands out most is how people at MIT Sloan show up for each other. Whether it’s peers, professors, or alumni, everyone seems invested in your journey and in helping you make a difference.”

MIND & HAND

This instinct reflects the heart of MIT (generally) and the Sloan School (specifically). It is a place for action, a “culture of getting things done” and a “community of doers” in the words of Claudia Mezey. “MIT really excels at coaching students to be translators across disciplines, in the service of moving from idea to action with a calibrated sense of urgency,” she adds.

Alas, this bias for action is rooted in MIT’s motto: Mens et manus (“Mind and hand”). By this, MIT means ideas matter little if they can’t be practically applied to solve the issues that threaten humanity or capitalize on the opportunities to enhance quality of life. At Sloan, the belief is students don’t really learn concepts until they’re thrown into real world situations where they have to use them. This problem-solving ethos – which emphasizes student teams partnering with businesses to gain experience thinking and doing – has been branded “action learning.” It has been a defining feature of the program for over 60 years.

Each semester, for example, MBAs participate in a Sloan Innovation Period (SIP) in October and March. Rather than take classes, MBAs can take micro courses or complete study trips or mini-internships for up to two weeks. To kick off the second semester, students also enjoy the flexibility of an Independent Activities Period, where they can focus on passion projects such as startups or add another internship to their resumes. However, the cornerstone of Sloan’s action learning philosophy is its Action Learning Labs. MIT Sloan runs 19 semester-long Action Learning Labs, which includes labs focused on regions (Southeast Asia), Industries (Healthcare, Finance, Real Estate, Tech Ventures) or Skill Sets (Analytics, Generative AI, Product Management).

The coursework includes industry or skill fundamentals, case studies, speakers, site visits and exercises. At the same time, student teams work with a host company to handle assignments like evaluating new markets or reducing operational inefficiencies. For example, in a 2024 Corporate Entrepreneurship Lab, two students joined forces with Costco to identify the best product fits for the firm’s move into online demos and samples.

Page 2: An interview with Maura Herson, Assistant Dean.

Page 3: Profiles of 9 members of the MBA Class of 2027.

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