Sara Dugan

MIT, Sloan School of Management

“Investment professional passionate about creating lasting impact through finance and alleviating climate change.”

Hometown: Redwood City, CA

Fun Fact About Yourself: Mosquitoes are my nemesis! Due to a particular nasty encounter with a mosquito and a single pane glass window, I now have limited sensation in my right hand.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of California, Berkeley; majored in Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Bell Partners, Investment Manager

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of MIT Sloan’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The key part of MIT Sloan’s programming that drew me in is the ability to focus my studies in sustainability. Through the Sustainability Certificate, Action Learning labs, and cross-MIT collaboration, MIT Sloan offers the flexibility to explore the many avenues of climate change, a rapidly evolving and nascent field, while building the skills to drive impact.

Action Learning Labs are one of MIT Sloan’s biggest attractions. Which lab interests you most? How does it fit with your interests? The Sustainability Lab interests me most because it offers a hands-on opportunity to work directly with companies developing innovative climate solutions. With my background in real estate private equity and experience leading ESG initiatives, I want to deepen my expertise in integrating sustainable practices into investment strategies. This lab aligns perfectly with my goal to expand climate finance into underfunded sectors by helping me apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and accelerating scalable impact.

When you think of MIT, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Sloan program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? MIT is a world leader in innovation, providing exposure to a wide variety of perspectives and creative thinking that will enable me to better navigate the challenges raised by climate change. In my time with MIT Sloan classmates, I have already connected with many intelligent and curious professionals who have broadened my worldview and inspired new approaches to solving key global challenges. This collaborative environment reinforces why MIT Sloan is the ideal place for me to evolve as a thoughtful and impactful leader.

What excites you about earning an MBA in the Boston area? Boston is a vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. The convergence of graduate students from diverse backgrounds across world-class institutions creates a dynamic ecosystem filled with collaboration and fresh ideas. This environment offers countless opportunities to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections. On a personal note, as a California native, I am also looking forward to experiencing seasons for the first time and immersing myself in a new regional culture.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2027? My unique quality is my enthusiasm for working with others and building community. Through experiences like volunteering with Braid Mission, which offers team-based mentoring for foster youth, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration and empathy can create meaningful impact. I thrive when bringing various perspectives together to solve complex challenges and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Whether leading teams or mentoring interns, I focus on empowering others and encouraging growth. I’m excited to bring this collaborative spirit to the Class of 2027 and help build a supportive, dynamic community that inspires us all.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: While I have helped facilitate over $4.1 billion in transaction volume, my biggest career accomplishment has been transforming Bell Partners’ internship program to build a more diverse and inclusive hiring pipeline. I redesigned the recruiting process to prioritize intellectual curiosity and expand our candidate pool beyond traditional networks. Additionally, I introduced cross-functional rotations, giving interns exposure across the investment management platform, which significantly enhanced their experience and increased full-time hire rates. These efforts have helped the firm become more diverse in both background and perspective.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into MIT Sloan’s MBA program? My advice for applicants is to talk to current students and alumni early in the process to gain firsthand insights. Identifying which MIT Sloan programs excites you most will help tailor your application effectively. Most importantly, give yourself ample time to write thoughtful essays that authentically tell your story and showcase what makes you unique.

DON’T MISS: MEET MIT SLOAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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