Neidelyn Pina

Harvard Business School

“Shaped by generations of strong women, an intellectually curious Dominican-American committed to impact and lifting as I climb.”

Hometown: Weehawken, NJ

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love learning the history behind food. For example, kípe comes from Middle Eastern immigrants who arrived in the DR in the 19th and 20th centuries, and Dominicans adopted the dish as our own. Exploring these food origins is my personal version of anthropology.

Undergraduate School and Major: Rutgers University, Accounting

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: JPMorgan Chase, Sr. Associate, Affluent Growth Strategy

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method is such an incredible way to learn and grow as a manager because it mirrors the complexity of real-world decision-making. It teaches you to form and defend an opinion even when you don’t have all the information, an essential skill for any leader. It also encourages healthy dissent and debate, helping you recognize that every decision involves trade-offs. Through our classroom discussions, we develop a multifaceted perspective and learn to appreciate how others approach problems in ways you might not expect. Finally, the experience of speaking up in a classroom of 95 other people builds confidence that translates directly to leading discussions and making your voice heard in smaller, real-world meetings as a manager.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key part of Harvard Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? I’m really excited for FIELD at the end of the first year. I’ve always known FIELD was a long-standing part of the HBS curriculum, and the opportunity to travel to another country, work on a real business challenge, and learn how to navigate a different local context immediately stood out to me. It felt like the kind of immersive, global experience you can only get in business school.

Now that I’m here, I’m even more excited. Because I ultimately hope to build a career and one day a business in the Dominican Republic, FIELD feels like the perfect chance to practice working in an emerging market. That way, I can better understand how businesses operate outside the U.S. It aligns directly with my long-term goals and is one of the experiences I’m most looking forward to completing.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Harvard Business School? As an Afro-Latina, I’m lucky to be able to be part of both the LASO & AASU/ABC communities here at HBS. My identity as a Dominican woman is core to who I am, and I wanted to remain connected to my communities at HBS as well. Through these clubs, I’ve been able to find mentorship, support, and friendship from first- and second-years alike. Additionally, these clubs also offer an opportunity to pay it forward to prepositive applicants through various programs, which is immensely important to me.

When you think of Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Opportunity. HBS is a place that encourages BIG ideas and the belief that we can really change the world through business and have a big impact on the world. It encourages you to dream. Through this idea that anything you’re interested in, HBS can help you get there. It’s incredible to be in this environment.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Harvard Business School was the right program for you? Why? When I was applying to business school, I reached out to many HBS alums and mutual connections, and I was genuinely surprised by how open and willing everyone was to share their experiences. I had been intimidated since the Harvard name can feel overwhelming – but people were warm, supportive, and generous with their time.

Through the ASU and LASO buddy programs, I was paired with a first-year who helped with my essays, mock interviews, and overall guidance. The support I received throughout the process made me realize that HBS is a community where people truly help one another, and it confirmed that it was a place where I could continue to find that same support.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far was leading a cross-functional customer analysis project at JPMorgan Chase. I partnered with our Data & Analytics, Marketing, and Finance teams to conduct a deep cohort analysis of our affluent customers, uncovering key behavioral trends and client pain points. This collaboration allowed us to integrate diverse insights into a comprehensive report that directly informed new strategic decisions for our segment.

The impact was significant. The analysis was presented to Chase Consumer Bank CEO Jen Roberts and has since become a model for similar analyses across the bank. Knowing that the work continues to influence strategy at the bank today makes it one of my proudest accomplishments.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest personal accomplishment so far has been growing my confidence at HBS. My first few weeks were challenging—I often hesitated to speak up in class, overthinking my comments and doubting whether I belonged in the room. But in a short time, I’ve seen a real shift in myself. I’m contributing more, trusting my voice, and noticing how much more confident I feel compared to those early days.

I’m proud of how I’ve leaned into the discomfort and allowed this experience to stretch me in ways I didn’t expect. And I’m grateful that HBS creates an environment that pushes you to grow, both academically and personally.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA program?  My biggest advice for applicants is to tell your story authentically. Don’t try to fit into the “HBS mold” you think exists—there truly isn’t one. The class is full of people from different backgrounds, paths, and life experiences. What matters most is showing the admissions team the unique value and perspective only you can bring. Be vulnerable in your essays and let them see who you are beyond your résumé. For me, that meant sharing what it was like growing up in a multigenerational home with my mom and grandmother, and how that experience shaped my values, my work ethic, and even my long-term goals. I let them see a real, honest glimpse into my life instead of trying to be someone I’m not.

When you lead with authenticity, your story resonates and that’s what makes a compelling HBS application.

DON’T MISS: MEET HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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