Rosa Rizo-Mulcahy

Kelley School of Business at Indiana University

“Driven, positive, and bold. Committed to turning challenges into meaningful impact and lasting growth.”

Hometown: I am originally from Colombia and have been living in Houston, Texas for the last two years.

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have lived in seven cities in two different countries, Bloomington will now be the eighth city.

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (Colombia), Bachelor in Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Itaú Bank, Regional Manager Commercial Banking

In the second half of the year, you will be completing an Academy devoted to areas like Marketing, Finance, Operations, Digital Enterprises and more. Which Academy interests you the most and why? I will be joining the Capital Markets Academy and majoring in finance with co-majors in strategy and leadership. This combination reflects my strong interest in further understanding how to drive growth and long-term value through high-impact financial and strategic decisions. My background in commercial banking and as a strategic advisor has deepened my appreciation for the connection between execution, capital strategy, and leadership in critical decision-making.

What draws me most to the Capital Markets Academy is its rigorous focus on the intersection of markets, valuation, and strategic thinking. It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen my ability to analyze capital flows, evaluate complex financial instruments, and support business transformation through data-driven insights and value creation. At the same time, it will sharpen my leadership skills, enabling me to thrive in fast-paced environments where innovation, adaptability, and collaboration are essential.

Through this academic focus and my professional experience, I am excited to contribute to and grow within high-performing teams that deliver impactful financial and strategic solutions in dynamic, global markets.

At the beginning of the school year, you will be completing Me, Inc., where you will engage in reflections and exercises to build your personal brand? In one sentence, describe your personal brand and how will it add value to the classmates and future employers? I’m a driven and resilient leader who delivers results with empathy, inspiring growth and creating lasting impact that empowers classmates and organizations to thrive at the highest level.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Indiana Kelley’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? People and community have always been central to my values. When searching for the right MBA, I looked for an environment where I could grow both personally and professionally, one that values authenticity and the unique strengths each person brings. At Kelley, I felt that immediately. The conversations I had reflected a culture of high performance grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and genuine care. I saw a place where people challenge each other to excel while lifting one another up. Beyond its top-ranked academics, strong structure, and standout resources like the Academies and Me, Inc., what stood out most was Kelley’s deeply collaborative and supportive culture, one that prioritizes growth, invests in your potential, and empowers you to succeed every step of the way.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Indiana Kelley? I’m most excited to immerse myself in Kelley’s unique blend of rigorous academics and collaborative culture. Beyond joining the Capital Markets Academy, I’m particularly drawn to Me, Inc. and leadership development opportunities that sharpen both personal and professional strengths from the start. I’m also eager to get involved in clubs like the Finance Club and Women in Business Association, to build meaningful connections, exchange insights with my peers, and continue growing within a strong, empowering network of talented, driven women.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Indiana Kelley was the right program for you? Why? When I attended the pre-MBA weekend, I had the chance to connect with first- and second-year students, alumni, and staff, and it was clear what kind of people they were: supportive, driven, and genuine. I felt both challenged and safe, like I could speak openly, be heard, and be valued for my contributions.

What has been your biggest achievement in your career? My biggest achievement so far has been the impact I’ve had as a leader, supporting and motivating professionals to grow and advance their careers. I’ve worked to show that with purpose, hard work, empathy, and drive, you can become an inspiring and exemplary leader. Looking back, seeing many of these individuals now thriving in leadership roles across different industries is both humbling and motivating. It pushes me to keep learning and reminds me that commitment and empathy are powerful tools for making a meaningful impact.

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