Juan Jose Pascual

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“I bounce between movie marathons, sports, and quality time with friends.”

Hometown: Panama City, Panama

Fun Fact About Yourself: I showed up home with zero warning… and a dog named Nola, easily the best surprise my family has ever gotten.

Undergraduate School and Major: Tulane University, Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: KPMG, Deal Advisory Senior Analyst

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I think of Notre Dame, the first thing that comes to mind is the university’s strong alumni network, one whose reach goes far beyond the Midwest and extends even to a small country like Panama. Growing up and spending most of my career in Panama, I was often surprised by how frequently the Notre Dame name opened doors or created instant connections, reinforcing the sense that belonging to this community truly lasts a lifetime.

I experienced this personally even before formally starting the MBA program, when I was invited by Notre Dame’s Panama Alumni Association to watch the national championship alongside more than 25 alumni. Being welcomed so naturally into that group allowed me to hear firsthand stories about their own Notre Dame journeys, and deepen my appreciation for the shared values that connect alumni across generations. Since joining Mendoza, that early impression has only been reinforced, while also showing me that Notre Dame is not just defined by tradition and reputation, but by humility, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

Aside from your classmates, what was the one key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What ultimately drew me to Mendoza, beyond the people, was how intentionally the program develops leaders as whole individuals rather than just strong professionals. Throughout my life and career, I’ve learned that meaningful growth extends beyond technical skill; it comes from discipline, self-awareness, and a clear sense of purpose. Mendoza’s values-based approach really stood out to me because they align closely with how I’ve been shaped by my experiences living abroad, taking on responsibility early in my career, and learning to be accountable for my choices. I was seeking an MBA program that would challenge me intellectually while reinforcing the importance of integrity and long-term impact, Mendoza felt like a place where those principles are not just discussed but genuinely lived.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? My favorite course so far at Mendoza has been Financial Accounting. Professor Meyer brings a unique level of energy to the classroom, his passion for the Fighting Irish is unmatched, and he has a talent for making complex concepts feel both accessible and relevant. Outside the classroom, I’ve been most surprised by the excitement and sense of community surrounding football weekends in South Bend. The entire town becomes electric, from tailgates organized by the Latino community to the unforgettable atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment so far has been leading the lender-side audit of a large-scale renewable energy project that helped unlock roughly $300 million in debt financing. In this role, I coordinated multiple workstreams, worked directly with senior stakeholders, and translated complex financial and risk issues into clear conclusions that ultimately allowed the transaction to move forward. What made this especially meaningful to me was not just the size of the deal, but the level of ownership and trust I was given relatively early in my career.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been contributing to my classmates’ learning while also expanding my own. I’ve been able to support peers in quantitative subjects where I had a strong background, helping make complex material more approachable. In turn, I learned from them in areas where I had less experience.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? I’m still figuring out what my long-term path looks like, but I know I want to build a career that blends strong financial judgment with integrity and purpose. After my MBA, I plan to work in banking, building on my consulting experience while applying Mendoza’s emphasis on ethical decision-making and long-term impact. Over time, I hope to bring these lessons back to my family business and give back more personally, including possibly starting a foundation to support dogs in need, an area that’s become meaningful to me as a dog father.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? One of my best memories as an MBA so far was attending the Notre Dame game against USC in what was probably the heaviest rain I’ve ever experienced. Despite being completely soaked, my friends and I stayed in the stands the entire time, all united in rooting for the same cause. The shared grit and excitement made the experience unforgettable, especially when Notre Dame ultimately came out victorious after a hard-fought battle.

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