Cristine Ferraz

Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business

“Curious learner and versatile problem-solver, blending creativity with a spirit of adventure.”

Hometown: Cacoal, Brazil

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a vivid dreamer — every night is a new adventure. I’ve been an undercover FBI agent, a heart surgery patient, and a guest at a luxury spa… all without leaving my bed.

Undergraduate School and Major: Pontificia Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR), B.Sc. in Civil Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Recurrent Energy, Business Analyst

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Carnegie Mellon’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The distinct STEM designation is the cornerstone of my decision to pursue an MBA, as it perfectly aligns with my analytical mindset, and long-term career aspirations. The Tepper School’s multiple career tracks, particularly the strong combination of finance and technology, are reinforced by Carnegie Mellon’s global recognition as a leader in technological innovation and the resources of the Accelerate Leadership Center. This synergy offers a unique opportunity to strengthen my ability to lead strategy and make data-informed decisions in uncertain and complex environments. I see it as the ideal foundation to drive meaningful change and create lasting value throughout my career.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Carnegie Mellon?  I’m energized by the opportunity to join clubs at the intersection of finance, energy and technology, where I can both contribute my industry experience and learn from peers with diverse perspectives. Beyond that, I’m excited about the Outdoor Adventure Club, which offers a wonderful chance to explore Pittsburgh’s natural beauty and enjoy outdoor activities—a refreshing way to connect with nature while fostering teamwork and resilience outside the classroom. I’m also eager to try my hand at the Golf Club, both to learn the sport and immerse myself in a unique aspect of North American culture.

The Tepper MBA is known for intensive one-on-one coaching and personal development. What area do you hope to strengthen during your two years in business school and why? Given the Tepper School’s reputation, I look forward to strengthening my leadership skills through immersive opportunities such as Leadership Development Certification, Leadership Touchpoint Series, targeted workshops, and mentorship programs that leverage coaches’ expertise to clarify and accelerate my goals. In particular, I aim to refine my communication – focusing on storytelling, persuasion, and eloquence – while sharpening decision-making skills under pressure. By practicing assertiveness and enhancing emotional intelligence both personally and professionally, I will be better equipped to inspire trust and effectively guide teams.

The Tepper MBA is also known for being highly data-driven Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How have been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? The Tepper School’s MBA has emphasis on quantitative analysis and decision-resonates with my background and personality. With my engineering background and years working hands-on with quantitative and qualitative data, I’ve come to love solving problems through numbers and insights —especially in finance and quality, where accuracy is vital in the construction and energy industries to optimize processes and enhance performance. Given my interest in financial analysis and forecasting, I’m eager to sharpen these skills and data-driven approach even further, exploring complex and dynamic scenarios particularly by embracing AI and advanced analytics — to make more valuable, impactful decisions that drive real results.

When you think of Carnegie Mellon University, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Excellence is the word that first comes to mind when I think of Carnegie Mellon University. My value of lifelong learning deeply resonates with the university’s commitment to continuous growth and adaptation. I’m inspired by how the MBA program advances alongside technological breakthroughs, recognizing that business must evolve just as quickly with changing generations, trends, and markets. Carnegie Mellon’s relentless drive to push boundaries, embrace cutting-edge technology, and remain ahead of the curve perfectly captures its spirit.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As Head of Engineering at a small city hall, one of my biggest accomplishments was leading the renovation project of a walk-in clinic equipped with X-rays, emergency rooms, and oxygen systems. I’m proud of having built a strong multidisciplinary team and investing in their development. I collaborated closely with the Secretary of Health to establish a technical network and worked directly with the mayor to secure funding by strategically presenting the project plan to state representatives, deputies, and senators.

Working on this complex project taught me how to tackle challenges by relying on people, delegating effectively, and engaging cross-functionally with diverse stakeholders. It also reinforced my sense of purpose, as the clinic now serves the community, easing pressure on the city’s only public hospital and allowing it to focus on complex cases and high-risk surgeries.

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