Fanny Tavera, Washington Foster’s MBA Class of 2024
Age: 29
Hometown: Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): My experience is primarily centered around hospitality: consulting, project management and implementation.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to develop a holistic business acumen in finance, strategy, and business valuation and decided to get an MBA to help enhance the knowledge and experience gap and accelerate my career to the next level. With an MBA, I wanted to leverage a global student body, a culture biased toward action and a practical learning approach to help me become a well-rounded leader, inspiring and driving change worldwide.
Why did you choose Washington Foster? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Foster primarily for three reasons:
- As early as your first quarter, there is an applied strategy case competition in your core curriculum, which is one of the many experiential-based learning opportunities.
- The location is unique, sitting at the intersection of innovation and tech. Making this ecosystem accessible.
- From students, alums, and the admissions team’s investment in my success, there is a keen sense of community.
Lastly, as a huge cafecito aficionado, the cherry on top was Seattle’s strong coffee culture and the plethora of coffee shops.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Foster MBA Class of 2024?
The admissions team did a fantastic job of choosing Foster’s Class of 2024. Everyone possesses unique stories, backgrounds, and perspectives, and Foster, since day one, aims to bring that to light in and out of the classroom. As part of our core curriculum, we take a Professional Development course that extends throughout the first year, and we have done a few assessments thus far to discover our individual brand essence. My most differentiating contributions to the Class of 2024, are the following:
– empathetic and human-centered approach to solutions, people, and decision-making.
– ability to inspire, motivate and believe in others to make things happen.
– biased towards action, focusing on doing and building.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Alicia’s Keys Empire State of Mind influenced my undergraduate college application essay! This song served and continues to serve as an inspiration to believe I could make it anywhere.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am exploring all things a part of the innovation economy: entrepreneurship, startups, and Venture Capital.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
—Believe in yourself. Do not let the exam, the essay, or any part of the application process bring doubt to your worth and your story.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
While there were some limitations due to COVID, there is really no substitute for touring a prospective MBA program in person during a recruitment event. It offers an opportunity to envision yourself on campus and in class alongside your prospective cohort.
However, if this opportunity is not available, make it a priority to speak with as many students and recent alums candidly about their experience during and post-MBA.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start earlier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Nothing; firm believer that things work out the way they are supposed.
What is your initial impression of the Foster students/culture/community?
Despite having worked abroad in 5 countries and across 20 US states, and NYC holding a special place in my heart, I really love how Seattle and Foster have made me feel.
What is one thing you have learned about Foster that has surprised you?
The amazing faculty! I knew I wanted to push myself and focus on building my quantitative skills but am surprised at how much I have been enjoying my Finance class. This is primarily because of the professor – Professor Lance is enthusiastic, passionate, approachable, and presents the material in a relevant way.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
As I strive to maximize my MBA experience, I am most anxious about balancing school, networking, recruiting, personal passion projects, social events, and all the opportunities Foster has available.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I was selected as the first-year class rep for my section, which is a tremendous and exciting opportunity. I am excited to collaborate with my cohort and the administration team to create a great experience for current and future students!
Moreover, I have been involved with the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital club and look forward to taking advantage of the Venture Fellows program, an opportunity during the second quarter to work with a VC firm or startup in the local Seattle community.
