Angelina Mosher Salazar, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2026
Age: 33
Hometown: Muskegon, Michigan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Michigan State University – James Madison College, major in Comparative Cultures and Politics & Arabic, Specializations in Peace & Justice Studies and Muslim Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Industry: Journalism (8 years); Last Role: Senior Producer Nonfiction Podcasts (3 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve worked in journalism for the past eight years of my life. I’ve done everything from tediously cutting hours of tape, reporting breaking news live on a national network to hiring people and managing teams. After years in the industry, I was at a point in my career where I had some semblance of stability but also felt like it was time to pivot in a new direction.
I was drawn to business school because I had started my own residential real estate side hustle and wanted to continue building on my emerging ventures.
I also recognized the immense privilege that I have to be able to go back to school. I have a relative degree of financial independence and more importantly the dedicated and continual emotional support of my family and friends.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
During my evaluation of prospective schools I was at an in person MBA fair at Boston University. It was there while talking to an admissions representative from MSB that she told me something impactful: “McDonough School of Business does not try to be the best business school in the world, but the best business for the world.” It was this statement that to me summarized the brand of MSB. What differentiates this school from all rest is the commitment to developing outstanding global leaders who are committed to public good.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I bring a vibrant background of professional experience. I’ve worked in different industries, countries and cultures. I also bring a unique lived experience. I was raised in an underrepresented area of the United States in a bicultural, bilingual and biracial household. All of that cultural richness and lived experience I bring to MSB.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love open-water swimming. I’ve competed in two open-water races. My dream is to one day swim the Cruce Del Golfo De Papagayo 10Km Race in Costa Rica.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Develop a strong connection with a member on the admissions team. If you have a good conversation with an admissions representative, follow up, ask questions.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Scour every corner of the digital and physical world for scholarships, grants, and fellowship money. Graduate school is expensive. You may be a stellar candidate and may be offered scholarships but that doesn’t mean that all of your expenses are going to be covered by your institution. There are so many “unseen” costs such as joining clubs, dinners, and travel expenses. Get that money!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could I would have skipped the challenge of uprooting my life and moving to a new city. For someone who has been transient for the majority of my adult life I thought this would be a breeze. It wasn’t. Give yourself time and be patient. It will take a minute before you feel like you are in a routine and you feel comfortable in your new environment. That is natural and normal.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
Truthfully, my initial impression was, “What did I get myself into?” Everyone seemed so different. I felt like a fish out of water and questioned quite seriously if I was in the right program. Despite the initial despair, it became quickly evident through the professors, administrators, and my classmates that yes, I was undoubtedly in the right place. I am a valued part of this community and one of the greatest strengths this MBA class possesses is our unique difference.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting enough sleep! I don’t say that frivolously. In my experience when things get chaotic the first thing that goes are those precious hours of REM your brian needs to recoup and synthesize all the important things you learned that day. I’m hoping to mitigate any late nights with naps as best I can to keep the brain sharp.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to develop deeper connections with the smart and dynamic people I have met here. MSB truly brought together an impressive and kind bunch of people. I’m looking forward to building lasting relationships with people that I would have never met if it wasn’t for this program.
