Santana Deanda, Rochester Simon Business School MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: SUNY Oswego, Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Financial Analyst, Empire Valuation Consultants: 3 years
Funding Specialist, Loan Depot: 1 year; Business Development Representative, Alliance Advisory Group: 1 year
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I realized that the career path I was on wasn’t truly aligned with my long-term goals. I’ve always felt a strong calling to work in consulting, especially to address sustainability issues in a way that would benefit underserved communities. Transitioning into that field without an MBA felt like hitting a wall. I needed to sharpen my skills and gain new knowledge to break into the industry I’m passionate about. Beyond my professional goals, there’s a personal sense of urgency. I want to give back to Native American communities. Specifically, to the reservation I am from and others like it. It often feels like time is slipping away to make a real impact on the people I care most about. I knew that getting my MBA now would equip me with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to pursue my purpose and create meaningful change. Waiting any longer wasn’t an option. I needed to act now to be in a position to help the communities that shaped me.
Why did you choose Rochester Simon? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Simon Business School because it offers the perfect combination of what I was looking for in an MBA program. The school’s emphasis on quantitative analysis and data-driven decision-making is a big reason I’m here. I’ve always believed that real solutions are built on solid data, and Simon’s curriculum aligns with that belief. I also knew I needed a smaller, more personalized environment where I wouldn’t feel like just another face in a crowded classroom. Simon’s class sizes allow for that deeper connection with both faculty and fellow students. But, honestly, the deciding factor for me was the diversity of the student body. I’ve already met people with backgrounds and stories that I couldn’t have imagined, and I know that these interactions will be a crucial part of my learning experience here. The opportunity for cross-cultural exchange is invaluable to me, especially as someone who is committed to improving conditions on Native American reservations. The community at Simon just felt right, it felt like a place where I could grow, learn, and make a difference.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is my unique perspective as a Native American who has experienced firsthand the challenges of life on reservations. My life experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of purpose, driving me to focus on sustainable solutions that can directly impact marginalized communities.
I bring a strong sense of resilience, shaped by overcoming personal and professional obstacles, and a commitment to making a difference, particularly in tribal governance and environmental sustainability. My passion for ESG, coupled with my desire to challenge conventional thinking, adds a layer of depth to classroom discussions and group projects, particularly when addressing real-world problems.
Moreover, I’m eager to engage in cross-cultural exchanges, learning from and sharing with classmates who come from diverse backgrounds. My journey from construction work and overcoming adversity to pursuing an MBA makes me relatable and adaptable, and I look forward to offering insights that others may not have encountered.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
One of my lifelong dreams is to travel the country in a camper van, RV, or bus. I was actually in the process of making this dream a reality not too long ago. I bought an old bus and had big plans to renovate it. Unfortunately, the engine failed before I could even get started, and the cost of repairs was more than the bus itself. I still remember driving it, engine smoking, all the way to the scrap yard. It was a tough moment, but I haven’t given up on that dream. Given how housing and rent prices have been skyrocketing, living in a van down by the river might not be such a wild idea after all. I don’t own much, and the freedom of being able to travel wherever the road takes me still calls to me. One day, I’ll make that dream a reality.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career interests are rooted in my passion for sustainability and making a tangible impact in Native American communities. In the short term, I see myself specializing in strategy consulting with a focus on ESG. It’s not just a career move—it’s something I’m deeply committed to because I believe that sustainable business practices are key to addressing some of the biggest challenges we face today. My long-term goal is to leverage everything I’ve learned through consulting to support impoverished Native American reservations, helping them gain access to clean energy and water solutions. I want to work closely with tribal governments, or possibly start my own non-profit, to address these critical needs. For me, it’s not just about having a successful career, but about using that career to create opportunities for communities that have been historically overlooked.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would take the time to explain any red flags in my application. My academic performance wasn’t stellar, but there’s a story behind the numbers. During my undergrad, I went through a challenging period that took away from my academic performance. Highlighting that my grades were earned despite these circumstances gave the admissions committee a fuller picture of who I am. I think that most admissions committees are the same. They care more about the person or story behind the numbers than the numbers themselves. Make sure that your application shows who you are.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would make more of an effort to connect with current students in the MBA programs I was applying to. Not just to get application tips, but to really understand what their experience was like. I think hearing about how the program was helping them achieve their goals would’ve provided more insight into the school’s strengths and weaknesses from a student’s perspective. Now that I’ve had those kinds of conversations at conferences, I realize how much they can help frame expectations. While it wouldn’t have changed my decision to choose Simon, it might have given me a better understanding of the student experience earlier on.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would skip the anxiety of waiting to hear if I’d been admitted. In hindsight, I realize that life steers you where you need to go. I spent too much energy worrying about the outcome when I could have been focusing on other aspects of my preparation. There’s value in planning for both the best and worst outcomes, but it’s easy to cross the line into unnecessary stress.
What is your initial impression of the Rochester Simon MBA students/culture/community?
The Simon culture has blown me away. From the moment I arrived, I felt this overwhelming sense of support. People genuinely go out of their way to help you, whether it’s your classmates or the faculty. I’ve had some major setbacks since starting the program, and every time, my cohort has stepped in without hesitation. It’s something I’ve never experienced before—the way everyone here seems to care about each other is remarkable. At first, I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision pursuing an MBA this year, but now I’m absolutely certain I’m where I’m supposed to be. I’ve never felt this level of community anywhere else.
What is one thing you have learned about Simon that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how well-known Simon is within the business world. I’ve interviewed alongside candidates from larger, more competitive schools, and yet, both the interviewers and my peers held Simon in high regard. For a smaller school, its reputation is much stronger than I expected.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about securing an internship. While I know it’s not the be-all and end-all for my career, having a solid internship experience in my field can set me on a different trajectory, and I hope to find one that’s the right fit for my goals.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to make new friends and build connections! Everyone I’ve met so far has been incredibly kind and inspiring, and I can’t wait to get to know more people in my cohort. With over 100 people just in my class alone, plus all the networking opportunities ahead, it’s a really exciting time for me.
