The Berkeley Haas School of Business MBA Class of 2026 is a vibrant and diverse group of individuals, each bringing a unique perspective, background, and ambition to the table. From entrepreneurs and brand managers to military veterans and sustainability advocates, this cohort exemplifies the Haas spirit of Question the Status Quo and Beyond Yourself. As we’ll see in this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, they are united by a shared passion for innovation, impact, and community.
Take Angel Tramontin, a Venezuelan-American professional with six years of experience at LinkedIn. Angel was drawn to Haas for its principles, particularly “Confidence Without Attitude,” which resonated deeply with his own journey of breaking barriers. With aspirations to launch a startup in climate-tech or AI, Angel’s adventurous approach to life and love for the Bay Area are sure to inspire his peers.
Hannah Longwill’s journey to Haas was sparked by a mentor’s encouragement to see business school as more than just a career pivot. A former Associate Brand Manager at KIND Snacks, Hannah is now exploring the intersection of sustainability and food innovation. Her enthusiasm for “type 2 fun” (think shark cage diving) and her dedication to creating positive change bring a spirited energy to her class.
Meanwhile, Cory La Roe, a former Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer turned professional surfer and data analyst, represents the dynamic range of experiences at Haas. As one of the few enlisted veterans and the only professional surfer in his class, Cory’s adaptability and resilience, honed through both military service and the unpredictable world of competitive surfing, are invaluable contributions.
Isabel D’Elia brings a commitment to tackling the climate crisis, with dreams of launching a venture aimed at sustainable development in Venezuela and other fast-growing economies. Her background as a Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon Sustainability, combined with her love for K-pop choreography, showcases the blend of serious dedication and fun that characterizes Haas students.
And then there’s Volodymyr (Vlad) Silchenko, a Ukrainian entrepreneur who led his restaurant business through missile attacks and blackouts during the war. His resilience, coupled with a vision for global impact, embodies the “Beyond Yourself” principle. Vlad’s entrepreneurial mindset and inspiring journey remind his classmates of the power of innovation in the face of adversity.
These five students join 290 others in comprising the Berkeley Haas MBA Class of 2026. Thirty-eight percent of the new class are international students and 42 percent are women. Over half, 51 percent, of U.S. citizens and permanent residents identify as members of a U.S. minority group. During their undergraduate years, a quarter of the new Haas class had majored in engineering. Eighteen percent pursued economics followed by 13 percent majoring in business/commerce. Another 12 percent earned degrees in social sciences. Their average undergraduate GPA landed at 3.65. After university, the group earned an average of 5.66 years of work experience. Twenty-three percent hail from consulting and 17 percent had worked in financial services before joining Haas. Twenty-one percent come from a high tech/electronics background while seven percent had worked in not-for-profit. When it came time to take the GMAT, Haas MBAs landed a median score of 730; for the GMAT Focus, the median score landed at 660. For those who opted to take the GRE, median scores fell at 161 Verbal and 162 Quant.
The Class of 2026 is a testament to Berkeley Haas’s reputation for fostering leaders who challenge conventions and strive to make a difference. With their diverse experiences and bold aspirations, these students are not just shaping their futures—they are shaping the future of business, society, and the planet. Read on for their stories.
