In this Fridays from the Frontline, NYU Stern MBA candidate Denisse Rebolledo recounts her Stern Solutions experience that took her to Italy. Amid the Italian traditions of making pasta and producing olive oil, Denisse co-developed a go-to-market strategy and found the connection between purpose and success.
My Experience with Nonna Live and the Heart of Italian Tradition
By Denisse Rebolledo, NYU Stern MBA ’25
When I decided to pursue my MBA at NYU Stern, I was looking for opportunities to go beyond the classroom to create impact around real-world challenges. As I approach graduation next May, I’m pretty sure that participating in Stern Solutions experiential learning projects will be the highlight of my MBA journey.
I wanted to have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I had acquired so far, and the experiential learning projects offered the perfect platform. In addition, I wanted a project that aligned with an industry I was passionate about and would require me to learn new skills. When I learned that one of the offerings for fall 2024 involved an Italian producer of olive oil, I was excited to apply and join the team.
Bringing the Essence of Italian Culinary Tradition to Life
Nonna Live, the company my team partnered with, brings the essence of Italian culinary tradition to life. Founded by Chiara Nicolanti and her grandmother, Nonna Nerina, Nonna Live offers live and on demand virtual cooking classes led by Italian grandmothers (nonnas) who share their timeless recipes and stories. The company is deeply rooted in Palombara Sabina, a picturesque Italian village where the family also produces L’Oro Della Nonna, a premium olive oil harvested from ancestral olive trees and unique cultivars. Beyond celebrating Italian cuisine, Nonna Live empowers women and supports the local community by creating jobs and preserving cultural heritage. With its unique blend of authenticity, community focus, sustainability and tradition, Nonna Live offers a genuine taste of Italy to homes worldwide through its cooking classes and olive oil.
For this project, our team was tasked with developing a go-to-market strategy for L’Oro Della Nonna in the US. To help inform our recommendations, we were welcomed in Palombara Sabina to meet the team behind Nonna Live and witness the entire olive oil production process. From harvesting olives on the farm to visiting the mill and learning the intricacies of oil production, we were immersed in every step. We even had the opportunity to take a cooking class with a nonna and bottle our own olive oil to bring back to NYC! Through olive tasting and workshops on the Italian certification granted to certain foods that meet strict quality, production, and geographical standards, we gained a deep understanding of the product and the industry. With this first-hand experience, we were well-prepared to devise our strategic recommendations.
Broadening Horizons, Strengthening Connections
Working on this project has been an invaluable learning experience. First, it allowed me to expand my skill set beyond my finance background, exploring operations, marketing, product development, market entry strategies, and global distribution. Second, I gained insight into the contrasts between doing business in Europe versus the U.S. Third, I learned the importance of teamwork—listening to diverse perspectives and leveraging each member’s strengths.
Passion, Purpose and Lasting Impact
I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with Nonna Live. I was incredibly inspired by a business deeply rooted in the community and a genuine passion for its product, a reminder of the profound connection between purpose and success. This experience not only helped me build new skills, but also showed me how powerful it can be to work with a mission driven business. I got to tackle global market challenges, work with an amazing team of diverse thinkers, and dive into an industry I truly love. More than anything, it reminded me how much authenticity, community, and sustainability matter in business. I know this project will stick with me as one of the highlights of my MBA journey as a meaningful experience that has shaped how I approach challenges and connect with others.
