In this Real Humans: MBA Students, we meet members of the Washington University Olin (WashU Olin) MBA Class of 2026, who represent a mosaic of experiences, ambitions, and talents. Of the 103 students in the class, women make up 53 percent while 44 percent of students are international. Thirty-four percent of U.S. students identify as underrepresented minorities. During their undergraduate years, Olin MBAs earned a median GPA of 3.64 while the average came in at 3.53. Thirty-six percent had earned degrees in natural sciences, engineering & STEM. Business and economics majors closely followed at 35 percent. A quarter of the class had studied humanities and social sciences.
Olin MBA students had an average age of 29 and 4.4 years of work experience at the time of matriculation. Fifteen percent hailed from the healthcare industry, and another 15 percent had worked in financial services, banking or fintech. Twelve percent had worked in tech/telecomm/IT and nine percent came from manufacturing/industrials. When it came time to take the GMAT, the class earned a median score of 740 while the average landed at 706; scores overall ranged from 550 to 780. Those who opted to take the GRE landed a median Verbal score of 163 and median Quant score of 166; average scores landed at 163 Verbal and 164 Quant.
Beyond the stats, we meet seasoned consultants and military veterans, entrepreneurial minds and international leaders, as this cohort represents diverse perspectives. Take Teresa Ibarra Arana, for instance, a former Strategy& associate consultant from Mexico City. Teresa brings her passion for global collaboration and experiential learning to Olin, where she is leveraging the program’s Practicum opportunities and values-based leadership emphasis to refine her consulting expertise. Her love for flamenco dancing adds a dynamic touch to her already vibrant personality, enriching her contributions to the class. St. Louis native Jack Junker transitioned from a six-year Air Force career to pursue his MBA at his dream school. His military background equips him with a unique lens for tackling challenges in collaborative settings. Jack’s passion for rock climbing mirrors his entrepreneurial spirit and determination to make an impact in operations or through his own ventures.
We then meet Nick Eovaldi, a CPA and former Deloitte audit manager, who brings a wealth of financial expertise to the table. His vision to start a business assisting startups and local enterprises aligns perfectly with Olin’s emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking. Nick’s love for road trips and national parks reflects his adventurous side, further showcasing the depth of talent within the class. Next, Ewnet Azerefegne, a medical doctor from Ethiopia, chose Olin for its rigorous dual-degree offerings and its collaborative culture. Her experience in healthcare management and her dedication to creating meaningful change position her to bring both strategic and human-centered insights to the classroom. Youngest in the cohort, Rayna Friedman, a 21-year-old Forté Fellow from St. Louis, offers a fresh perspective as she bridges generational ideas with forward-thinking approaches. Her enthusiasm for finance and entrepreneurial ventures, coupled with her unique experiences like working on Capitol Hill, ensures a dynamic contribution to her class and the program at large.
From their initial impressions of Olin’s tight-knit and supportive community to their aspirations for leadership, innovation, and global impact, these students are poised to make their mark—not just within the program, but far beyond it. Read on as we dive deeper into their journeys and explore how Olin is shaping the next generation of business leaders.
