Lucia Cantillo, Wharton MBA/M.Ed. Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Mexico City
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad Iberoamericana, BA in Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Bain & Company, Mexico City (2022-2025), Consultant 3.5 years; Fundación Teletón Mexico (2024), Coordinator of Strategic Alliances and Fundraising, non-profit, 5 months; Acero A0 (2020-2022), Product Manager (entrepreneurial projects), Industry: Manufacturing, 2 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’m pursuing an MBA to gain the skills and preparation I need to move from passion to execution in building a sustainable nonprofit for disability inclusion. Working at a nonprofit in Mexico with people with disabilities confirmed this is my true passion, but it also showed me that scaling an organization requires more than heart; it takes leadership, financial expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. Consulting gave me a strong foundation, and combined with an MBA, I will have the tools to secure funding, manage organizations effectively, and lead diverse teams to turn my vision into a scalable nonprofit that transforms inclusion in Mexico.
Why did you choose The Wharton School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Wharton stood out for its unique combination of entrepreneurship, education, and inclusion resources. The MBA/M.Ed. in Education Entrepreneurship integrates business management with educational theory, giving me both the strategic and pedagogical tools to design impactful programs for people with disabilities. This interdisciplinary approach will allow me to ground my nonprofit in sound pedagogy while ensuring it operates with the efficiency and scalability of a startup.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My greatest contribution is resilience and perspective. A ballet injury and chronic medical condition taught me perseverance and empathy. Professionally, I bring ~3.5 years of consulting, where I leveraged AI to create solutions and supported inclusion initiatives, plus hands-on entrepreneurship experience. At Wharton, I’ll contribute to clubs like the Disability Empowerment and Action League, Wharton Women in Business, and AI & Analytics, driven by my passion for social impact and meaningful change.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My family name, Cantillo, comes from Spanish pirates who fled King Fernando VII in the 1800s, settling in Yucatan.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA goal is to launch a nonprofit in Mexico that provides early intervention, upskilling, reskilling, and job placement for young adults with disabilities. I envision regional centers across the country, supported by corporate partnerships, technology, and evidence-based practices. My mission is to improve their lives, because, like everyone, they deserve the opportunity to grow, find employment, and live more independently.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely take the time to connect with current students and alumni. Those conversations helped me understand each school’s values, how they aligned with my own, and how the programs could support my long-term goals. Beyond information, those talks gave me a real sense of culture and helped me picture myself in the community.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have invested more time in personal reflection before starting my essays. Once I had clarity on my values, motivations, and long-term vision, the writing process became much more natural. Doing that reflection earlier would have helped me approach the entire process with more confidence and clarity.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part, it would be taking the GMAT/GRE five times. Looking back, doing a practice test on each exam at the beginning to see where my strengths were would have saved me a lot of time. It was an exhausting process, but resilience, and the support of my family and colleagues kept me going. I never gave up and went from a 590 on the old GMAT to a 695 on the GMAT Focus, which taught me persistence and determination pay off.
What is your initial impression of the Wharton students/culture/community?
My first impression is that Wharton is a welcoming, resource-rich community where you shape your own path. Resources, clubs, alumni, and professors are all within reach, but the key is pausing to reflect and focus on what matters most. I’ve also found the community open and generous with their time, always willing to help and get involved.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
- Social Impact Club: To collaborate with peers who are passionate about using business as a force for good and learn how others are tackling large-scale challenges
- WHALASA (Wharton Latin American Student Association): To build community and strengthen connections across Latinos on campus
- Wharton Women in Business: To support and learn from women leaders, and contribute to initiatives that empower the next generation
- Wharton AI & Analytics: To learn from peers, explore how AI is shaping the future, and work on practical solutions that use data and analytics to create more inclusive opportunities in education and the workforce
What is one thing you have learned about Wharton that has surprised you?
I’ve been surprised by how interdisciplinary Wharton is, especially its strong connections across all of Penn’s schools. Having access to faculty, students, and resources beyond the MBA program creates endless opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to dive into Tangent Hall (Penn’s Venture Lab) and all its resources for entrepreneurship and innovation. From working with the team that guides founders to competing for funds that help test and scale ideas, I look forward to turning concepts into reality with the support of Wharton’s ecosystem.
