Manuel Cano, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2027
Age: 32
Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The University of Texas; Actuarial Science & Finance Double Major, MIS Minor
Pre-MBA Work Experience: VP of Latin America at GLG (5 years, Consulting / Market Research Industry); Sr. Customer Success Manager at Amazon (3 years, E-commerce / Retail)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue business school because I wanted to pivot myself into healthcare and broaden my impact in a field that touches people’s lives directly. After nearly a decade of professional experience, I felt ready to pair my leadership and analytical background with a deeper academic foundation. I was drawn to the Tepper School because of the people, the culture of collaboration, and the opportunity to start somewhere new that offers strong pathways into healthcare, consulting, and tech. The timing felt right with my first child born this year, making it an ideal moment to invest in my future and lay the foundation for a career that combines purpose with professional growth.
Why did you choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The Tepper School stood out because of its emphasis on analytics, technology, and leadership which are areas I’m passionate about. Connections Weekend and conversations with current students showed me how collaborative and supportive the community is. The Tepper School offered the perfect balance of rigorous academics, a strong consulting and tech pipeline, and a culture that values inclusion and teamwork.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My most valuable contribution is my ability to build inclusive communities while driving results. I’ve grown and led teams of more than 20 people, launched employee resource groups, and created professional development and cultural initiatives that increased engagement and retention. I bring not only professional experience, but also empathy and resilience shaped by my journey as a first-generation Latino immigrant.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Last year I saw over 500 movies and the year before I saw over 700 movies. This year I’m just hoping to get over 200. I love films and constantly trying to find time to watch everything that comes out in theaters and catch up on my movie watchlist.
Post-MBA career interests:
After my MBA, I plan to focus on making a meaningful impact in healthcare, particularly by driving accessibility for underrepresented and low-income communities. I hope to stay in the Pittsburgh area, where I can leverage the Tepper School’s strong healthcare ecosystem and collaborate with local organizations. My goal is to work with startups and nonprofits that are innovating in healthcare delivery and equity, bringing together strategy, data, and community-driven solutions. Long term, I want to help shape healthcare systems that not only improve outcomes, but also close gaps for the populations that need it most.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Lean on supportive networks like MLT, Consortium, and Forte. The mentorship and community were invaluable.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start test prep earlier — balancing work and studying was tough.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The stress of second-guessing my story. What helped was trusting my authentic journey instead of trying to fit into a mold.
What is your initial impression of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper students/culture/community?
The culture is genuinely collaborative. Students support each other in academics, recruiting, and life transitions. It feels like a community where people succeed together rather than compete against one another.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have been very active with GEC and the Health Care Club, and I appreciate events from SABA, Out & Allied, Adam Smith Society, LABC, B&T, and TWIB. Outside of those clubs I’m also looking to increase participation as a member of Data Analytics, Pro-Bono Consulting Club, and Business & Technology.
What is one thing you have learned about Carnegie Mellon Tepper that has surprised you?
How tight knit the alumni network is. I was surprised by how quickly the Tepper School alumni responded to my outreach and how willing they were to share honest advice and guidance.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about helping build a strong sense of community and belonging at the Tepper School. I want to support my classmates in any way I can while also sharpening my own technical abilities. For me, the MBA is not just about academics, but about learning as much as possible from each other, collaborating across diverse backgrounds, and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive.
