Graciela De Leon, Berkeley Haas MBA/MPH Class of 2027
Hometown: Fernley, Nevada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Saint Mary’s College of California, B.A. in History
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Prior to Haas, I worked in product management at Ceva Animal Health, a global pharmaceutical company, where I led a $26M portfolio of drugs and digital solutions. I launched B2B loyalty and cashback programs and piloted digital tools to modernize veterinary sales. Before Ceva, I worked in brand management at a biotech startup focused on longevity, where I built customer loyalty and retention programs. Altogether, I have about five years of experience spanning product management, marketing, healthcare, and digital innovation.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to pursue an MBA/MPH to deepen my understanding of both business strategy and public health. My prior experience was rooted in pharma and biotech, and I wanted to broaden my healthcare perspective while gaining the skills to lead and build in more complex systems. I chose to do it now because I’m ready to accelerate my path to leadership and entrepreneurship. This was the right moment to step back, learn, and prepare to lead at scale.
Why did you choose Berkeley Haas? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I came to Berkeley to solve tough problems at the intersection of business, health, and policy. The MBA/MPH dual-degree program stood out as the best platform to merge those interests, and being in the Bay Area, surrounded by innovation and impact-driven ventures, was exactly the environment I wanted to grow in. But ultimately, it was the culture that sealed my decision. The Haas community is humble, collaborative, and full of incredibly talented people. Every student, professor, and alum I’ve met has been genuinely willing to help, connect, and support one another.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
Our class is full of people who show up for each other by sharing notes, giving feedback, and celebrating every win together. What makes Haas special is how genuinely supportive and grounded everyone is. I’m proud to be part of a community that leads with kindness, collaboration, and care.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I recently started playing tennis, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to unwind and bond with classmates.
Post-MBA career interests:
Building ventures at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and public health. I want to use entrepreneurship as a tool to reimagine how healthcare systems deliver value and equity.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to current students and alumni early. Hearing real, unfiltered experiences helped me find the right cultural fit and gave me confidence in my decision. This process is a big investment and you want to be sure you’re choosing a place that truly feels like home.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have stopped studying for the GRE earlier and spent that time refining my essays. The small score gains weren’t worth the opportunity cost of crafting stronger, more authentic stories.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Getting too much feedback on my essays. More than two reviewers can dilute your voice and make your story feel less personal. I learned to trust myself and keep my narrative authentic.
What is your initial impression of the Berkeley Haas students/culture/community?
Supportive, humble, and friendly. Everyone is kind and genuinely curious about each other’s stories.
What student organizations have you joined or are you hoping to join, and why?
- Consortium – To continue building community and advancing diversity in business.
- Q@Haas – For its inclusive, values-driven Queer culture.
- Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Club – To explore business acquisition and scaling as a path to impact.
- Haas Healthcare Association – To stay engaged with peers shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
What is one thing you have learned about Berkeley Haas that has surprised you?
That I don’t need a car! I thought I’d struggle without one, but my e-bike has been perfect for me (and my partner!!) getting around Berkeley.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my classmates and learning from their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
