Raquel Borges Izar, Yale School of Management MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27 years old
Hometown: São Paulo – Brazil
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Industrial Engineer – Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Consultant, Consulting, Bain and Company, 3 years; Fellow, Non Profit, Technoserve, 7 months
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The experiences I’ve had so far have strengthened my conviction that social change requires not only empathy but also strong management and leadership skills. I decided to pursue an MBA to deepen those skills and prepare myself to lead initiatives that bridge the private and social sectors.
Over the past few years, I’ve worked across different worlds, consulting at Bain, advancing sustainable development through TechnoServe, and co-founding Se Mudando, a nonprofit that applies the Housing First methodology to homelessness in Brazil. Through these experiences, I realized there is still a wide gap between the private, public, and social sectors, but also a huge opportunity to bridge it.
I’m pursuing the MBA now because I want to turn that realization into action. I feel ready to combine the strategic discipline I’ve learned in business with the purpose that has guided my work, and to return to Brazil equipped to help build solutions that drive inclusive growth at scale.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I was comparing schools, I realized that Yale SOM was the one that truly connected leadership and purpose. Its mission, educating leaders for business and society, resonated with the exact intersection I’ve been exploring in my career.
I was also drawn to SOM’s strong ecosystem around social impact: programs like the Global Social Entrepreneurship, and initiatives such as the Inclusive Growth Fellowship and the Nonprofit Board Fellows. I could immediately picture myself being part of that environment, working alongside people who care about impact as much as performance.
On a more personal note, SOM simply felt authentic and collaborative. Every alum and student I spoke with described the community as genuine, grounded, and kind. Even before my acceptance, I already felt part of it, and that sense of belonging confirmed it was the right place for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I think my most valuable contribution is my ability to connect worlds that often don’t talk to each other.
At Se Mudando, I’ve worked directly with people transitioning out of homelessness; at TechnoServe, I’ve collaborated with international donors and small businesses; and at Bain, I’ve partnered with large private companies. Moving between these realities taught me how to translate across emotional, technical, and institutional languages to build bridges and design solutions that work for everyone involved.
I also bring a deep sense of empathy and purpose that comes from growing up in Brazil and witnessing inequality as a structural part of our society. I hope to share that perspective with my classmates and learn from theirs, so together we can reimagine what inclusive leadership looks like.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I’ve always loved watching sports, and over the years, I’ve made a point of trying the ones I enjoy, even when I’m not good at them. Since college, I’ve practiced aerial silks, surfing, roller skating, and, most recently, I joined the Ice Hockey team at SOM. I love the mix of challenge, community, and fun that comes with learning something completely new. Everything becomes more enjoyable when you take away the pressure of being good at your hobbies.
Post-MBA career interests:
After my MBA, I want to return to consulting to keep learning as a leader and to apply my new skills in complex, purpose-driven projects. At the same time, I’m committed to expanding Se Mudando so that we can offer stable, paid positions and continue transforming lives in Brazil.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to alumni and students. I know many applicants do this to strengthen their applications, but I’d encourage looking at it differently. When you speak with alumni, ask yourself: Is this the kind of community I want to be part of? Is this someone I’d love to have as a classmate? How did I feel after this conversation? Treat those chats as genuine exploration, a way to truly get to know the school through its people, not just to check a box or find a quote for your essay. After you do that, be very intentional about the schools you want to apply to. Every application is a lot of time and energy you will need to dispend and being intentional is actually a kindness act we can do to ourselves.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If circumstances had allowed, I would have visited the schools I was applying to during interview week. Experiencing the campus in person, meeting students, and feeling the school’s culture firsthand would have added another layer of perspective to my decision process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would definitely have skipped the GMAT if I could! One piece of advice that really helped me was to schedule two test sessions upfront to reduce anxiety and take some pressure off the first attempt. I know that’s not feasible for everyone, since it can be costly, so another thing that made a big difference for me was starting to meditate during my GMAT prep and throughout the application process. It helped me manage stress and stay centered when everything felt overwhelming (and I do have a Youtube playlist I can recommend for the Portuguese speaking community).
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
It’s just as warm and welcoming as the first impressions I had while applying. The community feels genuinely supportive, people are always willing to help, share advice, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Being part of the broader Yale environment also brings so much more than the chance to take classes in other schools. Every day, there are incredible events, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to learn happening across campus. At times, it feels like the hardest part is prioritizing what to do, because there’s so much you want to be part of.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the Yale Philanthropy Conference because I’m passionate about engaging in deep discussions on complex topics and hearing diverse perspectives. One of the main reasons I wanted to pursue an MBA was to broaden my understanding of the social impact space and the opportunities within it, and this conference felt like the perfect way to combine my passion and my goals.
I’m also hoping to join the Inclusive Growth Fellowship, which partners Yale SOM students with New Haven agencies to co-design initiatives that promote equitable and sustainable development. What excites me most about it is how it works to bridge the gap between the private, social, and public sectors, something I’ve long believed is essential for lasting change. As an undergraduate, I studied in a small, university-centered city that lacked this kind of connection between the university and the local community. Seeing Yale and New Haven work hand in hand is exactly the kind of collaboration I’ve always wanted to be part of, and I’m eager to experience it while learning more about how the public sector operates in practice.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
The level of support for entrepreneurs of every kind has truly surprised me. I hadn’t realized how strong Yale’s innovation ecosystem was until I arrived. Through Tsai CITY, the university’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship, I submitted Se Mudando, my nonprofit, to one of its accelerator programs, Launch Pad, and was thrilled to be accepted. Since then, it’s been a journey of discovery and support, showing me how deeply Yale values entrepreneurship in all its forms and how many resources are available to help students turn ideas into impact.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Experiencing the seasons! I’ve already tried most of the pumpkin recipes I could find and went apple picking and hiking to enjoy the fall. Now, I’m really looking forward to the class Ski Trip, which and fully enjoy the real winter experience. Coming from Brazil, a place with basically two seasons, I want to make the most of the New England weather and all the traditions that come with it.
