Aura Catalina Christman, Georgetown McDonough MiM Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Yorktown, Virginia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: EAFIT University (Medellín, Colombia), International Business, concentration in International Relations
Pre-MiM Work Experience: Embassy of Colombia to the Swiss Confederation and Liechtenstein — Full-Time Intern (Jan 2022–Aug 2022); United States Peace Corps — Community Economic Development Promoter (May 2023–Jun 2025)
Why did you decide to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve loved the hands-on experiences I’ve had so far in my career, but I wanted to deepen my quantitative skill set and build a stronger analytical foundation. I also knew I wanted to be in Washington, DC. It is the heart of policy, business, and global decision-making and I felt I could build a strong professional network here and connect with organizations that align with my long-term goals. This felt like the perfect moment to return to academia.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough?
Georgetown first caught my attention because of its values. The people for others mindset aligns closely with the service-focused work I’ve done over the past two years with the Peace Corps. Once I connected with McDonough, the welcoming staff, the strength of the career center, the faculty, and the abundance of high-quality events made it clear this was where I wanted to be.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
My international background, including work with both the U.S. and Colombian governments, gives me a unique global outlook. But my Peace Corps service is what truly shapes the way I show up in the classroom. Living and working in a rural Paraguayan community taught me what development looks like at the human level. I was building trust, teaching while learning, and adapting not only to a new culture but also a new language (Guaraní). That experience transformed how I think about leadership, collaboration, and what it means to meet people where they are.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t make it into your application:
I once took a 22 hour bus from Paraguay to Brazil in the middle of the summer (110F outside temperatures)
Post-MiM Career Interests:
I hope to continue my path in international development, this time on a broader, more strategic scale. I am hoping to build on the grassroots work I’ve done in Paraguay.
Advice for Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend the admissions Zoom meetings. They made the application process feel so much easier and more approachable, and they helped me understand exactly what the program was looking for. Those conversations really grounded me during the process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. But I do want to emphasize how much I loved the video essay. It was such a unique opportunity to show my personality beyond the written statements and resume, and I appreciated having a space where I could simply be myself.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wouldn’t skip anything. What got me through was staying focused on the fact that I was ready to be part of the Georgetown community, and every step brought me closer to that reality.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough community?
I love how proud everyone is to be a Hoya. The sense of community is immediate and genuine.
What has surprised you most about Georgetown McDonough so far?
The events! They consistently go above and beyond, adding so much to the overall learning experience. It feels like every week brings something new, engaging, and impactful.
