Socrates Alvarez Florian, Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Economics and Political Science, McGill University
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I spent three years as a consultant at IDB Lab, the innovation and venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank. The IDB Group is a multilateral development bank, similar to the World Bank, based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to promote development across Latin America through partnerships with governments, enterprises, and startups. Before joining IDB Lab, I worked for about two years in Santo Domingo on the Dominican Republic presidency’s flagship social protection program.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I studied economics and political science in undergrad because I wanted to work in roles that could advance development and inclusive growth in the Dominican Republic and across Latin America. At the time, I believed impact work mainly happened through public policy, and that creating change was largely the responsibility of governments.
That view began to change during my time at IDB Lab. I coordinated our investment committee, and every Friday, I met founders from across Latin America who were building and scaling startups that addressed real challenges, such as affordable housing, clean energy, and access to education, while also building profitable businesses. After reviewing more than 180 startups, my perspective shifted. I realized that development and inclusive growth aren’t driven only by public policy, but also by entrepreneurs and the private sector.
As I became more involved in the region’s innovation ecosystem, I realized that while I understood the social impact and the problems these companies were trying to tackle, I lacked a strong grasp of the business and commercial side. An MBA felt like the right step to gain the skills needed to help build profitable, scalable companies that tap into Latin America’s potential, a region of 660 million people, while addressing its most pressing challenges.
Why did you choose HBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to attend HBS for three main reasons: the case method, its focus on social enterprise, and the broader Harvard ecosystem. I still remember watching a short video of Professor Neeley introducing the case method. I was sold immediately. If I was going back to school, this was how I wanted to learn: hearing different perspectives and staying engaged as each case unfolded.
At the same time, I wanted a business school experience that would let me continue building on my interest in social impact. HBS has a strong social enterprise community, with regular opportunities to connect with classmates who care about the intersection of business and impact. Beyond faculty focused on social impact, there are student groups and initiatives covering everything from impact investing to social entrepreneurship and consulting for impact.
Finally, I was excited by the broader Harvard ecosystem. I admire many professors at the Kennedy School and in MIT’s economics department. Being at HBS allows me to attend a top business school while staying closely connected to leading thinkers in development economics, which has long been a personal interest.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I’m confident I can make the best mojitos in the class of 2027. More seriously, I bring firsthand experience working across Latin America, both in government and in venture investing. I have seen the opportunities and challenges of operating in emerging markets up close. In class discussions, I can offer a grounded perspective on what it really takes to expand into the region and how context matters when building and scaling businesses there.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I started a fashion sock company with my college roommate while we were still living in our dorm. The socks featured Dominican and Brazilian prints. We eventually shut it down, but I still wear them from time to time.
Post-MBA career interests:
impact investing
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit a class!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Standardized exams! My friends in DC helped me survive the process. They patiently listened as I practiced obscure vocabulary words and made a real effort to distract me with sports, museum visits, and anything that would get my mind off test prep.
What is your initial impression of the HBS students/culture/community?
Constant awe. From professors to section mates to career advisors, it feels like I’m surrounded by people who are exceptional at what they do.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the Outdoors Club. We just came back from a week-long Chilean Patagonia hike. The views were amazing, and I got to meet more HBS folks. This year, I’m looking to start our first scuba diving club to organize trips with other people who are trying to advance in the field and have fun.
What is one thing you have learned about HBS that has surprised you?
There are truly no lectures. I expected the case method to dominate, but I was still surprised by how fully discussion-based the classes are, with only a few exceptions for very technical topics.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m quite excited about our BGIE course. With a bachelor’s in economics and political science, it’s a great opportunity to revisit foundational ideas while engaging with current global issues. Outside the classroom, I’m looking forward to traveling with my section and classmates, particularly the Japan trek hosted by our Japanese classmates.
