Trinity Torres, Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Suffolk, Virginia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: College of William & Mary; Public Policy & Psychology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Brand Marketing & Partnership Strategy Manager, Choice Hotels (Hospitality/Travel-Tech); Chief of Staff to the CMO, Choice Hotels; Marketing Strategy Manager, Choice Hotels; Venture Analyst, FedTech; Global Commercial Strategy Analyst, Hilton; Corporate Strategy Analyst, Hilton; Total Work Experience: ~7 years
Why did you decide to attend business school? Why now?
I reached a point in my career where I was leading major brand and partnership initiatives. But I felt like to progress into the roles I ultimately aspire to, I needed a more rounded, strategic skillset that an MBA provides. I also wanted the chance to broaden my world, learn from people with completely different experiences, and test-drive different interests I’ve had. The MBA has allowed me to explore other interests like Tech, Venture Capital, and Product.
Why Michigan Ross? What factors mattered most in your decision?
When I was exploring where to apply, I talked to a lot of students at each of the schools I was considering. Every Ross student I met felt like someone I genuinely admired and also wanted to be friends with. They were warm, fun and ambitious. I knew from the calls instantly that Ross was the best culture fit for me.
I’m also a hands-on learner, so programs like Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) and the Crisis Leadership Challenge really stood out. I wanted a place where I’d learn by doing, not just by sitting in a classroom. And honestly, I also wanted that classic college experience – football games, tailgates, etc. Ross gives me all of that.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I think my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2027 is that I consistently show up for our community. I’m deeply invested in building connection at Ross, and that’s shaped my experience from day one. I’ve taken on several leadership roles, hosted countless gatherings and connected with over 35 admitted students through coffee chats. I was also honored to receive the Emerging Leader award at this year’s Ross Club Awards. I’m really passionate about making Ross feel more connected, more personal, and more welcoming. I want every student feels like they truly belong here.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t make the application:
I was a child actress in Japan and did different modeling and acting jobs – including being in a Japanese snackfood commercial!
Post-MBA Career Interests:
Strategy
Advice for Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?Visit the schools and talk to as many current students and alumni as you can. This is two years of your life, so you want to choose the place that truly feels like the best fit for you. My manager told me something that stuck with me during my decision process: “Go to the school where you can be the best version of yourself.” For me, that was Ross.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time upfront thinking about what I wanted to get out of business school. An MBA is truly a buffet. There are endless clubs, classes, leadership roles, events, and opportunities that can easily pull you in a hundred directions. Coming in with clearer priorities would have helped me stay focused on what mattered most to me, instead of trying to do everything all at once. My advice would be to think through the top three things you want out of your MBA experience.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GRE/GMAT. It is tough. What helped was building a structured plan, signing up for a structured program (Shoutout to Sherpa Prep) and remembering that the test is truly only one piece of the puzzle.
What is your initial impression of the Michigan Ross community?
My initial impression of the Michigan Ross community is that it’s even more supportive than I expected. People truly show up for each other here in all ways – academically, socially, and emotionally. The other month, my car broke down late at night, and classmates I barely knew offered me rides on the spot. Others spent hours outside in the cold trying to help me get it running again. No one had to do that, but they did because that’s the culture here. We all help each other out.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Michigan Business Women (Director, Women in Leadership Conference): I joined to help elevate and support women leaders. Creating spaces where women can learn, connect, and feel empowered is something I care deeply about.
Michigan Marketing Club (Director, RossConnect Conference): With a background in marketing, I wanted to use my experience to help classmates prepare for recruiting and explore the breadth of opportunities within the field.
Hispanic Business Students Association (Director of Prospective Students, Incoming VP of Events): Supporting the Hispanic community is deeply personal to me. I’m passionate about ensuring prospective students feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely excited about Ross.
Section Leadership (Events Chair): Building community is one of my favorite things to do. I love creating moments—whether big or small—where people can connect and feel at home, especially during the intensity of first year.
Consortium (Fellow, Incoming Liaison): Consortium has been a core part of my support system, and I’m excited to give back in that same way.
Wolverine Venture Fund (Investment Associate): I’m passionate about innovation, and WVF gives me a hands-on opportunity to evaluate startups and better understand what makes a company investable.
Michigan Wine Club (VP of Events): A fun way to build community
Consulting Club (VP of Firm Relations): I’m focused on strengthening firm relationships and creating more transparent, accessible recruiting experiences for students.
The Bus (President): Leading one of Ross’s most iconic traditions, I focus on building inclusive, high-energy experiences that bring the community together.
What is one thing you’ve learned about Michigan Ross that surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Michigan Ross is just how much is happening here every single day. I knew business school would be busy, but I didn’t realize there would be events constantly. It’s not just within Ross, but across the entire University of Michigan community. There’s always a speaker, workshop, social event, club meeting, conference, or cross-campus collaboration happening.
I’ve also been surprised by the quality and accessibility of the speakers who come through. In our core marketing class, for example, we have a speaker series where senior executives visit, share real-world insights, and then actually do Q&A with us. I’ve had the opportunity to get lunch with Rob Sundy, President of Retail for La-Z-Boy. Getting that level of exposure and being able to have genuine conversations with leaders across industries was something I didn’t fully expect.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the action-based learning at Ross. The program pushes you to apply what you’re learning to real business challenges from day one, and that hands-on approach is exactly what I was looking for in an MBA.
MAP was a huge draw for me. I was especially excited to work on a real, consulting-style project focused on IV ketamine therapy, a treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Mental health is an area I care deeply about, so it’s been incredibly meaningful to explore a new industry while contributing to work that has the potential to improve people’s lives.
The combination of real-world projects, travel opportunities, and team-based challenges is what makes Ross stand out, and I’m excited to fully immerse myself in that experience.
