In our alumni spotlight series, learn about Harvard graduates' most meaningful experiences from college, and how Harvard impacted their professional and personal paths after graduation.
Hometown & Current City: McAllen, TX; Now Scarsdale, NY
House Affiliation: Lowell House
Concentration and Secondary Field: Russian and Soviet Studies, Slavic Department
Current Job Title/Company or organization: Managing Principal/MRV Associates
What was your professional path after college?
After Harvard, I studied and worked in Argentina and Israel for two years, before embarking on my profession. I worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in Foreign Exchange. After several years at the Fed, I studied at The Wharton School and at the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania. After graduate school, I worked at JPMorgan and BT.AlexBrown in investment banking and capital markets roles. For many years now, I run my own financial risk consultancy and training firm. I have worked in over 30 countries and am NY-based.
What fills your time now? Professionally and otherwise?
I work with banks, insurance companies, and financial regulators. I am an active volunteer for the Harvard-Radcliffe Westchester Club as well as in a number of organizations in my town. With my husband, I am raising two teens whom I adore.
How did your academic experience at Harvard guide you in your post-grad pursuits?
My studies at Harvard changed my life and opened up many opportunities. For many years, I worked on Russia related projects both at the Fed and at the banks where I worked.
What was a favorite class you took and why?
So many. Russian, Russian literature, Opera, From Weimar to Nazi Germany. All of these classes gave me great analytical tools.
Did you have any research/internship opportunities and/or professor/mentor relationships that were influential?
I worked for Professor Zeckhauer at the John F. Kennedy School of Government which was a great opportunity to learn about important public policy issues.
What were you involved in extracurricularly?
I did a lot of community service in Cambridge and Boston for Latin American and Soviet Jewish immigrants.
How did your extracurricular activities impact your Harvard experience? And have they had an impact on your post-grad life?
Community service helped remind me of the importance to always help improve someone else's life.
What is a favorite memory of Harvard House life?
Tea and the annual opera at Lowell House
What is your favorite Harvard tradition and why?
Playing in the snow in Harvard Yard during the first snow fall.
What advice do you have for someone applying to college?
Never let anyone tell you that you cannot reach your dreams. And if you are rejected from anything, lick your wounds and keep trying! :)