Mariana Canepa

Before joining Ross and SEAS, I spent seven years driving corporate sustainability initiatives at two of the leading multinational Food and Beverage companies in Mexico. I managed environmental KPIs for dairy and water operations, ensuring our business unit met ESG standards. My role involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop compliance strategies to integrate carbon footprint metrics into decision-making processes. This experience deepened my commitment to sustainable business practices and reinforced my belief in the power of data and collaboration to create meaningful change.

My path to Ross was unique—I moved to Michigan with my partner just before the pandemic and spent a year and a half working for a Tier 1 supplier in the auto industry. During that time, I discovered the Erb Program (MS Sustainable Systems + MBA), which perfectly aligned with my vision of using business as a force for good. I am confident I made the right decision because Ross and the Erb Institute are the ideal places to blend my passion for sustainability with business strategy. The combination of rigorous academics, action-based learning opportunities, and a supportive community made the University of Michigan, specifically Ross and SEAS, the perfect fit for me. The friendships I’ve built here have made my family feel truly welcome and included. One of the aspects I value most about this community is its inclusiveness and genuine care. Living in a college town has also been an incredible, almost movie-like experience.

I’m happy to share my experience navigating a dual degree program as an international student, my journey into sustainability, or any other topic you’re curious about. Please feel free to reach out!