Ambition in Action: Meet the Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA Class of 2027

The Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA Class of 2027 brings an average of 5.8 years of work experience to the program and represents industries ranging from finance and healthcare to media and energy.

Twenty-two percent of the cohort are first-generation college students, 39% are women, and 15% are U.S. military veterans. Fifty-three of the new students are also pursuing dual degrees.

This year’s class was highly competitive; students were selected from a pool of several thousand applicants. The average incoming student scored a 731 on the GMAT and had a GPA of 3.43. Additionally, they scored an average of 681 on the GMAT Focus. These highly talented individuals come to Ross with goals in all industries, with many seeking to learn more about emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Students this year will have many new opportunities to explore these interests through programs like the new AI concentration, which will prepare students to thrive in the era of AI through courses like AI and Strategy: Lead in the Age of Intelligent Machines (STRATEGY 699) and Artificial Intelligence for Business (TO 633).

With their combined years of experience, education, and diversity of perspectives, the Class of 2027 is ready to tackle the challenges of business school and explore new ways to build a better world through business.

Below, meet nine members of the Class of 2027.

Wonji Seo, MBA ’27

Hometown

Seoul, South Korea

Undergraduate school and major

Seoul National University, double major in fashion and textiles, and business administration

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal?

My post-graduation goal is to become a product manager within a U.S. tech company. I am particularly interested in roles in AI and business applications, such as personalization, monetization, or operational efficiency. In addition, I am open to exploring entrepreneurship opportunities and plan to actively search for interesting ventures during my time at Ross.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

I decided to pursue an MBA now because I want to gain U.S. experience and broaden my global perspective. Working in the tech industry in Seoul gave me a strong foundation in product management and AI-driven innovation. Still, I realized that to take the next step in my career, I needed exposure to the U.S. tech ecosystem, where many cutting-edge business models and technologies are being developed. An MBA at this stage will help me build the skills and network to transition into U.S. product management roles, and allow me to explore long-term opportunities in entrepreneurship.

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

A key lesson from my pre-MBA journey is that bold bets often lead to the biggest returns. When I fine-tuned UI/UX through small A/B tests, the impact was often incremental and difficult to notice. But when I stepped back and redesigned the entire experience, the results were clear and transformative. This taught me that while careful optimization is valuable, there are times when you need to rethink the whole approach to unlock real growth. At Ross, I’ll carry this mindset of balancing thoughtful iteration with bold innovation, encouraging my peers to take risks and reimagine solutions when incremental changes aren’t enough.

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

One area of business that I’m excited to dive into is marketing. My past experience has been focused on product and AI-driven innovation, but I want to learn how companies attract and grow users, especially in markets that are new to me. Understanding consumer behavior, market entry strategies, and brand positioning will help me become a more well-rounded product leader who can build great products and successfully bring them to new audiences.

If you went on an MTrek, what did you do and what insights did you take away from that experience?

I went on an MTrek to the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador, where I had the chance to go snorkeling, see wildlife up close, tour the Darwin Center, go horseback riding, and hike. It was fun and meaningful to meet so many new people and experience things that I had never tried before. The trip also turned out to be one of the toughest in terms of schedule and endurance, which pushed me beyond my comfort zone. From that experience, I learned how to overcome my limitations, and I discovered that growth often comes from challenging situations.

Damilola Olupona, MBA ’27

Hometown

Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria

Undergraduate school and major

Obafemi Awolowo University, economics

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal? 

Investment banking.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

At this point in my career, I have built strong technical skills, but I’m looking to strengthen my foundation in management and leadership. An MBA provides the perfect bridge. Beyond the academics, I’m also excited about the network offered. I’m eager to connect with diverse, ambitious peers whose perspectives will challenge me, expand my thinking, and help me grow personally and professionally.

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

In my pre-MBA journey, I have learned that resilience often matters more than having the perfect plan. At Ross, I plan to bring that mindset with me; staying calm under pressure and turning setbacks into opportunities, whether tackling Multidisciplinary Action Projects, navigating recruiting, or adjusting to life and teamwork in a new country.

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

Coming from an investment research background, I have spent a lot of time analyzing company performance, but I haven’t had direct exposure to the mechanics of capital raising and deal execution. I’m excited to dive into finance and mergers and acquisitions at Ross, especially through the Investment Banking Club and MAP. That hands-on experience will give me the practical skills and confidence I need to achieve my post-MBA goal of working in investment banking.

Haley Viall, MBA ’27

Hometown

Ottsville, Pennsylvania

Undergraduate school and major

Syracuse University, BS in public health and BA in policy studies

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal?

Post-graduation, I intend to return to healthcare consulting, helping health systems develop forward-looking technology strategies. I also plan to engage with startups or venture capital initiatives, leveraging my expertise to support innovation and drive impact in the healthcare ecosystem.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

I was inspired to pursue an MBA by the opportunity to integrate emerging technology into healthcare to improve quality and access to care. I want to deepen my strategic, business, and leadership skills to equip myself to make a meaningful impact in the industry.

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

A lesson that I will carry with me is the value of saying yes to challenging and unfamiliar opportunities. Business school is a time to explore, take risks, and put myself in uncomfortable situations to learn and grow.

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

One area of business I’m excited to dive into is market analysis. Through programs like the Zell Lurie Institute and the student-managed funds, I look forward to learning what it takes to build a successful new company and how to evaluate investment opportunities, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurial strategy and investing.

If you went on an MTrek, what did you do and what insights did you take away from that experience?

I went on an MTrek to Brazil and was amazed by how willing everyone is to lend a helping hand, whether sharing clothes after lost luggage or making sure everyone got home safely. I was also struck by how diverse and accomplished our class is. By the time we landed after more than 24 hours of travel, we had become a close-knit group. That experience set the tone for a supportive, collaborative, and fun year at Ross.

Irma Gaviño, MBA ’27

Hometown

Mexico City, Mexico

Undergraduate school and major

Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, BA in economics

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal?

Consulting.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

My mentors at PepsiCo, who also pursued MBAs, showed me firsthand the difference it made in both their personal and professional development. An MBA is a career accelerator and a life-changing experience, and I see it as an opportunity to take my career to the next level by developing a global perspective, learning from diverse backgrounds, and enhancing my leadership skills.

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

Discomfort often signals the greatest opportunities for growth. I’ve learned that most things in life are not a sprint but a test of endurance. Success is rarely linear, and sometimes, you need to step back and gain perspective to realize how much you’re learning and evolving, even if progress feels slow at times. At Ross, I’ll carry this mindset into challenging projects and new experiences, embracing discomfort as a sign that I’m stretching myself and unlocking new potential.

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

AI and how businesses can leverage it strategically. AI is transforming industries, from optimizing supply chains and enhancing customer insights to enabling smarter product innovation. I’m particularly interested in exploring how companies can integrate AI responsibly to create competitive advantage, drive efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Kyla Sherap, MBA/MPP ’27

Hometown

Denver, Colorado

Undergraduate school and major

Colorado College, psychology

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal? 

In the long run, I want to shape policy to expand access to opportunities and services in education, healthcare, housing, food, and economic mobility. Immediately after graduation, I plan to work in public sector consulting, gaining strong leadership and management skills alongside exposure to different areas of government work. 

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

I am a dual-degree student, gaining my MBA at Ross and a Master of Public Policy at the Ford School of Public Policy. Because I was interested in a potential pivot from tech into the policy space, the MPP initially drove my desire to come to graduate school. However, knowing the private and public sectors work hand-in-hand, I wanted to better understand the nexus between the two. Getting my MBA will allow me to explore that relationship and assist me in tapping into a larger network, gaining many of the essential leadership skills needed to excel in any field or industry.

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross? 

Don’t stop introspecting and reflecting. The MBA application process was a lot of dedicated self-exploration into what I value, what kind of person I want to be, and how that translates into my career goals. There is no shortage of opportunity at Ross, and I see how quickly the two years can fly by. I want to make sure that I continue to carve out time to slow down and think about how my participation and engagement correspond with my goals as I learn and engage in new things through classes, peers, and clubs. 

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

Financial management and accounting (both things I never thought I’d be ‘excited’ to dive into). Having a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences and then working in client partnerships, I haven’t had the chance to learn harder financial skills. I’m looking forward to building that acumen while at Ross. 

If you went on an MTrek, what did you do and what insights did you take away from that experience? 

I went to Costa Rica for my MTrek and loved the experience! It was an amazing opportunity to get to know 20 other MBA students in a new environment. We had amazing second-year MBA trek leaders who put a lot of thought and effort into making the trip engaging and fun. We hiked waterfalls, ziplined, learned about cocoa and coffee farming, visited a volcano, and had plenty of beach time. It feels great to know I'm starting school at Ross with a group of friends I made through MTrek. 

Destiny Clark, MBA ’27

Hometown

Powder Springs, Georgia

Undergraduate school and major

Kennesaw State University, BBA in business management

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal?

In the short term, I hope to pivot into consulting, where I can stretch my problem-solving skills and explore different industries. In the long term, I aspire to enter a senior leadership role in tech, where I can guide companies through transformations while creating environments where people feel supported and inspired.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

After six years in food and beverage, I’d built a strong foundation and knew where I excelled, but I also recognized gaps that I couldn’t close on my own. I wanted to strengthen my analytical toolkit, practice leadership in high-stakes environments, and broaden my exposure to industries beyond food. I’m pursuing an MBA because it gives me the chance to build those skills while immersing myself in a community of peers equally committed to growth. It felt like the right moment to get out of my comfort zone and accelerate the next chapter of my career.

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

The lesson I’ll carry is simple: what’s meant for you won’t miss you if you put in the work. My path to Ross wasn’t straightforward — it included an array of setbacks. These challenges taught me that resilience isn’t just about rushing to bounce back; it’s about showing up consistently, growing through the process, and trusting that persistence pays off. That mindset will guide me at Ross and beyond.

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

Venture capital and investment funds. A few years ago, if you told me I’d be interested in learning about investing, I probably would’ve laughed and changed the subject. Now, I see it as essential: you can’t truly understand or consult a business without knowing how it’s financed and sustained. I’m excited to dive into the student-led funds at Ross as a way to build that perspective and round out my view of business.

If you went on an MTrek, what did you do and what insights did you take away from that experience?

I went on MTrek to Hawaii. What I loved most was how different we all were: some classmates were in the United States for the first time, others were pivoting careers, and a few of us were determined to eat our bodyweight in poke. Beyond the fun, I loved learning about my classmates’ cultures and how they saw the world. That mix of perspectives turned hikes, meals, and late-night conversations into something more meaningful. It showed me that Ross doesn’t just attract diverse people; it creates an environment where those differences are celebrated and belonging comes naturally.

Braylen Stevens, MBA ’27

Hometown

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Undergraduate school and major

DePaul University - Driehaus College of Business, accounting

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal?

My post-graduation career interest is to lean more into entrepreneurship and some of the ideas that I’ve sat on for a while. Specifically, I’m excited to explore the intersection of technology, sports, and entertainment, leveraging data analytics to impact player and fan engagement. 

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

I've always planned to pursue a graduate degree in business after building a strong foundation in finance. I see this as a pivotal moment to strengthen my analytical background for a more holistic, general management role. A Ross MBA will provide essential skills in areas like marketing, operations, and leadership, all of which are critical for an intra/entrepreneur looking to scale a business beyond a single product. 

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

A key lesson from my pre-MBA career is that the most challenging and uncomfortable opportunities are often the ones that lead to the greatest growth. At Ross, I plan to lean into this philosophy even more by actively seeking out experiences that will push me to collaborate, grow my intellect, and tackle ambiguous real-world business problems outside of my comfort zone. 

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

I am very excited to dive into the business of entrepreneurship through acquisition. While I have a high-level understanding of this space, I am eager to learn the detailed strategies, financial models, and operational nuances involved. Given the significant investment at Ross and resources in this area, I believe it's the perfect place for me to expand my knowledge and explore this path as a potential post-MBA option. 

Vibhor Gupta, MBA ’27

Hometown

New Delhi, India

Undergraduate school and major

Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, mechanical and automation engineering

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal?

My post-graduation career goal is to become a consultant at a top-tier strategy consulting firm with a specific focus on the growth of small businesses. This goal is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Witnessing my father's laminates store close due to a lack of financial and professional support was a formative experience that crystallized my career mission. In India, small businesses are the backbone of the economy, accounting for more than 50% of employment, yet they are significantly underserved, with only 16% having access to formal financing. My passion for problem-solving, which I discovered during my time at Finsol Technologies, combined with my desire to create a meaningful impact, drives my ambition to address this gap.

My long-term vision is to leverage the experience that I gain at a firm to establish my own management consulting practice in Southeast Asia. This practice will be dedicated to serving the approximately 70 million small enterprises in the region that are currently underserved. I believe that by providing strategic guidance and improving access to resources, I can help these businesses thrive, creating a lasting economic and social impact.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

My personal mission is to help small- and medium-sized businesses overcome the financial and strategic barriers that often hold them back. This mission is deeply personal. My experience with my father’s store drives my determination to ensure that other entrepreneurs don’t face the same fate.

While my roles at Finsol, EY, and Bain have honed my analytical and strategic skills, I recognize the need for formal training in finance, operations, and leadership. An MBA will equip me with the business acumen, global network, and structured problem-solving approach required to turn my mission into impact. With clarity of vision and the right tools, I am ready to take this next step now.

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

Early in my career, I faced a tedious, manual process that my team had accepted as standard. Instead of just following along, my curiosity drove me to ask "why?" and to find a better solution on my own. The experience of single handedly creating a fix that eliminated errors and saved my team hours of work was profoundly empowering. It taught me that you don't need a formal title to be a changemaker; you just need the courage to question the status quo.

I'm excited to bring this mindset to Ross. I’ll carry that proactive spirit into action-based learning opportunities like MAP and other clubs, such as Community Consulting, ready to collaborate and turn curiosity into tangible results.

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

I am most excited to dive into corporate finance, particularly through the lens of private equity and venture capital. My professional journey has given me a strong foundation in strategy and operations, teaching me how to build solutions and drive growth.

I am eager to immerse myself in the finance curriculum at Ross and gain practical, hands-on experience. I'm especially drawn to opportunities like the student-run Maize and Blue Venture Fund and the Private Equity Conference. These experiences will provide the financial acumen I currently lack, allowing me to combine strategic thinking with investment principles. This holistic understanding will be crucial for making a tangible impact on the businesses I aspire to serve.

If you went on an MTrek, what did you do and what insights did you take away from that experience?

My MTrek to Colorado was the perfect transition from my professional life to my MBA journey at Ross. It served as a powerful lesson in community building before classes even began.

My week at MTrek was a whirlwind of shared adventures that forged our group into a team. It started with the simple camaraderie of a Rockies game in Denver and evolved as we moved into the mountains. Hiking the Hoosier Pass Loop in Breckenridge and later whitewater rafting on the Colorado River weren't just activities; they were exercises in teamwork and mutual support. Tackling a challenging trail or navigating rapids together created an immediate and powerful bond that transcended our diverse pre-MBA backgrounds.

Even quieter moments, like exploring Vail Village or taking the scenic train back to Denver, were filled with the kind of deep, personal conversations that build lasting friendships. The key insight I took away was how shared experiences in a new environment can accelerate the formation of a genuine community. The trek was a mental refresher, replacing the structure of my old job with a spirit of collaboration and excitement. I returned to Ann Arbor not just with new friends, but as part of a supportive network, ready to contribute to and learn from the Ross community.

Dominique Nziffa, MBA ’27

Hometown

Magnolia, Delaware

Undergraduate school and major

Temple University, finance

What is your post-graduation career interest or goal?

Product marketing manager in big tech.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

I have worked in brand, sales, and advertising finance over the last seven years. During this time, I really enjoyed working with marketing teams to launch cool products and services. I am pursuing an MBA to expand my business acumen and lead teams from a marketing perspective. My goal is to continue working on interesting projects and activations in a new way. 

What’s a lesson from your pre-MBA journey you’ll carry with you at Ross?

I know how to do challenging things and succeed!

What’s one area of business you’re excited to dive into for the first time at Ross?

I’m excited to dig into strategy, as it’s the basis of all business decisions and roadmaps. 

If you went on an MTrek, what did you do and what insights did you take away from that experience?

I went to Croatia for MTrek and loved every moment! Our group had a great tour guide who showed us the country's history and beauty. I made amazing friendships with my classmates and the MBA2s who led the trip. On the trip, we had equal parts history and a lot of fun — including partying within castle walls. It was a great opportunity to make connections early on with a diverse group of people.