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I was born in Ecuador and attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad. After graduating, I moved back to Ecuador and spent six years working for the family business. I took on several different capacities, from analyst to managerial positions, understanding how the business worked from the bottom up. Having focused on Agriculture for the entirety of my career, I wanted to expand the scope of my experience and improve on my leadership skills, which led me to apply to several MBA programs. Besides the program’s flexibility and fantastic roster of professors, I ultimately chose Booth because of the people and its “pay-it-forward” culture. I had the most amazing interactions with all the Boothies I talked to, and their willingness to help was unparalleled. I just had a gut feeling that I was meant to be here.
Maria Isabel Aguayo
LABG is not a club only meant for Latinxs. We host a series of small and large social events to get to know everyone in the community and share our culture with others. There are also several professional events to help our members learn about different industries, Latinx companies, and opportunities for international students in the US. We try to foster an environment where everyone can get a sense of belonging and a taste of the Latinx warmth.
LABG has definitely embodied Booth’s “pay-it-forward” culture. Prior to coming to Booth I was already in Latinx Boothie WhatsApp groups where 2Ys made sure we had a point of contact to set us up for success during our first few weeks of school. They shared pre-MBA opportunities, class recommendations, Chicago guides, and everything one might need when moving to a new city. Once I got to Chicago, the LABG events provided a great way to get to know others in the community and enjoy great music, food, and Spanish interactions.
As co-chairs, we wanted to make sure to continue the “pay-it-forward” culture. So along with HABSA, AAMBAA, AFG, and the Management Consulting Group, we hosted a pre-MBA info session for admits to help clear any doubts they had and offer support during their pre-MBA journeys. We have already started planning several events for this quarter and I cannot wait to get to know our new members.
The LatAm BBQ is one of my favorite events. LABG organizes the first BBQ during the first few weeks of school and hosts another one during the Spring Quarter. Latin Americans come together to share their love for food and comradery. I had no idea how much work really went into this until I became co-chair of the club. The co-chairs cannot do it all on their own, and it is extremely rewarding to see how members volunteer to help, whether it’s to carry the hundreds of pounds of meat or take a grilling shift during the BBQ. Latinxs build community wherever we go, and the BBQ is a great testament to that.
National Hispanic Heritage month is a time when Hispanics get to embrace our roots and celebrate our identities, inviting others to learn more about our diverse culture. Latinos are the largest minority group in the US, but it often does not feel that way. I would love to invite others to learn something new about Hispanics during this month, whether it be making a new friend, trying a new cuisine, or picking up a book by a Hispanic author to read next.
Latinos are the second largest ethnic group in Chicago! The city hosts a series of events, such as the Ballet Folklorico de Chicago at the Field Museum and Hispanic Heritage Night with the White Sox. Plus, the high Latinx representation means there are fantastic spots to go dance the night away, such as Esco Bar and Havana. If you want some authentic Latin American food, you can arguably find most Latinx cuisines near the Loop (even Ecuadorian, if you don’t mind the 13-minute ride).
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