An interview with Mariana Rodríguez Rivera ’25.
What are the most impactful things you have done over the last four years?
My Passionate Leaders Project alongside Inquilinos Boricuas en Accíon (IBA) stands out to me. IBA is a Puerto Rican-founded and (primarily) led non-profit organization that focuses on affordable housing and supporting its residents in socioeconomic development. I pitched a project with two individual parts. First, alongside IBA’s Youth Development staff, I tutored high schoolers in the subjects of math, science, Spanish, English, and history. I also found interactive ways to teach them about college and financial aid resources. Second, I worked with IBA’s Financial Empowerment staff to update their website, finding more effective ways to present their array of programs and support.
Working with them these past few months has been an incredible experience. Getting to work with a Puerto Rican-led organization in Boston and finding new ways to promote their resources to their community is something I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to the people who decided to give me the chance to participate in this project.
Did your course of study entail any internships or travel/study abroad opportunities?
The summer after my sophomore year I was fortunate enough to be a McGrath Study Abroad Scholarship recipient. This gave me the chance to spend a summer in the Netherlands studying [coursework on] “Human Trafficking, Sex Trade, and Modern Slavery in Europe.” I was excited to participate in a program that deviated from the traditional business curriculum and allowed me to dive into legal and sociological areas, especially within an international context. It was an amazing opportunity to meet so many people from different backgrounds and experience a different culture and environment alongside my peers.
I also participated in the Barbara Lee Fellowship internship program and was paired with Massachusetts Representative Colleen Garry during my final semester at Simmons. Working with Representative Garry has been a comprehensive introduction to public policy. Through our collaborations and conversations, she has given me a better understanding of the distinctiveness and impact of her work, which I really appreciate.
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
“Financial Accounting” (ACCT 110) with School of Management Professor Ray Pfeiffer. I took this course during my first year and it was the reason I decided to declare my major. Never having considered Accounting as an area of study before, this course was a great introduction to the field and all the different career paths that exist within it.
Who was your most inspirational Simmons professor/mentor and why?
Throughout my time at Simmons, Professor Pfeiffer has stood out as a mentor to me. I’ve taken at least one class with him almost every semester and he consistently made accounting an engaging subject to learn while making us think critically about our chosen field. Professor Pfeiffer has been supportive of all my academic and extracurricular endeavors and it is thanks to this support and guidance that I can approach graduation, confident and optimistic for what the future holds.
How has Simmons prepared you for your career path or intended profession?
On top of completing the standard curriculum, students in the School of Management are required to complete an internship relevant to their major. I did mine with PwC [PricewaterhouseCoopers], one of the “Big 4” accounting firms. There, I was assigned to work on various projects and consulted with individuals in the Boston, Chicago, and India-based teams. It was my first experience having a job [in this kind of professional environment], so I had a lot of fun trying new things and meeting people in the field. I’m excited to return after graduation, as PwC has offered me a full-time position.
How has Simmons taught you to be a leader?
Over the last four years, I learned how to advocate for myself … This experience is unique to women’s-centered institutions and was integral to my own leadership development and confidence.
In my capstone class this semester, (former) Professor Jessica Halem ’16MBA discussed a statistic regarding male and female job applicants. She mentioned how, in most cases, women will apply for positions when they meet 100% of the required qualifications, whereas their male counterparts will apply with only 50% of the required qualifications. I’ve always tried to keep this in mind when pitching ideas and applying for positions. At the end of the day, the worst thing someone can say is “no.” My rejections have given me opportunities to learn and I’ve used those to continue putting myself and my ideas forward, which does lead to yeses.
In your experience, what was the best thing about attending college in Boston?
One of my favorite things about Boston is having public transportation that can take me all over the city. In an urban area with so many different colleges and industries, you really feel like you can take your career anywhere. In my time at Simmons, I’ve worked in nonprofit organizations, a corporate firm, and in government. Through these incredibly different experiences, I’ve continuously been able to learn about what environments work best for me and what I’m passionate about pursuing after graduation.
What is your favorite Simmons memory?
During my senior year, after months of convincing from my friend and much hesitation on my end, I finally decided to try the Bartol [Simmons dining hall] clam chowder. Before trying it, my friend would rave about it all the time and tell me about how she would bring her Tupperware to Bartol to have extra for her next meal. The day I finally tried it, I called her to apologize for refusing to try it for months, and told her she was right for all her praise and that I wished I had tried it earlier.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
Take advantage of all the opportunities at your disposal. There is such a diverse range of scholarships, internships, clubs, and other things to do when you attend a four-year institution like Simmons. Appreciate this time to learn more about yourself and your interests through these opportunities. You may end up on a great path that you never would have imagined.