Why I’m passionate about working with the next generation of entrepreneurs:
My passion for mentoring comes from my father's belief in the power of education and the opportunities it brings. My acceptance into Harvard Business School was a pivotal moment in my life, leading me to establish Sherif Academy, a non-profit that provides educational resources to students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for making a difference. My efforts include hosting a distinguished speakers series, creating online content for entrepreneurs, and founding Sherif Capital to support underrepresented founders.
My entrepreneurial experience:
I delved deeply into entrepreneurial studies at Harvard Business School, taking courses like 'The Entrepreneurial Manager,' 'Founder's Journey,' and 'Entrepreneurial Finance'. I was a Rock Summer Fellow and a member of the Harvard Innovation Lab. My professional journey includes serving as Head of Strategy and Business Development at Cash Card and founding Sherif Capital to provide capital to underrepresented founders.
The entrepreneurial experience that had the most impact on me:
Founding Sherif Capital was the most impactful experience for me. I was driven by the underrepresentation of African-American, Latino, and female founders in venture capital. Empowering these founders to realize their dreams and contribute positively to society energizes me to grow the firm.
What I enjoy most about the business idea development process:
I enjoy all aspects of developing a business idea, from identifying the concept to pinpointing revenue and cost structures. My experience at Cash Card and Sherif Capital has broadened my perspective on various technologies, industries, and markets.
My mentorship style:
My mentorship style focuses on guiding entrepreneurs to identify risks and increase their chances of success. I collaborate with them to find product-market fit and understand the motivations of venture capitalists. I aim to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and insights to navigate their industry and tell their stories authentically and confidently.
Industries and business models I’m passionate about:
I am passionate about Fintech, Enterprise Software, and Consumer sectors and am particularly interested in Marketplaces and SaaS business models.
My favorite business book:
My favorite business book is "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. This book is special to me because it underscores the profound importance of cultivating and strengthening relationships as a cornerstone for business success and a guiding principle for a fulfilling life. Ferrazzi's insights resonate with me, highlighting the transformative power of genuine connections and collaborative approaches in both professional and personal spheres.
My favorite entrepreneur:
I admire several mentors, including George White, Shikhar Ghosh, Jeffrey Bussgang, and Reza Satchu, for guiding and inspiring my entrepreneurial journey.
A fun fact about me:
I am a sports aficionado who has played semi-professional soccer and basketball overseas.
Meet Alec, a stellar admissions coach and successful entrepreneur passionate about helping young people achieve their professional and academic goals.
Education and Experience:
Alec has a Bachelor’s degree in both Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Asian Studies from Rice University, and an MBA from Stanford University. Professionally, Alec is an entrepreneur, a co-founder of a successful business, and the President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs Texas. On top of it all, he is a valuable member of the Inspira team and has helped multiple students get into top-ten schools.
Passion for Coaching:
Over the years, Alec has developed his passion for coaching through his extensive experience helping candidates get into their dream schools. As a coach, Alec enjoys helping others find confidence and pride in what sets them apart. He loves to see students embark on journeys to cultivate their individuality further. Students Alec has recently coached have gotten accepted into UC Berkeley, Yale University, Princeton University, MIT, Stanford University, Washington University St. Louis, Rice University, and Vanderbilt University.
Greatest Strengths:
Alec’s greatest strength when working with Inspira applicants is his ability to help them find their confidence and voice. Through experience, he knows that speaking from the heart rather than memorizing what “should be said” is the best approach, and he enjoys showing students how to do so in interviews and essays. Alec understands the difficulty in articulating the “why” behind your experiences and decisions. He prides himself on his ability to help students dig deep so they can determine the motivations behind their choices, whether it's their reason for pursuing an activity, a school, or a program.
More About Alec:
In his free time, Alec enjoys taking courses online, making up games, and solving computer science problems.
Meet Alexander, one of our expert admissions coaches with years of experience in all areas of the admissions process - from Ivy League interview coaching to writing counseling.
Education and Experience:
Alexander has a Bachelor's in Business Administration from George Washington University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. At GWU, he held a leadership position as a counselor in the university writing center. He has also been an interview counselor at Columbia University. Since then, Alexander has worked with Lemonaid, an organization that helps middle and high school students start businesses, which turned into passion projects they could write about when applying to university. Most recently, Alexander's coached students have gotten into Harvard, Princeton, Georgetown, Yale, UC Berkeley, and other top schools.
Passion for Coaching:
Alexander is passionate about helping students reach their goals while prompting them to learn more about what makes them unique candidates for any school or program. For him, relying on his unique strengths to craft a narrative tailored to his experience was instrumental to his success. Alexander knows how critical it can be to have someone on your side during the daunting application process and aims to be that person for the students he coaches.
Greatest Strengths:
Alexander's extensive mentoring and coaching experience in a higher education setting gives him valuable insight into what top schools are looking for in applicants. At GWU, he coached dozens of students on how to write compelling essays. While at Columbia, his interview counseling experience helped him understand how students can best position their academic and extra-curricular experiences.
More About Alexander:
In his free time, Alexander is an avid cyclist, swimmer, skier, surfer, and Bay Area sports fan. He is a former collegiate water polo player. He also enjoys reading - especially the New Yorker - and doing the NYT crossword (and now Wordle!).
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Why I’m passionate about working with the next generation of entrepreneurs:
Reflecting on my own journey with its many ups and downs and also observing my four kids growing up while trying to balance their academic, athletic, and entrepreneurial pursuits, I'm in awe of the creativity and entrepreneurship that can thrive in both our everyday lives and the pursuit of big dreams. The proliferation of technology, content generation, and self-education opportunities enables us to be entrepreneurial in any endeavor, erasing the conflict between pursuing our passions and making a living. I like running, for example, and I'm venturing into building a running-related start-up. I like writing, and I've monetized this hobby. The opportunities for entrepreneurship are greater than ever, regardless of age or background.
My entrepreneurial experience:
I co-founded a software start-up that connected youth organizations with parents for communications and scheduling. I also owned and managed a youth fitness center that expanded to several locations. I'm currently working on a start-up in the SportsTech space.
The entrepreneurial experience that had the most impact on me:
Failing, painful though it was. My tech start-up failed because of the pandemic and because we struggled to find the right business model in a fragmented market. It was impactful because I realized what's important and what's not. Fundraising isn't important. Humble bragging on social media isn't important. What matters is focusing on true growth without being loud about your ambitions or intermediate achievements.
What I enjoy most about the business idea development process:
Explore/identify the business idea -- Figure out what idea the student will be working on. I disagree somewhat with the mantra that 'ideas are nothing.' Yes, execution is important, but good ideas are rare. I think once someone is onto a good idea, he/she can move mountains, and the rest is trivial, so I like helping with the very earliest part of the journey.
My mentorship style:
I share my experience, help brainstorm, and add structure to the discussion. I never patronize.
Industries and business models I’m passionate about:
Sports, education, healthy living (for example, healthy CPG)
My favorite business book:
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight because I love running and it covers many aspects of entrepreneurship - persevering, dealing with competition, setbacks, and so on.
My favorite entrepreneur:
Phil Knight for the same reasons. Nike is an amazing brand.
A fun fact about me:
I once went hiking and lost one of my kids in the wilderness... It's fun to remember now, but it wasn't then! I also run and write every day - and I mean every day! You can find me on Medium and Substack.
Meet Allan, an Ivy League grad and expert admissions coach passionate about helping students turn their weaknesses into strengths.
Education and Experience:
Allan graduated from Cornell University with Cum Laude honors in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. After completing his Bachelor's degree, he received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Allan has since founded an admissions consulting program as the President of a national honor society at Cornell University. He also acted as an admissions mentor at a local high school. As an admissions ambassador, Allan provided feedback to the admissions board on the potential candidate's fit with the school. With over ten years of experience as an academic counselor, he has helped students gain admission to Cornell University, the University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Texas, among many others. Professionally, Allan serves as Leader of Teams at Shell.
Passion for Coaching:
As a first-generation student, Allan has first-hand experience with how challenging and confusing the admission process can be. This fuels his passion for supporting and guiding students through the application process. As a coach, he takes a personalized approach–highlighting each applicant's strengths and individuality. He is adaptable and flexible when it comes to what students need, regardless of what stage in the application process they're in.
Greatest Strengths:
Allan's greatest strength is breaking down the application process into more manageable steps. He also excels at helping students develop a robust applicant profile that speaks to what admissions officers are looking for, teaching students how to turn their shortcomings into strengths. He helps students understand the rationale behind each aspect of their application–specifically, why schools ask specific questions and what they want to learn from them. This clarity allows students to build a more meaningful and intentional application.
Allan is also an advocate for finding strength in your weaknesses. He believes that while having plenty of experiences under your belt can be an asset, students who are able to demonstrate the ability to learn and grow from their mistakes are bound to make an impression. Through coaching prospective business students, Allan hopes to pass on his knowledge and experience to ensure they can more easily manage the university application process. He finds great joy in seeing students' tears of joy when they receive acceptance letters from their dream schools.
More About Allan:
When Allan isn't coaching, he mentors high school students and young professionals on career and professional development. He also enjoys playing competitive badminton–and winning!
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Meet Allie, one of our expert admissions counselors with a long history serving on admissions boards and helping students get into top schools.
Education and Experience:
Allie earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at UPenn, and a Master's in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. Professionally, she has worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs and as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. She has developed experience in higher education admissions by serving as both a writing coach and alumni interviewer at the University of Pennsylvania. She has also supported the development of two courses, at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Passion for Coaching:
Allie’s passion for education was ignited during her own academic journey. While serving as a writing coach and interviewer at UPenn, she realized the importance of providing support and wisdom to young candidates during the admissions process. She took that knowledge with her when she began developing graduate and undergraduate courses, with the goal of helping students translate their academic passions into professional career goals. On the Inspira team, Allie has been able to expand her coaching experience and develop into the driven, motivated admissions counselor she is today.
Greatest Strengths:
As a coach, Allie has helped students get accepted into top programs at Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, University of California – Los Angeles, and more. Her greatest strengths as a coach include assisting students with idea generation, identifying differentiating talents, and effectively creating a cohesive story across all elements of an application. Allie particularly enjoys helping candidates transform small anecdotes into a compelling narrative that highlights the unique contributions they can make to a university or university.
More About Allie:
In her free time, Allie enjoys ashtanga yoga, hiking in New England, and reading the latest non-fiction books on the NYTimes Best Sellers list!
Why I'm passionate about working with the next generation of entrepreneurs:
I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs to pay forward the guidance that profoundly impacted my journey, open doors for overlooked founders from all backgrounds, and illuminate lessons from my playbook so the next generation can build thriving companies faster by avoiding common pitfalls.
My entrepreneurial experience:
I was employee #5 at a Y-combinator-backed custom clothing startup, MTailor, where I scaled and ran operations, including two factories and all logistics. During business school, I interned at a private equity fund in Chicago, for whom I developed an investment thesis in the HR Tech domain. I have over nine years of experience at top technology and consumer companies, including Apple, Nike, and T-Mobile. I leverage my data analysis, financial modeling, supply chain optimization, and cross-functional program management expertise to deliver data-driven insights that shape business strategy and operations.
The entrepreneurial experience that had the most impact on me:
Being in charge at MTailor greatly impacted me as it taught me how to rapidly scale operations for a growing company while managing a tight budget.
What I enjoy most about the business idea development process:
Having seen many different business models as a management consultant, I am most interested in helping my mentees evaluate which might fit their ideas. I am proficient in financial modeling and will help them build their revenue and cost model and validate the profit potential of their idea.
My mentorship style:
My coaching style is rooted in transparent, growth-oriented feedback. I believe we should be direct yet compassionate in discussing areas for improvement - a mentality that embodies a "growth mindset." Before providing guidance, I prioritize intently listening to each person's story and goals. I gather as much background as possible to contextualize their capabilities and aspirations.
Industries and business models I'm passionate about:
I'm passionate about software, consumer hardware, and health tech. I also enjoy business models such as SaaS, 2-sided platforms, razors, and blades.
My favorite business book:
The Everything Store vividly chronicles Amazon's meteoric rise, fueled by fanatical customer obsession, relentless innovation, and long-term thinking. I was engrossed by the author's inside look into Amazon's experimentation - how various bets, from marketplace to cloud computing, underscored their orientation towards continually improving consumer experience. Most fascinating was tracing Amazon's rapid evolution from scrappy online bookseller to massively diversified e-commerce titan as Jeff Bezos unflinchingly furthered his disruptive vision over decades, turning emerging technologies into greater value for the end user.
My favorite entrepreneur:
I am a big fan of Oprah Winfrey. She embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of turning adversity into opportunity with perseverance and authenticity. Rising from poverty to build a multi-billion dollar media empire, Oprah connects with audiences worldwide through her unrelenting optimism, spirit of self-improvement, and gift for amplifying other people's voices. She has created uplifting communities and catalyzed progress on deeply rooted societal issues.
A fun fact about me:
I have visited over 40 countries across six continents. My most memorable trip was a research project in Tanzania in the summer before my Sophomore year of college. I was part of an Anthropology research team that studied the impact of the Maasai community's agricultural practices on the local environment.
Meet Augie, an expert admissions coach who is passionate about helping students get into their dream school, and who understands how to demonstrate growing from past mistakes to build a strong application.
Education and Experience:
Augie has a Bachelor's degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. Augie has also served as an interviewer for Stanford. Since joining the Inspira team, applicants Augie has recently coached have gotten accepted to several top schools, including Stanford University, The University of Chicago, and Vanderbilt University.
Passion for Coaching:
Augie’s passion for coaching stems from learning from his own experience as an applicant, and wanting to pass his knowledge on to the next generation of graduates. Augie strongly believes that the key to university admissions is learning from each moment in your life and taking that knowledge with you throughout the application process. He specializes in working with reapplicants, and in framing your weak points as strengths in your application.
Greatest Strengths:
Augie’s greatest strengths come from his experience. He has learned from his position as an interviewer at Stanford that a student's academic profile is just one aspect of their application; schools are looking for well-rounded candidates rather than just smart candidates. He understands that applicants often don't apply to schools they would excel at due to the confusing and intimidating application process. He aims to demystify the process, helping students navigate through it, tackle any challenges head-on, and put their best foot forward.
Other Interests:
In his spare time, Augie enjoys sailing, single-engine aircraft flying, road-tripping, and trying restaurants.
Meet Dan, an expert admissions coach and two-time graduate of Stanford University with a stellar resume and a passion for helping students get into their dream schools!
Education and Experience:
Dan has both an undergraduate degree and an MBA from Stanford University. He has several years of professional experience in the education sector as an admissions coach, technologist, and teacher. Dan has also spent several years on Google's education team as a Senior Global Program Manager, where he built tools used by thousands of schools across the country. He has since held multiple positions in education and the development of educational technologies and has founded and cofounded multiple companies. Candidates Dan has recently coached have gotten accepted into Stanford University, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, among other top schools.
Passion for Coaching:
As an admissions coach, Dan has extensive experience helping candidates get into their dream schools. He is passionate about using the power of coactive coaching to help applicants uncover their inner strengths and craft engaging stories that highlight those strengths. He is a big appreciator of the value of authenticity and helps students reflect, turning seemingly small moments into memorable anecdotes.
Greatest Strengths:
Above all, Dan is focused on using the problem-action-impact framework to make every word of students’ application materials count. His greatest strengths are identifying a candidate's unique qualities that set them apart from others and crafting a compelling narrative. His experience has also taught him that a humble awareness of your shortcomings can be an endearing trait and not to shy away from talking about failure and learning to try again.
More About Dan:
With a passion for continuous learning, Dan finds himself glued to ‘The Great Courses’ when he isn't coaching students. He is also an outdoor enthusiast, regularly running, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.
Meet Gabriel, an admissions coach and former Ivy League admissions committee team member who is ready to help you improve your application through strategic positioning, storytelling, and motivation.
Education and Experience:
Gabriel has a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. At Brown, Gabriel was a leader within the Brown International Scholarship Committee, partnering with the Admissions Office in efforts to recruit international students and source funding for international student scholarships. Since graduating, Gabriel has held roles in finance, management, and branding at Goldman Sachs, LVMH, and Oliver Wyman.
Passion for Coaching:
While working with the admissions office at Brown, Gabriel assisted prospective students from around the world and from different socioeconomic backgrounds with application feedback and interview preparation. Gabriel is also an experienced alumni interviewer for Brown, interviewing a variety of prospective students from Latin America for admission. Beyond undergraduate admissions, Gabriel also possesses extensive experience in graduate admissions for top MBA programs. Through these experiences, Gabriel has worked with dozens of students and gained extensive training in application development and review and interview coaching.
Greatest Strengths:
As a coach on the Inspira team, Gabriel seeks to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of students' stories, strengths, and interests to design a compelling applicant persona and coach students to write structured, thoughtful, and authentic essays. Throughout the process, Gabriel works on building meaningful connections with students and their families to build trusting relationships. He also uses his decade of experience in strategic positioning, storytelling, and persuasive writing to help students perfect their applications and achieve their academic goals.
More About Gabriel:
In his free time, Gabriel loves to exercise, play volleyball, and cook! He is also bilingual in English and Spanish.
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Meet Grace, one of our expert admissions coaches passionate about mathematics, language, culture, and getting you into your dream school!
Education and Experience:
Grace has a BA from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. During undergrad, she studied Applied Mathematics in Economics and a Citation in French Language. She was also accepted into the 2+2 program for Harvard Business School as a senior in university, which allowed her the flexibility to explore her passions and career options before returning to business school. After graduation, she worked at JPMorgan Asset Management in New York as a Junior Portfolio Manager for the Multi-Asset Solutions Group. Now, Grace focuses on Venture Capital and Growth Equity investing.
While at JPMorgan, Grace was an avid recruiter for top diversity talent from undergraduate universities, particularly focusing on increasing representation for women at the firm. At Harvard Business School, she served as the Director of Education for the Women in Investing club, bringing graduate women together to learn key skills for any type of investment role.
Passion for Coaching:
Grace has always been passionate about mentoring and teaching others. She began tutoring high school students before university and later coached MBA applicants through the rigorous application process. On the Inspira team, Grace aims to create an environment of community, learning, and mentorship. She believes coaching is an exchange of both knowledge and energy, and her main goal is always to leave students feeling capable and motivated.
Greatest Strengths:
Grace’s greatest strength as a coach is helping students identify their key strengths and incorporate them into their application. As an Ivy League graduate, Grace understands what top schools are looking for and what it takes to ensure an application stands out. She is an expert at helping students craft personal and memorable narratives and encourages self-reflection and development throughout the application process.
More About Grace:
When she’s not studying, Grace loves to kickbox, read, explore the city, and find new restaurants. She also loves to travel and learn about other cultures!
Why I’m passionate about working with the next generation of entrepreneurs:
Throughout my career, I have worked with entrepreneurial-minded students who want to make a difference with their impactful ideas, and I thrive on working with students with great ideas.
My entrepreneurial experience:
In business school, I took several classes that allowed me to concentrate on entrepreneurial studies. In my entrepreneurial journey, I've excelled as a Communications Engineer in the Army National Guard, contributed to EY's transformative projects, and supported impactful initiatives at UnidosUS and Change Machine.
In roles such as Diversity and Inclusion Consultant at UnidosUS and Ecosystems Account Manager at Change Machine, I integrated effective technology, managed national projects, and supported non-profits. As a Social Impact Consultant with Social Impact 360, I empowered college students aspiring to be entrepreneurs, demonstrating expertise in strategy, leadership, and project management.
The entrepreneurial experience that had the most impact on me:
I entered a pitch contest and made it to the semi-finalist round for a financial literacy platform for first-generation college students.
What I enjoy most about the business idea development process:
My passion is to help transform student’s dreams into reality and connect them with the resources to achieve their goals.
My mentorship style:
I enjoy providing high support and love working with people who strive to meet high expectations.
Industries and business models I’m passionate about:
I’m passionate about financial technology.
My favorite business book:
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
My favorite entrepreneur:
Steve Jobs: He envisioned creating a trillion-dollar company and accomplished it by collaborating with friends. He was innovative and inspirational for others around him.
A fun fact about me:
I have jumped out of a plane and flown a plane on two different occasions.
Why I’m passionate about working with the next generation of entrepreneurs:
My career in Silicon Valley startups has fueled my passion for innovation as a key driver of societal progress. I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face and possess valuable knowledge about what it takes to succeed. I am eager to share this knowledge with the next generation, contributing to innovation and technological advancement.
My entrepreneurial experience:
My career includes significant roles in startups like Efficient Frontier and Houzz, where I witnessed its growth from 100 to thousands of employees. At Pear VC and Venture University, I served as a visiting partner, aiding in capital raising and mentoring portfolio companies on marketing and product strategy.
The entrepreneurial experience that had the most impact on me:
Working at Houzz for six years was my most impactful experience. I played a crucial role in navigating the company through the highs and lows typical of startups, finding it extremely rewarding to help overcome these challenges.
What I enjoy most about the business idea development process:
I am particularly passionate about identifying growth channels due to my extensive experience in marketing. I enjoy applying my knowledge of testing campaigns across channels to help entrepreneurs gain product traction.
My mentorship style:
I employ a hands-on, tailored coaching style, focusing on each entrepreneur's unique needs, passions, goals, and dreams. My expertise in marketing allows me to effectively define messaging and positioning at the earliest stages, setting entrepreneurs on the path to success.
Industries and business models I’m passionate about:
I am passionate about technology, from kids' video games to security software. My experience in Silicon Valley has shown me the innovation and rewards of technology startups. I am enthusiastic about B2B, B2C, B2B2C, SaaS, and eCommerce business models.
My favorite business book:
"Radical Candor" by Kim Scott is my favorite business book. The concept of caring personally, while challenging, directly aligns with my belief in the importance of effective communication and leadership in business.
My favorite entrepreneur:
Jeff Bezos is my favorite entrepreneur. I admire him for defining eCommerce and his innovative, long-term approach to business.
Fun Fact:
I excel in racket sports, including tennis, pickleball, and ping pong.
Meet Marina, a passionate admissions coach who believes every student has a story to tell, and finding it together is the most rewarding experience of all.
Education and Experience:
Marina is a graduate of the Wharton School and has an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. While at Booth, she served on the Student Admissions Committee, reviewing application packets, interviewing candidates, and providing recommendations to the final Admissions Committee. Marina also served as an alumni interviewer at both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago. Students Marina has recently coached have gotten accepted into the University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, and the University of Chicago, among other top schools.
Passion for Coaching:
Marina’s passion for coaching developed through her early volunteer tutoring experience and has only grown stronger since. She first started coaching on a volunteer basis at a local high school’s college counseling office and directly with students in her community. Throughout her own academic journey, Marina had many wonderful mentors that helped her along the way, and she is grateful to play that role for others! She believes the skills that students can develop during the application process can be life-changing, and she aims to facilitate the learning process. She also knows that the ability to self-reflect and craft powerful and clear stories is meaningful not only for applications but for future careers and even personal lives.
Marina enjoys helping candidates of all backgrounds recognize what makes them uniquely qualified for their dream school.
Greatest Strengths:
Marina loves helping candidates determine their strengths and bring them to life through a well thought out application strategy. Storytelling is her jam, and she is energized by helping students write essays they are proud of. Marina knows that being honest about failures can be incredibly powerful, and she enjoys guiding students on how to come from a position of growth in their application materials. She also believes that dedicating time to reflection and building self-awareness is one of the keys to a stand-out application and to getting the most out of the higher education experience.
More About Marina:
In her spare time, Marina makes children's books that sing in different languages as a fun creative outlet. She loves that the books make it a little easier and more fun for families to raise bilingual children! She also enjoys working on puzzles with her husband and two young kids, going for hikes with the family dog, and traveling.
Meet Mary, one of our expert admissions consultants with almost forty years of experience in higher education serving as an important resource to students, faculty, and corporate partners.
Education and Experience:
Mary began her educational journey with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She then went on to earn an MS degree from Duquesne University, and a Master of Education from Columbia University. After teaching for well over a decade, Mary’s career in student services began when she served at Columbia as the Associate Director of Athletics and then as the Director of Financial Aid. Her vast experience in both undergraduate and graduate school admissions includes positions as the Director of Admissions for the School of Education, Nursing and the Arts at New York University; the Director of Admissions, Columbia School of Nursing, and the Associate Director of Admissions for MBA Programs at the Columbia School of Business.
During her years at the Columbia School of Business, Mary served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for MBA Academic Advising and as the Corporate Director for Executive Education Programs. She later moved back to one of her alma maters, the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she spent twelve years as Director of Career Services for both undergraduate and graduate students at the Leeds School of Business and an additional six years as Manager for Corporate Outreach and Student Engagement for Burridge Center for Finance. Finally, while still working part-time at CU Boulder, Mary accepted a position as Director of Colorado Mountain university.
Passion for Coaching:
Mary’s passion for education has been present in every professional role she has had since graduation. With her outgoing personality, Mary plays an integral role in the lives of every applicant she works with, and she often builds relationships that last far longer than the typical advising experience.
Greatest Strengths:
As a coach who has been in a number of roles from educator to Ivy League Assistant Dean, Mary’s greatest strengths are her insight, wealth of knowledge, and devotion to her field. She cares deeply for each student she coaches, and is well versed in how to craft a unique and powerful application from start to finish. From interview prep to essay writing, Mary is an excellent resource and is highly motivated to help students achieve their academic goals.
More About Mary:
Mary has formed lasting bonds with many of the students she has coached and enjoys cheering them on throughout their careers!
Why I'm passionate about working with the next generation of entrepreneurs:
Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs is at the core of my passion. Having navigated the complex landscapes of political consulting and venture capital, I recognize the transformative potential of entrepreneurship. Witnessing firsthand the impact of innovative ideas and resilient individuals, I am inspired to guide aspiring entrepreneurs on their journey. I find immense joy in helping them navigate challenges, refine their visions, and turn their ideas into impactful ventures. My diverse background and a genuine passion for innovation and positive impact fuels my commitment to mentorship. I am eager to leverage my experiences and insights to guide individuals in realizing their entrepreneurial visions and driving meaningful change in the world.
My entrepreneurial experience:
My professional journey is marked by a passion for driving positive change in highly regulated industries. As a Senior Associate Consultant at Tusk Holdings, I specialized in navigating the intricate landscape of political and regulatory campaigns for startups. Guiding these ventures through market entry, public relations management, and influencing legislative environments was a rewarding aspect of my role.
Before pursuing my MBA, I served as a teaching assistant for Chicago Booth's "Reputation, Regulation, and Communications" course, leveraging my expertise in startup campaigns.
Presently, I provide strategic counsel to N4 Studio, a digital marketing startup, and draw from my experience as the first policy and advocacy hire at Savi Solutions in Washington, D.C., where I focused on policy issues in higher education.
As an alumnus of the Chicago Venture Fellowship program, I bring a well-rounded perspective to the field. I'm certified in venture capital through V.C. University, sponsored by the National Venture Capital Association and Berkeley Law.
Additionally, my role as an MBA intern at Here Here Market involved direct advisory to the CEO on service design and competitive analysis. Committed to making a positive impact beyond the corporate realm, I've also contributed pro bono consulting to Reach Pathways, a startup addressing workforce preparation and diversity challenges.
The entrepreneurial experience that had the most impact on me:
My most impactful entrepreneurship experience was enrolling in the Entrepreneurial Discovery course at Booth, taught by a renowned dot com founder. This hands-on class not only deepened my understanding of the entrepreneurial process but also provided a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by successful founders. The opportunity to learn directly from someone who had traversed the entrepreneurial path was incredibly enriching, shaping my approach to mentorship and instilling a profound appreciation for the nuances of building a venture from the ground up.
What I enjoy most about the business idea development process:
Identifying the right business idea is often the first step in an entrepreneurial journey. My interest stems from the belief that everyone possesses unique strengths and passions. I am particularly drawn to guiding individuals in aligning their skills and interests with viable business opportunities. I also deeply understand the importance of introspection and market awareness in this process. I am eager to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in uncovering their unique value propositions and translating them into successful ventures.
My mentorship style:
My mentorship style is rooted in empathy, active listening, and empowerment. I believe in creating a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood. I aim to inspire confidence by highlighting strengths, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging a growth mindset. Through collaborative dialogue and tailored guidance, I empower mentees to leverage their unique capabilities, fostering a sense of ownership and resilience. I strive to instill business acumen and the confidence to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities.
Industries and business models I'm passionate about:
I am especially passionate about sectors directly benefiting humanity, such as EdTech. Education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences aligns with my belief in the power of innovation for positive social impact. EdTech can potentially democratize access to education, bridge gaps, and empower individuals globally. I am enthusiastic about supporting ventures that advance education and skill development.
My favorite business book:
My favorite business book is "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel. Thiel's contrarian perspective challenges conventional thinking and encourages entrepreneurs to focus on creating unique value in unexplored territories. The book's emphasis on innovation, differentiation, and the pursuit of monopoly resonates with my belief in the transformative power of groundbreaking ideas. "Zero to One" has been a guiding beacon in shaping my approach to entrepreneurship and mentorship.
My favorite entrepreneur:
Steve Jobs is my favorite entrepreneur. His visionary leadership, relentless pursuit of excellence, and ability to revolutionize industries inspire me. Jobs' commitment to innovation, design, and user experience has left an indelible mark on the world. His resilience in the face of challenges and unwavering dedication to his vision is a constant reminder of the transformative potential of unwavering passion and creativity.
A fun fact about me:
A fun fact about me is that I score in the 97th percentile in bullet chess, showcasing my strategic thinking, adaptability, and love for challenges that require quick decision-making and precision.
Meet Nadia, a motivated admissions coach passionate about education and helping students write exceptional personal statements.
Education and Experience:
Nadia has a Bachelor of Science from the Huntsman Program at the Wharton School, a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Professionally, she has worked as a management consultant at The Parthenon Group and as a Strategy Officer at The Gates Foundation. She has also been an interviewer for the University of Pennsylvania, which has given her insight into what admissions committees look for in candidates.
Passion for Coaching:
Nadia’s passion for coaching stems from her love for higher education and career development. Nadia believes that business school is an exciting opportunity for students to explore potential interests and learn how to give back to society through their careers. As such, she is excited to help applicants understand themselves better, improve their writing and storytelling, and find the best-fit schools for them. On the Inspira team, Nadia uses her knowledge of the admissions process and her people skills to help students get into their dream schools.
Greatest Strengths:
Nadia is a strong writer and editor and enjoys supporting applicants in the process of writing and refining their personal statements. She also has strong skills in project management to help break down the application process, and she excels at helping students prepare for their interviews as a former interviewer at UPenn.
More About Nadia:
In her free time, Nadia enjoys watercolor painting and running.
Meet Paolo, an expert admissions coach and film-maker with a passion for helping students construct compelling narratives throughout their applications.
Education and Experience:
Paolo completed his undergraduate education at New York University and his MBA from Columbia Business School. During his time at NYU, Paolo was closely involved in helping international candidates apply to, get accepted, and get oriented at the school.
After graduating from NYU, he began his career with creating films that played at international venues like DocNYC and Newport Beach Film Festival. He then directed commercials for brands like PlayStation and Adobe under his own production company. For several years, Paolo co-organized the annual film festival at the Philippine Consulate in New York. He later developed two independent feature-length films while also becoming a journalist and senior content producer at Rappler. On the Inspira team, he specializes in helping students seeking admission to competitive and highly selective schools.
Passion for Coaching:
As a coach, Paolo uses his talent for storytelling to help students convey their own unique stories through their applications. When he’s not working on films, Paolo thoroughly enjoys using his creativity to help the next generation of graduates discover their inner strengths. Candidates Paolo has recently coached have gotten accepted at several top schools, including MIT and NYU.
Greatest Strengths"
An all-around storyteller and advocate of the arts, Paolo uses his expertise to help candidates craft memorable application documents. He is also an expert in essay writing and project management. He believes that any character trait can be an asset to your application, and ultimately adds to what makes you stand out.
More About Paolo:
Paolo likes to write in his free time (a published children's author) and has been a professional breakdancer for 13 years.
Meet Raquel, one of our expert coaches with a passion for MBA coaching born from her own experience.
Education and Experience:
Raquel is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at UPenn. Since graduating, she has become a Senior Product Manager at Amazon. She has also been a quantitative analyst at Voya Investment Management, and a consultant for investment professionals within the Quantitative Analytics group at FactSet Research Systems. Today, Raquel is a valuable member of the Inspira team - helping students get into their dream schools.
Passion for Coaching:
Raquel first encountered MBA coaching when she was applying to business schools. At that time, Raquel realized how critical an MBA coach can be to the success of a student, not only for the broad knowledge of the admissions process, but also for the inspiration and encouragement during a stressful application process. So, she began assisting several students with the application process during her MBA, with a focus on career guidance, interview prep, and resume building.
Greatest Strengths:
As a coach, Raquel is passionate about being a resource and a calming presence during the high pressure application process. She enjoys exploring a student’s background to build a compelling narrative, using their r life experiences and unique qualities to help them stand out from other applicants.
More About Raquel:
In her free time, Raquel enjoys supporting local restaurants to keep the community thriving - and eating excellent food!
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Why I’m passionate about working with the next generation of entrepreneurs:
I am deeply passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and recognizing them as individuals with a unique drive to improve the world. I believe that I contribute significantly to global betterment by aiding these visionaries in achieving their goals. In my view, entrepreneurs are essential in addressing the world's needs and filling its voids.
My entrepreneurial experience:
My entrepreneurial journey has been diverse and impactful. I played a pivotal role in launching the NYU Los Angeles campus, successfully ran a business selling over 50 pounds of homemade bacon monthly, raised over $4000 for charities through virtual open mics during the pandemic, and mentored colleagues starting their businesses. Entrepreneurship-focused courses enriched my business school experience.
The entrepreneurial experience that had the most impact on me:
The venture that profoundly impacted me was my homemade bacon business, where I sold over 50 pounds monthly in 2020 and 2021. This endeavor taught me the relentless nature of entrepreneurship, from the hands-on work to the continuous research into regulations and business partnerships. It was a testament to the dedication and constant effort required to succeed.
What I enjoy most about the business idea development process:
I find competitive analysis a critical and exciting part of developing a business idea—understanding who the product or service will compete against is a decisive factor in any business's success.
My mentorship style:
My mentorship style is about guiding with a light touch, offering support, and being a sounding board while allowing the mentee to steer their journey. I believe in being as involved as the mentee needs, respecting their vision, and empowering them to achieve it.
I believe no dream is too big or small and encourage open, even if seemingly silly, questions as a part of the learning and entrepreneurial process. My approach is grounded in the belief that entrepreneurship is about improvement, not profit.
Industries and business models I’m passionate about:
I am passionate about higher education, healthcare, politics, and technology. I have a particular interest in wholesale and online marketplaces as business models.
My favorite business book:
"The Art of Choosing" by Sheena Iyengar is my favorite business book, offering insights that resonate with my understanding of choice and decision-making in business.
My favorite entrepreneur:
Don Vultaggio, the founder of Arizona Iced Tea, is my favorite entrepreneur. I admire Don for maintaining the affordability of his product, treating his workers fairly, and successfully running a family-owned business without losing sight of the true purpose of entrepreneurship.
A fun fact about me:
I am musically talented and can play eight different musical instruments with proficiency.
Meet Yasmin, one of our expert admissions coaches, passionate about helping students identify their strengths and craft a compelling application from start to finish.
Education and Experience:
Yasmin received her Bachelor's in International Relations from Tufts University and her MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since graduation, she has built an impressive resume as the Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Skinfluence, a Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group, and a gifted admissions coach on the Inspira team. Students she recently coached have gotten accepted at Princeton, Harvard, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Yale, Brown, MIT, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Passion for Coaching:
Yasmin is particularly passionate about helping students identify themes in their journeys, approach the application process strategically, and spend time on the things that matter most. Yasmin believes that every candidate should have the opportunity to put their best foot forward during the application process and prioritize the highest value-add components of their applications. Yasmin seeks to help students approach the application season with confidence, energy, and excitement by equipping candidates with knowledge about the process and tools to navigate its ins and outs.
Greatest Strengths:
Yasmin’s greatest strengths as a coach are her ability to demystify and deconstruct the application process into actionable steps and help students identify strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, Yasmin excels at helping students with theme identification and narrative formation, goal setting, and providing responsive and clear communication. As a force in the world of business, she is also an excellent career coach and is keen on helping students plan the next steps in their careers.
More About Yasmin:
In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, broader family, and her kitten, Mozart. Her favorite activities are snorkeling, traveling, and trying new foods!
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