Search the NYU Stern Site

Ana Laura Aguiar, Fashion & Luxury MBA 2023

Ana Laura Aguiar
  • Pronouns
    she/her/hers
  • Hometown
    Indaiatuba, SP - Brazil
  • Undergraduate
    Istituto Europeo di Design
  • Pre-MBA Employer
    Fashion, GANNI
  • Specializations
    Strategy, Luxury Marketing, Management
  • Clubs/ Involvement
    VP Fashion & Luxury, Student Government | Luxury & Retail Club (LARC) | Latin American Business Association (LABA) | Management Consulting Association (MCA) | Graduate Marketing Association (GMA)

Why did you decide to pursue the focused one-year MBA program?

I am passionate about my industry and I always knew I didn't want to leave fashion. I appreciate that our projects and most of the core classes were tailored to Fashion and Luxury, so that I can continue to grow in my industry.


How would you describe the culture and community within your class?

The Fashion & Luxury MBA cohort is very small so we became really good friends very quickly. Everyone is extremely supportive and willing to help, but more than that I have made life-long friendships with many of my classmates.


How have the immersive aspects of the program helped you prepare for the next step in your career?

I think the most valuable thing about our immersive experiences has been the networking. In a very easy and smooth way, you're put in contact with so many interesting people, for someone coming from Europe, I don't think I could have built such a strong network in the US market had it not been for Stern and all our immersive courses.


What was your favorite class at Stern?

Leadership, with Nate Pettit has really changed the way I think about leading a team. I got so interested that I applied to the longer course, Leadership Fellows, and I am absolutely loving it.


What advice do you have for prospective students?

Don't give up! I applied twice before to the full-time program, until I spoke to Prof Serdari over Zoom and she told me more about the Focused MBA. I could not be more grateful that Stern nudged me in the right direction, and I am thankful I persisted and eventually got to join this amazing community.