Full-time MBA | Anna Ballate

Hometown
Miami, FL

Undergraduate
School: Barnard College
Major/Minor: Economics

Previous Industry
Private Wealth Management

Summer Internship
Account Manager at PIMCO

Specializations at Stern
Finance, Sustainable Business and Innovation

Student Clubs
Stern Women in Business (SWIB): VP, Corporate Relations
Latin American Business Association (LABA): VP, Social Events
Stern Private Equity & Venture Capital Club (PEVC): VP/AVP Events & Community
Social Impact & Sustainability Association (SISA): AVP, Admissions
Association of Hispanic & Black Business Students (AHBBS): AVP, Alumni & Corporate Relations
EmpowHER, Cohort Member
Forte Fellow
Consortium Fellow

Honestly, it was Launch Week as a whole. Between the boat cruise where everyone was dancing and just fully themselves, to more reflective moments like Suzy Welch’s “Becoming You" session where I got to see both sides of Stern. There was this balance of high energy and genuine introspection that really resonated with me. I also loved the small moments, like the spouse/partner wine tasting, which made the experience feel inclusive of my life outside of school.

I leaned into Consortium OP to refine my pitch and get my resume in shape, attended EmpowHER knowledge sessions, and also made sure to take a real break in between leaving my job and starting school. That reset helped me come in energized and ready to hit the ground running!

Adam Alter’s Marketing class. I had never taken marketing before, and it completely changed how I think about consumer behavior and decision-making. His teaching style made the material feel intuitive and actually fun to learn.

Keep your north star in mind throughout recruiting. It’s great to stay open to new opportunities, but remember why you came to business school in the first place so you don’t get pulled in directions that don’t align with your goals.

Create small rituals to stay grounded during the chaos of the first semester. Whether it’s a workout, a walk, or time with friends, those moments matter. Also, make sure you get some sleep!

How genuinely collaborative and supportive the community is. People really show up for each other, whether it’s prepping for interviews, sharing resources, or just being there during stressful moments.

EmpowHER is a leadership initiative aimed at creating equitable opportunities in sustainable finance that engages students over the first year of their MBA through the curriculum, skills-based training, mentorship, and community building. It’s been incredible to be surrounded by women pursuing careers in finance who are intentional about supporting each other. That sense of community, combined with access to inspiring leaders in the industry, has been both uplifting and career-shaping. My EmpowHER community has been such a constant, from practicing our pitch in the first weeks of the Fall semester to doing sustainable investing challenges and food crawls around the city.

The crossover between LABA and Block 7 (the unofficial partner’s block). My partner and I are both Latin, and having the opportunity to connect with classmates from similar backgrounds who are also in long-term relationships has made the experience feel even more special.

Being in NYC makes everything feel accessible. From on-campus events with top firms to industry conferences across the city, it’s easy to build relationships and explore opportunities in real time alongside classes.

Between my career mentor, mock interviews with MBA2s, and structured programming through Careers and IGNITE, I felt supported every step of the way. Tools like Clifton Strengths also helped me approach recruiting in a way that felt authentic to who I am.

Warm, collaborative, and incredibly down-to-earth. It’s a global community that feels both ambitious and genuinely supportive, with a strong alumni network that really stays engaged.