Harvard Business School, MBA
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, S.M.
Harvard College, A.B.
5 years
Collaborative, caring but tough when needed, strategic
Start-ups, brand management and strategy, health care, finance, non-US applicants
Mariesa began her career in public health, and her first-ever boss was Rochelle Walensky, current head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who even today remains her mentor. Second fun fact: Mariesa has a passion for nurturing and rooting for underdogs, and not just when they are MBA candidates—she is an avid and devoted foster dog mom.
Mariesa knows a lot about Harvard, having earned three Harvard diplomas. In addition to an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS), Mariesa holds a master of science from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and a bachelor of science from Harvard College. While at HBS, she served as an Admissions Ambassador and developed a profound understanding of what HBS looks for in candidates. Today, she supports the HBS Admissions Office via its alumni chat program and volunteers for the HBS Club of New York as part of its Strategy and Innovation for Programming team.
As an admissions coach, Mariesa regularly supports candidates applying to not only HBS but also other ultracompetitive programs such as Wharton and the Stanford GSB. Her clients appreciate her ability to identify strengths that they overlooked in themselves and capitalize on them throughout the application process. In fact, Mariesa particularly enjoys working with clients who underestimate their potential and sharing in their joy when the schools ultimately recognize it as she has.
Applicants to top-tier schools often have a cookie-cutter mind-set regarding what ingredients should go into a successful application. While credentials, promotions, and achievements are certainly key ingredients, the storytelling and confidence to dig deep authentically is often where many fall short in the recipe. Really understanding the crucible moments, both personally and professionally, and conveying the key aspects of the application holistically are critical in crafting a uniquely strong and memorable application.
I initially worked with another highly regarded consultant [from a different firm] but did not feel confident in where I was landing in my HBS application. I then started working with Mariesa, who was super responsive and not afraid to give me “tough love” feedback on all aspects of my application—resume, essay, mock interview, and post-interview reflection. It was a journey for sure, but she was so supportive and always cheer[ed] me on!! I wouldn't have secured my acceptance to HBS without her!
I came into the experience with surface level ideas and Mariesa was able to question certain areas and pushed me to think beyond what I thought I was capable of. Mariesa made sure I understood my strengths and weaknesses, and really helped me identify powerful stories from my life experiences to craft a unique and compelling application package. With a lower GMAT score and subpar grades in quantitative classes, Mariesa was realistic about my chances at top programs, but made sure I remained positive and pushed myself to see my true potential. With her help, I was ultimately admitted into my first choice - Duke’s Class of 2024 - and even received a significant scholarship! I truly couldn’t have done it without her dedication to helping me throughout the process.
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