Maria Cesar
FTMBA '26
Home Country: United States
Home State: TX
Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): Bachelor's Degree in Print Journalism
Pre-MBA Industry: Public sector, government and nonprofit
Pre-MBA Company: California Department of Cannabis Control
Pre-MBA Title: Deputy Director of Public Affairs
Desired industry post-MBA: Consulting
Desired job function post-MBA: Sustainability Strategy Consultant
Degree Concentrations: Strategic Management
Student Organization Membership: The Consortium, Forte, Out & Allied
Officer: Rice Cleantech Innovation Competition, Incoming Vice Chair
What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? I have been happily surprised by how amazingly diverse the student body is.
What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite thing about the MBA experience so far has been the opportunity to meet incredible people from all over the world and working with them on cases or projects that have grown my problem-solving skills and creative perspective based on the diversity of our collective lived experiences.
What do you love most about Houston? The diversity and art scene.
What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Just like the Rice tagline: You belong here.