Tanya Medure

Hometown: Webster, TX

Undergraduate Institution: Texas State University, San Marcos

Undergraduate Degree and Major: Communication Disorders

Previous Graduate School (if applicable): M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, 

Nova Southeastern University

Pre-MBA Industry: Speech-Language Pathology

Pre-MBA Company: KidsCare Home Health

Pre-MBA Title: M.S., SLP

Current Industry: Real Estate

Current Company: RE/MAX

Current Title: Realtor

Desired Industry Post-MBA: Entrepreneurship

Desired Job Function Post-MBA: Business Owner

What Rice MBA clubs/organizations have you been involved in, and what positions have you held?

• Entrepreneurship Association

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA experience? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has been the extent of personal and professional transformation I’ve undergone in such a short time. I entered the program expecting to gain technical skills, improve my strategic thinking, and broaden my professional network. Those goals are being met — but what has surprised me most is how much the experience has challenged my mindset, strengthened my identity and reshaped my view of leadership.

As someone coming from a nontraditional background, I assumed I would need to work harder to “catch up.” Instead, I’ve been surprised by how inclusive the culture is. My perspective has been welcomed, and I’ve found my contributions to be relevant and valued. The program’s emphasis on collaboration over competition has fostered confidence in my ability to succeed and lead, even among peers from vastly different industries. From staff and peers to alumni, the reputation of the program is matched by the integrity of the people behind it. Rice has offered more than I expected: not only business education, but meaningful growth, enduring connections, and lasting perspective.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience so far? My favorite part of the MBA experience so far has been the opportunity to approach problems through a completely new lens. The coursework — especially in data analysis, accounting and strategy — has expanded the way I evaluate decisions in my real estate business and helped me identify new opportunities for growth and efficiency. Applying these frameworks in real time has been both energizing and rewarding. It’s given structure to decisions I previously made through intuition and added clarity to how I assess outcomes and risk.

I’ve also appreciated the way Rice integrates practical application with academic rigor. Each course builds toward a more holistic view of business, and that integration has been one of the most satisfying parts of the experience. This journey has expanded my thinking, introduced new tools and reinforced my adaptability. It’s not just about what I’ve learned — it’s about how I now think, evaluate and lead. That shift has been the most rewarding aspect so far.

What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective professional MBA students? Stay open, stay organized and trust that even when it feels overwhelming, growth is happening beneath the surface.