Ana Hernandez
"If you want to grow as a leader while building lasting relationships, surrounded by a community truly invested in your development, Fuqua is the place for you. No other school has a culture that’s as genuinely lived out as Team Fuqua—you feel it in the hallways, classrooms, and in the people that make up our diverse student body. It’s where classmates volunteer their weekends to make Blue Devil Weekend and workshop events run seamlessly—not for recognition, but because they care deeply about supporting the next class. It’s knowing that when you send a message on Slack or WhatsApp asking for help, someone will show up. Team Fuqua means trust is earned, and it requires you to see people not just as classmates, but as teammates, future colleagues, and friends worth investing in."
Daytime MBA
Prior Education:
University of Illinois at Chicago
BS Chemical Engineering
Why I Chose Fuqua
There were three key factors in my search for a top MBA program. First, I wanted a school with a strong leadership development focus—one where I could grow not just as a business leader, but as a transformational one who uses data-driven insights while empowering others. At Fuqua, I’ve intentionally balanced analytical and leadership coursework to support this growth, through classes like Leadership, Corporate Finance, and Decision Models.
Second, I sought an environment that excels beyond the classroom. Experiential learning through the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP), the Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership and Ethics (COLE), and broader Duke initiatives has been invaluable.
Finally, I prioritized finding a sense of community that was both intellectually engaging and collaborative. I wanted a place where I could learn from different perspectives—where classmates would challenge and support me in equal measure. Fuqua’s Team Fuqua culture made it clear that this was the right place for me.
The beautiful scenery, weather, and top athletic programs are just added bonuses.
Before Fuqua
Prior to Fuqua, I held progressive operations leadership roles at L’Oreal across the Luxury and Cosmetics Products Divisions. As a Senior Operations Manager, I oversaw daily production needs for our main luxury skincare brand and led a core team of 52, driving a significant portion of the luxury division’s annual revenue. My role required aligning the frontline team's needs with the broader strategic goals. Beyond operations, I contributed to talent acquisition by recruiting top talent for multiple positions. I was a featured speaker for Hispanic Heritage and Women’s History Month, sharing my experiences as a young Latina manager in a technical field.
After Fuqua
After graduation, I plan to pivot into a business development and strategy role where I can help shape the vision and growth of products and services that make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. My pre-MBA experience equipped me with a strong problem-solving foundation, while my time at Fuqua has broadened my perspective on strategy, financial choices, and leadership. I’m excited to apply this combination to drive cross-functional initiatives, scale teams, and take on P&L responsibility over time. Beyond my professional goals, I’m passionate about continuing to mentor and empower the next generation of young women in STEM and business.
5 Random Things About Me
-
I geek out over how things are made.
-
I ran the Chicago Marathon with no training (wouldn’t recommend it... but I finished!).
-
I travel the world for Salsa festivals—the dance, not the dip.
-
I spent college summers as an event planner building balloon arches, a surprisingly useful skill for socials.
-
Every morning starts with a ginger shot, my personal version of a power-up.
My Fuqua Activities
Low-Income First-Generation Experience (LIFE)
Blue Devil Weekend (BDW) Planning Committee
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
Why Health Care Fuels My Drive
Health care is an industry at the forefront of groundbreaking science and innovation, where decisions can mean the difference between life and death. It is a space that combines STEM, strategy, and empathy to drive change in improving quality of life. What excites me is that there is room to contribute across many avenues—from improving access, enhancing education through marketing, to assessing treatments that will reach people who need them. This sector is vastly complex and at times controversial, which diverts others, but it only heightens my interest in understanding its challenges and making a meaningful impact on quality of life.