Jenni Diaz

Why did you choose Wagner for graduate school?

I applied to three MBA programs and Wagner.  I was interested in social entrepreneurship, so I focused my attention on programs and dual degree options that would set me up for a socially-focused career.  I was pretty set on an MBA program – until I attended Wagner’s Admitted Students’ Day. From the first conversation early that morning until the last at the end of the day, I was completely floored by how passionate, smart, and kind everyone was. Every current (and prospective!) student seemed to have a purpose, a goal, and a strategy for getting there, and the professors very clearly cared deeply about supporting their students in any way possible. With diverse and flexible course offerings, I knew I could find the courses I wanted, and I was positive that this was the network I wanted for my own.  Choosing Wagner was the best decision I could have ever made for myself.  

How would you describe your experience as a Wagner student?

I went all-in at Wagner. I wanted to make the most of my experience and definitely tried my best to do so. I was on the planning committee for the inaugural WagnerCares Day of Service, an editor for the Wagner Review my first year, a peer advisor for a group of incoming students, and I was heavily involved in Bridge (the social innovation group).  I would describe my experience as very busy but so enlightening – I felt like I was learning more about myself and the world around me every day.

How did you find your first post-Wagner job?

One of my amazing Capstone teammates was a Fellow at the Taproot Foundation throughout our final year at Wagner. Our Capstone group grew close over the hours we spent together, and she had a good sense of what type of position I was looking for.  When she saw an opening at Taproot that she thought would be a great fit for me, she let me know and was kind enough to write me a recommendation and advocate for me throughout the application process. Thank you, Iris!!!