Maria Alonzo

Hult International Business School

“Foodie by passion, marketer by profession—crafting impactful strategies with a taste for innovation!”

Fun fact about yourself: I dream of opening a restaurant in the Dominican Republic, but for now, I explore Boston’s best eats like it’s my job. (If there were an award for the most restaurant reservations made in a week, I’d win.)

Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

High School: St. Patrick School of Santo Domingo

Major: Marketing

Minor: Psychology

Favorite Business Course: Market Research and Consumer Behavior

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

Hult Student Association | President (August 2023 – May 2024)

Drove the strategic direction and overall operations of the Hult Student Association, ensuring alignment with student needs and fostering campus engagement.
Led a team of dedicated student leaders to organize events, programs, and activities that promote academic, professional and personal development.
Recognized as “Undergraduate Outstanding Leader” of 2023-2024 for exceptional leadership, active participation in campus initiatives, and driving positive change within the Hult community.

Boston Campus Undergraduate Lead Ambassador | (January 2022 – June 2024)

Led and mentored the Boston campus ambassadors’ team, guiding them in representing Hult’s global community.
Created engaging content for Hult’s social media, showcasing student life and events.
Collaborated with student clubs, such as the Hult Student Association and the Women in Business Club, to boost engagement and promote Hult’s values.

Hult AdClub | Head of social media (August 2023—May 2024)

Led social media strategy and content creation for Hult AdClub, boosting engagement across platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn.
Analyzed performance metrics to optimize social media strategies and coordinated events to drive brand awareness.

Orientation Leader | (August 2022—September 2023)

Led the planning and execution of Orientation week 2022 and 2023, helping 200+ international students join the Hult community through a 4-day immersive experience.
Fostered an inclusive environment, ensuring students felt at home and supported during their transition and beyond.
Collaborated with Hult staff to design materials, assist with the move-in process, and provide ongoing support for new students throughout the semester.

Hult Student Association | Head of Events (September 2021 – May 2022)

Became the first freshman to join the Hut Student Association, leading event planning to boost student engagement and community.
Organized events, managed budgets, and selected venues/vendors in collaboration with the whole student government body.
Promoted events via social media, email and campus posters to maximize student engagement and participation.

Voices of Hult Podcast | Empowerment in Action “Women Who Lead and Inspire” (Spring 2024)

As the President of the Hult Student Association for 2023-2024, I had the honor of being a guest on the “Voices of Hult Podcast” for International Women’s Month. During the live podcast episode titled “Empowerment in Action: Women Who Lead and Inspire,” I joined other revolutionary women from Hult International Business School to discuss our experiences in leadership, resilience, and empowerment, especially within male-dominated industries.

Summer 2024 Undergrad Student Internship Panel | (Fall 2024)

I had the pleasure of being invited as a panelist for the Summer 2024 Undergrad Student Internship Panel, where I shared my experiences on securing internships and succeeding in various roles. Alongside my fellow panelists, we discussed key topics such as navigating challenges in a new position and the best strategies for preparing for a successful internship experience.

Honors and Awards

Outstanding UG Leader Award| Hult Student Association (2023 –2024)

Awarded the “Outstanding UG Leader Award” by the Hult Student Association for exceptional leadership and contributions to the Hult community. As President of the HSA, I led initiatives that enhanced student engagement, fostered inclusivity, and successfully advocated for student interests. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our team, showcasing the power of collaboration and a shared vision.

Growth Mindset Scholarship (August 2021—May 2025)

Awarded the Growth Mindset Scholarship for demonstrating exceptional personal development, resilience, and achievement in the face of adversity. Recognized for embodying a growth mindset and standing out among other applicants for the commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Visionary Women Award (August 2021—May 2025)

Received the Visionary Women Award for exceptional drive, talent, and vision. Recognized for challenging the status quo and bringing a unique perspective, demonstrating a commitment to empowering others and pushing boundaries in leadership.

Academic Excellence Scholarship

7 x Dean’s List Student

PCup | Live Client Challenge Winner (Spring 2022)

Secured first place in the PCup Live Client Challenge by developing a strategy for a sports venue to achieve zero-waste goals using PCup’s hardware and software, analyzing key consumption patterns and financial impacts.

Patémar | Live Client Challenge Winner (Spring 2022)

Secured first place in the Patémar Live Client Challenge by analyzing and proposing the ideal country for Patémar, a men’s swimwear brand, to expand into, demonstrating strategic thinking and effective teamwork.

PwC and Paragon One | Empowering Education Access for Underserved Students (Spring 2023)

Received a Certificate of Excellence for contributions to a non-profit consulting externship with PwC and Paragon One, where sustainable strategies were developed to enhance education access for underprivileged students in Tennessee. Focused on creating impactful social and economic solutions to support the mission of Equal Chance for Education.

Where have you interned during your college career?

VizSense—Boston, Massachusetts

Marketing Insights Intern (September 2024—December 2024)

Optimized email campaigns to drive lead generation, achieving a 15% increase in customer engagement.
Analyzed social media metrics on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok contributing to a 48% Instagram follower growth.
Created targeted marketing materials (1-pagers, case studies) to enhance client engagement and support the sales team.

Social Media Marketing Intern (June 2024 – August 2024)

Managed Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to strengthen brand consistency and engagement.
Evaluated influencers for campaign alignment focusing on metrics to optimize reach and engagement.
Led a VizSense experiential activation for the Boston Magazine Influencer Soirée that launched in September, adding 50 new influencers to our platform and securing 4 new client collaborations.

Motus Experiential—Cambridge, Massachusetts

Marketing Intern (January 2024—May 2024)

Created engaging social media posts on LinkedIn and Twitter that aligned with the company’s brand identity, posting five times per week and increasing impressions rate going from 100 to 4,800 impressions through data informed posting strategy.
Attended two impactful events on social impact: Eversource “Seeds in the Dirt” event showcasing pedal power’s energy-saving impact and participated in the “Renewing Democracy” panel at Wellesley College with Hillary Clinton.

Education First—Cambridge, Massachusetts

Part-time Enrollment Intern (January 2022 – December 2023)

Served as a primary point of contact for incoming students, offering personalized guidance, conducting campus tours, and providing ongoing support throughout the enrollment process.
Utilized Salesforce to recruit prospective students, working closely with the North American Sales Team to optimize recruitment efforts.
Led a welcome event for accepted Hult students in Texas, engaging them in the Hult community and fostering excitement for their upcoming academic journey.

DBL Market and Restaurant—Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Media Marketing & Culinary Intern (July 2023—August 2023)

Participated in brainstorming sessions to develop ad promotions, leading to the launch of the Period Kit. This package included the popular vegan chocolate chip cookies and sustainable pads, addressing an underserved market area and subsequently boosting sales for those products.
Developed a new menu layout that facilitated the collaboration with the partner merchant, Pedidos Ya, improving the delivery experience and meeting consumer demand.

Excel Investment Bank—Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Marketing Analyst Intern (July 2022—August 2022)

Conducted market trend analysis and competitive benchmarking to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic decisions.
Assisted in analyzing customer demographics to identify untapped market segments, contributing to strategic recommendations that contributed to a 5% projected increase in client engagement.

Triple W—Cambridge Massachusetts

Marketing Creative Executive (March 2022—June 2022)

Presented potential business deals for influencer community by actively seeking potential brands to collaborate with.
Developed a dynamic social media strategy and crafted an Instagram feed creation emphasizing reels, leading to a 10% increase in followers within a mere of 2 months.
Produced engaging material for influencer events including LinkedIn news, and captivating Instagram stories, posts, and captions, resulting in increased audience engagement and brand visibility.

Where will you be working after graduation? I am considering two paths:

Actively applying for marketing roles in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) and hospitality industry.
Pursuing a master’s degree in Marketing Analytics or in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) for a comprehensive approach to brand strategy.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I gained from studying business is that adaptability and collaboration are essential for success. The business world is constantly evolving. Being open to change, learning from others, and embracing diverse perspectives can make all the difference.

At Hult, I realized that no one succeeds alone—teamwork, resilience, and the ability to listen are just as crucial as technical skills. Through group projects, live client challenges, and networking opportunities, I learned that business isn’t just about generating profit or finding the right strategies—it’s about people. Understanding the power of collaboration has been instrumental in my growth, allowing me to appreciate different perspectives, apply critical thinking, and remain flexible in the face of challenges.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Your network is your net worth. I first heard this from Ilhiana Rojas Saldana, a Strategy Coach and Consultant who spoke at a panel at Hult, and it has resonated with me ever since. Building meaningful connections—through internships, conferences, events, or even class discussions—can open doors you never expected. The relationships you cultivate will be just as valuable as the skills you gain in the classroom, so take the first step, start conversations, and always be authentic.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help—business is all about collaboration, and some of the best conversations come from learning with and from others. Whether it’s your professors, classmates, or industry professionals, seeking guidance will only strengthen your knowledge and boost your confidence.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? At Hult, artificial intelligence is integral to our curriculum, particularly in courses related to strategy, marketing and innovation. We address the influence of AI to revolutionize across a broad of sectors, from optimizing energy consumption, to reshaping the healthcare sector, to addressing societal challenges. The curriculum encourages us to understand the technological development while also examine the prospective societal repercussions of AI, including job displacement or the risks of deepening inequality. This approach offers a balanced view, where we begin to see artificial intelligence not so much as a tool, but as a collaborator that, when used responsibly, can enhance both business operations and societal outcomes.

One of the biggest insights I gained is that AI is not here to replace us—it’s here to collaborate with us. Creativity remains one of the most in-demand skills, and AI should be seen as an ally that enhances our ability to think critically and innovate. In an evolving job market, professionals who can leverage AI while maintaining human-centric skills like storytelling and strategic thinking will stand out. Rather than fearing automation, we should focus on how to integrate AI into our work to accelerate growth and stay ahead in our respective fields.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Serving as President of the Hult Student Association is an achievement I will always be immensely proud of. Leading a student government was both a challenge and a privilege, shaping my leadership skills in ways I never anticipated. This role taught me the importance of teamwork, active listening, empathy, patience, and creativity. Managing a team while balancing academics required strong time management, adaptability, and the ability to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with others. From brainstorming initiatives to executing events for the entire Hult community, I learned how to bring people together and create meaningful experiences.

At its core, the Hult Student Association exists to be the voice of the students, and having the opportunity to represent my peers was incredibly rewarding. It pushed me to exceed my own expectations, lean on my mentors for guidance, and give back to the community that shaped me. While the journey wasn’t always linear—balancing responsibilities with classes could be challenging—it was these moments that made the experience even more valuable. Looking back, I am grateful for the growth, the lessons, and the lasting impact my team and I created together.

Which classmate do you most admire? Isaac Nziza, my best friend, is the kind of person you meet once-in-a-lifetime—the kind who leaves a lasting impression from the very first encounter. From the moment I met Isaac, I knew he was different: driven, inspiring, and always positive, no matter the circumstances. At first, it was difficult for me to believe someone could always be this happy, but what Isaac showed me was his incredible optimism. What makes Isaac truly stand out isn’t just his ability to complete his undergrad studies in two-and-a-half years and with an exceptional GPA standing, but his dedication to making the most of every moment, no matter how tough life gets.

Isaac’s perseverance and work ethic are remarkable, but what I admire most is how he brings positivity even on the most challenging days. He’s the one who always reminds me that everything will be okay, even when it feels like the world is falling apart. Throughout his time at Hult, he never lost sight of his goal to learn and grow. He even skipped spending holidays with his family—which, as an international student, is one of the toughest decisions to make—to seize every opportunity to develop, knowing that the experience in the U.S. would shape his future. From Isaac, I’ve learned the true value of living in the present, embracing each moment, and making life as fulfilling as possible. He’s the best reminder that every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and be your best self.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? Merlyn Caraballo—my mom. Studying in the U.S. had always been my dream, but like any big goal, it came with challenges. My mom always put my brother and me first, especially when it came to our education and personal growth. She made countless sacrifices to ensure we had access to a bilingual education—one that not only reinforced our native Spanish but also allowed us to master English. She understood that knowledge is the greatest gift she could give us, and she never hesitated to do whatever it took to provide us with the best possible foundation for our future.

From day one, my mom has been my role model. She has faced every obstacle with resilience, always choosing to move forward with a positive mindset and enduring dedication to her family. I see so much of myself in her—not just in the way she carries herself but also in her actions, values, and determination. She has always motivated me to be my best self and reminded me that what’s meant for me will come in time.

My success is deeply connected to the lessons she taught me, especially the belief she fostered in me—that no dream is too big. She taught me that if you want something badly enough and are willing to put in the work, anything is possible. Because of her, I never stop believing in myself.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

Be featured in Forbes Latin America.
Open my own restaurant business in the Dominican Republic.

What made Maria such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Maria Fernanda Alonzo Caraballo is one of the most driven students I have had the pleasure of teaching at Hult. Having taken three courses with me—Principles of Marketing, Design Thinking for Social Impact, and Market Research & Consumer Behavior—she has consistently demonstrated intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, and an ability to translate insights into action.

From her very first semester, Maria Fernanda distinguished herself through her leadership and collaborative spirit. In Principles of Marketing, she was a key member of the winning team in our live challenge project, where students acted as consultants for a real-world company. Her ability to synthesize data, craft compelling strategies, and present with confidence made a lasting impression. Since then, she has continued to push herself and her peers, embracing every opportunity to learn and contribute.

Beyond the classroom, Maria Fernanda has been deeply engaged in enhancing the student experience at Hult. As President of the Hult Student Association, she has led with vision and energy, organizing events that bring the community together. As Boston Campus Undergraduate Lead Ambassador and Orientation Leader, she has warmly welcomed and supported incoming students. In addition, as Enrollment Intern, she has guided prospective students through their journey to Hult.

Radiating positivity, open-mindedness, and a deep sense of integrity, Maria Fernanda is a truly devoted friend who always makes time to support those around her. She thrives in diverse environments, embracing different cultures and perspectives with genuine empathy and respect.

Maria Fernanda is not only an outstanding student but also a changemaker who embodies the spirit of Hult. She is resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences for those around her.”

Katarzyna Bachnik, PhD
Professor of Marketing and Innovation

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