Gianna Taveras

Tulane University, AB Freeman School of Business

“Future lawyer, prison reform advocate, business strategist, and proudly ambidextrous!”

Fun fact about yourself: I’m ambidextrous!

Hometown: Westbury, NY

High School: Saint Anthony’s High School

Major: Legal Studies in Business, Political Science

Minor: N/A

Favorite Business Course: White Collar Crime I

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

Tulane Merit Scholarship
Deans List (Fall 2024, Fall 2025)
Freeman Beyond Ambassador and Inaugural Recipient (May 2026)
Two-Time Newcomb Institute Grant Recipient (Fall 2025, Spring 2026)
Student Assistant with Tulane Human Resources Resolution and Restorative Engagement Program (Fall 2025-Present)
President of the Newcomb Prison Project (Fall 2025-Present)
Community Engagement Advocate (CEA) and CEA Marketing Committee member with the Tulane Center for Public Service (Spring 2024-Present)
Tulane University Phi Alpha Delta Member (Fall 2023-Present)
Tulane University Mock Trial Team Captain (Fall 2024)
After School Newcomb Tutor (Fall 2023-Fall 2024)
Alpha Phi Omega Equity Councilmember (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)

Where have you interned during your college career? International Visitor Leadership Program Intern with Global New Orleans (Fall 2023-Present)

Where will you be working after graduation? After graduation, I plan to take a gap year before pursuing law school.

Who is your favorite business professor? My favorite business professor is Professor Musa Caglar. He genuinely cares about all of his students and is highly committed to helping each of us succeed. Information Systems (INFO-1010) was a challenging course, but Professor Caglar provided extensive resources and support to ensure we developed a comprehensive understanding of Excel and its capabilities. The analytical foundation I built in his class is something I apply daily, both personally and professionally.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Studying business taught me how to be financially responsible, manage a student organization budget, and navigate the complex intersection of politics and the economy. Through the Burkenroad Reports program, I gained hands-on experience analyzing and publishing an equity research report on a publicly traded company. I learned how to create three-statement models, conduct valuations, and understand critical business operations. These experiences showed me how theory translates into practice and the importance of thoughtful analysis.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Just go for it. Business teaches real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom. You’ll develop public speaking, critical thinking, and an understanding of compliance – skills that are relevant whether you’re running a company, managing an organization, or entering any professional field. The Tulane A.B. Freeman School of Business offers a variety of resources, whether it be the Freeman Beyond Program or Career Consulting, all that are wholly dedicated to student success and happiness. On top of those critical skills, you’ll foster strong relationships and networking connections that will support you along the way!

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? I would pursue a minor in finance and a certificate in hospitality management and entrepreneurship. Expanding into these fields would complement my legal studies and leadership experience and serve to enhance my leadership efforts and community-focused initiatives.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my extracurricular work during my time here at Tulane. Through these roles, I’ve made tangible differences in my community while fostering stronger connections that have made Tulane my home away from home. In the Newcomb Prison Project, I work towards connecting students with advocacy and education to raise awareness about the prison system and empower our community to make meaningful change. As a CEA and student assistant, I facilitate discussions, lead programs, and help cultivate a culture of leadership, engagement, and humility. These experiences have taught me that small, intentional actions, taken one step at a time, can create a stronger, more connected community.

Which classmate do you most admire? Bri Ann Hanley is hardworking, enthusiastic, and hilarious. She brightens every room with her positive energy and optimistic outlook. We were introduced by Mrs. Roz to form a team for a case competition at the Kelley School of Business, and what began as a team assignment grew into a strong friendship. Her ability to lead with confidence and uplift others, even in the face of uncertainty, is truly admirable.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents and grandparents. They have supported me through every stage of my life and continue to cheer me on from over 1,000 miles away. They are my greatest supporters, and I would not be where I am today without their unwavering love, sacrifice, and encouragement. Whether pushing me to attend a more rigorous high school and college or driving me into the city each summer to pursue new opportunities, their dedication has laid the foundation for all of my success.

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

Continue investing and growing my stock
Build a career advancing justice and systemic change in

What made Gianna such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?

“Gianna Taveras stands out as an exceptional business student whose analytical strength, strategic mindset, and genuine professionalism make her an outstanding representative of the Freeman School of Business. She has demonstrated advanced capability in financial modeling, valuation, and executive‑level communication through her work with Tulane’s Burkenroad Reports and multiple cross‑functional academic projects. Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom. Whether driving community engagement initiatives, shaping earned‑income strategies for nonprofits, or leading campus organizations with measurable impact. Gianna’s global perspective, strengthened by her international studies in Spain, complements her academic excellence and commitment to meaningful, data‑driven problem‑solving. She brings a rare combination of intellect, initiative, and kindness that elevates every team she joins, and she exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to honor.”

Shira Hussain
Director, Undergraduate Advising
Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

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