Stephanie Ramos
University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business
“A community-driven leader and mentor who finds joy in friends, shared moments, and the ocean.”
Fun fact about yourself: I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years and even learned Russian from my coaches
Hometown: Saint John, Indiana
High School: Lake Central High School
Major: B.B.A. Marketing, B.B.A Business Analytics and Information Systems, International Business Certificate
Favorite Business Course: MKTG:3701 Marketing Institute Seminar or MGMT:3405 International Business Environment
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
Leadership Roles & Extracurricular Activities:
- Multicultural Business Student Association – President
- Tippie Engagement Coordinator – BizEdge Mentorship Program
- Tippie Gateway Summer Program – Mentor
- American Marketing Association – Member
- Black in Business Student Organization – Member
- Lead Office Associate – Office of Undergraduate Research
- Event Management Game Day Assistant – Iowa Athletics
- Marketing Representative – Mayflower Residence Hall Council
Awards & Honors:
- Tippie Top 21 Award Recipient
- Advantage Iowa Scholar
- Principal Scholar
- National Scholars Award Recipient
- Stephen S. Rasmussen Student Excellence Scholar
- Marketing Institute Consultant and Scholar
- Menasha Corporation Scholar
Where have you interned during your college career? Sales Insights & Enablement Intern at Motorola Solutions.
Where will you be working after graduation? Undecided
Who is your favorite business professor? Professor Peggy Stover, who leads the Marketing Institute, has been one of the most influential professors I’ve had during my final three semesters at Iowa. She creates a classroom environment that treats students as emerging professionals, offers practical insights into the realities of the workplace, and connects us to a network of industry leaders that far exceeds expectations. The opportunity to work directly with real companies, while being trusted to navigate challenges independently, has been one of the most formative experiences of my business education.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? One of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained, both inside and outside the classroom, is the importance of understanding the “why” behind my work. It’s easy to follow instructions or memorize information, but taking the time to understand why something matters, why I’m doing it, and how it affects the people around has fundamentally shaped how I approach learning and leadership. This shift in perspective helps me make more thoughtful decisions and recognize the broader impact of my actions. It’s a mindset I will carry forward throughout my career.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Find your why, build a strong support system, and allow yourself room to grow both personally and academically. A well-rounded business student is defined by far more than a high GPA. Resilience and willingness to learn from experience make for a well-rounded individual. Embrace opportunities that are given to you, especially if they are challenging, seek out mentors who invest in your growth, and allow yourself to room to grow and evolve.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? One thing I didn’t fully appreciate early in my college career was the value of networking and taking advantage of opportunities sitting in front of me. College was the first environment where I truly understood how essential a strong support system is. These were people who challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me grow to who I am now. Learning to lean into those relationships and say yes to meaningful opportunities has significantly strengthened my professional development and better prepared me for the transition after college.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? One way my program has integrated AI into our coursework is by embracing it as a tool rather than banning it. When used thoughtfully, AI can enhance productivity and comprehension, but it requires learning how to use it effectively and responsibly. This mindset has already shaped the way I approach professional projects in my internship, where AI serves as a support for learning rather than replacement for human work. While many worry about AI taking jobs, I see greater value in individuals who understand its power and how to leverage it properly.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my role as an Engagement Coordinator for the BizEdge Mentorship Program, a Tippie College of Business mentoring program that provides community, guidance, and resources to first-year and transfer students. This role has allowed me to support more than 80 mentors and 150 mentees. Even more, I was able to personally mentor 10 students who, like me during my first year, could benefit from the additional connection. BizEdge is far more than professional development, events, or study sessions; it has given me a community I deeply value, lifelong friendships, and countless opportunities to learn and grow. The people in this program have pushed me to become a better leader and a better person, and their support has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience.
Which classmate do you most admire? One classmate I admire is my close friend and mentor, Alisa Gandhi. She first mentored me in the BizEdge Mentorship Program when I was a freshman and she was a sophomore. Even during a time when I wasn’t very communicative, she never stopped supporting me. As I progressed through college, Alisa remained a consistent source of encouragement, and our relationship grew into a strong friendship. I have never met someone more motivated, high-achieving, or committed to progress and excellence. Every leadership role, professional development opportunity, or event that Alisa pursued, she approached with strong intention and excelled. She set a standard that inspired me to push myself and rise to her level. To this day, she is my go-to person for questions, life advice, and the moments when I simply need a friend.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? The person I most want to thank for my success is my academic advisor, Gabriela Rivera. Shortly after arriving on campus my freshman year, she welcomed me into the BizEdge Mentorship Program. She became a mentor, a role model, a shoulder to learn on, and a second mom. I came to Iowa not knowing a single person, and her guidance shaped both my confidence and sense of belonging. Since the beginning, she has recognized my potential and created opportunities for me to grow into it, even in moments when I struggled to see it myself. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time to listen, support, and encourage me. Her unwavering belief in me has been foundational to my journey, and I could never thank her enough.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I wish to earn a master’s degree in business analytics. Additionally, I would love to work abroad at some point in my career, as stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing new perspectives offers a level of personal and professional growth that cannot be found in the classroom or workplace.
What made Stephanie such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?
“At the University of Iowa Marketing Institute, Stephanie Ramos has worked on complex projects that require a high degree of critical thinking and creative problem skills. She has met these challenges with remarkable resilience, grace, and a keen eye to details. Her proactive, positive attitude along with her boundless energy and sense of humor has resulted in outstanding work that defines a leader and marketing professional.”
Peggy Stover
Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the Marketing Institute
“Stephanie Ramos exemplifies the type of driven, high‑impact student that defines the Poets & Quants Best & Brightest. Majoring in marketing, business analytics, and international business, she has distinguished herself as a leader within the Tippie College of Business through roles that demonstrate both initiative and influence. She currently serves as a program coordinator for the Tippie BizEdge Mentorship Program, president of the Multicultural Business Student Association, and an engaged member of the Marketing Institute.
Stephanie’s leadership record is notable for its breadth and progression. Beginning as a BizEdge mentee during her first year, she advanced to mentor the following year and later became a two-times BizEdge coordinator. Her commitment to mentorship extends beyond the college as well; she has contributed meaningfully to the Tippie Gateway Summer Program, supporting high school students exploring pathways to business education. Across all roles, Stephanie is recognized for her emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and ability to build inclusive, student‑centered communities.
As her academic advisor, I have seen firsthand how Stephanie consistently elevates every program she touches. She is not only a participant but a strategic thinker, advocate, and collaborator who identifies gaps and contributes solutions. Her resilience, creativity, and follow‑through set her apart among her peers.
A proud first‑generation Mexican American college student, Stephanie brings a strong sense of identity and purpose to her work. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to representation, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others, values that align closely with the mission of Poets&Quants to recognize students who are shaping the future of business.”
Gabriela Rivera
Associate Director, Student Experience
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