Students in the first class to enroll in DePaul's new MBA program for Chicago members of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA).Developing and empowering leaders is central to the missions of both the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). Now these two institutions are partnering to strengthen this commitment by offering an MBA program that is advancing the knowledge, skills and leadership prospects of Latino professionals in Chicago.
DePaul and ALPFA, the largest Latino professional organization in the nation, launched the MBA program for ALPFA Chicago members in March 2018 and recruitment is underway for program’s next cohort. Students in the inaugural cohort of the two-year program attend business classes two evenings a week on DePaul’s Loop Campus. In addition to tuition discounts and a streamlined application process for DePaul’s highly regarded MBA program (including no GMAT requirement or registration fees), students benefit from progressing through the program, start to finish, with fellow ALPFA members who work at companies across the region.
We asked students and ALPFA leaders about the impact of the program, and here’s what they say:
Gloria Castillo“For the past 45 years, ALPFA has empowered and encouraged Latino men and women to become strong professional leaders in more ways than one, from networking and professional leadership development opportunities to providing members access to 50,000 paid summer internships through hundreds of Fortune 1000 corporate partners. The ALPFA DePaul MBA program works diligently to close the gap and diversify the talent pool for many Chicago businesses and organizations. I am proud to be associated with the ALPFA DePaul MBA program.
—Gloria Castillo, ALPFA Chicago Senior Leadership Board Member and President and CEO of Chicago United
Fernando M. Pástor“When I heard about the ALPFA cohort I didn’t think twice. I knew I was going to be surrounded by amazing people who would only make me a better professional and person. The biggest benefit of a cohort is the opportunity it gives you to build and develop long-term relationships with your classmates.
“Every class has added tremendous value and knowledge that can be applied immediately to the workplace. I think of the MBA in terms of the ability it will give me to add more value to my clients, the organization I work for and my community. My purpose is to gain the knowledge and skills to help local businesses thrive by achieving their full potential. The skills I am learning in the MBA program definitely help me achieve that mission.”
— MBA Student Fernando M. Pástor, Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Yoly M. Valencia“The ALPFA-DePaul partnership offers shared learning experiences and enriching discussions of real-world business issues among a group of professionals that have had very similar experiences and/or struggles. We come from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds, which has allowed me to make connections across different industries and enhance my professional development as a leader within the communities where I work and live....Every faculty member has demonstrated that their priority is teaching, ensuring we understand the content and have the right tools for success.”
— MBA Student Yoly M. Valencia, Portfolio Planning Manager, BMO Financial Group
Marc Butiong“Classes are thorough and challenging, and I leave each week with new concepts and strategies that I can apply to my career. Exams are on the concepts from each course that matter in the real world. I know that I am receiving a top-notch education from DePaul’s faculty and will be equipped with applicable knowledge to pursue my career goals. DePaul faculty provide knowledge to help you become a well-rounded leader in your respective industry.”
— MBA Student Marc Butiong, Senior Consultant, CVS Health
Cristina Grijalva“Without a doubt, the sense of community that develops within the cohort is the best benefit of enrolling through this partnership. This is the added value that will continue beyond graduation.
— MBA Student Cristina Grijalva, Senior People Business Partner, American Airlines
Pedro Cevallos-Candau
“Professionals with a DePaul MBA are better prepared to respond to the ever-changing needs of the evolving and demanding business world. During my career, I have realized that individuals that have advanced degrees are strategic thinkers and help their clients attain better solutions to their needs. I am very proud of the first ALPFA DePaul MBA class for completing the first year of their program and am equally excited to see this legacy of Latino leaders continue with a second ALPFA DePaul MBA program cohort.”
— Pedro Cevallos-Candau, ALPFA Chicago Senior Leadership Board Member; President, PECECA Business Consultants; and past Chairman, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Want to find out how the DePaul MBA could advance your future as a leader? Visit DePaul University's Corporate Partnerships website at go.depaul.edu/corporatepartners or email us at corporatepartnership@depaul.edu.