Laila Lapins ’27

Program

MBA

Hometown

Manhasset, New York

Citizenship

United States (primary); Latvia

Undergraduate Institution and Major

Georgetown University Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service: International Politics

Pre-MBA Industry

Guidehouse: Managing Consultant

Internship Organization

McKinsey & Company: Summer Associate (New York Office)

Clubs and Affiliations

Women in Management, 1Y Executive Chair; Forte; Social Impact Consulting Club (Squash Haven)

What surprised you the most about being an MBA student?

What surprised me most about being an MBA student was how quickly it became possible to build meaningful friendships and a real sense of community at Yale SOM. One of the reasons I chose New Haven was because I wanted some separation from the competing priorities of a larger city. After living in New York City for nearly five years, I was looking for a place where people would be more centered on the MBA experience, while still having easy access to cities like New York and Boston. Although that choice was intentional, I was still pleasantly surprised by how quickly that sense of connection became real.

Even in the first few weeks (through orientation, Managing Groups and Teams, and Spirit Day) I felt a strong bond with my Silver cohort and the broader MBA community. Those relationships have been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. They have supported, encouraged, and guided me through academics and internship recruitment with genuine kindness and generosity. I could not be more grateful for the sense of community I have found here.

Contact Information

laila.lapins@yale.edu (she/her)

Personal Interests...

Skiing, running, sailing, hiking, Latvian folk dancing, traveling, reading.