Just Five Questions: Cinthya Garibay-Collard ’24

Cinthya Garibay-Collard SOM ‘24 is a Graduate Research Assistant at Yale University focused on the Union Square Neighborhood Transformation effort headed by Professor Kate Cooney. She also served as the student representative on the SOM Alumni Advisory Board, during her time at SOM and was part of the dream team that organized and hosted Yale School of Management’s Fempire conference.

1. What’s a global trend you are following where you see an opportunity or bright spot in this challenging macro environment?

One global trend capturing my attention is the remarkable impact of women's empowerment on the economy. The contributions of Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and the cultural phenomenon of Barbie have underscored the significant economic benefits that arise from elevating women's roles in society. Despite the grim economic forecasts at the outset of 2023, which predicted a recession, the narrative shifted positively by year's end, and has continued showing signs of strength.

For instance, Taylor Swift's concerts alone were credited with an astonishing contribution of over $5 billion to the GDP, while the Barbie movie shattered box-office records, both underscoring the economic dynamism fueled by female-led initiatives. This trend is a compelling reminder that investing in women is not just a matter of equity but a strategic economic imperative. As we continue to champion women's contributions across all sectors, we unlock a reservoir of untapped potential, driving collective prosperity and demonstrating that when women thrive, society at large reaps the benefits.

2. What’s an example of how SOM’s mission informed the way you build teams or drive strategies in your professional life?

SOM has really changed how I think about making decisions and building teams, especially with its emphasis on the idea of "and." It's shown me that things aren't just black or white, or strictly business versus society. This mindset has been a game changer, pushing me to be more open, compassionate, and understanding of the complexities in situations and people. Right now, I'm putting this into practice as I help the Quantum-CT team work towards creating an innovation engine that's fair and includes everyone. It's about making sure we're not leaving anyone behind as we move forward, and keeping people -whole, complex people- at the forefront.

3. What’s an SOM experience that helped shape the way you understand business and society?

My understanding of the intersection between business and society really took shape after a personal incident during my first semester. I had gone to my first rugby match, and during the game, my car was broken into. I lost everything in it—my laptop, class notes, clothes, and backpacks. With finals just around the corner, I was in a bind trying to replace my things. That's when one of my classmates, Liv, stepped in without me even asking. She offered me a laptop to use for homework and an extra calculator for our finals. This gesture, especially the calculator, was incredibly thoughtful and showed me the impact kindness can have, even on a small, individual level. It was a powerful reminder that making a difference in society doesn't have to be through grand gestures; it's possible in every action we take, in any role we're in.

Additionally, being part of the Donaldson Fellows selection committee opened my eyes even more. Reading about our alumni who have gone on to make significant, unique changes in various fields reinforced this idea of lifting where you stand. It showed me there's no single career path or way to create impact. Our alumni are living proof that you can make a positive difference no matter where you are or what you do.

4. What’s a favorite SOM memory, faculty member, mentor or class?

I am currently serving as both a Teaching Assistant for Professor Diana Van Patten and a Research Assistant for Kate Cooney this semester. The experience of working closely with these incredibly talented and accomplished women has been one of the most enriching aspects of my time here. Professor Van Patten, beyond her role as an educator, has become a mentor to me, offering invaluable guidance and inspiration. As a fellow Latina, her success and dedication have instilled in me a profound sense of ambition and possibility. On the other hand, Kate Cooney's empathy and deep commitment to community development have significantly influenced my perspective, especially as I contemplate my future career path. I am immensely thankful for the privilege of learning from and being inspired by such impactful and intelligent women at SOM.

5. What are you excited about for the year ahead?

I'm excited to see the impact continue to unfold from The Yale School of Management’s Fempire conference this past March. I was privileged to be part of the organizing team, which brought together an inspiring group of female leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Our discussions centered on the economic and societal impacts that women can achieve by supporting each other as leaders, colleagues, and community members.

And of course, I am very excited about graduation and the moments I have with my SOM 2024 classmates and the incredible community of faculty and staff in the coming weeks.

Lastly, I'm eager to find out where my partner and I will be moving, based on his assignment through the State Department. The anticipation of discovering our next home and adventure together is thrilling!

Just Five Questions is an initiative led by the Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board. Want to learn more? Contact Lee Race ’93 with feedback, thoughts, and/or questions.