Aliyah Camacho (SFS’19, MBA’23) on Paying it Forward

As the spring semester comes to a close, Georgetown McDonough is pleased to commemorate the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. This year’s graduating class demonstrated immense commitment, discipline, and determination to reach this milestone, and we are proud to recognize their achievements as they embark on their next chapter as Hoya alumni. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting several of the exceptional students in the Class of 2023 as they share their personal stories, reflect on their time on the Hilltop, and preview what the future holds after commencement.

From involvement in extracurricular activities to implementing the university’s Jesuit values into her daily academics and work, Aliyah Camacho (SFS’19, MBA’23) plans to combine the quantitative and qualitative skills she has taken away from her time on campus to become a stronger leader in the workplace.

Here, the double Hoya reflects on the importance of helping those who come after you and practicing Georgetown’s core Jesuit values to deepen your experience on the Hilltop.

What is your favorite memory or proudest moment from your time at Georgetown?

My proudest moment at Georgetown was the 2023 Executive Challenge. During my final year in the MBA program, I served as a Leadership Fellow, and I coached a team of six first-year MBA students in their Leadership Communications course. After coaching them throughout six weeks of presentations and cases, I watched the team perform superbly in the all-day Executive Challenge. Alumni judges said that their presentations were “excellent,” “expertly done,” and “highly effective.” Perhaps more importantly, each team member felt a strong sense of growth and community.

How do you plan to apply the skills you have learned at Georgetown in the next phase of your career?

I plan to apply skills related to leading teams, communicating effectively, and ethical decision-making as I take on more people management and leadership responsibilities in the workplace. I am already applying technical skills related to finance, firm analysis and strategy, and operations to better understand the company I work at and its senior leaders’ priorities.

How did the Global Business Experience enhanced your learning beyond the classroom?

For the Global Business Experience, I worked on a market entry project for a biotech start-up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The experience provided me with an opportunity to apply academic concepts and models to produce tangible value for a client. It was also a wonderful opportunity to gain a more global perspective and understand challenges in international business, such as entering a foreign market with different regulations.

What is one of the most important lessons you have learned while at Georgetown?

By working with different study teams each semester, I learned a lot about working with diverse teams. I learned how to adapt to team needs and dynamics, and I learned more about my own strengths during the process.

Is there a particular person in the Georgetown community that has been instrumental to your success?

My husband, Ernesto Camacho (NHS’19, MiM’20), whom I met while I was an undergraduate student at Georgetown. He has advised me throughout the program, kept me company while I studied, ensured I made it to and from class, patiently listened to me practice delivering final presentations, edited countless papers, and encouraged me to persevere through the tough times by reminding me that I am capable of more than I can imagine.

What advice would you give to the next class of Georgetown MBA students?

I would advise the next class of Georgetown MBA students to first, take time to understand the the Spirit of Georgetown, such as contemplation in action and people for others to deepen their experience at McDonough. 

Remembering to pause and think about the impact of our actions as future business leaders is crucial. Georgetown’s environment provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on our role, and also, to prioritize how you spend your time. As a Flex MBA student, I chose which events I wanted to attend or pass on based on my priorities. As a result, I felt that I was able to effectively balance academics, work, and personal commitments in the way best suited for my values and needs.