Malena Hirsch Honored as One of Poets&Quants’ Best and Brightest MBAs

Malena Hirsch (MBA ’21) was recently named one of the Top 100 Best and Brightest MBAs across the globe by Poets&Quants.

The Top 100 list celebrates MBAs from the Class of 2021 who embody the excellence and voices of their schools. Students named as the “Best and Brightest” are considered to be the leaders in their class who rally, the mentors who champion, and the volunteers who carry the heaviest burdens.

“Malena is one of the most professional students I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and her commitment to her colleagues is second to none,” said Michael Chott, Katz Program Manager. “She has a genuine ambition to make a positive impact, a willingness to assist in any way possible, top-notch leadership and collaboration skills, and the drive to see things completed to the best of her ability that have made her a valuable asset both within Katz and throughout the University at large. Malena has not only made Katz a better place but has had a positive impact on both the University of Pittsburgh and the City of Pittsburgh.”

Before joining Katz, Hirsch earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in business administration and organizational leadership from the University of Cincinnati while working at HORAN Associates, an insurance brokerage.

Not only has Hirsch been instrumental in the overall success of Katz, she has worked diligently to make the University better as a whole, as well.

This past year, she was elected by more than 9,000 graduate and professional students to serve 14 different schools and more than 200 degree programs as the President of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate and Professional Student Government. Through this role, she directly oversaw a $300,000 budget and held significant involvement in University Covid-19 responses and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

“This academic year has been challenging as we’ve faced a global health pandemic and numerous domestic racial and social injustices. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to bolster and champion important topics such as student health, safety, and well-being and support for BIPOC and international students—all while addressing the unique needs of graduate and professional students,” said Hirsch. “I’m most proud of the work we’ve done to challenge the University and community to elevate the voices of oppressed minorities as we move in the direction of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

At Katz, she served as the 2019-20 Student Executive Board (SEB) President and the Logistics Coordinator for the 2020 Katz Invitational Case Competition. Outside of her work within the University, Hirsch is involved in extensive community and volunteer work.  

“Katz has proven its commitment to excellence and development both in the students and in the program,” said Hirsch. “The culture that Katz has achieved and continues to foster has been instrumental to my development and success.”

Hirsch notes Professor Elise Boyas as her favorite professor, and her mother, Patricia, as her main source of inspiration and influence. On her professional bucket list, she hopes to become a mentor and “be seen as an inspirational, impactful servant leader.”

This summer, Hirsch will be joining Aspirant as a Senior Analyst in Pittsburgh.

To read more from Malena Hirsch’s interview with Poets&Quants, please click here.

The Top 100 list for 2021 also includes Bianca Payton (MBA ’21). Click here for her Katz feature story and the publication’s interview can be found here.