Get to Know the One-Year MBA Class of 2025
As the summer semester came to a close for students in Babson College’s One-Year MBA program, they gathered at a classmate’s home to celebrate with a fun-filled barbecue. Featuring good food and a time to unwind, this highlight of the summer is a chance for the ambitious students to switch gears from their rigorous and jam-packed MBA track and learn more about their classmates, beyond the classroom.
Behind their entrepreneurial spirit is a caring, curious, and adventurous group of people who are eager to turn their aspirations into reality, with hard work and the practical experience that they’re gaining at Babson.
As they kick off their second semester at Babson, get to know the One-Year MBA Class of 2025:
Athanasia Tsola MBA’25
After 11 years as a synchronized swimmer and a degree in chemical engineering, Athanasia Tsola MBA’25 came to Babson ready to change direction. Bridging her background in the pharmaceutical industry with strengthened business skills, she intends to make the most of the career opportunities Boston has to offer.
Why Babson? “My husband did the two-year MBA in Babson, so I was a little bit biased about that.”
What are you most looking forward to? “I really like Boston; all the perfect parts of living in this city and also the fact that it’s the mother of biotech. It gives me the vision and the hope that I will do something here.”
Karen Alderete MBA’25
After launching her startup, Karen Alderete MBA’25 caught the entrepreneurial bug. She works with startup founders throughout Mexico, helping them to bring their ideas to fruition. Now, it’s her turn.
Why Babson? “I wanted to develop my ideas alongside international minds, beyond the boundaries of my home country.”
What excites you right now? “I feel that I’m in the right place at the correct moment with the right people. And I’m not just talking about the MBA, but about being by myself. It’s actually the first time I’m living alone without my mom or my sister. I have one year, at least, to know so many people in the Boston area, and it’s just super exciting.”
Jonathan Gonzalez MBA’25
When Jonathan Gonzalez MBA’25 closed his pet products venture, he decided it was time to expand his expertise beyond finance, setting himself up for greater success as he prepares for his next startup.
Why Babson? “I realized that there are skill sets that I need to obtain. I already had a master’s in healthcare administration, but I needed something that will get me to the next level to make sure that I at least understand if I fail again, I could pick up faster.”
What excites you right now? “My family lives in Massachusetts so I got to move back and see my nephew. He’s 8 years old and starting soccer. I get to bond with him while also showing that, hey, you can work hard and accomplish and study and go to school. He comes and knocks on my door every night just to see how I’m doing. And he’s like, ‘You study so much, come and play soccer with me.’ ”
Chris Gatcomb MBA’25
Previously a field service manager at an engineering company, Chris Gatcomb MBA’25 is aiming to build clearer insights into business-level decision making. He began his summer semester with an open mind, making the most of time with his classmates.
Why Babson? “I’m a pretty hands-on person. I was even considering going to electrical school or into the trades, but I just wanted to increase my business acumen and hopefully use it in a way that is not only fun but also successful once I’m out.”
What’s one fun fact about you? “I’m an ordained minister. I’ve performed like five weddings—no divorces so far!”
Luke Tam MBA’25
After working for over six years as a data analyst in the talent management field, Luke Tam MBA’25 was looking for a program that would help him take the next step into a managerial position.
Why Babson? “I hope that my MBA will give me a deeper understanding of not only of the technical areas I’m interested in but also how the business world works in general. That’s the one thing I have limited knowledge about.”
What will you be working on as one of the two One-Year MBA cohort reps? “Anything ranging from student feedback on how the classes are going to upcoming events that students might be interested in. Being a voice for students in my class and then relaying information from the school back to the students.”
Patty Pytlik ’11 MBA’25
Patty Pytlik ’11 MBA’25 launched her real estate investment venture to build off of her 15 years of private equity real estate investment experience at institutions including Goldman Sachs. Now, she aims to deepen her knowledge in social impact investing and management.
Why Babson? “I was especially drawn to return to the program based on my undergraduate experience that was based around applied learning. As I look to grow my existing venture and pursue other entrepreneurial opportunities, I know that I will best hone my skills through this hands-on method.”
What advice would you give to new graduate students? “Step outside of your comfort zone, embrace the unknown and get involved in the community. This experience is immersive with a tremendous amount of opportunities at your fingertips. Try something new while on this journey—perhaps a new class, a new club or an event that you may not typically lean toward! What you put in is what you get out—make the most of your time!”
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