The Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA is an 18-month intensive program designed for working professionals who are looking to expand global understanding and business skills. Develop personal horizons as a future leader with this unique program spanning seven cities on four continents.
Natalia Rastelli, GEMBA '21
- Current job title: Sustainability Advisor, The Spent Goods Company
- Previous position and employer: Consultant, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young, Brazil
- Previous education: Master's degree in Environmental Economics, Sustainable Development and Energy, French Petroleum Institute (IFP School) & National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN), France.
- Graduating Year: 2021
For Natalia Rastelli, merging motherhood with her career felt natural.
Since becoming a mother, she did not see the reason for stepping back or stopping the growth of her career.
“Motherhood is in the details. It is intense but you need to find time for yourself.”
The Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA program created an environment for Natalia where she did not have to make a choice between career and motherhood.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to start my MBA while having my first child. The university was flexible in accommodating my needs, and gave me so much support during a such sensitive time of my life.”
Having her son pushed her desire to be better and learn to do better for his future. For Natalia, thriving in parenthood while also being empowered to achieve better professional results was a reflection of the modern women in society.
“I do not see having children and a career as a heroic feat for women, but as a purpose for us and our family to strive to build a better world.”
The concise and spread out Global Executive MBA program schedule gave Natalia the space and time to devote her energy to her academic pursuits in specific weeks while simultaneously experiencing motherhood.
With the 18-month program being built around 10 residential modules, students were provided with the opportunity to work full-time and to engage in personal pursuits. Modules take place in seven cities on four continents at the campuses of our international affiliate academic partners, at the Rotman School in Toronto, Canada and at SDA Bocconi in Milan, Italy.
One of the main program highlights for her was being taught by some of the world’s best professors and industry leaders that have further pushed her leadership to the next level.
“The ecosystem of students and faculty atmosphere infused with an international curriculum and multicultural exposure to the global economy makes this program truly one of a kind.”
Career planning and becoming a parent are decisions that cannot be separated. For Natalia, it was possible to handle the program in this life-changing moment because she had a supportive partner/family and a school team that believed in her potential and accommodated her needs.
“It seems to me a perfect match. I can dedicate myself to my son, but also have some space for myself.”
With the right support system, taking on the challenges of parenthood and education is manageable, insightful, and transformative.
The MBA program pushed Natalia out of her comfort zone by honing her abilities, making her look beyond her current role, and allowed her to work on her weaknesses in order to explore hidden talents. Motherhood is changing her relationship with failure, joy, and community responsibility, altogether.
