In her native Costa Rica, Ana Ramirez Fernandez grew up “surrounded by entrepreneurs. From a young age,” she says, “I was drawn to the business world and the role marketing plays.”  

After earning her undergraduate degree—she began at Texas Tech University’s satellite campus in Costa Rica before matriculating to the U.S.—Ana wanted to continue her education and “follow my passion for marketing.” She says Vanderbilt stood out to her for the prestige, the faculty, and, especially, the community.

“The people made it stand out,” she explains. “From alumni to professors, everyone I spoke with was open, generous with their time, and genuinely interested in student success. I felt the tight-knit community immediately.”

Even before classes began, Ana took advantage of the school’s resources. The summer Prepare Like a Pro program, she says, “gave me tools I continued to use in my courses and business decisions.” She credits Zeke Arteaga of the Career Management Center with “helping me navigate the internship process and prepare for recruiting interviews.” And she says that, with one-on-one and executive coaching through the Leadership Development Program, she has worked on overcoming imposter syndrome, developing her leadership style, and improving her time management.

“What stands out to me most,” Ana says, “is the sense of belonging to a community where I feel welcomed, accepted, and supported. Coming from a different undergraduate experience—where I started college with one group and ended with another—this sense of belonging at Vanderbilt meant everything. I’ve been able to grow alongside people who genuinely want the best for each other. Whether through class discussions, group projects, or simple moments between meetings, I’ve consistently felt part of something greater. This feeling is something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.”