Carolina Calixto: Powering global healthcare with data and AI

What led you to choose the Cambridge MBA?

I chose Cambridge because Cambridge Judge’s global reputation and historical prestige can give me lifelong credibility and connections that can open new opportunities for me to create the impact I’m aiming for. Just as important, the Business school’s intentionally small and truly diverse international cohort means I’ll be surrounded by some of the best professionals in their fields and I know that exchanging experiences within such diversity is key to becoming the kind of leader I want to be. Finally, being in Cambridge itself, a vibrant hub for technology and biotech, gives me the chance to be close to cutting-edge innovation.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment so far?

My biggest professional accomplishment was being promoted to the Global Data & AI team, which represented the culmination of many smaller victories. I had the opportunity to help build an area from scratch after the carve-out of Opella from Sanofi, an experience that gave me strong confidence and credibility in my field. From there, I led governance and strategic initiatives in the data portfolio, ensuring efficiency, prioritisation innovation at a global scale.

How do you feel about receiving your scholarship?

I feel incredibly grateful, especially since pursuing my MBA dream was only possible through this scholarship, which lifts the financial burden that would otherwise hold me back. As a Latina, LGBTQ+ first-generation student, this opportunity means much more than funding, it’s recognition of my commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion, values I’ve championed throughout my career. I’m excited to join the ROMBA community, learn from other LGBTQ+ leaders keep amplifying representation in business.

What do you hope to gain from the MBA over the next year?

With 11 years of professional experience, I consider myself a seasoned professional with solid technical skills and a solid network. Over the next year, I hope to strengthen my soft skills in leadership and negotiation, while also deepening my strategic thinking and gaining expertise in a specific area through a concentration. Finally, I look forward to accelerating my career progression and expanding my international network, learning from peers with diverse backgrounds across industries and cultures.

Where do you see the MBA taking you in your future career?

I see the MBA as a way to expand my global perspective and deepen my expertise at the intersection of Digital and Healthcare, where data plays a crucial role in anticipating diseases, improving services driving innovation. In the future, I want to apply these learnings to create positive impact in Brazil while also becoming a reference for LGBTQ+ leadership in my industry.

What does Cambridge mean to you?

For me, Cambridge means lifelong credibility and prestige. It’s the kind of name that will always open doors. But it’s not only about the school, the city itself is special, full of history while also buzzing with innovation. Living in such a culturally rich place has always been a dream for me I feel it’s the perfect environment to grow both personally and professionally.

Something few people know about you…

One of my hobbies is woodworking. I love spending hours in the workshop working with wood, creating furniture and of course, also working on my patience.