A native of Hockessin, Del., Rosa Miraldina Baptista Futy graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with an MBA in business analytics. She was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Andrea Hartman.
In this profile, Futy shares her favorite UD memories, challenges she has overcome and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Futy: I have become a far more well-rounded individual and professional during my time at UD. One of my main goals was to broaden my understanding of subjects outside of my engineering background, and this experience allowed me to do exactly that. I gained deeper exposure to topics such as accounting and financial analysis, which helped me better understand financial statements and make more informed decisions. I also became more aware of cognitive biases and how they can influence judgment and decision-making, allowing me to approach problems more critically and thoughtfully. In addition, learning about generative AI expanded my perspective on technology and innovation, showing me new applications of AI far beyond chatbots. Overall, my time at UD has helped me grow in confidence, adaptability and my ability to think more strategically.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Futy: One of the biggest challenges I faced during my time at UD was balancing a full-time job with a full-time course load while still maintaining the other areas of my life that mattered to me. Learning how to manage my time effectively and stay organized became essential. There were many days when I would leave work and go straight to class, while trying to fit in exercise or time to connect with family during the short break in between. By the time I got home late in the evening, I still had assignments and other responsibilities to complete, and being away from family added another emotional challenge. This experience taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of balance and mental well-being. I learned how to prioritize effectively, set boundaries and make time to recharge.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Futy: Joining the UD African Graduate Student Organization was my favorite experience. A community of extremely driven and supportive individuals.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Futy: All of the professors and staff were impactful throughout my experience. One professor who stood out to me was Howland Redding IV. His practical approach to teaching was especially insightful, as he used real-world examples related to financial management that made the concepts more relevant and impactful.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Futy: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means understanding that the more I learn, the more I will realize there is still so much left to discover. It means remaining curious, open-minded, and motivated to grow through continuous education, experiences, networking, and challenges.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Futy: Immerse yourself in the college experience: learn, connect and grow throughout the process. Don’t isolate yourself – take advantage of the available resources and opportunities, and make sure the experience is worth both your time and financial investment.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Futy: I plan to continue working in the chemical industry and will soon be transitioning into a promoted role where I will be able to combine my technical expertise with the business and management skills I have developed throughout this program.