Featuring: Leah Torres (’26) with Salo Steinvortz (’26)In this Drive Time Celebrate 2026 episode, Leah Torres exemplifies the transformative power of UCLA Anderson’s Fully Employed MBA program—pairing an unconventional, self-directed career journey through the biotechnology industry across R&D, operations, analytics, and strategy with standout academic and leadership achievements that maximize ROI at every turn. A recipient of The William M. Cockrum III Fellowship, as well as a Forté Fellow, eight-time teaching assistant, and two-year student government VP, Leah immersed herself in Anderson’s “leadership lab,” earning high-impact experiences under faculty like Professor Unzueta in Negotiations, Professor Kramer in Tech Innovation & Strategy (formerly Tech Management), and Senior Associate Dean Ian Larkin in General Management—courses that sharpened her strategic thinking, influence, and ability to navigate complex organizations. She didn’t just participate—she built community, leading marquee initiatives like FEMBA Winter Connect 2025 (240+ attendees) and the VITALS Healthcare Conference, demonstrating how FEMBA students translate coursework into real organizational impact. Throughout, Leah underscores the program’s exceptional return on investment: access to abundant resources, cross-functional exposure, career mobility, and a powerful, supportive network of peers and mentors. Her story is equally one of connection—tight-knit learning groups, late-night study sessions, and lasting friendships that fueled both resilience and growth—capturing the essence of Anderson FEMBA as a place where driven professionals expand their leadership capacity, unlock opportunity, and go farther together.
