Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Rakiya Cunningham, Stanford GSB

“I am an outspoken, independent thinker with infectious energy (and laughter) that connects with others.”

Hometown: Mesquite, TX

Fun fact about yourself: I was a cheerleader at the University of Texas my freshman year of college. Hang them on the horns!

Undergraduate school and major: University of Texas at Austin, Finance

Most recent employer and job title: Financial Advisor at Shell

Besides your classmates, what was the key part of the Stanford GSB MBA program that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? GSB’s emphasis on developing self-aware and reflective leaders was paramount in my decision. Leading with purpose and understanding is just as important to me as achieving results. At GSB, I see unprecedented opportunities for self-discovery and practical application.

What has been the most important thing you have learned so far at Stanford GSB? The entrepreneurial energy at GSB taught me to have radical confidence in myself and my ideas. I feel privileged to be in such a unique environment and compelled to take advantage of the exceptional resources available. Even outside of class, the desire to create something is in the air. I can now apply this mentality to any of my endeavors and know that it is not a question of “if” I can do something but rather “how”. GSB has exponentially expanded my vision of what is possible.

What class, club, or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Stanford GSB? I really enjoyed participating in the first quarter of Lead Labs despite my initial skepticism. This not only confirmed my leadership strengths in a new context, but also allowed me to exploit them further. Witnessing diverse but equally effective leadership styles among my classmates has been extremely valuable. Additionally, the course helped me identify both areas of opportunity and limiting beliefs that I can overcome.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you have met so far? Give an example why this is true. I would say my classmates are passionate and determined. I feel like everyone here is running their own race. It is rare to find two people interested in the same thing and sharing the same goals. I don’t feel any pressure to follow one path. I feel inspired to do what I want at the highest level.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my last role, I helped shape the fuel retail strategy on the West Coast. It’s rare that you get to work on the paradigm shift of an industry. I’ve worked on projects bringing renewable diesel to California and rethinking the traditional fuels sector as electric vehicles become more prevalent in the United States.

Describe your biggest achievement as an MBA student so far? As part of the Hacking for Climate course, a few classmates and I were selected to research entrepreneurial solutions for network expansion through transportation. This experience accelerated my expertise in the utility and network infrastructure market. Whatever the final outcome of the project, I believe our findings and efforts have significant potential to make a positive impact.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? A few of my classmates had a comedy night where some people performed a 6 minute set. Hands down one of my favorite GSB events. My stomach still hurts from laughing so much.

What advice would you give to a potential candidate looking to join the Stanford GSB class of 2026? The best essays are the ones that feel authentic to you. There is no magic formula. There is only you.

Instead of viewing the question “What matters most to you and why” as a requirement for the GSB application, view it as the beginning of self-discovery and reflection that will guide you at Stanford and beyond.