MBA student profile: Raised in the Bay Area with Iranian and Mexican roots, Aundria Mirabrishami dreamed of playing for the Oakland A’s but found her calling in entrepreneurship and cricket.

As a child, I wanted to play shortstop for the Oakland A’s professional baseball team. While I was born and raised in San Ramon, California, in the heart of the Bay Area, my family roots are a blend of Iranian and Mexican heritage.

Saturdays smelled of carne asada grilling in the backyard, while Sundays came alive with Persian music and vibrant family gatherings. The time I spent in my family’s businesses sparked my passion for entrepreneurship, while the lessons in community shared by my grandparents’ instilled values that continue to guide me today.

Growing up, sports gave me the confidence I lacked in school. Incredible coaches and role models encouraged me to dream beyond my limits, and eventually, I found myself earning a degree in accounting from the University of San Francisco which launched my career at Deloitte. I grew a lot and learned so much, but over time, I felt a pull toward something greater, which was a desire to create opportunities for others, just as I’d been given.

That dream came alive unexpectedly at 27 when I discovered cricket. On the field, surrounded by women of all ages, I realized mentorship isn’t just about learning from those with more experience – it’s also about being inspired by others, no matter their age. Recognizing the lack of opportunities for girls and women in the sport, a few incredible friends and I co-founded a nonprofit to change that narrative. Cricket reinforced for me that access and opportunity are the starting points for empowerment.

Out on the cricket field

To amplify the impact I hope to make, I knew I needed to grow further, and that’s how I found myself at IMD. Its focus on personal transformation, leadership coaching, and a close-knit, international cohort was exactly the environment I was looking for. IMD is more than a degree, rather an opportunity to unlearn, learn, and relearn as I prepare to make meaningful contributions in everything I do.

My first week at IMD

My first impressions of IMD have exceeded every expectation. Even before the program officially began, the personalized attention was striking. From one-on-one onboarding calls to tailored guidance, it was clear that each student’s experience truly mattered. In these first few weeks, that ethos has only deepened. Being in a class with 77 people from 38 different countries is incredible – it feels like every conversation opens my mind and challenges how I see the world.

Whether it’s a lively classroom debate or just chatting over coffee, I’m constantly learning from everyone’s unique experiences. Add to that the amazing support from the faculty and the close bond within our group, and this whole journey feels so personal and enriching.

This year at IMD is my chance to grow into the kind of leader who opens doors for others. Meeting my classmates has already shown me how powerful diverse perspectives and a shared purpose can be. I’m trusting the process and know this is just the start of something bigger – I can’t wait to see where it leads!

Aundria Mirabrishami

Feel free to reach out to connect or learn more about my story. You can also check out my blog, MBA Innings, where I share my MBA journey through cricket metaphors.

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