
Laura Bautista ’29 »
During high school in Guatemala, Laura Bautista ’29 started a project to promote environmental education.
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Laura Bautista ’29
During high school in Guatemala, Laura Bautista ’29 started a project to promote environmental education.
Throughout high school, leadership roles called to Laura Bautista ’29. From involving herself in different internships to acting as vice president of the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honors society chapter, she was always looking for opportunities to grow.
It was specifically her work co-creating G-Eco, an organization that aims to spread awareness about the importance of environmental education, that will guide her time at Babson.
“Through educational activities and crafts, we tried to inspire other young people to become agents of change in their communities and educate them about recycling,” Bautista says.
When reflecting on this experience, Bautista recalls a time she read a children’s book, which has had she written and illustrated with her co-founder, to a second-grade class.
“At the end, we asked for their thoughts,” Bautista says. “One little girl suggested we write a second book. Another shared that she thought taking care of the planet was important, and a boy proudly told us that his family was already recycling at home. It was incredibly heartwarming to see our mission of promoting environmental awareness resonate with them.”
Now she brings that mission to Babson, where she is ready to see how entrepreneurial leadership transforms her goals.
What drew you to Babson/interested you in the College?
Initially, Babson’s focus on entrepreneurship and business caught my attention. After speaking with my application coach, a Babson alum, I also came to appreciate the school’s commitment to a global perspective and providing students with unique real-world experiences such as Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME). Also, its emphasis on making an impact on the world through business aligned perfectly with the vision I have for my future.
What are your career goals?
My ultimate career goal is to work for myself. Having grown up with business-owner parents, I have seen the value of being able to choose the direction of your business. I hope to start my own business, one with a strong focus on social entrepreneurship that develops solutions for global challenges. My past experiences, especially an internship I did at a healthy snack company, where the owner sought to uplift Guatemalan women in the workforce, have shown me the power of combining business knowledge with social responsibility, and inspired me to pursue a path where I can create positive change.
What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
I’m extremely excited about the various extracurricular activities, classes, and internship opportunities the College offers. I hope to take on leadership roles on campus, contribute to the Babson community, and develop skills that make me an entrepreneurial leader.
How do you view challenges?
I view challenges as a sign that something is worth pushing for. As my mom always says, “Good things don’t come easily.” Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something valuable, whether about problem-solving, patience, or resilience.
If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?
It would be the lack of environmental education. I’ve seen firsthand how pollution and careless waste disposal harm communities. Addressing these challenges starts with awareness, calls for innovation, and requires collaboration between society, government, and businesses. By empowering communities with knowledge, we can spark sustainable change that improves the quality of life and protects the planet for future generations.
What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
Being a Blank Scholar is an incredible honor for me. When I got the call, I was with a friend and was too in shock to tell her until about 10 minutes later. It means that my hard work paid off and that now it’s time to use my education to create a positive impact and build friendships with motivated peers. It’s not just recognition; it’s a call to act.
Of Arthur Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
Put People First. At the core of any good business is addressing people’s needs, and focusing on that ensures those needs are met meaningfully. I want people’s lives to be at least a little bit better after I have interacted with them, and with the new entrepreneurial skills I develop, I hope my business will do the same on a larger scale.