Part-Time Evening MBA Student | AVP of Quality Assurance at FM | URI Alumna

Ysa Ortega, a URI alum and part-time MBA student, exemplifies resilience, ambition, and a dedication to lifelong learning. After earning her undergraduate degree from URI, Ysa embarked on a successful career in auditing, working for PwC as an external auditor before joining FM Global’s internal audit department in 2015. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to become AVP of Quality Assurance. Now, after a 12-year professional journey, Ysa has returned to URI to pursue her MBA, balancing work, volunteering, and academics with determination and grace.

A Career Built on Strategy and Leadership

With nearly a decade of experience in auditing—specializing in the insurance industry—Ysa sought to further develop her strategic thinking, organizational, and supply chain management skills through the MBA program. These skills will not only enhance her current role at FM Global but also allow her to connect the practicalities of her day-to-day responsibilities with the company’s long-term vision.

Her aspirations extend beyond corporate leadership. Ysa hopes to share her knowledge and experience with future generations as an adjunct professor, seeing her MBA as a critical step toward achieving this goal. “An MBA is a well-rounded degree that adds credibility to my work in the auditing field and prepares me for a teaching role in higher education,” she shares.

Finding Balance and Building Resilience

Returning to school after more than a decade brought a mix of excitement and nervousness for Ysa. Balancing her responsibilities as a senior leader at FM Global, her roles on the community engagement and executive committees for Women United RI, and her MBA coursework has been a challenge, but one she manages with careful planning.

Her secret? A meticulously organized schedule, clear boundaries, and a commitment to staying active and connected. “If it’s not on my calendar, it’s not happening,” Ysa jokes, highlighting her reliance on digital tools and routines like daily walks to maintain focus and recharge.

She also credits her supportive husband, family, and friends for helping her stay motivated. “Having a good support system is essential. You need to set boundaries and remember why you started this journey in the first place.”

Inspiration and Impact

Ysa’s determination is deeply rooted in her personal story. Born in the Dominican Republic, she migrated to the U.S. at age 13 without her parents—a challenging transition that fueled her drive to succeed. She draws inspiration from her mother, who taught herself to read and write at nine years old and became a science teacher in the Dominican Republic.

When Ysa discovered that only 5% of foreign-born Latinos in the U.S. pursue graduate degrees, she was inspired to be part of that statistic and encourage others from underrepresented communities to chase their dreams. Her message is clear: “Use the resources at your disposal, seek guidance, and don’t let fear hold you back. If I can do it, so can you.”

Advice for Aspiring MBA Students

Ysa’s advice for professionals considering an MBA is practical and empowering:

• Set Boundaries: Don’t overcommit; focus on what aligns with your goals.
• Stay Organized: Use planners and digital tools to manage responsibilities effectively.
• Take Advantage of Resources: From employer tuition assistance to academic support services, leverage all available resources.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule time to decompress and recharge.

Above all, Ysa emphasizes the importance of remembering your motivation. “Seeing yourself walk across the stage to receive your master’s degree keeps you focused during the journey.”

Looking Ahead

For Ysa, the MBA is a stepping stone to even greater achievements. While she is deeply committed to her role at FM Global, she is also open to exploring opportunities in academia and beyond. Her journey at URI has been, in her words, a “triumphant odyssey” of maximizing resources, building connections, and making the most of every opportunity.

As Ysa continues her MBA journey, she is not only building her own future but also inspiring others to pursue their ambitions with courage and determination.