Hello, I am John Maldonado, a 2nd year MBA candidate from Oceanside, CA. I am a veteran of the United States Navy, where I did four years of active-duty service that entailed two deployments to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom aboard the USS Carl Vinson. I am beyond grateful for my time in the Navy. It provided me with the opportunity to see the world; I’ve been to over 10 different countries. More importantly, it was foundational to my success in the classroom as it gave me structure, confidence, and funding for college.
Outside of my veteran background I am also a former foster youth. I spent four years in the foster care system and was ultimately adopted by my amazing family where I am the oldest of seven, with two sisters and my four adopted brothers. My parents are still actively involved in the foster care system and are the best role models I can ask for.
Prior to coming to the University of Oregon I obtained my bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and my master's degree in urban and regional planning from the University of California, Irvine.
Questions and Answers
What are you studying?
I am going into the second and final year of my MBA, where I am specializing in advanced strategy and leadership. In my program I have carved out a path centered around data analytics and business strategy. This academic endeavor has centered around the coursework provided by Dr. Michael “MC” Crooke, Dr. David Wagner, and professor of practice Stephanie Peel. I am thankful for the flexibility provided by the MBA program to allow my fellow students and I to take courses that are meaningful to the careers in which we are pursuing; I am seeking to enter the world of management consulting post-graduation. Outside of the amazing faculty and staff, I am also involved with the Oregon Consulting Group (OCG) a student-run consulting organization housed in the Lundquist College of Business. The academic programming, professional development, and opportunities through OCG thus far has provided me with a high-quality holistic business education.
What impact would you like your work to have?
My focus is on using data to make organizations more efficient, sustainable, and overall more fun to work at! I am super passionate about solving problems and finding unique ways in which organizational structures can be used to create happy and healthy work environments. Keeping DEI at the forefront of my practice, I want the workplaces that I help to be places of psychological safety for all, no matter their background. The University of Oregon has been fundamental in empowering me with the tools necessary to make a positive impact on the future of work.
Who inspires and motivates you?
The person who inspires me the most is my father, Ruben. He is a first-generation immigrant to the United States from Mexico. He adopted me as a single parent when I was four and has been the best role model I could ask for. He and my mother Liliana have been active foster parents post-retirement and adopted three little boys who they previously fostered a few years ago. Their commitment to helping others has been instrumental in my being a person in the world. I firmly believe that the world needs more people like my father, and I am proud to call myself his son.
Why did you choose the University of Oregon?
Being from Southern California I wanted a change of scenery; I have found the pacific northwest to be a majestic place to call home. Eugene in particular has been a breath of fresh air from Los Angeles and the Track Town U.S.A. culture has been great to get me back into running. Additionally, the small school feel of UO has been a great change of pace. Having access to professors who have time, know who you are, and show genuine interest in your personal and professional development sold me on the University.
What advice do you have for future students?
My advice for future students is to leverage the Duck network! There are so many fellow students and alumni who want to see you succeed, all it takes is for you to reach out to them. Using Lundquist Connect has been one of the ways that I as a business student have connected to fellow ducks, it is also where I met my mentor. For future student veterans, I highly recommend connecting to the Student Veterans Center! They have awesome programming, and it is a great place to meet fellow veterans. Outside of that, get involved with intramurals, use the amazing Rec Center, and get out to athletic events at Autzen, Matthew Knight, and world-famous Hayward Field!