People

The Go-Getters 2021

Located in one of the most diverse and dynamic business centers in the world, Miami Herbert Business School offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, engage and grow. The graduates are thought-leaders who transform business, scholarship and lives. To honor them, Brickell Magazine and the school have partnered to showcase the annual “Go-Getters,” an honor spotlighting recent grads, their successes, hopes and dreams.
Words by Jorge Arauz | Photos by Josue Acosta | February 27, 2021 | People

*Production of all individual photoshoots featured here adhered to strict CDC and Miami-Dade County guidelines including utilizing only outdoor, open-air backdrops, the use of long zoom lenses, masking, social distancing protocols, advanced sanitation and disinfecting procedures as well as other precautions and procedures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. All Go-Getters and crew were provided with a care package upon arrival containing UM-branded masks, hand sanitizer spray, multi-purpose alcohol wipes and gloves. All finalists were photographed at different locations and at different times without any form of interaction between one another throughout the duration of their respective sessions.

Patrick S. Johnson

MBA ‘20

A Senior Associate in Asset Management for Rialto Capital, Patrick S. Johnson works in commercial real estate lending. “More specifically, I act on the behalf bond holders by working with CMBS loan borrowers, conducting property and loan level quantitative holistic analysis on proposed changes designed to help borrowers improve performance,” he says. “The best aspect of my work is speaking with commercial real estate investors daily and getting an inside look at their respective markets.” He affirms the most challenging is finding the right balance between conducting comprehensive due diligence and understanding that time is often of the essence. “I believe my logic and reasoning skills set me apart,” he says. “I have the ability to work through complex problems with minimal direction and prior experience.” Moving to Miami from NYC in the Summer of 2018 to pursue his MBA, he currently resides in Brickell and belives it’s important to surround yourself with people you admire. “Success is infectious,” he says. 

Alessandra Angelini

MS in Leadership ‘19

As the Co-Founder & CEO of Influur, an innovative startup that connects brands with influencers and creators for jobs and collabs, Venezuela-born Alessandra Angelini is on a mission to encourage people to live off their talents and change the world. “Teamwork and innovation drive me every day,” she says. “I truly love how new technologies can have a positive impact in our society and it gets me excited that I’m part of that movement.” A double ‘Cane, she always dreamed of studying at the University of Miami because of the school’s inclusive scope. “Understanding the behavior of upcoming generations like Millennials and Gen Z gives me an advantage in building a company that is tailored to their needs, especially in the social media and digital content space,” she says. She believes the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur is turning an ineffective process into a seamlessly effective experience. “Once you visualize where you want to be, the ‘how’ will present itself along your journey,” she says. “Always trust your gut, have faith in the process, and surround yourself with people who make you think!”

Priscila Arkalji

MBA & MS in Finance ‘20

When she was a kid, Priscila Arkalji used to visit Miami with her parents and became enamored with the vibe of the city. “I love that in Miami you get to meet and interact with people from all over the world while growing professionally and enjoying an amazing lifestyle with great weather, an entrepreneurial atmosphere and warm culture,” she says. Originally from Brazil, she is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Hebrew and has always dreamed of starting her own business. Today, after getting her undergrad at UM in Business Tech, Economics & Entrepreneurship, and returning for her MBA and MS in Finance, the recent grad is expanding her professional clout at Compass Real Estate after a stint as a New Account Analyst at XP Investments. “One of the things I enjoyed most while studying at Miami Herbert Business School was discussing different points of view and experiences with my classmates who came from various countries, cultures and backgrounds,” she says. “It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” And she’s taken many of the lessons she’s learned to heart. “Always fight for what you want and what you believe,” she says. “Don’t rely on others to motivate you — motivate yourself. Ultimately, we are each responsible for our own success!”

Gabriel Wadsworth

MBA ‘19

The best part of Gabriel Wadsworth’s job as a Banker for J.P. Morgan Private Bank is meeting Miami’s most successful individuals and hearing their stories. “Each of my clients has excelled at their day job, but each has their own path to success,” he says. “Many of them make a significant impact in our community and it’s very gratifying to help them move forward with their endeavors.” Growing up in Papua New Guinea, he spent equal parts in the U.S. and the “middle of nowhere.” Relocating from Seattle to Miami in 2017 to attend UM, he and his family eventually settled in Key Biscayne and have been loving life in paradise ever since. “I’ve always been a strategic individual — I don’t jump into decisions and am always trying to plan well in advance,” he says. “I think this probably helped me avoid breaking any bones as a kid, and has certainly helped me in my career. Knowing when to take appropriate risks in life has paid off so far.” He credits transparency, curiosity and hard work with his career success. “My clients know what to expect when we work together,” he says. “I get a lot out of hearing other people’s approach to business and life. Asking the right questions brings out stories, and stories make it easier to relate to people.”

Chantal Martínez-Blanco 

MS in Finance ‘20

Living and working in Brickell means that Chantal Martínez-Blanco is at the center of it all. As a Registered Wealth Management Associate for Merrill Lynch,  she’s focused on cultivating client relationships and being attentive to long-term market and investment trends and financial objectives.  “I’ve always been very fond of socializing and connecting with others,” she says. “From an early age I took great interest in finance and in learning how to manage my money prudently and its different applications when it comes to investing.” During her time in Miami, she’s witnessed firsthand how vital networking is to career development. “Most people land jobs or interviews through networking and referrals,” she says. “I encourage everyone to always be attentive, ask questions and introduce yourself. Bring your resume and business cards with you at all times — you never know when they will come in handy!” The most important lesson she’s learned is that hard work is never done in vain. “Even if you don’t see results right away, if you put in the work, you’re bound to see positive results sooner or later — it’s an undeniable fact,” she says. “To stand out and to truly succeed, one must push through and continue pursuing goals, even when times are tough. It’s precisely in those challenging moments that your  true character will be tested, and you have a tremendous opportunity to show your resilience.”