Kelley School strengthens engagement and recruiting in Latin America

The Kelley School of Business continues to build strong connections across Latin America, attracting top-tier talent for its Full-Time +Flex MBA program. This August, Analilia Silva, Kelley’s LatAm Recruiting and Partner Engagement Advisor, led an extensive recruitment campaign through the MBA Tour Latin America, traveling to some of the region’s most vibrant cities:

• São Paulo, Brazil
• Santiago, Chile
• Lima, Peru
• Bogotá, Colombia
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Monterrey, Mexico

During the events, Analilia met with prospective students eager to join the Kelley MBA program for the Fall 2025 and Fall 2026 cohorts. These face-to-face interactions provided candidates with personalized insights into the program’s offerings, culture, and career development opportunities.

A special highlight of the recruitment tour was the participation of Kelley MBA alumni in each city. Alumni shared their experiences, highlighting how the Kelley MBA program shaped their careers and personal growth. These testimonials underscored the program’s reputation and impact, resonating deeply with prospective students.

Students and alumni: Pivotal partners

The Latin MBA Association and Kelley’s Latin American MBA alumni network have been instrumental in not only attracting talent but also supporting prospective students through the admissions process. Their efforts create a sense of belonging and community even before students set foot on campus.

In November, Kelley hosted its MBA Preview Weekend, welcoming five students from Colombia and Guatemala. This immersive experience allowed them to interact with faculty, current students, and alumni, giving them a taste of Kelley’s collaborative environment.

Strong enrollment numbers

Kelley’s Full-Time MBA program has consistently demonstrated success in attracting and retaining Latin American students, maintaining a yield rate above 50%. With an average annual enrollment of 10–12 students from the region, the program has become a sought-after destination for Latin American professionals seeking to elevate their careers.

Looking ahead, the school anticipates enrolling at least 10 students from Latin America for the upcoming academic year, continuing its tradition of nurturing diverse, globally minded leaders.

Building bridges, shaping futures

Kelley’s commitment to Latin America goes beyond recruitment; it’s about fostering relationships that last a lifetime. By leveraging strong alumni networks and engaging with prospective students on a personal level, the Kelley School of Business continues to strengthen its presence in the region while empowering the next generation of global business leaders.

Explore IU

In October, the Kelley School proudly participated in the Explore IU event, organized by the IU Mexico Gateway. This vibrant initiative brought Kelley’s leadership and expertise to the forefront of fostering global connections, education, and alumni engagement in Latin America.

The central hub of the Explore IU event was Mexico City, where a distinguished Kelley delegation took part in a variety of impactful activities. The delegation included:

• Josh Perry, Executive Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Graf Family Professor, Kelley School of Business
• Fred Perry, Executive Director, Kelley Global, Kelley School of Business
• Tia Trueblood, Senior Director International Programs, Kelley School of Business
• Analilia Silva, LatAm Recruiting and Partner Engagement Advisor, Kelley School of Business

During their time in Mexico, the delegation engaged with key academic and professional communities. Notable highlights included visits to Tecnológico de Monterrey at the Querétaro campus and meetings with COMEXUS (Fulbright Mexico). These events fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and exploration of new opportunities for partnerships.

The Kelley team also hosted intimate gatherings with IU alumni, strengthening connections with former students and showcasing Kelley’s enduring commitment to its global alumni network.

Expanding horizons in Colombia

This year, the IU Mexico Gateway piloted in-person activities in Bogotá, Colombia, a step toward broadening IU’s footprint in Latin America. Representing Kelley, Analilia Silva led a dynamic agenda of engagements across the city.

Her activities included:

• A visit to the Colegio Nueva Granada community, where conversations highlighted educational pathways and opportunities for students.
• Academic meetings with Universidad de los Andes, a leading institution in the region.
• Alumni and partner events with organizations such as Colfuturo, EducationUSA, and Fulbright Colombia, emphasizing collaboration in higher education and professional development.

Strengthening Kelley’s global vision

Participation in events like Explore IU underscores the Kelley School of Business’s dedication to expanding its global reach and fostering international partnerships. Through meaningful connections with educational institutions, alumni, and professional organizations, Kelley continues to pave the way for impactful collaborations across borders.

As the school deepens its presence in Latin America, these engagements reflect Kelley’s commitment to empowering students, alumni, and communities worldwide.