Higher Education Admissions Expert
Founder of mbaClarity and LaBalle Admissions (previously mbaSpain), Candy has a unique insight into what applicants must do to be successful in their higher education pursuits. However, beyond the application, she understands the emotional challenges that come with applying to elite programs. Her mission is to take the mystery, and the misery, out of admissions with clarity and compassion.
Candy is a long-time member and incoming Board President of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants which provides guidelines and ethics in the field of admissions consulting. She has led admissions conferences at schools including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, NYU Stern, London Business School, INSEAD, HEC Paris, and IESE in Barcelona.
In addition, Candy has written about the admissions process for Harvard Business Review and been featured in Forbes, Fortune and U.S. News. She is an influencer on LinkedIn where her posts reach thousands.
Prior to admissions coaching, Candy was an academic and travel writer and authored two books. Upon moving to Spain from the US, she spent several years running GMAT and TOEFL academies in Madrid. She is also very active in groups supporting entrepreneurship.
Candy Lee LaBalle is a higher education admissions expert. Voted the number one admissions consultant in the world in 2022 by Poets&Quants, she has helped +700 students get accepted into the world’s most elite universities for MBAs, MiMs, MFins and Masters programs.
Founder of mbaClarity and LaBalle Admissions (previously mbaSpain), Candy has a unique insight into what applicants must do to be successful in their higher education pursuits. However, beyond the application, she understands the emotional challenges that come with applying to elite programs. Her mission is to take the mystery, and the misery, out of admissions with clarity and compassion.
Candy is a long-time member and incoming Board President of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants which provides guidelines and ethics in the field of admissions consulting. She has led admissions conferences at schools including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, NYU Stern, London Business School, INSEAD, HEC Paris, and IESE in Barcelona.
In addition, Candy has written about the admissions process for Harvard Business Review and been featured in Forbes, Fortune and U.S. News. She is an influencer on LinkedIn where her posts reach thousands.
Prior to admissions coaching, Candy was an academic and travel writer and authored two books. Upon moving to Spain from the US, she spent several years running GMAT and TOEFL academies in Madrid. She is also very active in groups supporting entrepreneurship.
She has held senior roles at prestigious institutions such as Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and the New York Stock Exchange, gaining expertise in finance, risk management, and international business across global financial hubs.
In academia, Josefina’s impact is equally profound. For over fifteen years, she has taught graduate and executive courses in Finance, Economics, and Technology at leading European universities, leveraging her rich professional experience to bring practical insights into the classroom. Her academic qualifications include a Master of Science in Economic and Business Sciences, a Master in Financial Markets, and a Master in International Affairs from Columbia University.
Beyond her professional and academic roles, Josefina is deeply committed to social impact. She has served in influential positions in the nonprofit sector, including as President and CEO of New Women for Europe in Brussels. Additionally, Josefina has been actively involved with Fundación Madrina, where she served as a member of the Board of Trustees and as an International Ambassador. Currently she is a member of the ESG Foundation, where she uses her expertise to support environmental, social, and governance initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive difference in various communities around the world.
Josefina’s dedication to continual learning is evident in her pursuit of advanced certifications in cutting-edge fields such as Python, AI, blockchain technology, and decentralized finance from the European Business University of Luxembourg but also in her ongoing academic research. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Wales, where her research focuses on the New Model for Higher Education. This blend of traditional education and modern technological skills enables her to offer a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational experience, preparing her students to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
Professor Josefina Bengoechea is a dynamic figure with a multifaceted career spanning academia, finance, and nonprofit leadership. With over twenty years of experience in the financial sector, she has held senior roles at prestigious institutions such as Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and the New York Stock Exchange, gaining expertise in finance, risk management, and international business across global financial hubs.
In academia, Josefina’s impact is equally profound. For over fifteen years, she has taught graduate and executive courses in Finance, Economics, and Technology at leading European universities, leveraging her rich professional experience to bring practical insights into the classroom. Her academic qualifications include a Master of Science in Economic and Business Sciences, a Master in Financial Markets, and a Master in International Affairs from Columbia University.
Beyond her professional and academic roles, Josefina is deeply committed to social impact. She has served in influential positions in the nonprofit sector, including as President and CEO of New Women for Europe in Brussels. Additionally, Josefina has been actively involved with Fundación Madrina, where she served as a member of the Board of Trustees and as an International Ambassador. Currently she is a member of the ESG Foundation, where she uses her expertise to support environmental, social, and governance initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive difference in various communities around the world.
Josefina’s dedication to continual learning is evident in her pursuit of advanced certifications in cutting-edge fields such as Python, AI, blockchain technology, and decentralized finance from the European Business University of Luxembourg but also in her ongoing academic research. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Wales, where her research focuses on the New Model for Higher Education. This blend of traditional education and modern technological skills enables her to offer a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational experience, preparing her students to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
University Lecturer & Special Advisor
Senior Advisor & Facilitator
Juan Parodi is a seasoned expert in fostering sustainability, innovation, and community development. With a career spanning 18 years, he has collaborated with renowned organizations such as Coca-Cola, BBVA, Philips, Roche, Pfizer, and public institutions like the City of Madrid and the European Commission, among others.
Currently serving as the Co-Founder and Chief Community Strategist at Community Hackers, Juan leads initiatives dedicated to assisting brands in cultivating authentic, engaged communities that drive positive impact.
Juan holds degrees in Political Science and International Relations, complemented by a Master’s Degree in Corporate Social Responsibility, Communication and Public Relations, and additional qualifications in Digital Marketing and Agile Methodologies.
As a member of the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders Network, Juan embodies values of societal responsibility, contributing to a caring, sustainable, and forward-thinking world.
In addition to his professional roles, Juan provides mentorship to entrepreneurs and startups, guiding them in integrating sustainability principles into their strategies, operations, and business models.
Philips, Roche, Pfizer, and public institutions like the City of Madrid and the European Commission, among others.
Currently serving as the Co-Founder and Chief Community Strategist at Community Hackers, Juan leads initiatives dedicated to assisting brands in cultivating authentic, engaged communities that drive positive impact.
Juan holds degrees in Political Science and International Relations, complemented by a Master’s Degree in Corporate Social Responsibility, Communication and Public Relations, and additional qualifications in Digital Marketing and Agile Methodologies.
As a member of the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders Network, Juan embodies values of societal responsibility, contributing to a caring, sustainable, and forward-thinking world.
In addition to his professional roles, Juan provides mentorship to entrepreneurs and startups, guiding them in integrating sustainability principles into their strategies, operations, and business models.
Julie Angel is an international business turnaround strategist with experience both consulting and managing SMEs in Canada, the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Hungary, Bosnia, and Spain.
She has negotiated national contracts with Director-General level government and has collaborated with CEOs from blue-chip companies across all GDP contributing sectors. Her background extends across a range of industries including sustainability, leadership, communications, and education. Julie is passionate about developing leaders whether inside of a business or a classroom and is an enthusiastic lifelong learner herself. She has been teaching a range of business subjects to undergrads, Masters, and MBA-level students since 2017.
She has negotiated national contracts with Director-General level government and has collaborated with CEOs from blue-chip companies across all GDP contributing sectors. Her background extends across a range of industries including sustainability, leadership, communications, and education. Julie is passionate about developing leaders whether inside of a business or a classroom and is an enthusiastic lifelong learner herself. She has been teaching a range of business subjects to undergrads, Masters, and MBA-level students since 2017.
Business Strategist Expert
Logistics & Finance Expert
Rafael Pérez, with over a decade of logistics and finance experience, embarked on a new career journey in 2017, focusing on education and languages. Armed with Master’s Degrees in Applied Linguistics and Teacher Training for Compulsory Secondary Education, he transitioned into education, assuming the role of a Spanish language teacher.
Currently, Rafael serves as the Head of Spanish at Business and Language College Spain in Madrid. In this capacity, he manages courses, mentors teaching staff, and provides pedagogical support for marketing and social media activities. Additionally, he contributes to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and student needs, as well as student mentoring.
His diverse experiences enriched his teaching expertise and deepened his understanding of language acquisition and cross-cultural communication.
Before transitioning to education, Rafael held roles in logistics and finance. At Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, he managed inventory across Spain, Italy, and Portugal, ensuring optimal levels and coordinating logistical operations. He spearheaded projects to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, leveraging his strategic planning and problem-solving skills. These experiences laid a solid foundation for his approach to teaching and leadership in education.
Armed with Master’s Degrees in Applied Linguistics and Teacher Training for Compulsory Secondary Education, he transitioned into education, assuming the role of a Spanish language teacher.
Currently, Rafael serves as the Head of Spanish at Business and Language College Spain in Madrid. In this capacity, he manages courses, mentors teaching staff, and provides pedagogical support for marketing and social media activities. Additionally, he contributes to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and student needs, as well as student mentoring.
His diverse experiences enriched his teaching expertise and deepened his understanding of language acquisition and cross-cultural communication.
Before transitioning to education, Rafael held roles in logistics and finance. At Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, he managed inventory across Spain, Italy, and Portugal, ensuring optimal levels and coordinating logistical operations. He spearheaded projects to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, leveraging his strategic planning and problem-solving skills. These experiences laid a solid foundation for his approach to teaching and leadership in education.
Practical, real-world examples from the international business and marketing world.
