How Maya Anderson and Maria Espinosa Found Each Other at RPI 

Some friendships take time. The one between Maya Anderson and Maria Espinosa didn’t. 

They met at an overnight orientation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the summer of 2016. Three students, one room. By the next morning, Maya and Maria had not only become friends but had made matching schedules for their first semester. It was a bold move for two people who had just met, but it laid the groundwork for a friendship that has lasted nearly ten years. 

Both graduated from the Lally School of Management in 2019. Their story isn’t just about staying close. It’s about how they helped each other grow, supported one another through uncertainty, and stayed connected through every shift in life and career. 

Starting Out 
They came from different places but had a lot in common. Both were medalist scholars. Both chose Lally for its academic strength. Neither was sure where their career would lead, but they were motivated. They took on heavy course loads, kept each other on track, and graduated early. 

They also knew how to step back when needed. If one was feeling burned out, the other would suggest a walk, a meal off-campus, or a quick local trip. That balance became a core part of their friendship. They weren’t competing. They were making sure each other stayed afloat. 

Their personalities were different; Maya leaned more type A and Maria more type B, but that contrast worked in their favor. Maria became more organized. Maya learned to loosen up. Over time, they say, they each picked up traits from the other. 

Academic and Personal Growth 

As their studies progressed, they started to specialize. Maya focused on marketing, operations, and supply chain. Maria went into finance and banking. They weren’t in the same classes anymore, but they stayed each other’s main sounding board. 

Faculty mentors played a key role, but Maya and Maria often turned to each other first when they needed to think through tough decisions or next steps. 

Outside of class, their activities showed shared values. Maya volunteered with literacy programs and worked as an admissions ambassador. Maria juggled jobs while volunteering with youth education programs. These weren’t résumé fillers. They were just extensions of how they both saw the world, service, mentorship, and showing up for others. 

Post-Graduation Paths 
After Lally, they went in different professional directions. Maya entered aerospace and manufacturing , eventually joining a leadership development program at Pratt and Whitney that took her across functions and locations. Maria moved from state government into global transaction banking. She now manages her own portfolio at BNP Paribas. 

They didn’t always live near each other, but they stayed close. Daily check-ins, regular travel, and consistent support helped maintain their connection. They’ve traveled to more than ten countries together, not for sightseeing, but to stay grounded and in sync. 

Mentorship is now a key part of both of their careers. Maria trains and supports junior team members and still volunteers in financial literacy. Maya mentors interns and early-career hires, focusing especially on those unsure about their path. Both believe in helping others navigate the in-between moments they once faced themselves. 

Staying Connected to Lally 

Today, both are involved with the Lally School of Management as advisors and alumni leaders. They bring different industry perspectives but share a belief that students need not just strong academics, but clear support. 

Maria focuses on building ties between industry and education, especially as technology reshapes the landscape. Maya’s work centers on mentorship and inclusion, making sure students see that there are many valid ways to define success. 

Still Growing Together 

Maya and Maria didn’t plan to build a story around friendship. They met, connected, and kept showing up. Their bond reflects what Lally works to build: a space where ambition and empathy can coexist. Where mentorship is real. Where collaboration isn’t a buzzword. 

For current students, their story is a reminder that connections made here can last. For alumni, it shows that giving back doesn’t always have to be a solo effort. 

Sometimes, leadership starts by finding the right person to grow alongside.