Gianna Taveras (BSM ’26)

Name: Gianna Taveras

Hometown: Long Island, NY

Majors: Legal Studies in Business, Political Science

What are your post-graduation plans?

I will be taking a gap year before applying to law school.

What are your top Freeman extracurricular activities?

• Freeman Beyond Ambassador
• 2024 Indiana University National Diversity Case Competition Tulane Team Leader
• Financial Literacy Tutor with First Generation Investors
• Freeman Study Abroad

What community or volunteer activities did you participate in outside of the business school?

• President of Newcomb Prison Project
• Community Engagement Advocate
• Restorative Resolution Engagement Program Student Assistant
• Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) Pre-Law Fraternity

What academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of?

I led a collaborative Easter service project between the Newcomb Prison Project and the Feminist Alliance of Students at Tulane (FAST). Together, our organizations packaged and delivered 3,000 Easter Eggs to Toups Family Meal, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity in New Orleans. I worked with Toups Family Meal in Freeman for a service learning project, and I was grateful for the opportunity to collaborate again. Knowing that our service project supported local families and spread joy over the Easter season was really special to me.

What was your favorite business course?

White Collar Crime I, taught by lawyers and professors Carboni and Ginsberg, sparked a strong interest of mine in the field and gave me a comprehensive understanding of key laws, cases, and judicial procedures while reinforcing the importance of having a strong moral compass.

Who is your favorite business professor and why?

My favorite business professor is Professor Christopher Otten. I took his Law of E-Commerce course and am now completing my BSM Capstone presentation on his restaurant. I admire Professor Otten’s dedication to his students and his emphasis on civil discourse and effective communication. His class structure was highly interactive and discussion-based and made the learning experience much more engaging and collaborative. It really encouraged us to think critically, collaborate, and learn from one another. Professor Otten is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about both his work and the Freeman community.

What’s your favorite memory of Freeman?

One of my favorite memories at Freeman was competing at the 2024 Indiana University National Diversity Case Competition. Our team presented a 24-month implementation plan for a company, showcasing months of our collaboration, hard work, and preparation. Through this experience, I learned first-hand of the critical impact that strategic decisions have on a business, and how essential realistic implementation timelines are to success. This experience helped me grow as a person and a student, and it made me more grounded in developing ideas that balance creativity and practicality. I competed with teammates Bri Ann Hanley, Keona Patel, and Kaalan Day, all who have since become lifelong friends, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the endless support we received from Freeman faculty advisors Dr. Valentine, Dr. Chen, and Mrs. Roz.

What are the top items on your professional bucket list?

I want to attend law school and build a strong investment portfolio.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I’m ambidextrous!