In the competitive world of finance and technology, Maria Jose Rios ’19 BUS stands out not just for her professional achievements, but for her commitment to community, leadership, and resilience. A proud alumna of the University of the Pacific, Rios’s journey from immigrant parents to a thriving career at Bloomberg is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of a strong academic foundation.

Rios transferred to Pacific with a clear vision: to leave behind a legacy that would inspire and support other transfer students like herself. At Pacific, she immersed herself in both academic and extracurricular activities, laying the groundwork for a successful career while making lasting contributions to the university community. Reflecting on her time at Pacific, Rios expresses deep gratitude for the experiences that shaped her path. "When I moved to the University of the Pacific, I felt like I wanted to leave behind a legacy that allowed other students like me, as a first-generation college student, to see that you can succeed."

Rios credits Pacific, and specifically the Community Involvement Program (CIP), for providing the foundation for her success. “CIP was the platform that allowed me to explore a lot of different avenues on campus and gave me a voice to start thinking about some of the elements that I wanted to bring as a part of my legacy,” Rios said. “The program not only offered financial support but also a sense of belonging and mentorship that was crucial as a first-generation college student.” She was involved in various organizations during her time at Pacific, including the university ensemble, the Women in Business club, and the Active Minds organization.
 

Central to her journey was the concept of "failing fast"—an idea she learned at Pacific and continues to apply in her professional life. "Failing fast" is not about avoiding failure but embracing it as a critical part of growth and learning. This mindset has served Rios well in her role at Bloomberg, where she thrives in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and client relations. Her passion for her work is evident as she discusses the thrill of being challenged and the satisfaction of collaborating with large companies on sophisticated financial strategies.

But Rios's success is not just about her professional accomplishments. She is deeply committed to giving back to her community, particularly through her involvement with ALPFA, an organization dedicated to empowering and developing Latino professionals and students as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy. For Rios, this work is personal. "I want to be that leader and advocate for underrepresented communities. I want to show others that success is possible, and that diversity is essential in corporate leadership."

Her roles at Bloomberg and ALPFA intersect in meaningful ways, particularly through events that bring students into Bloomberg's environment, helping them understand potential careers in finance and technology. Rios's dedication to her community is not just about mentorship; it's about creating opportunities for others to succeed, just as she has.

Currently, Rios is excited about a new initiative at Bloomberg focused on expanding data and services for private markets, a growing area of interest in the financial sector. Her biggest accomplishment to date, however, is becoming the co-lead for the Bloomberg Latinx community on the West Coast. This role has allowed her to demonstrate her leadership and bring new ideas to the table, furthering her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

As Rios looks to the future, she is determined to continue her advocacy work, strive for leadership roles, and influence corporate strategy, particularly in sales and analytics. She also encourages Pacific alumni to connect with her for career support in financial technology and to get involved with organizations like ALPFA to support underrepresented communities. “I’m only a LinkedIn message away,” she notes. As CIP celebrates 55 powerful years of impact this year at Homecoming and Family Weekend, she challenges her fellow CIP alumni and the Pacific community to attend this integral anniversary. 

For Rios, success is not just about personal achievements; it's about leaving a legacy that empowers others to follow in her footsteps. Her journey from the Community Involvement Program at Pacific to Bloomberg is a powerful example of how education and community can come together to create a life of purpose and impact. As she continues to make her mark in the professional world, Rios remains committed to being a leader and advocate for those who need it most, ensuring that her legacy is one of empowerment and lasting change.