Broad MBA Hispanic Heritage Month: Antonio Rios

Antonio Rios, JD/MBA ’27

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Broad MBA is honored to highlight Antonio Rios and his experience as a first-generation Mexican American and JD/MBA student. Shaped by his family, traditions, and connection to both Mexican and American cultures, Antonio’s story illustrates how heritage can strengthen one’s sense of purpose and inform the way we learn, lead, and create impact.

Can you introduce yourself:

“Hi! My name is Antonio Rios, I am a First-Generation Mexican American born and raised in Chicago. My family is originally from Zacatecas, Mexico. I am currently in my final year of the JD/MBA program at Michigan State University. I started at Michigan State as a law student only, but getting an MBA was always one of my goals.

My interest in business started as a kid; my dad had his own business, and I loved being involved. The problem-solving side was something I loved and watching something grow from the ground up really stuck with me. I finished my first year at MSU and because I valued the community, campus, and all that MSU offers, I knew then that I wanted to pursue my MBA here as well. As far as what my future will look like, I am studying for the bar exam and building toward a long-term career and lifestyle.”

What does being Hispanic mean to you?:

JD/MBA student Antonio Rios

“To me, being Hispanic means being part of a culture that’s still deeply connected to its ancestors through traditions and everyday actions. It’s something that I am really proud of. Every Mexican dish, custom, or celebration carries a deep connection to our history. This is something I have come to value more with age, but it’s the fact that everything has a “why,” and I love that sentiment. The dishes that my mom prepared made me curious and led me to explore the origins of the dishes, where the ingredients come from, and how it all connects to our past.

It matters to me to share my story because not everyone gets to grow up living between two cultures. I feel fortunate to have that experience: a front-row seat to both Mexican and American cultures, and everything they both have to offer. That gives me something worth sharing: a perspective that might resonate with someone else navigating that same in-between space. If my story can remind someone that their background isn’t something to tuck away, but something to embrace and carry proudly into every room they walk into, then it is worth sharing. Many people treat the terms “Hispanic,” “Latino,” “Latina,” and “Latinx” as interchangeable umbrella labels, but they carry distinct meanings. Each of these terms has its own history behind it, and I encourage people to investigate those differences and the history behind each term because there is so much more depth than what people usually realize.”