Anna Tsilidou has experienced first-hand the impact of authentic storytelling and effective communication. Having earned a full scholarship for her Columbia MBA, she uses her passion for writing to help her Square One clients find their voice while making sure that voice earns them offers from top business schools. Anna has a hands-on, direct, but empathetic coaching style and particularly loves guiding international and younger applicants, as well as those with non-traditional backgrounds.
With a BS from University of Macedonia, Anna had professional experiences that spanned management consulting (McKinsey), philanthropy (TechnoServe, Stavros Niarchos Foundation), and technology (fintech startups). Her Columbia MBA enabled her to transition from strategy to product management at Mastercard in New York where she is today.
While at Columbia, Anna was a Career Management Center Fellow, advising first-year students on management consulting and technology recruiting. As a member of the Hermes Society, she worked directly with the admissions team to connect with dozens of prospective students. Before joining Square One, she served as an admissions interviewer.
Anna is passionate about equity in education and access to social mobility opportunities. In her free time, she volunteers as a mentor with Minds Matter NYC, a college access program for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. She helps students navigate high school and the college application process, ensuring they have both a support system and access to the extracurricular opportunities necessary for college acceptance.
Anna is fluent in Russian, German and Greek, as she was born/raised in Greece and has lived in Georgia, Greece, Denmark, Switzerland, and Mozambique. She always thinks that the glass is half full and strives to build deep connections with others. When not working or volunteering, Anna can be found with loved ones, riding her road bike, or planning her next trip.