Director
Heidi Hillis

Highlights & Achievements
- Stanford GSB Alum & Former MBA Admissions Interviewer
- Three times named a Top Admissions Consultant by Poets&Quants
- 13+ Years of MBA Admissions Expertise
- Career Experience Spanning McKinsey, Tech Startups, Nonprofits & Global Finance
- 100+ five-star client reviews on Poets&Quants

Heidi Hillis is a seasoned MBA admissions consultant whose global experience and deep understanding of the admissions landscape have helped hundreds of applicants secure places at elite business schools. Holding three degrees from Stanford – a BA in English Literature, an MA in Russian Studies, and an MBA from Stanford GSB – Heidi combines academic excellence with practical insights into what top-tier MBA programs look for in candidates.
At Stanford GSB, Heidi served as the student chair of the Global Management Program, launched the school’s first GMIX internships, and contributed as an alumni interviewer. Her international business career features leadership roles in microfinance in Russia, finance executive responsibilities in China, strategy consulting at McKinsey in London, senior product management in European e-commerce, and finance leadership at a major South American telecommunications firm.
A Fortuna veteran since 2015, Heidi specializes in helping applicants craft powerful narratives, particularly targeting admission to GSB and HBS. Her empathetic approach and skill in uncovering her clients’ distinctive strengths have earned her more than 100 five-star reviews and recognition by Poets&Quants as one of the world’s top MBA admissions consultants for three consecutive years.
Originally from Central Oregon, Heidi has called five continents home; ask her about her adventures in early-90s Russia or travel tips for Chile, where she lived for 18 years. She currently lives in Australia, where she is actively involved with the Stanford Australia Foundation. She enjoys yoga, backcountry skiing, and is a newly converted Pickleball enthusiast!
Real Reviews From Real Clients
Candidates Love Working With Heidi

Q&A with Heidi
What’s your favorite client success story?
There are so many! One of my recent clients was a management consultant from a Latin American country. We both knew it would be tough to stand out in a highly competitive field. Although he had compelling examples of professional impact, it was clear his heart truly lay with his volunteer work supporting disabled children – a deeply personal passion linked to his brother’s disability. Highlighting this aspect of his story and its connection to his broader healthcare aspirations made his application genuinely extraordinary. Happily, Stanford GSB agreed!
What is your coaching superpower?
I like to think I help clients identify THEIR superpowers. Many clients initially believe they’ve done nothing extraordinary. My favorite part is drawing out their passions, illuminating elements of their story, and demonstrating why they truly deserve one of those coveted spots at their dream school.
Want to work with Heidi?
We always do our best to match you with a coach who fits your needs and preferences. You can also indicate your preference for a specific coach when you sign up for a free consultation.
Meet the Dream Team
At Fortuna, over the past 13 years we’ve assembled an unparalleled team of admissions coaches who used to run the admissions offices at top schools.
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