VSB Student, Isela Martinez ’26 MBA, Recognized Among Poets&Quants 2026 Best & Brightest Online MBAs

Isela Martinez ’26 MBA was named among the Poets&Quants Best & Brightest Online MBAs: Class of 2026, an honor that highlights exceptional business students who demonstrate professional achievement, leadership and meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Now in its 9th year, the 2026 Best & Brightest recognizes the top student professionals across 41 of the world’s top Online MBA programs.

From Hampstead, N.C., Isela Martinez, 48, is a licensed architect and project architect at LS3P who has built her career at the intersection of architecture, sustainability and innovation. Through VSB’s online MBA program, she has expanded her expertise in business strategy and artificial intelligence while continuing to advance professionally and balance life as a mother of four and military spouse.

“I chose VSB’s online MBA program because it sat at the intersection of sustainability, business strategy and AI—three areas shaping the future of design and leadership,” she said.

In her work at LS3P, Isela has helped lead AIA 2030 reporting initiatives, developed firmwide sustainability resources and created tools and workflows that have helped make performance-driven design more accessible to project teams. She credits her MBA education with helping her connect sustainability and design decisions to broader business outcomes.

“The MBA strengthened my ability to connect design decisions to business outcomes,” she said. “I now approach sustainability not just as a design goal, but as a strategic conversation.”

Her VSB experience has also allowed her to immediately apply classroom learning to professional challenges while learning alongside classmates from diverse industries.

“Treat the program like a leadership lab, not just a degree,” she advises prospective students. “Apply what you learn immediately, stay disciplined with your time and build relationships with your classmates.”

Looking ahead, Isela hopes to help shape a more resilient and sustainable built environment by bringing together design, business strategy and performance-driven decision-making.