Rohit Chopra WG09

35; student loan reform advocate and former assistant director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; was called “one of the toughest consumer advocates in Washington” by Huffington Post

Proudest professional accomplishment? While the meltdown of the mortgage market garnered headlines a decade ago, the public has finally woken up to the fact that our student loan system is badly broken. More than 3,000 borrowers are defaulting every day, and we’ve made the case that it’s time to fix this trillion-dollar marketplace.

Best advice you’ve been given? Apologize quickly and often. Too many teams, workplaces, and friendships fray because of ego. Don’t be afraid to be the first to say sorry.