Pacifica Stories

"You are Michigan because of how you think, how you solve problems, and how you see the world." -Bella Wash, UofM '25

Pacifica Christian High School Class of 2021 alumna Bella Wash has always dreamed big—and at the University of Michigan, she brought that dream to life. From Los Angeles to Ann Arbor, from a graduating class of 52 to a student body of over 50,000, Bella made the leap with confidence, courage, and a voice formed through years of intentional education at Pacifica.

“Pacifica prepared me to ask important questions, advocate for myself, build lasting relationships, and explore boldly,” says Wash.

At Michigan, she pursued her passion for sustainability and innovation, majoring in Industrial and Operations Engineering. Bella interned at McKinsey & Company, helped businesses lower carbon emissions, and discovered how engineering could fuel real-world impact. She also found community in the National Society of Black Engineers, joined BlackGen Capital, served in student government, and won an international hydrogen case competition.

Her journey reached a high point when she delivered the undergraduate commencement address (watch a highlight of her speech here) to her graduating class—offering wisdom rooted in experience, conviction, and formation.

Now a business analyst at McKinsey & Company, Bella is back in Los Angeles, ready to lead.

Her story is a powerful reminder that a small school can send students into the world prepared not just to succeed, but to flourish.

“Pacifica gave me the freedom to explore and the foundation to lead. That foundation has made all the difference.” — Bella Wash