Shining Bright: Stories of Bachelor Double Blue Torch Winners

The Blue Torch award recognizes IE Business School students for their academic performance and outstanding citizenship. Yet, there were students who received the double torch as they were stellar in both categories. This article unveils the stories of three double Blue Torch winners who share their experiences and advice for current and incoming students, aspiring to follow a similar path in their journey to the 'Next Best You.'

Building a Better World One Consult at a Time

“I aspire to contribute even more to the community and aim to create a positive space for my peers.”
Jhalak Sahay, BBA 2025, India

Jhalak Sahay has been studying a Bachelor in Business Administration for the past three years and has always been an active IE community member. Her involvement spans across various clubs and initiatives, including the IE Women in Business Club, IE Consulting Club, IE India Club, The Stork, Student Government, Badminton Club, and Mentorship Society. However, her true passion lies in consulting at Junior Initiative IE (JIIE) Consulting, a non-profit organization run entirely by IE University students in Madrid. Being the Vice-President, Sahay worked on a transformative project for a fintech startup in Uganda, utilizing her strategy and marketing knowledge learnt in class on a hands-on project.

“Through all these clubs, I’ve gained a magnitude of experience and was able to organize enjoyable and insightful events for IE students,” said Sahay.

Thanks to numerous successful projects, the BBA student’s profile looks outstanding in terms of the community engagement. With a background like this, no surprise that Jhalak was selected to represent IE at the BMCC Case Competition in Mexico, where young professionals like her from twelve leading universities worldwide participated and tried to solve problems that are predominantly strategic in nature.

In reflecting on her achievements, Sahay acknowledges the invaluable support of her parents, her professors who constantly guided her, as well as her classmates who helped her to not only focus on academics but also be deeply involved in extracurriculars at IE.

“The IE Community has an enthusiastic environment of go-getters who are fueled with motivation, and aspiring goals. Being surrounded by like-minded students with a clear focus and driven vision also motivated me!” said Sahay.

For Jhalak, the double Blue Torch award signified “an indescribable acknowledgment of her efforts and a profound sense of personal accomplishment.” Her commitment has always extended beyond personal achievements.

“Experiencing the joy on my parents’ faces as I told them I received the double Blue Torch was truly gratifying,” she expressed.

5 pieces of advice for aspiring Blue Torch winners from Jhalak Sahay:

1. Always say YES in your first year: In my first year, as we relatively had less intense courses, I was deeply involved in student clubs which helped me to understand group dynamics in an international setting.

2. Where attention goes, energy flows: I was always eager to be part of something big at IE! It was key to prioritize where my attention was focused and give my best in that direction!

3. Everything you give comes back: Every once in a while, I used to doubt my abilities to manage things and often thought about the bigger picture. But I believe the more effort you put in, the more you learn!

4. Make a robust use of the resources at IE: Be it from our professors or our dear staff at IE, IE has a very welcoming environment. So don’t be shy, attend all events, be the first one to raise your hand and ask everything!

5. Remember your Purpose: All of us have a reason for being here at IE, if you ever feel lost. Take a step back and reflect. It’s never too late to start and you can always resurrect your own brilliance!

Doubling Up on Degrees and Blue Torches

“Replace your stubbornness, preconceived ideas, and mental models with the excitement of being open to new people, ideas, and points of view, and life will surprise you!”
Alfonso Perez, BBA-BIR 2026, Spain

Alfonso Perez is a third-year dual degree student studying a Bachelor in Business Administration and International Relations, learning about business allowed him to take over a team responsible for finances and sponsorship in the organization of TEDx IE Madrid 2023 event. Perez managed to create a comprehensive and efficient budget and find renowned sponsors like Damm and Tressis.

“Working in the finance and sponsorship team gave me a unique chance to experience what constant work and small, daily steps truly mean,” said Perez.

Alfonso's passion for event organization extends to his current initiative to bring renowned pianist Naruhiko Kawaguchi to IE. Though the challenges of managing finances, securing venues, and attracting high-level invitees, Perez has the drive and knowledge to succeed.

“If you think you could be a great match as a sponsor for us, hit me on my LinkedIn,” said Perez.

From the International Relations side, Perez enjoys the in-class debates, a crucial part in diplomacy.

“Let it be in a purely quantitative, technical class, or in a broader, philosophical, this sense of "cooking up" a flavorful stew together with your fellow classmate, at the teacher’s guidance results in a wonderful dish full of knowledge and deep insight,” said Perez.

For Perez, receiving the double Blue Torch award turned out to be a pleasant surprise, as he did not expect to get selected as a great community contributor by his classmates. 

“Receiving the double Blue Torch award makes me reflect on the holistic experience that IE offers, which to judgment, is perfectly exemplified during engaging classes, where everything seems to fuse together and make sense,” said Perez.

4 pieces of advice for aspiring Blue Torch winners from Alfonso Perez:

1. Carry class debates outside the classroom: Keep challenging your peers!

2. Leverage your professors! They charge high fees as professional consultants outsides University. In the right sense, of course. Most are more than happy to help with any personal projects or other curiosities you may have.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: It turns out, most people will love giving you a hand with your studies, and this should not put you down.

4. Works the other way around too: Talk to your "study buddies". Most of the times you´ll discover these are some of the most fun party people too.

From Theory to Action to Engage the IE Community

“Since my first year at IE, I have always enjoyed getting involved in the community wherever I could.”
Sophia Hurtado, BBSS 2025, USA

Sophia Hurtado is pursuing a Bachelor in Behavioral Social Sciences, a program that delves into various aspects of human motivations and behavior, and how to influence and shape such behavior human behavior. At first, Hurtado struggled with a course related to data science. However, as a true Blue Torch winner, she pushed the boundaries of her knowledge and succeeded academically. Luckily, her family members support her in every hardship.

“An individual who has always supported me has been my mom, who has told me since day one that she is proud of me no matter what grade I earned or path I decided to take during my university years,” said Hurtado.

The materials she learned in class helped Hurtado take part in many extracurricular projects, like IE University Student Spaces project organized by the Vice Deans of the Behavioral Science and Design School degrees where students from these bachelors were asked to conduct research with fellow students.

“I am grateful to have been part of many projects within IE that have allowed me to use the knowledge I have learned from the Behavioral and Social Sciences degree in real practice,” said Hurtado.

For Sophia, the double Blue Torch award was a recognition of the effort she puts both into in-class and extracurricular activities. Among other students receiving the award, Hurtado saw many friends whose success she celebrated as well. Most importantly, the double Blue Torch made her family proud and affirmed she is living up to her potential.

“The most rewarding aspect of receiving the Outstanding Citizenship award was the reaction from my grandma who has always shown me how to get involved in your community since I was little,” said Hurtado.

3 pieces of advice for aspiring Blue Torch winners from Sophia Hurtado:

1. Take care of your health: Studying is important, but so is sleep!

2. Find a good support group: I love studying with my friends, it makes me less anxious.

3. Try to do fun activities with your classmates: I like to bring a baked good for my classmates around exam periods if I have the chance to.

The success stories of Jhalak Sahay, Alfonso Perez, and Sophia Hurtado, as Undergraduate double Blue Torch winners at IE Business School, showcase the transformative power of academic excellence combined with active community engagement, power that guides students towards their ‘Next Best You’. We hope to inspire aspiring IE Blue Torch winners, encouraging them to reflect, prioritize, and follow their passions with a growth mindset. Stay tuned for more double torch spotlights.