HGSC Board Member Profile
Tracy Bjelland (AB '08) (she/hers/ella)
What’s your background, in a couple quick sentences?
I proudly call myself an Ice Cube, being half Norwegian, half Cuban. A little fire, a little ice, so don’t push it. My pronouns are She/Hers/Ella and I currently live in Minneapolis with my wife and our three delightful children (Theo, Charlie, and Georgie).
What brought you to Harvard and what did you study?
Harvard has been part of my life since before I was born. My mother, Teresita Alvarez-Bjelland, immigrated from Cuba as a child and attended Harvard on a full scholarship (AB ’76, MBA ’79). She also met my father (Christian Bjelland MBA ’78) at HBS, so without Harvard I wouldn’t be here. She always instilled in my brother and me the transformative power of education and I grew up seeing Harvard as this magical place.
I studied psychology, drawn to understanding human behavior and decision-making. In hindsight, that curiosity was probably also personal, reflecting my own journey of self-discovery, including navigating my identity and sexuality during those years.
Where are you now in your career?
Since business school, I’ve built a career at the intersection of brand strategy, consumer psychology, and creative problem-solving. I currently lead Target’s Home Owned Brands, Room Essentials and Figmint, shaping how millions of consumers engage with these brands every day.
Prior to business school, I prioritized breadth over depth, gaining diverse experience across industries at Voss Water, Warner Bros., and The Supper Club. That foundation gave me a unique perspective on brand-building, storytelling, and consumer behavior, skills I’ve since honed in leadership roles at General Mills and now Target. At the core of my work is a deep curiosity about why people buy what they buy and love what they love, and how brands can meet them in those moments with creativity, clarity, and impact.
Why did you join the HGSC Board?
I wanted to stay connected to Harvard and give back to a community that helped shape me. Before joining HGSC, I served on the Harvard Alumni Association Board of Directors for four years. When I had the opportunity to contribute to HGSC, it felt like the perfect fit, combining my love for Harvard with my commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Now, two years in (one as Vice President), I’m excited about the work we’re doing.
What are you excited for in 2025?
HGSC-wise, I’m leading our efforts around commencement and reunions this year, which is especially meaningful because my wife (Alex Gaudiani, AB ’05) is celebrating her reunion. We actually met at Harvard, so it’s always special to go back. Outside of that, I’m trying to focus on the good in life, spending time with my kids, being present, and remembering that joy still exists in this world.
What’s one experience you miss most from your Harvard days?
The Ranger cookies! Every Thursday, I would bring a Tupperware box and stock up enough to last the week. No regrets. Beyond that, I miss the quiet sanctuary of the Widener Stacks, the rare stillness in the midst of everything.
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