How a Part-Time MBA Turns Working Parents into Leaders

Standing on the stage as one of the commencement speakers for UC Davis Graduate School of Management’s Class of 2025, I felt overwhelmed—not just with pride, but with gratitude.

This moment represented everything we had overcome to reach that point. When I began exploring part-time MBA programs, I wasn't chasing just prestige or rankings. I was looking for something deeper: a program that would challenge me academically while allowing me to maintain my career and, unexpectedly, navigate new parenthood.

The Decision: Culture Over Competition

What immediately struck me about UC Davis Sacramento Part-Time MBA was the culture. From my first visit to the campus, I encountered a grounded, collaborative energy that felt refreshing.

UC Davis students don’t chase titles or compete ruthlessly; they were genuinely invested in building something meaningful together. This sense of purpose and community became the foundation of my entire experience.

The program’s hybrid format was crucial. It allowed me to apply classroom concepts directly to my work while building a network of professionals who understood the challenges of balancing multiple priorities. What I didn't anticipate was doing this while rocking my newborn daughter, Aahana, in one arm and balancing strategy cases in the other.

Leading Under Pressure: The Real MBA Challenge

There were countless nights when I whispered through Zoom presentations at 6 p.m., praying my baby wouldn't wake up. I wasn't just writing papers—I was learning to lead under pressure with compassion and resilience.

Coming from a technical background, I knew how to build things, but leading strategically while managing the chaos of new parenthood taught me lessons no textbook could provide.

UC Davis helped me bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic leadership in the most authentic way possible. Through case competitions, live client projects, and my role as student ambassador, I learned that effective leadership isn't about having all the answers.

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It's about creating conditions for great ideas to emerge, asking the right questions, and maintaining integrity even when shortcuts seem tempting.

MBA Community Powered by Collaboration

Throughout it all, I was never alone. The late-night Slack check-ins, impromptu study huddles, shared wins, and constructive feedback created bonds that went far beyond typical classroom relationships. At the Graduate School of Management, we weren't just classmates—we were each other's support system, a community that celebrated diversity as its beating heart.

Our cohort included tech professionals, nonprofit leaders, engineers, entrepreneurs and parents like me juggling family, work and school. This rich blend of voices and experiences made every discussion deeper and every team stronger. What surprised me most was how genuine everyone was—students, faculty and staff. It never felt competitive in a cutthroat way.

A Surprise Career Transformation

Perhaps the biggest surprise was how the program shifted my career trajectory. I entered thinking about engineering roles, but through coursework and countless conversations, I discovered my passion for product management—that intersection where business, technology and user impact meet.

The curriculum pushed me beyond technical skills into strategic thinking. I mastered market sizing, pricing frameworks and customer segmentation while exploring AI, blockchain and fintech in real business contexts. This blend of strategic mindset and technical fluency became invaluable as I now explore product management roles in fintech and emerging tech.

One of my most meaningful projects was working on an AI-powered wildfire detection system—innovation driven by impact, not just grades. We weren't just studying business; we were building solutions to problems that matter.

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From Student to Commencement Speaker

Being selected as the commencement speaker for the Part-Time MBA program was the culmination of an incredible journey. Standing before nearly 400 GSM graduates and my fellow Part-Time MBA classmates, I reflected on how we'd grown together, not just as professionals, but as leaders who value integrity, celebrate diversity, embrace innovation and collaborate with purpose.

As I told my fellow graduates, we weren't walking out with just MBAs. We were leaving as leaders equipped to create impact wherever we go, carrying GSM's values and each other with us.

Advice for Future UC Davis MBA Students:

• Come curious, not rigid. The program is flexible—what you get out of it depends on what you put in.
• Step outside your comfort zone. Say yes to electives that challenge you.
• Take the lead. Get involved in leadership roles and hands-on, real-world projects.
• You won’t walk this journey alone. You’ll be part of a diverse community with different backgrounds and perspectives—a community that lifts each other up, tackles real-world challenges, and leads with integrity.

That’s the UC Davis difference—and why standing on the commencement stage was one of the most meaningful moments of my life.