GSM Student Association Sacramento (GSMSA Sacramento)

Mission, Purpose & Objectives

Mission

The Graduate School of Management Student Association Sacramento (GSMSA Sacramento) aims to improve the experience of students in the UC Davis Sacramento MBA program in order to prepare exemplary business leaders who make an impact in the global marketplace.

Purpose

The purpose of the GSMSA Sacramento is to serve as a liaison between the Sacramento MBA students and the administration of the UC Davis Graduate School of Management. Specifically, members of the GSMSA Sacramento are student advocates, communicating the viewpoints and suggestions of their classmates to the Dean and GSM Administration.

Objectives

The objective of the GSMSA Sacramento is to act as a strategic advisory board with the intentions of (a) improving the quality, value, and community of the Sacramento MBA Program, and (b) providing a platform for the discussion and action around student concerns.

Additionally, GSMSA Sacramento seeks to grow the value of the Graduate School of Management (GSM) in the U.S. and internationally by finding ways to increase the value proposition of the program for prospective students and employers. The GSMSA Sacramento hosts a variety of networking events, career workshops and social gatherings for students to connect with both alumni and other MBA students at the San Ramon & Davis campuses.

Board Members

Current Board Members

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Jaimie Asakawa

President
Jaimie Asakawa

Jaimie is a first year MBA student in the Sacramento Part-Time program and intends to graduate in 2024. She received her B.A. in Modern Languages (French & Spanish) from the University of Massachusetts. Jaimie currently works at UC Davis Health at the School of Medicine. She would like to make an impact to the world of healthcare through innovative technology solutions and AI.

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Dani Jordan

Vice President of Internal Affairs
Dani Jordan

Dani Jordan is a 2024 MBA candidate at the University of California, Davis. Her early career experiences as a human resources professional informed her decision to pursue this degree. Through the completion of an MBA program, Dani hopes that she will be further empowered to create positive change and belonging in the workplace. Having already benefited so much from her time in the program, she is also a student ambassador and loves to share her experience with potential students. Dani looks forward to bringing her passion for team building and collaboration to the GSMSA as the Vice President of Internal Affairs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Loyola Marymount University.

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Jenaye Shepherd

Vice President of External Affairs
Jenaye Shepherd

Jenaye is a first year MBA student in the Sacramento Part-Time program. Jenaye has spent the last 15 years in the nonprofit sector and currently is the Advancement Director for the Central Valley Region at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She received her BA in Economics and Communications from UC Davis. In her free time, Jenaye enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and sailing having recently received her ASA Sailing Certification.

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Payton Marcu

Director of Finance
Payton Marcu

Payton Marcu is part of the Sacramento Part-Time MBA program, graduating in 2025. She received her BA in Business Management Economics from UC Santa Cruz, and currently works as an analyst with the California Department of Finance. While she’s lived in many states, she’s originally from Las Vegas, NV.

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Heidi Stevens

Director of Academic Affairs
Heidi Stephens

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Sofia Cornejo

Director of Professional and Career Development
Sofia Cornejo

Sofie is a first year MBA student in the Sacramento Part-Time program. She is also part of Student Ambassadors and other extracurricular activities at UC Davis. Sofie is currently a Payroll and Benefits Supervisor at a local school district. She has worked in school districts over the last 6 years, working a variety of positions. She received her BA in Political Science and Government from Ashford University. In her free time, Sofie plays with her dogs Mochi and Kaia, enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering at Bradshaw Animal Shelter as a dog walker.

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Julissa de Gonzalez

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Julissa de Gonzalez

Julissa de Gonzalez is a second year MBA student in the Part-Time Sacramento Program. She is the Deputy Director of Legislation and External Affairs at the Office of Tax Appeals.  Born to immigrant parents and a first generation college student, Julissa graduated from the University of California, Davis in Political Science with minors in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies, and Chicana/o Studies. During her time at UC Davis, Julissa studied abroad in Argentina, Chile and Cuba which further ingrained her love of travel and learning from others' lived experiences. 

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Events and Activities

Capital Connections

Every Spring Quarter GSMSA Sac hosts a networking event to connect students with alumni, faculty, and business leaders. This event offers students the opportunity to expand their professional network, gain insightful perspectives from seasoned alumni, and co-mingle with the Davis and San Ramon students.     

Monthly Career Development Presentations

GSMSA Sac, along with Jennifer Tucker (Sacramento Career Counselor), hosts monthly presentations to help students establish their “brand”. Presentation topics range from interview preparation, maximizing networking opportunities, and self-promotion.     

Career Change Workshops

Ever feel like you are in the wrong industry? GSMSA Sac has developed a new workshop series to help students pivot into their dream job. Please contact Jason Choi for more information.    

Contact Us

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email the GSMSA Sacramento President, Margaret (Meg) Lee.