Alumni

Maria Ahumada MSBA 22
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Profile

Maria Ahumada MSBA 22

I chose UC Davis because of the program’s location in San Francisco, fast-paced curriculum and the ROI post-graduation.

Current Position

  • Senior Data Analyst, Amazon Games Studios

Previous Work Experience

  • Security Analyst, Goldman Sachs, Fixed Income Operations Division

Previous Education

  • B.S. in petroleum engineering, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Fun Facts

  • I enjoy traveling and I have visited more than 30 countries so far.
  • I love everything related to wellness, health and fitness.
  • I used to play competitive tennis in high school, and then at on point, I was a tennis coach here in San Francisco.
     
From Goldman Sachs to Amazon: Building My Career Through Analytics
Maria Ahumada wearing a blue graduation cap and gown stands in front of a yellow UC Davis backdrop with repeated logos.
Blog

From Goldman Sachs to Amazon: Building My Career Through Analytics

UC Davis MSBA turned my frustration into transformation

Alumna Maria Ahumada MSBA 22 reflects on her team's Practicum project, her technical growth and the career-defining experiences that prepared her for success at Amazon while mentoring the next generation of Latinas in tech.

Jeremy Twumasi Ampofo MSBA 25
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Profile

Jeremy Twumasi Ampofo MSBA 25

I chose UC Davis because of its prestige and location. The ability to go school in the startup capital of the world is incredibly appealing, and the connections I have made along the way have overwhelmingly validated my decision.

 

Current Position

  • CEO, HerdSense

Previous Work Experience

  • President of the Invicta Actuarial Society, University of Kent

Previous Education

  • B.A. in actuarial science, University of Kent, Canterbury

Fun Facts

  • I speak four languages: English, French, German, Twi (Akan).
  • I love Formula 1 and everything that comes with it. In fact, there's a good chance I'm reading an F1 article
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rebuild Your Career and Confidence with an MBA
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Blog

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rebuild Your Career and Confidence with an MBA

Turning exhaustion into alignment and professional growth

Feeling stuck or exhausted in your career? UC Davis Associate Director of Admissions and alumna Leticia Garay shows how an MBA can restore energy, clarity, and belonging—turning burnout into alignment while building confidence, community, and a life you love.

Ashlee Cervantes Thomas MBA 17
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Profile

Ashlee Cervantes Thomas MBA 17

I chose UC Davis for its respected MBA program and strong Sacramento business connections. The Part-Time MBA let me advance my career while deepening my skills in finance, operations, leadership and strategy. Exposure to diverse professionals broadened my perspective, boosting my confidence and ability to lead at a higher level.

Current Position

  • CEO, Guardian Protection Force Inc.

Previous Education

  • B.A. in liberal studies, Azusa Pacific University 

Fun Facts

  • I lived and studied abroad in South Africa. 
  • I completed my MBA while working full-time in the security industry.
  • My husband and I have a small
From Self-Doubt to CEO: My MBA Changed My Life as a Leader
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Blog

From Self-Doubt to CEO: My MBA Changed My Life as a Leader

What the UC Davis MBA taught me about trust, confidence and executive accountability

“The decision to pursue an MBA was not about changing careers. It was about strengthening my ability to lead,” says alumna Ashlee Cervantes Thomas, CEO of a leading security company. “It changed my life as a leader.”

Everyone Says Personal Branding Is About You. Everyone Is Wrong.
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Blog

Everyone Says Personal Branding Is About You. Everyone Is Wrong.

How I teach promotion-free personal branding at UC Davis—and why it’s the most important career skill in the age of AI

A leading expert and author on personal branding, lecturer and MBA alumna Vanessa Errecarte's advice in a nut shell: "Your potential audience is your customer. Teach them something of value, and they will trust and remember you."

Andi Casner MPAc 25
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Profile

Andi Casner MPAc 25

I chose UC Davis because I started my accounting journey here during my undergraduate studies. It only felt right to finish that journey at the Graduate School of Management!

Current Position

  • PwC Audit Associate

Previous Work Experience

  • AATC Writing Tutor, UC Davis
  • Graduate School of Management Teaching Assistant, UC Davis

Previous Education

  • Bachelor's in economics and minor in Accounting, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • I was a cheerleader for 13 years, including at UC Davis. 
  • In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. 
  • One of my favorite things to do in new places is to try local coffee shops.
The Startup Treadmill Is Broken for Deep-Tech Companies
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Blog

The Startup Treadmill Is Broken for Deep-Tech Companies

Why science-based startups need a different model

“That exit should have been ours.” MBA alumnus Tim Keller, founder of Gunrock Venture Studio, unpacks why deep-tech, science-based startups collapse—and makes the case for a faster, smarter venture studio model.

Tim Keller MBA 08
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Profile

Tim Keller MBA 08

I chose UC Davis because, as a winemaker, I wanted a business school with faculty focused specifically on the wine industry.

Current Position

  • Executive Director, Inventopia / Managing Partner, Gunrock Venture Studio

Previous Work Experience

  • CEO, VinPerfect

Previous Education

  • Viticulture & Enology, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • Living in Davis, I have logged more than 6,000 miles on a one-wheeled skateboard.
  • I enjoy learning new technical disciplines and am self-taught in CAD, CNC machining and industrial automation.
  • I am also a housing activist, co-founding PlanDavis to help the city expand affordable housing.
GSM Alumni Mixer @ East Bay
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Event

GSM Alumni Mixer @ East Bay

Join us for an evening of brews and great company!

Sponsored by the GSMAA Board, this event is the perfect way to connect and celebrate the spring season. Tickets are $25 and include heavy appetizers. Don’t miss this chance to unwind, catch up with

Brett Smith MBA 24
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Profile

Brett Smith MBA 24

UC Davis is a prestigious university with a top-notch Online MBA program.

Current Position

  • Regional Vice President, Hinge Health

Previous Work Experience

  • Regional Vice President, Sales, Oshi Health
  • Regional Vice Presdient, Sales, Teladoc Health
  • Associate Benefits Consultant, Health and Pension Consulting, Segal
  • Market Director, Sales, Vision Service Plan

Previous Education

  • Bachelor's in business administration, Cal Poly SLO

Fun Facts

  • I train martial arts as a hobby including Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
  • I recently relocated from Northern California to Boise, Idaho.
  • I have two kids.
Earning an MBA Without Pressing Pause on My Career
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Blog

Earning an MBA Without Pressing Pause on My Career

The power of employer tuition support

Working in healthcare benefits leadership, Brett Smith wondered if an MBA was worth it. The UC Davis Online MBA helped him build strategy, finance and leadership skills without leaving his job.

I Used to Stay Quiet in Meetings. Now I Lead Them.
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Blog

I Used to Stay Quiet in Meetings. Now I Lead Them.

An MBA journey from listening to leading and shaping strategy

From observing executives to leading a product launch at Costco, Full-Time MBA alumna Farah Shartaz reflects on the financial tradeoffs and leadership growth that shaped the real return on her MBA.

Farah Shartaz MBA 22
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Profile

Farah Shartaz MBA 22

Choosing UC Davis was one of the best decisions of my life. As a marketer passionate about food and CPG, I gained real-world exposure, strategic thinking and the confidence to lead, growing both professionally and personally.

Current Position

  • Associate Brand Manager, Laura Chenel | Marin French Cheese

Previous Work Experience

  • Marketing Specialist, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream
  • Marketing Product Coordinator, California Closets Inc.
  • Marketing Specialist, Safeway

Previous Education

  • BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Fun Facts

  • I love traveling and have visited 14 countries
Engineering in Germany to Business Leadership at UC Davis
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Blog

Engineering in Germany to Business Leadership at UC Davis

How the Master of Management built my global business perspective

From Germany to UC Davis, MM student Ahmad Karim Katta turned being the only international voice in class into a leadership advantage, building global perspective, community and confidence in the inaugural Master of Management cohort.

Ahmad Karim Katta MM 25
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Profile

Ahmad Karim Katta MM 25

I chose UC Davis for its vibrant student community and the opportunity to join an inaugural cohort on a world-class campus. Beyond academics, I explored diverse clubs, trained at the Equestrian Center, and leveraged its proximity to the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Current Position

  • Program Officer & Project Manager, Avicenna-Studienwerk

Previous Work Experience

  • Product Manager & Senior Art Director, SailyGroup AG VC
  • Art Director, Serviceplan Group Middle East

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Engineering, Hochschule Düsseldorf (HSD) University of Applied Sciences

Fun Facts

  • I speak three languages fluently
My Journey to Become an AI Product Marketing Leader
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Blog

My Journey to Become an AI Product Marketing Leader

Practical product marketing workflows

Double Aggie alumna Elle Grossenbacher, a tech product marketing leader, returned to her alma mater to lead an exclusive AI webinar for fellow graduates and students, walking them through a mock product launch using AI tools.

Elle Grossenbacher MBA 17
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Profile

Elle Grossenbacher MBA 17

Working full time during a career turning point, I needed a flexible, high-quality MBA. UC Davis offered a top-ranked part-time program with the same curriculum, courses and experiences, plus a capstone, Leadership Fellowship and the Big Bang! competition.

Current Position

  • Founder and Host, Product Marketing Adventures Podcast

Previous Work Experience

  • Product Marketing Leader, Cisco
  • Principal Product Marketing Manager, Twilio
  • Market Strategy Consultant, Gartner

Previous Education

  • MBA, UC Davis
  • B.A. in psychology, UC Davis
  • B.A. in design, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • I went skydiving when I was 16-years-old. 
  • I'm a