Student Ambassador | UC Davis Graduate School of Management

Profile

Harshit Yadav MM 26

I chose UC Davis because the MM program felt built for someone exactly like me. As a recent graduate, I wanted to gain a strong foundation in management without waiting years to pursue an MBA. The nine-month structure stood out because it delivers core business and management coursework in a focused, practical way.

It also aligns well with my interest in working at the intersection of tech and management, where speed, adaptability and analytical thinking matter. UC Davis offered the right timing, structure and environment to help me transition confidently into the professional world.

Student

Vincent Peña MM 26

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Vincent Peña MM 26

I chose UC Davis for my master's program to hone the skills that I already have and gain new ones. I've been building a path in my life that is business and corporate oriented. This path could only be paved at Davis with such an amazing Graduate School of Management.

I went to UC Davis for my undergrad, and I know the community; it is safe, kind, helpful and understanding. I knew I would grow here; I knew it was a safe space.

Student Leadership and Experience

UC Davis GSM Associated Students of Management Director of Communications
Volunteer at Aggie House
UC Davis College of Letters and Science

Francis Ciruli MM 26

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Francis Ciruli MM 26

I chose UC Davis because it uniquely blends rigorous management education with real-world relevance in industries I care deeply about. Coming from a family rooted in agriculture and supply-chain operations, I was drawn to UC Davis’s strength in data-driven decision making, sustainability and applied leadership.

The Master of Management program offers the practical tools and collaborative environment I need to translate experience into effective leadership. UC Davis stood out as a place where I could sharpen my analytical skills, grow as a leader and prepare to make long-term impact in business

Yu Wang MBA 27

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Yu Wang MBA 27

I chose the UC Davis MBA because its collaborative and analytical learning environment aligns closely with my background in venture capital and cross-cultural work in China and Japan.

The program’s focus on data-driven decision-making and its strong connection to Northern California’s innovation ecosystem have already supported my growth in finance and leadership. UC Davis provides the community and structure that allow me to integrate my global experience and develop toward broader opportunities in business.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Master of

Sedella Jefferson MBA 27

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Sedella Jefferson MBA 27

I chose UC Davis for its strong reputation in collaboration and innovation, and for the flexibility of its program.

I’m drawn to a learning environment where professionals with diverse lived experiences come together to grow, challenge one another, and pursue meaningful change. UC Davis offers the supportive, forward-thinking community I want to be part of as I advance my education and career.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador
Member of the Net Impact & Consulting clubs

Previous Education

Bachelor of Arts, literature, University of Arkansas
Bachelor of Arts, world languages

Bryan Estrada MBA 27

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Bryan Estrada MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because of its groundbreaking innovations in healthcare, its diverse and inclusive student body, and renowned faculty.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Bachelor of Science in business administration, California State University, Fresno, Craig School of Business

Previous Work Experience

Child Life Coordinator, Valley Children's Healthcare
Human Resource Specialist, Valley Home Care

Fun Facts

I love art, fashion and horror movies.

Louis Overton MBA 28

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Louis Overton MBA 28

I chose UC Davis because its collaborative culture, strong healthcare network and innovative MBA curriculum align with my vision to lead change in nursing education and AI-driven patient care. The part-time program allows me to continue serving in the UC Davis Emergency Department while building the leadership skills needed to expand my family’s nursing program and launch a nurse consulting practice.

In addition, the Biotechnology Industry Immersion experience will deepen my understanding of emerging medical technologies, preparing me to guide companies and educators in developing solutions

Jeevan Johal MBA 27

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Jeevan Johal MBA 27

I chose UC Davis for their commitment to diversity, innovation and sustainability.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Bachelor of Science, biological sciences, University of California, Davis

Previous Work Experience

Technical Support Analyst, Student Affairs Resources, University of California, Davis

Fun Facts

I love to cook and bake.
I enjoy walking through the UC Davis Arboretum on rainy days.
I have a second-degree black belt in blended kenpo.

Martha Orozco Zaragoza MBA 27

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Martha Orozco Zaragoza MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because I work at UC Davis and I felt this would be a great way to meet and network with colleagues across different schools and units.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Bachelor of Science, business administration and finance, California State University, Sacramento

Previous Work Experience

Financial Service Analyst, Advancement/SVM Dean's Office, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Development Associate, Californians for Justice Inc.

Fun Facts

I have two dogs.
I've had three ACL surgeries.
I attended the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup final in

Ethan Lee MBA 27

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Ethan Lee MBA 27

I chose UC Davis for its strong sense of community and its challenging academic environment, both of which I believe will help me grow as a critical thinker and future leader in my fields.

Student Leadership and Experience

Business Peer Mentor at California State University, Fullerton

Previous Education

Bachelor of Arts, business administration with a concentration in finance, California State University, Fullerton

Previous Work Experience

Realtor & Loan Officer, Bestway Realty & Mortgage
Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Ambulance
Day Lead Drill Grounds Intern, Orange County Fire Authority

Fun

Brian O'Hart MBA 27

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Brian O'Hart MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because of the Biotechnology Industry Immersion program and to be close to my children.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Biotechnology Club

Previous Education

Bachelor of Arts, linguistics and East Asian languages and culture (Japanese), Indiana University
Two-year post-baccalaureate, pre-med, Centenary College of Louisiana

Previous Work Experience

Captain, B-52 Aviator and various officer roles, United States Air Force

Fun Fact

I have two toddlers.
I play guitar and sing.
I like outdoor sports, mostly pickleball, snowboarding and surfing.

Krishna Prasad Kompella MBA 27

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Krishna Prasad Kompella MBA 27

UC Davis ranks high for its industry immersion programs in food and agriculture, sustainable energy and biotechnology. It is one of the top schools in the University of California system, with faculty who come from leading programs around the world and bring significant professional experience.

The university’s location, just 1.5 hours from San Francisco, also provides the opportunity to network with professionals from major tech companies and emerging startups.

Student Leadership and Experience

President of the Graduate Consulting Club
Associate Vice President of Engagements at Associated

Kashaf Shahid MBA 27

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Kashaf Shahid MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because it truly aligns with my goals of advancing in finance while growing as a leader. I love the flexibility of the part-time MBA program; it lets me balance a full-time career and still apply what I learn directly to real-world challenges.

The Sacramento campus has such a welcoming and collaborative vibe, with people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. UC Davis embodies innovation, integrity and impact; these are the same values I strive to bring into my own career.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Bachelor of Business

Mia Hildebrand MPAc 26

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Mia Hildebrand MPAc 26

I chose UC Davis because it feels like home. The campus community is so welcoming, and there are endless opportunities to learn and grow. I did my undergrad here and had such a great experience with the people, professors and overall environment that I knew I wanted to stay. UC Davis has helped me grow both personally and academically, and I’m excited to keep building on that. I also love the cows.

Student Leadership and Experience

Prytanean Women's Honor Society
UC Davis Division I Softball

Previous Education

Bachelor of Science, managerial economics, University of California, Davis

Previous Work

Paul Fortun MBA 27

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Paul Fortun MBA 27

I chose UC Davis for its strong name recognition, collaborative community and great flexibility. Recommendations from friends also played a role in my decision, as I wanted to further my education and continue growing personally and professionally.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Bachelor's in Technical Management, DeVry University Folsom

Previous Work Experience

Production Engineer/Manager/Director, Glass Engine

Fun Facts

I take mini vacations to nearby sights.
I love gaming.
I love learning new hobbies and skills.

Melissa Sanchez Robinson MBA 28

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Melissa Sanchez Robinson MBA 28

As a first-generation daughter of immigrant farm workers, I believe UC Davis offers the ideal balance between professional development and a strong sense of community. I strive not only to succeed but to truly blossom, supported by an administration that demonstrates genuine care, compassion and leadership.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts, Chicano/a Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
Associate of Arts, Photography, Sacramento City College

Previous Work

Andrew Rozak MBA 27

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Andrew Rozak MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because of the cohort aspect of the experience. I wanted to challenge myself to complete a rigorous program but did not want to feel alone along the way. It is comforting knowing that I have a few dozen peers who will be with me on this journey for the next two and a half years.

I am also passionate about improving healthcare, and UC Davis gives me the opportunity to network with other healthcare professionals to expand my knowledge on the topic from different angles.

Student Leadership and Experience

Club Membership: Net Impact

Previous Education

Bachelor of Science, Business

Kayla deLeuze MBA 27

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Kayla deLeuze MBA 27

I chose UC Davis for the network in Northern California, the industry expertise in food and wine and the professional expertise of the faculty.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador

Previous Education

Bachelor of Science, Viticulture and Enology, Cornell University

Previous Work Experience

Compliance Manager and General Accountant, St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery

Fun Facts

I have run three half marathons this year.
I was born and raised in Napa, CA.
I love to do jigsaw puzzles.

Spencer Wetzel MBA 27

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Spencer Wetzel MBA 27

I chose UC Davis to take advantage of its STEM-based practical applications of business concepts and to build a strong local network.

I love that the cohort is large enough to get a variety of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, but small enough to get personalized interaction with peers and professors. I also appreciate that fellow GSM members are curious, motivated and supportive.

Student Leadership and Experience

GSM Student Ambassador Program

Previous Education

Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Linguistics and Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles

Previous Work

Chris Ngan MPAc 26

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Chris Ngan MPAc 26

I chose UC Davis because it was the opposite of UC Riverside, where I did my undergraduate studies. I wanted something fresh, and UC Davis provided that with its strong reputation and world-class faculty.

Student Leadership and Experience

Welcome Chair, UC Riverside Vietnamese Student Association
Co-founder and Secretary, UC Riverside Adventure Club
Tutor, UC Riverside University Writing Program

Previous Education

B.S. in business administration, UC Riverside

Previous Work Experience

IT Communications Intern, Seagate Technology
Head Writing Tutor, UC Riverside
Marketing Intern, Edge Branding Inc.