Melissa Sanchez Robinson MBA 28
Melissa Sanchez Robinson
Profile

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
Andrew Rozak
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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
Kayla deLeuze
Profile

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
Spencer Wetzel
Profile

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

Dalena Huynh MBA 26
Dalena Huynh
Profile

Dalena Huynh MBA 26

I chose UC Davis because of the location and the classes that were offered.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • President of the Veterans Club

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Science, oceanography, University of Washington

Previous Work Experience

  • HR intern, Holland America Line
  • Policy intern, Everyday Impact Consulting
  • Marine science technician, incident management division, United States Coast Guard

Fun Fact

  • I love food and I am possibly a super taster.
  • I enjoy playing all kinds of sports. Rock climbing is my current focus.
  • I am passionate about helping others and the
Wafa Alkhatib MBA 26
Wafa Alkhatib
Profile

Wafa Alkhatib MBA 26

I chose UC Davis for its prestigious reputation as one of California’s leading universities, known for research, innovation and excellence. The program’s flexibility allows me to balance my journey as a mother with advancing my academic and professional goals.

Its focus on leadership, collaboration and academic excellence aligns with my vision for growth, and I am already seeing positive impact in my career. UC Davis provides an environment that challenges me to grow, encourages innovation and critical thinking, and inspires me through a supportive community. For me, it is a transformative

Jason Bartus MBA 26
Jason Bartus
Profile

Jason Bartus MBA 26

I chose UC Davis because it offers a top-20–ranked Part-Time MBA program with STEM-focused courses, and the price tag was much more affordable than that of some other universities local to the Bay Area. I also had friends who graduated from the program, and they all had positive experiences.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • GSM Student Association, President

Previous Education

  • Bachelor's of Arts, Communications, California State University, Chico

Previous Work Experience

  • Senior account manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Business development executive, Microdesk (now Symetri
Celine Rodriguez MBA 26
Celine Rodriguez
Profile

Celine Rodriguez MBA 26

I chose UC Davis because of how inclusive and supportive everyone is. The strong sense of community and teamwork made it the perfect choice for me, and having done my undergrad here, it feels great to be back this time in the MBA program!

Professional Experience

  • Revenue Coordinator, Finance, Kirkland & Ellis
  • Client Account Specialist, Finance & Accounting, Cooley LLP

Student Leadership and Experience

  • UC Davis GSM Bay Area Student Ambassador

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Managerial Economics, University of California, Davis
  • Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, University of
Krystal Scruggs MBA 27
Krystal Scruggs
Profile

Krystal Scruggs MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because I knew I would have the opportunity to surround myself with an extremely diverse professional environment, both in what the school has to offer and who would be my fellow cohort members. This program has provided me the flexibility to work while attending my MBA courses, and it has also provided many opportunities for me to thrive professionally and personally.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • GSM Student Ambassador
  • Richard and Joy Dorf Fellowship Recipient
  • African American Faculty & Staff Association (Davis Campus) executive board member

Previous Education

Robin Svensson MBA 27
Robin Svensson
Profile

Robin Svensson MBA 27

I chose the UC Davis MBA program because they provide high quality education, community and networking opportunities.
The part time program is a flexible solution that lets me work full time while studying.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Student Ambassador

Previous Education

  • Civil Engineering with specialization in Architectural Design, Jönköping University, Sweden

Previous Work Experience

  • BIM Manager, Clark Pacific

Fun Facts

  • I bake bread.
  • I am a collector of pocket squares and antiques.
  • I'm an Excel nerd.
Shulin Madrid MBA 26
Shulin Madrid
Profile

Shulin Madrid MBA 26

I chose UC Davis because of how the university values building a supportive community.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Bay Area Part-Time MBA Ambassador

Previous Education

  • Bachelors, Management, Loyola Marymount University

Previous Work Experience

  • Recreation Lead, City of Dublin & City of Mountain House

Fun Facts

  • Both my first and last name are names of cities.
  • I have 2 cats I adopted from a cat cafe.
Yared Wolde-Mariam MBA 26
Yared Wolde-Mariam
Profile

Yared Wolde-Mariam MBA 26

I chose UC Davis because of its extensive alumni network throughout California, the quality of its academics and its culture of collaboration. I was also sold on the flexibility of the part-time MBA program.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Bay Area Part-Time MBA Ambassador

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, UC Santa Barbara

Fun Facts

  • I once drank a beer on a couch with the previous president of Ethiopia.
  • I worked at 5 tech startups in Santa Barbara over a 10 year span.
  • I love attending metal shows.
Samiksha Nehra MBA 26
Samiksha Nehra
Profile

Samiksha Nehra MBA 26

I chose UC Davis for its highly regarded part-time MBA program, which combines academic excellence with flexibility, making it ideal for working professionals. The program’s emphasis on innovation, collaboration and leadership development aligns closely with my career goals.

Its location near Silicon Valley provides valuable access to industry leaders and networking opportunities. Additionally, the program’s diverse cohort and experienced faculty offer a dynamic learning environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. UC Davis stood out as the perfect place to refine my

Eddie Ramirez MBA 26
Eddie Ramirez
Profile

Eddie Ramirez MBA 26

I chose UC Davis because of the industry connections and real-world experiences the GSM has to offer through various courses and programs. As someone who is new to the area, I was excited to see that UC Davis also offers great opportunities to become involved with the local Sacramento community.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • GSM Student Association: First-year Cohort Liaison
  • GSM MBA Student Ambassador
  • GSM Healthcare Council

Previous Education

  • Master of Public Policy, Public Policy, University of California, Riverside
  • Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, University of California
Amanda Meyer MBA 27
Amanda Meyer
Profile

Amanda Meyer MBA 27

I chose UC Davis because of the networking opportunities, collaborative campus culture, and strong support for academic and professional growth.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • GSM Student Ambassador
  • Women in Leadership Scholarship

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Business Management, University of Phoenix

Previous Work Experience

  • Senior Executive Analyst, Undergraduate Education, UC Davis
  • Director of Advancement, Faith Christian Schools
  • Operations Manager, Head Start Programs, E Center

Fun Facts

  • I have done tandem skydiving! And loved it!
  • I enjoy nature and
Siew Yee Lee-Alix MBA 27
Siew Yee Lee-Alix
Profile

Siew Yee Lee-Alix MBA 27

I was seeking a well-regarded school that provides an in-person learning experience, and the UC Davis part-time Sacramento MBA program perfectly meets those criteria.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Women in Leadership Scholarship recipient

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Suma Cum Laude, Public Relations, West Virginia University

Previous Work Experience

  • Director, Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), California Capital FDC

Fun Facts

  • I hiked Half Dome 2 1/2 times.
  • I am obsessed with closing my "exercise ring" every day.
Taylor Phan MBA 26
Taylor Phan
Profile

Taylor Phan MBA 26

I chose UC Davis for my MBA because it aligns perfectly with my aspirations to grow as a leader who balances risk and strategy while empowering others. The Graduate School of Management’s emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning resonates deeply with my career goals of excelling in product management and evolving into a versatile leader.

Courses in product development, competitive strategy, and analytics will sharpen my technical and strategic expertise. Additionally, the school’s culture of inclusivity and mentorship mirrors my long-term vision of fostering a supportive

Grant Scruggs MBA 26
Grant Scruggs
Profile

Grant Scruggs MBA 26

UC Davis offers an extensive professional network, connections to the Sacramento community, and a range of educational programs that are well suited for my future career development. In particular, the Sustainable Energy Immersion and Integrated Management programs offer great opportunities for professional growth.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Net Impact Club
  • Product Management Club

Previous Education

  • BS, Biology, Environmental Studies, UC Santa Barbara

Previous Work Experience

  • Senior Sustainability Coordinator, Atlas Disposal

Fun Facts

  • I love the outdoors! Hiking
Julissa de Gonzalez MBA 25
Julissa de Gonzalez
Profile

Julissa de Gonzalez MBA 25

I chose UC Davis due to the diversity of its faculty, students and alumni, the flexibility of the hybrid program, and the various opportunities to study abroad.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • UC Davis MBA Student Ambassador
  • GSMSA member
  • Student Representative, Faculty Diversity Committee

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, UC Davis

Previous Work Experience

  • Deputy Director of Legislation and External Affairs, Office of Tax Appeals

Fun Facts

  • I love to travel and I have had the opportunity to visit over a dozen countries.
  • I enjoy reading historical
Gabriel Fernandez MPAc 25
Gabriel Fernandez
Profile

Gabriel Fernandez MPAc 25

I chose UC Davis’ MPAc program for the people, faculty, and small cohort size. UC Davis’ prime location near San Francisco, Sacramento, and Silicon Valley provides exceptional networking and career opportunities, making it the ideal program to achieve my professional goals.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Bruin Accounting Society

Previous Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles

Previous Work Experience

  • Teaching Assistant, Accounting Minor, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • I was born in Cartagena, Colombia!