From Farming Roots to Big Four in The City: UC Davis MPAc Opens Doors
Eduardo Casarubias wearing a graduation robe
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From Farming Roots to Big Four in The City: UC Davis MPAc Opens Doors

First-gen alum builds career at EY in San Francisco

From first-gen student to senior associate at EY, Eduardo credits the UC Davis MPAc program for sharpening his skills, expanding his network and opening doors to Big Four success.

Alumni Video Spotlight: Caleb Cavazos MBA 15
Caleb Cavazos and two other alumni at the 2025 reunion
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Alumni Video Spotlight: Caleb Cavazos MBA 15

Digital Marketing Manager at Foley Family Wines & Spirits

Full-Time MBA alum Caleb Cavazos MBA 15 and digital marketing manager at Foley Family Wines & Spirits, shares how rubbing elbows with Napa’s leaders taught him that collaboration drives the industry’s future.

Alumni Video Spotlight: Howard Lo MBA 00
Howard Lo
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Alumni Video Spotlight: Howard Lo MBA 00

Vice President of Sales and Marketing at DataON

At the GSM Alumni Reunion, Howard Lo MBA 00, vice president of sales and marketing at DataON, shares how 25 years of networking, leadership and community building have shaped his professional journey.

How My UC Davis MBA Prepared Me to Compete on "Survivor"
Kevin Leung in front of a banner that reads Survivor
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How My UC Davis MBA Prepared Me to Compete on "Survivor"

Business school strategy and leadership skills helped me survive reality TV

What’s it like competing on reality TV? Bay Area Part-Time MBA alum Kevin Leung put his UC Davis experience into play by creating strategic alliances, building trust and staying focused as a contestant on "Survivor" Season 48 in Fiji.

5 Ways UC Davis Set Me Up for Success at Big Four Firm PwC
Diana Tran wearing a graduation stole
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5 Ways UC Davis Set Me Up for Success at Big Four Firm PwC

MPAc alumna shares advice for prospective students

MPAc alumna Diana Tran shares five ways the UC Davis MPAc program prepared her for success as an audit associate at PwC, from communication and teamwork to finding real balance.

Meet Our 2025 Commencement Student Speakers
commencement speakers
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Meet Our 2025 Commencement Student Speakers

Graduates reflect on growth, challenge and what comes next

Three graduates from the UC Davis Graduate School of Management will take the stage this Commencement Day to share their inspirations, experiences, and journeys with their fellow graduates, families, and friends.

Stephanie Zarate Named Alumni Association's 2025 Rising Star
Stephanie Zarate, UC Davis MBA alumna
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Stephanie Zarate Named Alumni Association's 2025 Rising Star

Sacramento-based media finance executive rises through the ranks

MBA alumna Stephanie Zarate, chief accounting officer and treasurer for McClatchy Media, is the recipient of the Graduate School of Management's Alumni Association 2025 Rising Star Award, recognizing her rapid rise as a financial executive at the 168-year-old media conglomerate. 

My MBA Journey Empowering Rural Healthcare Access
Kristy Bird MaKieve MBA 15
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My MBA Journey Empowering Rural Healthcare Access

Recognized with GSM Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award

The GSM Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Awardee Kristy Bird MaKieve blogs about putting her MBA skills to work revolutionizing rural healthcare access and education in Northern California.

From Mongolia to Wall Street: My First-Gen MBA Journey
Sodo Nerguidavaa MBA 22 at BNY on Wall Street
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From Mongolia to Wall Street: My First-Gen MBA Journey

Full-Time MBA alum Sodontuya Nerguidavaa’s journey as an international student from Mongolia to Wall Street seemed improbable—until the UC Davis community of fellow students, faculty, mentors and alumni helped her achieve her goals and land as a vice president at BNY in New York.

Changemaker Shaping Pathways for Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Maikhou Thao
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Changemaker Shaping Pathways for Asian American and Pacific Islanders

MBA empowers me to honor my Hmong heritage and create social impact

As the daughter of Hmong refugees who fled the Vietnam War to the U.S., Maikhou Thao embraces the opportunity to strengthen her cultural leadership and representation. At UC Davis, she is building the skills and network to drive meaningful change and empower future leaders.

The Power of Paying It Forward with Mentorship
Shaneil McKenzie-Guyher at a podium, reading off a laptop
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The Power of Paying It Forward with Mentorship

Plus, my three tips to help you succeed in corporate accounting

First-gen college student and MPAc alumna Shaneil McKenzie-Guyher shares how UC Davis' culture and curriculum helped her transition to the corporate world, empowering her to give back by mentoring young professionals.

Biz Quiz: Where Business Knowledge Meets Competitive Spirit
UC Davis
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Biz Quiz: Where Business Knowledge Meets Competitive Spirit

"The ceiling of where this can go is incredible."

UC Davis and Financial Times' Biz Quiz brings together student teams from California to New York for an intense, nationwide competition. Teams battle in buzzer-style rounds, showcasing business knowledge and national recognition.

Stepping Up at Metro EDGE’s Emerge Summit Shaped My Path as a First-Gen MBA Alumna
Leticia Garay standing with Alex Svensson and two guests from her panel
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Stepping Up at Metro EDGE’s Emerge Summit Shaped My Path as a First-Gen MBA Alumna

Leading conversations on motherhood, mental health and mentoring

From bookworm to keynote speaker, recent graduate Leticia V. Garay reveals how the Metro EDGE: Emerge Summit shaped her journey as a first-generation MBA alumna. As a third-time speaker at the annual event, she reflects on overcoming fears, embracing growth, and finding her voice in leadership.

MPAc Alumna Prepares for Future at PwC
Diana Tran wearing a graduation stole, standing in front of Gallagher Hall
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MPAc Alumna Prepares for Future at PwC

Diana Tran earned a major scholarship and Big 4 job offer before MPAc started

Alumna Diana Tran highlights how the MPAc program enhanced her technical skills, including data analytics, and interpersonal skills, such as presentations and teamwork, effectively preparing her for her role at PwC.

MPAc to CPA Excellence at a Big 4
Bruce Ye MPAc 23
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MPAc to CPA Excellence at a Big 4

Deloitte sets the foundation for professional growth and career success

Bruce Ye MPAc 23 reflects on his journey from financial associate to CPA achiever at Deloitte, leveraging UC Davis' MPAc program to excel in auditing and career growth.

UC Davis Health Appoints Systemwide Chief Operating Officer
exterior shot of UC Davis Medical Center
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UC Davis Health Appoints Systemwide Chief Operating Officer

Alum Michael Condrin MBA 02 joins executive leadership team at UC Davis Health

Source: Sacramento Business Journal

Sacramento Part-Time MBA alumnus Michael Condrin has been named system chief operating officer and chief administrator of UC Davis Medical Center, overseeing strategy across UC Davis Health’s clinical division.

Jesse Pataria Honored among Poets&Quants 2024 Best & Brightest Online MBAs
headshot of Jesse Pataria
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Jesse Pataria Honored among Poets&Quants 2024 Best & Brightest Online MBAs

Source: Poets&Quants

Recent Online MBA graduate Jesse Pataria has been recognized among Poets&Quants' 2024 Best & Brightest Online MBAs. Pataria says he chose UC Davis to enhance his leadership skills, improve workplace efficiency and foster strong networks.

HappyFeed Wins Food and Ag Category at Big Bang! Business Competition
Galih Setiawan holding up check
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HappyFeed Wins Food and Ag Category at Big Bang! Business Competition

Building community and sustainable change through social cause and entrepreneurship

Galih Setiawan MBA 24, co-founder of HappyFeed, reflects on his journey as a first-gen student transitioning from corporate life to winning the Food and Ag category in the Big Bang! Business Competition, and how UC Davis GSM nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit.

Alumni Video Spotlight: Meg Lee MBA 22
Meg Lee MBA 22 video thumbnail
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Alumni Video Spotlight: Meg Lee MBA 22

Finance Manager at E. & J. Gallo Winery

Alum Meg Lee shares how skills from her Sacramento Part-Time MBA propel her wine industry career and offers insights on Gen-Z, the changing workforce, and the rise of non-alcoholic consumption.