Graduate Student Ambassadors
AGSM Graduate Student Ambassadors
AGSM Graduate Student Ambassadors are a select group of business student leaders dedicated to serving and representing the graduate business programs at UCR. Ambassadors assist the school as hosts for official events, work with school staff and faculty on projects and recruiting, and act as guides for prospective students.
Being a Student Ambassador gives you greater exposure to professional networks, puts you in front of leaders in the community and builds your leadership portfolio.
Get first-hand knowledge of student life and academics by contacting a graduate student ambassador.
Graduate Ambassador Leadership Team
Alan Cortez Gurrola
Co-Chief
MBA | Mexico
acort160@ucr.edu
Alan Cortez Gurrola is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in business analytics, and as an AGSM student ambassador, he looks forward to making connections across industries. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from La Sierra University, where he worked as assistant director of Career Services focusing on employer relations and internships. He currently serves on AGSM’s Student Association Marketing Committee and assists with marketing projects for a startup. Ultimately, he is interested in consultant roles in business analysis and development applying his skills in analyzing key metrics and strategic advising.
Sandy Reyes-Moran
Co-Chief
MBA | U.S.
sreye085@ucr.edu
As a co-chief ambassador, Sandy Reyes-Moran advocated for the underprivileged, both within the UC system and the Riverside community, while earning a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in management at UCR. During that time, Sandy conducted research within the Honors Program and supported other honors students, CollegeCorps fellows, and K-12 students in the Riverside Unified School District. She was recognized as an outstanding leader for her service as a University Honors ambassador and the inaugural ambassador to the California Volunteers’ CollegeCorps. As a co-chief, she continues to support student success and is a voice for AB 540 Dreamers like herself.
Jack Clarke
Vice Chief
PMBA | U.S.
jclar040@ucr.edu
Jack Clarke III is an MBA candidate concentrating in finance. A native of Riverside, Jack earned dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and legal studies at UC Santa Cruz before working in operations management at the university, which inspired him to pursue an MBA. As vice chief ambassador, Jack connects with future leaders and increases access to wealth for communities in the Inland Empire through careers in institutional investments, with a focus on asset management, private equity, and venture capital.
German Partida
Vice Chief
PMBA | U.S.
gpart006@ucr.edu
MBA candidate German Partida serves as vice chief of outreach for the ambassador program, and earned his B.S. in business administration at UCR. As an undergraduate, he represented the School of Business at the Collegiate Leadership Competition in Ohio, earning the team a fourth-place finish for their inaugural participation. As vice chief of outreach, German feels it is important for him to give back to this community and support student success.
Aleksandr Smolin
Vice Chief
PMBA | Russia
asmol001@ucr.edu
Aleksandr Smolin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2022 and was a computer science instructor. He decided to pivot to business so that he can more effectively impact the outcomes of the projects he’s working on. As an AGSM student, he aims to learn more about the different aspects of business and management while concentrating in finance.
Hau Luu
Director of Marketing
PMBA | Vietnam
hluu029@ucr.edu
Hau Luu earned his undergraduate degree at Cal State San Bernardino in business administration with a concentration in finance and international business, and he continues his studies at UCR in the Professional MBA program with a concentration in finance. Hau is most interested in financial banking, and he’s planning a career as a private banker or consultant. As an AGSM student ambassador, he is active in the campus community and helps others establish meaningful connections.
Elena Li
Director of Mentorship
MPAc | China
hli421@ucr.edu
After completing the Master of Business Preparation Program at UC Riverside, Elena (Hanfang) Li embarked on a new journey by joining AGSM’s Master of Professional Accountancy program. She previously worked as an accountant with a biotech company in China, where she gained valuable hands-on experience and deepened her understanding of the accounting field. Elena enjoys connecting with different people, listening and talking to them.
Anshu Chiplunkar
Director of Data
MSBA | U.S.
achip002@ucr.edu
Anshuman Chiplunkar is in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program and has a background in juvenile justice and adolescent psychology research. He is looking to expand his horizons by learning about sophisticated analytical techniques for business incorporating machine learning models and artificial intelligence to make better business decisions in the health care field.
Janet Maringka
Director of Outreach
MFIN | U.S./Taiwan
jmari025@ucr.edu
Janet Maringka graduated from UCR with a double major in economics/administrative studies and political science/international affairs. While at UCR, she contributed to Education Abroad’s marketing and outreach and served as an honors ambassador. After graduating, she entered the workforce and developed a strong interest in finance, leading her to pursue an Master of Finance at her alma mater. With skills in mentorship, communication, and cross-functional collaboration, she’s a knowledgeable and approachable resource for students exploring the finance program or graduate programs in general.
Graduate Ambassadors
MBA & Professional MBA Ambassadors
Vanessa Alamillo-Torres
PMBA | U.S.
valam003@ucr.edu
Vanessa Alamillo-Torres is continuing her education at UCR—she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in psychology—and is pursuing a Professional MBA with a concentration in information systems to further her knowledge of working with data and databases. She is planning a career in data analytics within the tech industry or government. As an AGSM student ambassador, she helps other students and is enhancing her professional experience and connections.
Connor Donald
MBA | U.S.
cdona005@ucr.edu
After completing a bachelor’s degree in finance at UCR, Connor Donald returned to his alma mater to pursue an MBA. He sees this course of study as a gateway to a career managing corporate finance decisions. As an AGSM student ambassador, Connor makes all students feel welcome and included and ensures everyone has the chance to hear about the varied opportunities at UCR.
Veronica Fu
MBA | China
yfu088@ucr.edu
Yingchao ( Veronica) Fu worked for more than 10 years in automotive research and development and vehicle program management in China followed by a position as senior manager of a 17-member team at NIO smart electric car company. During her career, she was drawn to the idea of creating an environmentally friendly and convenient product. She decided that an MBA degree was the best first step toward this goal—she also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Tongji University in China. Yingchao is a member of the AGSM Student Association and serves as a graduate student ambassador, which allows her to help other students.
Cesar Gonzales-Madrigal
PMBA | U.S.
cgonz067@ucr.edu
Cesar Gonzales-Madrigal is a first-generation college graduate, having earned his degree in psychology at UCR. During a two-year tenure in the nonprofit sector, he assisted in database management and donor research and developed a newfound interest in data-driven decision-making, which led him to pursue an MBA with a focus on business analytics. His diverse background and commitment to leveraging data for business success makes him a dedicated AGSM student ambassador eager to share his business experience while inspiring others to pursue their unique paths to success in higher education and beyond.
Ayush Mahesh Holani
PMBA | India
ahola003@ucr.edu
Ayush Holani is a Professional MBA student specializing in finance, and he earned an undergraduate degree in business administration. As an international student, Ayush shares both his background and experience from two internships in marketing and financial analysis at startup company. He makes it a point to build connections with other students and foster cross-cultural understanding as an AGSM student ambassador. Ayush is planning a career as a financial analyst, and he’s enthusiastic about the prospect of making finance relatable and impactful.
Sohaib Khan
PMBA | U.S.
skhan147@ucr.edu
Having held positions in all aspects of business—including management, sales, and data analytics—Sohaib Khan looks toward a career as an analyst in the tech industry and is building upon his management and leadership skills. Currently a Professional MBA student, he also earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UCR.
Pete Navarro
MBA | U.S.
pnava007@ucr.edu
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management at UCR, Pete Navarro is now earning an MBA and exploring the field of product management. He strives to bring transformational leadership to the student body, faculty, and community by encouraging innovation and growth while building upon UCR’s principles of diversity and inclusion.
Tini Nguyen
MBA | Vietnam
vnguy431@ucr.edu
As an international student, Tini Anh Nguyen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from San Diego State University and then returned to her home country, Vietnam, to work as a financial consultant. This experience sparked her interest in management, a field she had always been interested in but hadn’t had the chance to explore. Now working towards an MBA degree and serving as vice chief ambassador, Tini’s goals include building connections with fellow students, offering support as a reliable friend, and actively seeking professional opportunities to become a project manager.
Nia Pascual
MBA | U.S.
npasc004@ucr.edu
With plans to work in the music industry, MBA student Nia Pascual is continuing her master’s education with a focus on marketing at UCR. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management at the School of Business along with a minor in psychology. As an AGSM student ambassador, Nia is part of the supportive community at UCR, where she has made long-lasting connections on campus and beyond.
Melanie Pineda
PMBA | U.S.
mpine017@ucr.edu
Passionate about financial literacy and business, Melanie Pineda is preparing for a career as a financial analyst. She is pursuing an MBA at UCR, where she earned a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in finance. As an AGSM student ambassador, Melanie is making genuine connections with others and “giving back.”
Shan Ramasubramanian
PMBA | India
srama043@ucr.edu
Shan Ramasubramanian boasts four years of professional experience in AI and ML. He began his career at Amazon and then was founding ML engineer at Zocket specializing in advertising technology. Currently pursuing his MBA, Shan is working toward a career as an AI product manager. He previously served as the city fundraising manager at Making A Difference Foundation. As an AGSM student ambassador, he’s looking forward to bridging the realms of academia and industry.
Emil Shirokikh
PMBA | Germany
eshir010@ucr.edu
After earning his mathematics degree at the University of Stuttgart, Emil Shirokikh began his professional career as a project manager at a well-known life insurance company in Germany. Later, he made a strategic shift to Capgemini, where he thrived in roles as a business analyst and eventually as an IT consultant. He is earning an MBA to support his goal to establish his own company, Belto.
Ishita Singhal
MBA | India
ising036@ucr.edu
After establishing an academic foundation in branding and marketing with her bachelor’s in mass communication, Ishita Singhal acquired experience at organizations like Deloitte, the World Wildlife Fund, and Teach for India. She plans to make social responsibility a part of an organization’s DNA to drive societal and environmental change. Pursuing an MBA will accelerate her career and help her harness the trifecta of brand reach, marketing, and social responsibility to grow the good in businesses. As an AGSM student ambassador, she hopes to gain global perspectives while connecting with her diverse cohort at UCR.
Alexis Silva
MBA | U.S.
asilv030@ucr.edu
Alexis Silva earned a bachelor’s degree in history and has accumulated six years of experience as a brand ambassador, partnering with multiple agencies since 2018. She has a talent for creating genuine connections between brands and people. Now, she brings this experience to her AGSM ambassador role, where she assists in crafting memorable experiences that resonate.
Crisalca Campos
PMBA | U.S.
ccamp088@ucr.edu
After completing her UCR bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management, Crisalca Campos is furthering her education by pursuing a Professional MBA and concentrating in marketing. She aims to build a career in marketing management within the sports industry. As an AGSM student ambassador, Crisalca fosters an environment where students learn, grow, and develop their professional skills while building meaningful connections.
Ishwari Bhalerao
MBA | India
ibhal002@ucr.edu
Passionate about connecting people and driving impactful change, Ishwari Bhalerao is pursuing an MBA specializing in marketing. Her MBA journey integrates creativity, strategic vision, and a global mindset to shape the future of marketing. With a background in business analysis and leadership as operations executive for the Women in Business student organization, she combines analytical thinking with innovative strategies. As an AGSM student ambassador, Ishwari is committed to fostering a vibrant, supportive community while representing UCR’s values.
Justin Berkmor
MBA | U.S
jberk014@ucr.edu
Justin Berkmor completed his undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in business analytics at UCR in 2023 and decided to press on to his MBA soon thereafter. He has more than 20 years of hands-on business experience, and coupled with his academic accomplishments, he leverages his talents to support AGSM and his colleagues to achieve their goals.
Kalayah Wilson
MBA | U.S
kwils023@ucr.edu
Kalayah Wilson earned bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCR. After gaining valuable experience as a college advisor, she returned to UCR to pursue an MBA with a concentration in management. Her leadership background and commitment to professional growth have inspired her to pivot into brand or product management, where she aims to bring a strategic approach to brand development and innovation.
Kinshuk Agarwal
MBA | India
kagar020@ucr.edu
Kinshuk Agarwal has more than a year of experience in the tech industry, with a background in computer science engineering, focusing on the intersection of technology and business strategy. He is currently pursuing a Professional MBA at UCR and, as an AGSM student ambassador, he actively participates in leadership roles, enhancing his engagement with the student community and supporting peer development. Passionate about emerging tech, Kinshuk is actively preparing for a career in product management and innovative solutions that drive transformation across industries.
Kristina Ayrapetyan
MBA | U.S.
kayra001@ucr.edu
Kristina Ayrapetyan is a first-generation student and completed her bachelor’s in business marketing. She is pursuing her MBA with a concentration in marketing in hopes of helping others through the power of media.
Luis Fajardo
MBA | U.S.
lfaja006@ucr.edu
As a first-generation college graduate and U.S. Army veteran, Luis Fajardo is pursuing an MBA concentrating in management. With a Bachelor of Science in management and extensive experience in real estate as both a realtor and loan officer, he has honed leadership and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. His focus is to further develop as a leader and to share his experiences with others, particularly future students, to inspire and empower them to reach their full potential. His aim is to deepen his expertise in management and contribute to shaping the next generation of leaders in business.
Mauricio Vega
PMBA | U.S.
mvega075@ucr.edu
Mauricio Vega is pursuing a Professional MBA and earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at California Baptist University. Mauricio’s goal is to work in human resources or DEI to ensure and implement a diverse work environment. With a passion for film and music, Mauricio plans to work in the entertainment industry. As an ambassador, he hopes to maintain long-lasting connections and friendships.
Michael Crespin
MBA | U.S.
mcres007@ucr.edu
Michael Crespin retired from the military and his job with the state of California in 2020 and then earned an undergraduate business degree concentrating in management at UCR in 2024. He is currently studying for an MBA with a focus on management with his sights set on future positions in human resources or management.
Moises Ramos
MBA | U.S.
mramo080@ucr.edu
Moises Ramos is a UCR graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a current MBA student pursuing a dual concentration in finance and management. He hopes to pursue a career in private equity to take on portfolio management. Moises is a director for the UCR AGSM Student Association and aspires to lead by character: He is a student leader driven by curiosity across various business disciplines and embodies the grit to break barriers.
Noah Mitchell
PMBA | U.S.
nmitc011@ucr.edu
Noah Mitchell recently earned a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in management from UCR. Now pursuing a Professional MBA, Noah is dedicated to advancing his career in the human resources field and growing his skill set with a particular interest in talent development, organizational culture, and strategic workforce planning. As an AGSM ambassador, he engages with the community, builds meaningful connections, and shares his experiences with prospective students and partners, while contributing to the extensive AGSM network.
Pary Townson
MBA | U.S.
pary.townson@email.ucr.edu
After working for a few years in the commercial real estate industry and K-12 education, Pary Townson decided to attend the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management to help prepare himself for a career shift into health care administration. To help achieve this goal, Pary is pursing an MBA with a concentration in management with hopes of working in operations at a children’s hospital. Pary earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at UCLA.
Shivani Kalvade
MBA | India
skalv003@ucr.edu
Shivani Kalvade has more than five years of experience in technical sales and solution consulting. She has successfully partnered with Fortune 500 companies and startups across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region to drive operational efficiency and scalability through technology. Currently pursuing her MBA, Shivani is building on her business acumen to complement her practical experience. She is passionate about business growth and solving complex business challenges and plans to work in management consulting.
Surbhi Kwatra
MBA | India
skwat001@ucr.edu
Surbhi Kwatra is pursuing a full-time MBA with an emphasis in business analytics and strategy. For three years, she worked with Accenture in product development’s recruitment and staffing space as a business analyst. With a strong humanitarian interest, her diverse experiences include serving as a board member with organizations such as Rotary International and volunteering with Art of Living, where she is dedicated to community service and the sustainable development of society. She is passionate about student life, and as an AGSM student ambassador, she serves as an authentic voice and guide for prospective students.
Tsubasa Takakida
MBA | Japan
ttaka017@ucr.edu
Tsubasa Takakida has years of experience in Japan’s higher education sector at Tokyo Denki University, where he served as an assistant manager across various departments. Throughout his career, he has led numerous projects and events aimed primarily at students and other stakeholders. As a project leader, he incorporated diverse perspectives to foster intensive discussions, refining and enhancing each project and event to its conclusion. To further develop his project management expertise, he chose to pursue an MBA at UCR as part of his career advancement.
Master of Finance Ambassadors
Shivani Narayanan
MFin | India
snara057@ucr.edu
Shivani Narayanan is a finance professional with five years of experience in the fields of finance, accounting, auditing, and tax across India and Australia. Having honed her skills in two diverse markets, she is now planning to broaden her horizons in the U.S. financial market by pursuing her master’s in finance. As an AGSM student ambassador, she is dedicated to sharing her wealth of experience with incoming students to help them make a smooth transition into the university.
Fiza Azad
MFin | U.S
fazad003@ucr.edu
Fiza Azad is pursuing a Master of Finance with a focus on investments at UCR’s AGSM. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in business administration at UCR and developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, strategic decision making, and investment principles. With a passion for the financial markets, Fiza is dedicated to refining her expertise in investment strategies, portfolio management, and market analysis to drive impactful financial decisions.
Simran Handa
MFin | India
shand016@ucr.edu
Simran Handa earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in India and an MBA in international business in Australia. With three years of experience working as a prospective student advisor in higher education in Australia, she gained valuable insights into the power of education in shaping careers. Now studying for a Master of Finance, Simran is focused on building a strong foundation in finance to contribute to the U.S. financial sector, where she aims to leverage her technical background to drive strategic decision making and innovation. As a graduate student ambassador, she connects with prospective students, shares her journey, and highlights the opportunities UCR offers for those looking to make a meaningful impact in finance.
Udayan Sathe
MFin | India
usath002@ucr.edu
Udayan Sathe earned a bachelor’s in accounting and finance and a master’s in accounting. He has nearly three years of experience as a senior financial analyst specializing in fixed income securities. Udayan chose to pursue a Master of Finance to further develop his expertise in finance and prepare for a career in investment banking, corporate finance, or mergers and acquisitions. As an ambassador, he builds meaningful connections to support his professional growth while actively contributing to the school’s community and fostering a supportive environment for current and prospective students.
Master of Professional Accountancy Ambassadors
Cierra Daniels
MPAc | U.S.
cdani022@ucr.edu
First-generation student Cierra Daniels earned a bachelor’s degree in management and business economics at UC Merced, and continues her education at UCR in the Master of Professional Accountancy program with plans for a career as an auditor. As an undergraduate, she served in the first California College Corps cohort, which sparked her interest in working with nonprofit organizations and underserved individuals. Once completing her master’s, she’ll sit for the CPA exam and will be the first in her family to earn a CPA license.
Cecilia Figueroa
MPAc | U.S.
cfigu008@ucr.edu
Cecilia Figueroa is a first-generation college graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and administrative studies with a concentration in business and society and a minor in finance. After graduating, she worked at a small accounting firm, where she discovered a passion for tax. With the goal of obtaining her CPA license, Cecilia is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Accountancy and aspires to one day own her own CPA firm. As an ambassador, Cecilia builds strong relationships with her peers while representing the School of Business.
Daniel Mosqueda
MPAc | U.S.
dmosq003@ucr.edu
Daniel Mosqueda is pursuing a Master of Professional Accountancy and serves as an AGSM ambassador building connections across business industries. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and auditing from UCR and is preparing for the CPA exam to deepen his expertise. His ultimate goal is to gain experience in public accounting with a focus on the tax sector.
Dennis Lam
MPAc | U.S.
dlam055@ucr.edu
Dennis Lam graduated from UCR in 2023 with a bachelor’s in business administration concentrating in accounting and auditing. He has experience as an accounts payable clerk and real estate assistant developing skills in financial reconciliation, documentation, and client relations. Currently pursuing a Master of Professional Accountancy, Dennis plans to earn his CPA and deepen his expertise in accounting and finance.
Eva Liu
MPAc | China
yliu1062@ucr.edu
Eva Liu is a first-year Master of Professional Accountancy student and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA. She has completed six out of 13 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams and is currently working toward obtaining her CPA qualification. She also serves as a legal assistant at a Chinese law firm and enjoys sharing the joys of life with others.
Luqmaan Syed
MPac | India
lsyed001@ucr.edu
Luqmaan Syed is in the Master of Professional Accountancy program aholds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Taxation from St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, India. Luqmaan has professional experience as an auditing and assurance intern at a chartered accountancy firm. As a graduate student ambassador, Luqmaan shares leadership skills gained from serving as public relations head of the Commerce Association at St. Joseph’s. Luqmaan is a published researcher and has completed certifications in international accounting and analytics and has developed a keen interest in the stock market. Outside of academics, they are passionate about swimming, badminton, photography, and esports.
Liv Aboagye
MPac | U.S.
oaboa001@ucr.edu
Olivia Aboagye is a Master of Professional Accountancy candidate and blends her passion for human behavior with her growing expertise in accounting. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and brain sciences from UC Santa Barbara, she discovered the synergy between understanding people and the strategic aspects of financial management. As an AGSM student ambassador, she shares her journey transitioning from psychology to accounting and how this unique combination enhances her approach to problem-solving and business insights.
Shamika Singh
MPac | U.S.
ssing205@ucr.edu
Shamika Singh is studying for a Master of Professional Accountancy and will pursue a CPA license. In her down time, she likes to bake and drink coffee.
Master of Science in Business Analytics Ambassadors
Ankit Malhotra
MSBA | India
amalh017@ucr.edu
After earning his bachelor’s degree in electronics, Ankit Malhotra discovered his interest in data science and analytics while working as a data analyst for Uber and Financepeer and decided to expand his career with a Master of Science in business analytics. Ankit is fond of teaching and is a consultant mentor with Newton School. He aims to be a pioneer in the analytics industry making use of math and technology to grow businesses.
Fatima Husain
MSBA | India
fhusa002@ucr.edu
Fatima Husain is pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics with an emphasis in finance. She has two years of experience at Morgan Stanley and is passionate about investment banking and making new connections. As an AGSM ambassador, she looks forward to meeting new people and sharing her experience.
Nhi Truong
MSBA | Vietnam
btruo043@ucr.edu
With a strong foundation in digital marketing from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and experience as a marketing executive, Nhi Truong is pursuing a Master of Business Analytics to expand her career. She aims to leverage data analytics to drive business innovation and societal impact, bridging marketing creativity with data-driven decision making to revolutionize consumer experiences and foster responsible business strategies.
Ting-Yu Liu
MSBA | Taiwan
tliu226@ucr.edu
Ting-Yu Liu, an international and first-generation student, brings a strong background in industrial engineering and management, along with expertise in Python and R programming. She is passionate about using data-driven insights to optimize supply chains and enhance operational efficiency. She is also dedicated to supporting and guiding students in higher education as an AGSM graduate ambassador. Ting-Yu intentionally connects with the UCR community and shares her journey in analytics.
Winston Zheng
MSBA | U.S.
wzhen039@ucr.edu