Rady School of Management, UC San Diego

Mengjie (Maggie) Chen, MSBA '24 had a fantastic experience as a Data Science Intern at Walmart this summer!

"During my internship as a data scientist, I collaborated closely with the supply chain product team to develop an automated solution for grocery food safety monitoring. Leveraging the Bluetooth sensor data from the Firefly project, I enhanced the traceability and timeliness of food risk detection by upgrading the data foundation and developing machine learning models.

What impressed me most about Walmart was the scalability of its business. Our project is poised to save ~$50M in food waste, and once my model is productized, it will reduce the labor required for food risk evaluation by at least 60%. These efforts will contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and social well-being, and I’m proud to have been part of it."

Congratulations to Nicole Leonard on being recognized in Poets&Quants Class of 2024 MBAs to Watch!

Nicole is a 10 year Navy veteran and currently works as a Consultant at Kaiser Permanente. One of her favorite memories at Rady is working with the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) to publish the Military Economic Impact Report every year. "I co-authored the report in 2023. This continued partnership between Rady and SDMAC reflects Rady’s commitment to give back to our community."

Learn more about Nicole's experience at the :
https://poetsandquants.com/2024/08/19/2024-mba-to-watch-nicole-leonard-uc-san-diego-rady/?pq-category=best-brightest-mbas&pq-category-2=students

2024 MBA To Watch: Nicole Leonard, UC San Diego (Rady) Nicole Leonard, who is graduating UC San Diego, has been named a Poets&Quants MBA To Watch for 2024

Our Executive MBA students in Lecturer Magnus Felke's "MGT 433: Managing Healthcare and Life Sciences" course had an incredible opportunity to visit BD, where Felke serves as the Sr. Director of Medication Dispensing International! 🎓

Thanks to W Perry Flowers, BD's VP of Medical Affairs, Enterprise Medication Management, our students toured the Safety Center and gained valuable insights, deepening their appreciation for how technology enables safe and efficient medication management across the care continuum.

What would you do if the state gave you an extra $500 a month? 💵

Carlos Avenancio-León, an assistant professor of finance at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management, cautioned against using today’s spending trends, as shown in the pilot, to predict future or even current needs. “The economic conditions for what people need the money for change over time,” he said.

Learn more:

Page not found – San Diego Union-Tribune

Some photos from the Team USA Olympics & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs from Mark Schultzel, '05, M.D. '09, MBA '21!

Dr. Schultzel, a doctor at Sharp Memorial Hospital and triple UC San Diego alumni, was part of the volunteer support staff that helped athletes prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"Supporting the Olympic movement and Team USA was so inspiring - being a part of the camaraderie and friendships that develop through sport reminded me of our shared humanity and ability to dissolve barriers on the field of play."

A warm welcome to our newest cohort of Full-Time and Flex MSBA students! 👏

We are so excited to have you here and can't wait to see all that you will accomplish!

With the 2024 Paris Olympics, online gambling activity is expected to rise on popular gaming platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. 🏅🎲

A first-of-its-kind study from the UC San Diego Rady School of Management shows that while online gambling boosts state revenue, it also leads to more irresponsible spending, especially among lower-income gamblers.

“Of the more than 700,000 gamblers that we studied, 96% percent appeared to lose money to online gambling,” Professor Kenneth C. Wilbur said. “Only 4% made money from online betting. That is by design.”

The research study goal is to provide credible evidence to help inform policymakers as they evaluate new rules or refine recent rules.

Learn more: https://rady.ucsd.edu/why/news/2024/07-23-legalized-gambling-increases-irresponsible-betting-behavior-especially-among-low-income-populations.html

Celebrating a legacy of service and generosity! 🌟

Erwin Milan, a beloved figure at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management, is retiring after two decades of dedicated service as director of facilities and operations. To support and recognize the students he so deeply admired, Milan and his wife Alicia have made a generous gift to establish the Alicia and Erwin Milan Family Fellowship.

“I hope our fellowship will make a student say, ‘Okay, now I can attend the Rady School,’” said Milan. “But also, when that person graduates and goes off and does whatever they do, they remember the opportunity they were given and remember to give back.”

Read more: https://rady.ucsd.edu/why/news/2024/07-16-erwin-milan-and-his-impact-on-the-rady-school-of-management.html

A Legacy of Service and Generosity: “Director of Miracles” Erwin Milan and his Impact on the Rady School of Management Erwin Milan, a beloved figure at the Rady School of Management, is retiring after two decades of dedicated service as director of facilities and operations. To support and recognize the students he so deeply admired, Milan and his wife Alicia have made a generous gift to establish the Alicia and Erw...

Exciting news! 🌟 With the goal of broadening access to a top-tier business education, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla has established the Chancellor's Fellowship Challenge, where new gifts or commitments to the Rady School Graduate Fellowships fund of $10,000 or more will be matched until June 2027!

It is thanks to fellowships that students like Jai'lyn Richardson, MBA '25, Edgar Leon, MBA '25, and alumna Ashley Van Zeeland, MBA ‘12, can pursue a business school education.

Read about their stories: https://rady.ucsd.edu/why/news/2024/07-16-chancellors-fellowship-challenge-empowers-future-leaders-at-the-rady-school-of-management.html

Chancellor’s Fellowship Challenge Empowers Future Leaders at the Rady School of Management The importance of graduate fellowships cannot be overstated for students who want to break through financial barriers and access advanced degrees. “Without the support of a fellowship, there is no way I would be able to attend the Rady School of Management,” said Jai'lyn Richardson, a second-yea...

Anya Samek, Associate Professor of Economics and Strategy Analytics, speaks with Poets&Quants Editor-in-Chief John A. Byrne on how data-driven decisions are at the core of business analytics, yet most decisions firms make often come from running experiments.

Samek, an expert on designing experiments, talks about the various ways the UC San Diego Rady School gives students hands-on experience creating and running experiments that is essential for MBAs who want to be successful in their careers.

Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/GeRAZuXSc4g?si=3Yf6qoxbA6jrQl9o

How To Master Business Analytics Through Experimentation: Associate Professor Anya Samek Poets & Quants Editor-in-Chief John A. Byrne speaks with Anya Samek, an Associate Professor of Economics and Strategy Analytics at the UC San Diego Rady Scho...

Finding flexibility while juggling a full-time job and a large family can be tough, but Joseph Tesoro (MBA '23) did just that with the Rady School’s FlexEvening MBA program.

“There were some cases where I had to either go on a business trip and skip a class or I had to be late to class due to a personal commitment. Communicating this to my professors was easy, and I always felt they were understanding.”

Balancing his studies with parenting seven children, Tesoro demonstrated how growth is possible with the right support. His dedication allowed him to transition from a 14-year career with UPS to a new full-time job as a Consultant at Gartner while he was still in the program.

Read more: https://rady.ucsd.edu/why/students/life-at-rady/joseph-tesoro.html

During this year's summer immersion trip, Rady MBA students had the opportunity to explore Mexico City! ☀️🇲🇽

"Not only did I form stronger bonds with my peers, we immersed ourselves in the rich Mexican culture though the flavors of Mexican cuisine, walking around ruins over 2000 years old, and learning about the business opportunities and challenges of a developing economy," shares Natalie Alvarez, MBA '25. "Our Latino professors connected us with colleagues ranging from startups to established energy and telecommunications companies to truly understand the business landscape of Mexico."

Irvin Palacios, MBA '24 agrees that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "The immersion gave us the experience to interact with a wide range of companies, including talking to company CEOs and CFOs all the way to seeing production lines firsthand. Outside of the business, I was able to create new friendships, make memories, and experience Mexico City in a new and memorable way."

"In 2017, I moved to the United States from Pakistan during my junior year of high school with big dreams and a lot of determination. Today, I’m incredibly proud to say that I’ve graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business.

The journey was anything but easy. Adapting to a new culture involved learning new customs, traditions, and social norms. It was challenging to find my place in a new environment while staying true to my roots. Learning a new language added another layer of difficulty, but it also opened doors to countless opportunities and connections.

Balancing schoolwork, adjusting to a different education system, and making new friends were all part of the process. Each hurdle made this achievement even more meaningful.

Most importantly I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices my family made to give me a better life in the United States. I couldn’t have achieved this without their unwavering support. I’m also thankful to God for the incredible opportunity to graduate from a UC school.

A huge thank you to my family, friends, professors, and everyone who supported and believed in me. Your encouragement made all the difference.

Excited to see what the future holds. إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ

Officially a UC San Diego Alumni 🔱"

-Mustafa Siddiqui, B.A. in International Business '24

Huge congratulations to the UCSD Speech and Debate team for winning three national championship titles at the 2024 Biennial Tournament hosted by Pi Kappa Delta! 🎉

“The tournament was a marathon for our best and finest,” said Robert Campbell, head coach of the UC San Diego team and a continuing lecturer in the Rady School of Management. The results were spectacular on the national stage. For a program only six years old, I am simply amazed by the talent on this team.

Read more:

UC San Diego Speech and Debate Team Shines on National Stage The UC San Diego Speech and Debate Team won three national championship titles at the 2024 Biennial Tournament hosted by Pi Kappa Delta, one of the oldest forensic organizations in the country. Held at Glendale Community College, Ariz. March 7-11, the tournament drew more than 50 teams from colleges...

"I recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and a double minor in Finance and Supply Chain. Throughout my time here I’ve learned more than I thought possible from my incredible peers and professors. The personal and professional growth I’ve made over the past four years has readied me to enter post-grad with a special type of eagerness and excitement.

As this chapter of my life closes I’d like pay homage to Women in Business at UC San Diego. I was honored to serve as President for this incredible organization for the last year and can not begin to explain how impactful WIB has been throughout my college experience. This club is more than the sum of its parts. Although we have done everything under the sun in terms of professional development and community service, our true superpower lies with all 200+ young women that give WIB the respect within our campus’s business community that it has.

Never in my life have I been surrounded by such an ambitious, self-motivated, and uplifting community. I wouldn’t be who I am without this family. WIB will forever be a part of me.

I can’t wait to see what I can do with the incredible foundation I have built with the help of my peers and this institution. Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting adventures that lie ahead!"

-Dalia Nofal, B.A. in International Business and Double Minor in Finance and Supply Chain '24 🎓

"I am delighted to announce that I have graduated with an Executive MBA from the UC San Diego Rady School of Management, culminating an incredible journey. While the finish line included one final independent study this summer, the path to get here was both challenging and immensely rewarding.

This achievement would not have been possible without the support of my wife, Lei Lei, and family. Pursuing an MBA while working full-time demanded significant sacrifices, including weekends and evenings. The lack of sleep was there as I balanced the roles of full-time job, father of three, husband, and student, often burning the midnight oil to complete assignments.

I formed friendships, gained great knowledge from professors, and created memories that will stay with me forever. As I reflect on this milestone, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I am ready to apply the skills and insights gained from my MBA."

-Anton Kalis, MBA '24🎓

"'Part of the journey is the end.' - Tony Stark

I'm thrilled to announce that I have completed my MS in Business Analytics from UC San Diego Rady School of Management. My time at UC San Diego has been an incredible journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.

I am also honored to have received the 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, which is given to the 'best all-around' graduate with a record of outstanding academic achievement, active involvement on campus and in the local Rady community, and demonstrated capacity for leadership.

This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my professors, whose guidance and knowledge have been invaluable. I am also grateful to my peers for their collaboration and support throughout this journey.

A special thanks to my mom for always believing in me when no one else did. Your faith in me has been my greatest motivation. :)

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here's to new beginnings and continued growth!"

-Sara Lodha, MSBA '24 🎓

"A sweet ending to a new beginning 🤍 Forever grateful for all of the knowledge I’ve attained and the memories I’ve made here at UC San Diego, a world-renowned university by the sea.

All of my challenges and my passion for success are just a fraction of what led me to this moment. I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my family, friends, and my boyfriend. The loss of my father just a few days before moving to San Diego urged me to pray often, and I know that my daddy has been there with me in spirit through every step of this journey. Walks to Gliderport and La Jolla Shores where I gazed at the sunset offered me a safe haven where I could pray to my father and for my future. La Jolla, the jewel by the sea, will always hold a special place in my heart, for strengthening me through grief and guiding me towards my future. My daddy always said, “She’s gonna go places once she’s all grown up, she is always up to something, she can never stay still!” And with that, I’m excited for whatever adventures the universe has in store for me next. There are so many places to see, people to meet, and there is so much that I am passionate in. I trust that God will lead me to where I am the happiest and I’ll do my part to make my family proud, always.

Shoutout to the amazing professors at Rady School of Management for pushing me to excel in the field of business. I’m officially another degree hotter!"

-Amanda Caruso, B.A. in Communications with a Minor in Business '24

"I am filled with immense pride as I share the news of my graduation with a MS in Business Analytics with honors from UC San Diego.

My decision to pursue this degree was driven by a desire to deepen my understanding of the evolving fields of AI and Machine Learning and their practical business applications. After more than eight years in the corporate world, I had doubts about returning to academia, especially in a field where my knowledge was limited. However, the incredible faculty at the Rady School of Management and the support of my peers made this journey enriching and rewarding. The flexibility of Rady’s program allowed me to choose MBA electives that were immensely beneficial. The coursework truly offered the best of both worlds - a TechMBA of sorts! ✅

To top off this amazing year, I am happy to share that I received a Beta Gamma Sigma Honors cord for being among the top 20% of my cohort. Additionally, I was honored with the Robert S. Sullivan Leadership Award by the Rady School. These recognitions are incredibly meaningful, reflecting my hard work and perseverance and the support I received from my family, friends, peers, and faculty. ✨

As I close this chapter with gratitude, I am equally excited for what lies ahead. I look forward to applying these learnings and skills in my next endeavor.💫

And congratulations to my fellow graduates - the world needs amazing leaders like you! let’s go, Tritons! 🔱"

-Sourabh Gapate, MSBA '24

"MASTERED IT🎓🎉

Where do I start? This journey have been nothing short of transformative for me. In December 2023 I finished my MBA courses at the Rady School. Between December 2023 and January 2024, I conducted informative interviews to get a better understanding of the potential career fields I was interested in, one of which is/was academics. Towards the end of January I began working for UC San Diego as a Researcher, something that would not have been possible if not for the referral of certain professors through the informative interviews.

This journey so far to rebrand myself has not been easy. However, through God, my fiancé, family, friends, and colleagues that I now consider extended family, I truly understand the meaning of having a village.

Thank you to the UC San Diego Rady School of Management for the World Class Degree and for hosting such an impactful ceremony.

Thank you to God and my village for seeing me through to the end. Excited for the next chapter 🥳"

-Charity Lyons, MBA '24

Divyamsi Kunapareddy, MSBA '24 recently started her journey as an Advanced Analytics Intern at BeiGene in San Mateo, California, collaborating with the incredible Advanced Analytics team COBA! ⭐

"The learning curve has been steep and invigorating 📈 , and I'm eager to see how this opportunity unfolds as I integrate my knowledge from UC San Diego Rady School of Management and apply it to Pharma Business challenges. 📊

A heartfelt thank you to my managers Krishna Kumar and Vivek Gaur for believing in me and providing this opportunity to learn and grow. I'm also immensely grateful to my career coaches Nelitza Morales and professors Vincent Nijs and Ion Nemteanu and the faculty at for their relentless support throughout my academic and professional journey.

Over the next 10 weeks, I'll be enhancing current analyses to curate Line of Therapies for patients, delving into Claims data for insightful discoveries, and collaborating on predictive modeling projects.

I am incredibly proud to contribute to the business side of oncology 🏥 and grateful to Beigene for welcoming me as their newest team member. Now, it's time to make a meaningful impact! 💪"

"Brand new MBA in town!

The decision to overturn my life completely by moving from a good job and a comfortable life back home to full time B-school in a new country, has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make.

And 'oh, the places I’ve gone'!

I’m so glad that I took the plunge and decided to believe in myself, and trust that I’ll do everything I can to be okay. The unwavering support and love from my family and friends was also a constant reminder and fuel to my ambition.

I’m so grateful for all the opportunities , successes, failures and challenges that have come my way the last few years. I have met some truly incredible people in this journey and I’m a better person for having known them.

I’m very excited to get back to the corporate world and start making a difference, but for now- Congratulations, class of 2024!! Onwards and upwards!"

-Niharika Rao, MBA '24 🎓

"And it’s a wrap - after 2 incredible years, I‘ve graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the UC San Diego Rady School of Management. 🎓

Immense gratitude to the Rady faculty, staff and the San Diego community for creating such an enriching environment. And a huge thank you to my fellow MBAs, family and friends here in SD and back home in Germany who gave me the roots to grow - your unwavering support and cammaderie made this experience truly special.

Now I‘m eager to take on new challenges and see what incredible opportunities the future holds! Let’s go! 🚀"

-Anja Schindler, MBA '24 🔱

Congratulations to Ricardo Altamirano, MPAc '24, who has successfully completed his Master of Professional Accountancy degree and will soon join Ernst and Young as an auditor in San Francisco! 🌟

Originally from Nicaragua, Ricardo faced financial hurdles, immigration issues, and personal grief but was able to overcome the challenges through a combination of community support, academic resources and personal resilience.

“I aspire to mentor others entering the field [of accounting], especially those from diverse or non-traditional backgrounds, sharing knowledge and opportunities that promote inclusivity and professional growth. I also plan to engage with community initiatives that promote financial literacy to help others understand and manage their financial well-being effectively.”

Read more about UC San Diego's Class of 2024: https://rady.ucsd.edu/why/news/2024/06-06-the-class-of-2024-making-the-most-of-being-a-triton.html

Some more moments from commencement 💙✨ Big round of applause to our grads and their support system 👏👏