AGSM Student Ambassadors

From Grad Student to Founding CEO

cfabi002 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:08:47 +0000

From Grad Student to Founding CEO cfabi002 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 10:08 More Blog Posts Aurora Abt June 19, 2024

Emil Shirokikh ’25 PMBA

Have you ever wondered if a classroom lesson will be relevant in the real world? For Emil Shirokikh ’25 PMBA, a class project spurred the idea for a new AI startup, and a subsequent health crisis heightened his awareness of maximizing his time while bringing his business to fruition.

Last fall, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Information Systems Rich Yueh assigned students, including Shirokikh, to develop an idea for a technology startup. The deliverable was a business plan with cost estimates, defined employee roles, and a market analysis. At the time, artificial intelligence was on Shirokikh’s mind because the industry’s growing pains frequently appeared in the news and on social media. His startup idea would be form-filling AI software, thus tapping into the new and evolving technology to revamp an application that sorely needed an update.

At the same time, Shirokikh’s childhood friend, UCR undergraduate Carlos Langer, was writing his bachelor’s thesis on environmental, sustainability, and governance (ESG) reports, which summarize the environmental impact of a company’s operations. This topic was interesting for Langer because many of his friends are sustainable finance consultants who share a perplexing obstacle: locating reliable data when writing ESG reports. The consultants’ first challenge is the time-consuming process of contacting multiple sources to collect data. The second is the lack of a uniform reporting system among the stakeholders. By identifying a problem (locating and collecting data for ESG reports) and then building a solution (AI-powered data management and form-filling), a new tech startup was born.

The Will to Win

Over the past year, the “Belto” team, led by Shirokikh, has been prolific in generating product ideas. The company’s future is promising; however, early in its development, the startup was almost sidelined. In October 2023, Shirokikh and Langer were diagnosed with a tumor at age 24 and 25, respectively. “It was shocking news for both of us,” says Shirokikh. “It is scary, and honestly, what are the odds that both of us would develop a tumor at the same time?”

Shirokikh and Langer have since successfully recovered from surgery and emerged with a clear purpose. “It made us realize one thing very quickly: time matters. We only have so much time on Earth to make a difference,” says Shirokikh, who pushed aside his fears around the risks of entrepreneurship and focused on the opportunity to deliver a unique, quality product to the marketplace.

Addressing Inefficiencies

Contrary to public sentiment, AI does not eliminate the need for human participation. In reality, AI-powered software leads to better tools in the hands of humans, who can then make smarter business decisions.

Developing solutions for businesses has become easier for Belto staff as they become more comfortable redefining the way daily tasks are done. One of the uses of their AI-enhanced software is for managers who frequently draft reports, such as an ESG report, income statement, or balance sheet disclosure. Shirokikh defines the issue: “These businesses gather a lot of decentralized data, analyze it, and then use the gathered information to write a report. This is a multi-step process that involves valuable time. Belto ESG software is designed to integrate seamlessly and cost effectively into their environment, gather and analyze the data automatically, and draft a report within seconds.”

Fall Product Launch

Still in the initial stages of startup development, Belto has an ambitious plan for 2024. It is scheduled to complete the initial testing phase for its first viable products in summer 2024, with the software to be published by October 2024. The stakes are high as the team works diligently to complete the product development process. Shirokikh admits to closely managing company and product formations. “We are heavily invested in building our product lines, including designing and building a professional website and web app,” he says. “We even build our own hardware and run our app on Belto servers.”

Tech Industry Recognition

The company’s approach to fearlessly incorporating AI into business solutions recently caught the eye of industry insiders. Shirokikh and Belto were honored by The 2.0 Conferences, an organization that facilitates discussions and tech collaborations among innovators in fast-moving industries. Its Internet 2.0 tech conferences are a platform for introducing innovative products and rising talent. For his role in leading a team of technology and business specialists in developing AI-based applications, Shirokikh received the Young Leadership Award at the March 2024 Internet 2.0 Conference in Las Vegas. For Shirokikh and his team, the award verifies that Belto is on the right path.

Human Connections Are Key to AI Growth

Determined to keep momentum, Shirokikh has built a strong support base by networking on social media and at the Internet 2.0 conference. “I have met many executives, business owners, and venture capitalists. I have also found lots of encouragement from innovators at the conference and in the Los Angeles business community,” he says, adding that these connections believe in the viability of AI applications and have shared insights. “I feel confident that I can access funding to continue growing the business.”

Belto Founder Emil Shirokikh sits for his first interview after receiving the Internet 2.0“Young Leadership Award” in Las Vegas, March 20, 2024.

Fun Facts @ Startups

> 60% of entrepreneurs believe that AI is the most promising innovative technology.
> Technology and health care startups are the strongest industries, bringing in the most revenue compared to other startup categories.
> The United States is the leading country by the number of startups, followed distantly by India.
> 95% of entrepreneurs that create startups have a bachelor’s degree, and 47% have more advanced degrees.

___________
Source: FounderJar; quoted from founderjar.com/startup-statistics

Tags

Graduate Students

AGSM

AGSM Student Ambassadors

PMBA News

‘I engage with industry leaders’

clin246 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:17:29 +0000

‘I engage with industry leaders’ clin246 Mon, 01/22/2024 - 11:17 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin January 30, 2024

Creating strong relationships through myriad experiences is central to the academic journey for MBA student Riya Yadav ’24. While she has previous work experience, she is especially pleased with the professional preparation, leadership, and networking opportunities she has immersed herself in while studying at UCR’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM).

“The emphasis on networking at AGSM is significant, and we make connections in numerous clubs and in our day-to-day activities,” says Yadav, who is currently co-chief ambassador of the AGSM Student Ambassadors program. “As an ambassador, I engage with industry leaders and work with the top students. We have fantastic events, like speaker series, and we enjoy traditional holidays together, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, with staff who have opened their homes to us.”

Riya Yadav ’24 MBA with UCR's mascot Scotty

“Of course, it’s also an excellent opportunity to network with our cohort and industry experts—to learn how things are done in the American corporate world,” adds Yadav, whose MBA concentration is in data analytics and management; she plans to work with United Nations Women focused on gender equality and empowerment and in financial technology in a client- facing role.

Last year, Yadav administered the AGSM Women in Business (WIB) UC Collaboration event for International Women’s Week. “Taking up the responsibly of managing the entire event from outreach to logistics to post-marketing was extremely rewarding for me,” she says. “It was a great opportunity to prove and fine-tune my leadership style. The event was a huge success, and we are coordinating another in 2024 at UC San Diego.”

Yadav earned a bachelor’s degree in management studies with a concentration in finance and marketing from Jai Hind College in Mumbai, and since enrolling at UCR, internships and volunteer opportunities have compounded her networking and leadership prospects: She interned in summer 2023 with Northwestern Mutual as a financial planner in their San Diego office working cross-functionally with different teams; she is active in MBAchic, an online network for professionals dedicated to making education and jobs more accessible to women; and for the last four years, she’s been a member of Women in Technology International (WITI) and was recently appointed a WITI global ambassador networking with women and students interested in a career in technology.

Yadav is especially proud of her leadership within her Organizational Behavior course, which included Indian, Taiwanese, and Chinese students. “There was a communication gap between us, and as a group leader, I implemented writing points to bridge that gap, even for informal messages,” she says. “At Thursday meetings, the speaker from our student group reviewed the PowerPoint so that everyone was on the same page with the agenda and the topic we were discussing. This simple approach enhanced member involvement and helped us outperform with the grades we received for our case studies.”

_________________

This is the third installment of a three-part series exploring the many ways Riya Yadav ’24 MBA exemplifies the deep involvement of our AGSM master’s students in the many professional enrichment opportunities on and off campus.

read part 1 read part 2

Tags

AGSM Student Ambassadors

student success

student spotlight

student experience

‘A Great First Step Toward My Personal Goal’

clin246 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:09:31 +0000

‘A Great First Step Toward My Personal Goal’ clin246 Mon, 01/22/2024 - 11:09 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin January 26, 2024

Over summer 2023, Riya Yadav ’24 MBA interned with Northwestern Mutual as a financial planner in their San Diego office.

“UCR alumni connected me to the hiring team. I worked cross-functionally with different teams and to find a solution that works for each client,” Yadav says. “It was also incredible to learn about the financial services industry within the United States and definitely a great first step toward my personal goal to help fintech companies expand.”

Before enrolling at UCR’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM), Yadav worked at Quantum Data Engines, a company specializing in fraud management and anti- money laundering software for financial institutions. She also previously worked with the National Science Foundation as a consultant on a solar panel battery project. “That was also a fantastic learning experience for me,” says Yadav, and the position aligned with her values. “The United States, in particular California, places a strong emphasis on sustainable measures and numerous methods for making business more sustainable, as well as having firms that are focused on sustainability.”

Graduate Student Ambassador Co-Chiefs Riya Yadav and Shane Marquez

She knew an MBA was the next step in her career: “I was aware of what an MBA would add to my professional profile and experience, and being here at UCR has given me a deeper understanding of that.

“The curriculum is particularly industry-oriented and provides real-world experience; for example, the projects and the presentations we make are done in the same manner as I would present as a working consultant. Case studies are an excellent approach to grasp a topic, comprehend people, and see things from a broader perspective,” she says.

“Our projects provide a realistic insight into how IT business works, and the assignments are weekly, which aids in meeting deadlines. I also appreciate that the technical laboratory activities are provided for nontechnical individuals, which helps with comprehending the subject.”

As a grad student, Yadav also serves as a co-chief of the AGSM Student Ambassador program, a group of select students who support prospective and new students and participate in special events with industry professionals to enhance each ambassadors’ network. Off-campus, she works with MBAchic providing social media coverage about her MBA experience. In both roles, she says, “I share information and answer questions for students interested in pursuing an MBA.” This year, Yadav was appointed a global ambassador for Women in Technology International, where she’s been a member for four years, and she networks with women and students interested in a career in technology.

In Mumbai, Yadav earned a bachelor’s degree in management studies with a concentration in finance and marketing from Jai Hind College. She also previously participated in the Study Abroad Program in Business Strategy with Carleton University in Canada. In 2022, she represented India at the United Nations Young Leaders program in Switzerland.

She continues to forge new opportunities to expand her professional experience: “I also go to the walk-ins at the AGSM Career Development Center every two weeks, and the staff always helps me with a new area of my profile,” says Yadav. “That is useful for internships and job searches and for understanding the resources available.”

After earning her MBA with a concentration in data analytics and management with a focus on strategy, Yadav plans to work in financial technology in a client-facing role, she says: “Combining my analytical skills with my global and diverse experience, I want to formulate data-driven strategies.”

_____________

This is the second installment of a three-part series exploring the many ways Riya Yadav ’24 MBA exemplifies the deep involvement of our AGSM master’s students in the many professional enrichment opportunities on and off campus.

read part 1 read part 3

Tags

AGSM Student Ambassadors

student success

student spotlight

student experience

‘Deep pride in my work’

clin246 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:01:36 +0000

‘Deep pride in my work’ clin246 Mon, 01/22/2024 - 11:01 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin January 22, 2024

MBA student Riya Yadav ’24 has an intense interest in women’s equality and diversity within the business world. Before enrolling at UCR’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM), Yadav worked at Quantum Data Engines, a company specializing in fraud management and anti-money laundering software for financial institutions.

“We worked with the purpose of preventing heinous crimes, such as human trafficking and modern slavery,” she says. “I went to work every day taking deep pride in my work.”

Equality, diversity, and inclusivity are central were ideas both elusive and illuminated for her while growing up in India.

“India is a massive country and the contrast between people from different regions is extremely prominent. Growing up in an army household meant that we relocated to a new city every two years, and our entire neighborhood changed.” Every new station had people from all over the country, and the diversity was staggering, she adds. “And I quickly discovered that diversity and inclusion do not always go hand in hand."

“Many times, I felt out of place, as if I didn’t belong there, and now I’m on a mission to make sure that no one else feels the same way I did. While at work and at school, I make every effort to connect with everyone and engage them in discussion and activities.”

With all that she has done and plans to do, Yadav’s mother has provided inspiration. “I will be eternally thankful to my mother for being a role model. She worked for the rehabilitation of war widows, which included assisting them in acquiring industry skills; finding them opportunities or assisting them in starting their businesses; providing them with resources; and locating suitable partners to collaborate with,” Yadav says.

“My mother always went above and beyond to ensure they were treated as ‘warriors rather than victims,’ and that is a lesson I take with me wherever I go.”

Yadav adds that it’s critical to be a part of an organization or community committed to establishing equal opportunities for women while also ensuring that they are not treated differently, and in 2022, Yadav participated in the month-long United Nation’s Young Leaders summer program in Switzerland, an opportunity that was also homegrown.

“As a kid, seeing my father contribute to the military and United Nations inspired me to work with the UN. Participating in the program is one of my most significant accomplishments and my first opportunity to make the world a better place,” she says.

“Being in the UN headquarters along with participants from 23 nations has altered the way I look at things and how I act. Watching decisions being made, I realized the contributions we each can make to the world and how they affect others. Attending live sessions as countries debated their positions on specific issues was intriguing, and sitting in the cafeteria with officials and talking about their climate-change skepticism was remarkable.”

Riya Yadav representing India at a United Nations Young Leaders program in Switzerland

At UCR, Yadav is currently co-chief ambassador of the AGSM Student Ambassador program, and this is her second year serving within this program representing the school, networking with professionals, and helping current and prospective students. “As a student ambassador leader, I champion diversity within our organization. My personal mission is to actively integrate a wide range of perspectives into our projects and overall initiatives.”

Last year, former AGSM Women in Business (WIB) President Renuka Kulkarni ’23 and former Chief Ambassador Franchesca Jefferson ’23 tapped Yadav to helm the execution of the successful 2022 WIB UC Collaboration event for International Women’s Week. “My involvement in WIB has also been an incredible experience to discuss and address related issues in the business sector,” says Yadav.

This year, she was appointed a global ambassador with Women in Technology International, where she’s been a member for four years. “I network with women and students interested in a career in technology, like me, and educate them on the Women in Technology resources.”

Yadav could see the potential for herself and others with her involvement in MBAchic, an online network and platform for professionals dedicated to making education and jobs more accessible to women. “While researching and applying to business schools, I used MBAchic as my bible,” she says. “After receiving my offer letter [from UCR], I contacted the MBAchic founder to express my gratitude, and she asked me to provide social media coverage about my MBA experience. I share information and answer questions for students interested in pursuing an MBA.”

Yadav earned a bachelor’s degree in management studies with a concentration in finance and marketing at Jai Hind College in Mumbai. After earning her UCR MBA with a concentration in data analytics and management with a focus on strategy, she plans to work in financial technology in a client-facing role and for United Nations Women, which is focused on gender equality and empowerment. “Even though I want to work in the corporate world, I will always promote diversity and different perspectives within the financial landscape.”

____________

This is the first installment of a three-part series exploring the many ways Riya Yadav ’24 MBA exemplifies the deep involvement of our AGSM master’s students in the many professional enrichment opportunities on and off campus.

read part 2 read part 3

Tags

AGSM Student Ambassadors

student success

Celebrating MBA Degree with Run at Mission Inn

ilseu — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 06:57:32 +0000

Celebrating MBA Degree with Run at Mission Inn ilseu Thu, 11/17/2022 - 22:57 More Blog Posts Jordan Driscoll ’23 November 17, 2022

The Mission Inn, a prominent feature of Riverside attractions and a historic landmark known throughout Southern California, hosted its annual Mission Inn Run on October 22 and 23. For more than four decades, the run has been a staple of the community, bringing together residents, visitors, and athletes from across the region. Now in its 45th year, the Mission Inn Run continues to be more than just a sporting event. It stands as a cherished tradition and serves as an important fundraiser for the Mission Inn Foundation, which works to preserve and protect the rich history and legacy of the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa.

This year, one of the enthusiastic participants was UC Riverside MBA student Ahmad Alajaji, who is set to complete his degree in information systems in December. For Alajaji, joining the run was not just about athletic achievement, but also about celebrating his time at UC Riverside and closing out his final quarter with a meaningful experience. True to his tradition of proudly representing UCR, Alajaji wore a School of Business t-shirt as he ran through Riverside’s streets, highlighting his pride in his university and its community.

Running has long been an important part of Alajaji’s life. He and a close friend have trained and raced together in several long-distance events, creating shared memories and forging a lasting sense of camaraderie. Over the years, Alajaji has completed two Los Angeles marathons, the Rose Bowl half marathon, the Santa Monica Classic, and another marathon in San Francisco. Each race has given him not only the opportunity to challenge himself physically but also the chance to build connections with other runners and immerse himself in new environments.

When reflecting on the Mission Inn Run, Alajaji described the course as one of the most scenic routes he has experienced. Winding through Riverside’s historic downtown, the path showcases the best of the city’s cultural and architectural character. “I think anyone visiting should do the run,” he shared. “It is a beautiful route to travel and see the city.” His comments reflect how the Mission Inn Run provides participants with both a physical challenge and an opportunity to appreciate Riverside’s charm.

Beyond his passion for running, Alajaji has also left an impact on UC Riverside through his role as a student ambassador for the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management. In this capacity, he welcomed prospective students, shared his experiences in the MBA program, and represented the values of the School of Business. Alajaji often emphasizes how meaningful the program has been in shaping both his academic and personal growth.

Despite the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted learning environments for students everywhere, Alajaji found stability and encouragement within the UC Riverside community. His classmates offered constant support, collaborating on projects and helping one another succeed, while professors adapted their teaching approaches to meet the needs of students during uncertain times. Alajaji credits this environment of mutual care and resilience as one of the defining features of his MBA journey.

As his time at UC Riverside comes to an end, Alajaji reflects with gratitude on the experiences he has had and the relationships he has formed. He speaks especially highly of the diversity within the MBA program, noting how classmates from different cultural and professional backgrounds contributed unique perspectives and enriched class discussions. For Alajaji, this diversity was not only academically valuable but also personally inspiring, preparing him to enter a globalized workforce with cultural awareness and appreciation.

Looking forward, Alajaji plans to carry his pride for UCR and the School of Business throughout his career. Whether in his professional endeavors or his running pursuits, he intends to represent the values of excellence, resilience, and community that he has embraced during his time at UC Riverside. His story demonstrates how the Mission Inn Run, combined with the support of the MBA program, became a symbolic way to celebrate his final months as a student and prepare for the next chapter of his journey.

Tags

student experience

AGSM Student Ambassadors

Alumnus Advises AGSM Ambassadors to Persist

ilseu — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:16:40 +0000

Alumnus Advises AGSM Ambassadors to Persist ilseu Wed, 06/29/2022 - 11:16 More Blog Posts Darin Estep June 29, 2022

Kyle Maudlin ’11 has several positive things to say about LinkedIn. It’s a rich source of networking. It offers a variety of training opportunities. And it’s a great place to showcase professional skills to potential recruiters.

But it’s also easy to fall into the “comparison trap,” he said, where you wonder how some of your peers are so much further ahead in their careers or how they landed that dream job.

“But everyone’s mountain is different, and some people know sooner than others where they’re trying to go,” he said. “You just have to be comfortable with that and trust that if you put enough hard work and enough time into something you’ll get to wherever you’re trying to go.”

Maudlin, a senior marketing analyst at Salesforce in San Francisco, was sharing his career experience and advice as part of the virtual speaker series with AGSM Graduate Student Ambassadors. Speaking from his home via Zoom, Maudlin assured his audience that everyone is going to take a different path, and his was anything but a straight line.

“I had no idea what I was doing after I graduated,” he said. “I was one of those folks that was really good at taking tests, really good at studying. I graduated magna cum laude, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. I moved to Los Angeles, and I couldn’t find a job for the life of me.”

He worked briefly in personal banking. He spent three years with Macy’s Executive Development Program managing fine jewelry and women’s clothing. He sold digital search ads for Yelp, a popular online business directory and rating site, and he worked at three different ad agencies. It was all part of his journey to find a job in a field that he not only enjoyed but where he was able to thrive.

‘Bet on Yourself’

For him, that meant picking up and moving hundreds of miles on faith and taking some considerable pay cuts along the way. He said he was making a decent salary as a sales manager at Macy’s, but he didn’t see that as his future.

He reached out to friends in the tech world who urged him to move to San Francisco and get in the tech game. “I was like, what’s tech? … I’ve been folding clothes for three years,” Maudlin said. But he packed his things and made the move.

He spent six months selling digital search ads, but it was at a significantly lower salary. He described it as the “worst job experience” he’s ever had, bringing his confidence to an all-time low. That wasn’t where he wanted to be either, so it was time to pivot again, he said. He found a job at an ad agency that came with another pay cut.

He said he felt like he was regressing with his pay cuts, but his mentors encouraged him to keep going. “Don’t be afraid to bet on yourself,” he said. “It really was the best move that I could have done. It set me up for all of this.”

Relying on Networks

Maudlin said luck has played a large role in his success, but his network connections and mentors have been invaluable. A connection at Macy’s helped him enter the Executive Development Program. Another connection helped him escape search ad sales and get into the ad agency.

And in August 2020, he decided to try selling ads at PlayStation, but he knew it wasn’t for him, and the PlayStation experience confirmed it. He left and began networking full time. “I went on LinkedIn and started messaging people,” he said. “I just reached out cold.”

He contacted people with jobs at companies he wanted to work for or who had roles that he found interesting.

“I sent a message like: ‘Hey, your background looks super interesting. I was thinking about doing this. I would love to just chat for 15 minutes. … No hard feelings if not,’” he said. “People like helping people, so I got a ton of meetings.”

Maudlin said connections, mentors and allies are more important than ever, especially in the world of remote work. At the time of his talk, he was working from home nearly 100 percent of the time, but he planned to increase his office visits as conditions allowed.

“I feel like getting those moments where you meet someone in the kitchen and have those water cooler moments can increase your brand at work, especially cross-functionally, which can also indirectly lead to your promotability at work.”

Learning New Skills

As Maudlin was still searching for his niche, he noticed the large role digital tools and data were playing in the marketplace. Whether it’s a mom-and-pop store or a restaurant, they were all using digital apps that collected data with each transaction.

“And all of that data is used to inform the business,” he said. “So, I thought data analytics is really going to become more and more important with each year.”

Following his own advice, he put himself in a position to succeed. He began teaching himself coding languages and data visualization platforms and invested in a data analytics bootcamp. That effort helped him land his job at Salesforce, he said, because they knew he was serious about learning the skills.

Maudlin also advised his listeners on how to promote those skills on a résumé or on LinkedIn, encouraging them to build their personal brand and share their accomplishments. “You have to be comfortable with being your biggest advocate,” he said.

As an example, he talked about a holiday greeting card project he led at Salesforce that had solid success with a verifiable return on investment. He made sure to lay out the key points and share it in the company’s Slack groups, thanking all the team members.

“That starts building your brand at work,” he said. “I could have done all this, and maybe my boss knows, or my immediate team knows, but no one else knows. It might be much more difficult to get promoted because no one knows who you are, especially in the current work-from-home environment.”

Remembering Riverside

The Graduate Student Ambassadors peppered Maudlin with questions throughout his talk, including asking which coding languages and platforms they should pursue and how COVID-19 has changed the approach to marketing. But one resourceful student took special note when Maudlin mentioned that he might be starting a side business helping people craft résumés and update their LinkedIn profiles.

“Can we send you our résumés before you start that side hustle and get them reviewed?” asked Seth Freeman, joking that as broke college students it would be nice to get in before he started charging.

“Absolutely. I’m totally happy to do that,” Maudlin said. “Riverside is a very special place to me, so it would be great to be able to continue the conversation with all of you.”

View a recording of Maudlin’s discussion with the Graduate Student Ambassadors.

UCR Business alumnus Kyle Maudlin ’11 kayaking

Tags

AGSM Student Ambassadors

student success

career development

Find Work You Love and Make a Difference

ilseu — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:12:20 +0000

Find Work You Love and Make a Difference ilseu Thu, 02/17/2022 - 14:12 More News Darin Estep February 17, 2022

For every student wondering how they are going to find their place in the world, Tyson Avery ’96 wants them to know they have a superpower available to them as they pursue their degrees.

“The one power you have that you don't know you have—or at least most don't think you have—is the power to ask,” said Avery, senior vice president, deputy general counsel and chief ethics and compliance officer at Starbucks.

Tyson Avery, senior vice president, deputy general counsel and chief ethics and compliance officer at Starbucks

Urging students to reach out to professionals to learn about career paths, Avery said: “While you are still in school, use every opportunity to ask someone innocently, naively, and vulnerably, ‘What do you do?’ And you know what? People will be so willing to share with you.”

Avery demonstrated his own willingness to share during part of a recent virtual speaker series with AGSM graduate student ambassadors. And, he had a wide range of professional experiences he had to share.

He grew up in a small town, Paso Robles, the son of a carpenter and a secretary, and the first in his family to attend college. (UCR proved to be, he said, “absolutely, unequivocally, the best choice for me.”) After earning a degree in business administration, he attended University of Kansas Law School, then promptly put his new law degree to work in a place he had never imagined but came to love: the United States Marine Corps.

This led to 10 years as active-duty officer and judge advocate, including serving as a Geneva Convention magistrate in Iraq and in the White House Counsel’s Office. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired as a lieutenant colonel with 23 years of active and reserve service.

He joined CBRE Inc. as senior vice president, chief ethics and compliance officer, and director of internal audit, before assuming his current role at Starbucks.

That journey began with a look in the mirror—literally—and asking himself what he wanted to do with his life, Avery said.

Knowing ‘you have found your spot’

“My entire career has been about finding what I love, pouring myself into it, and being able to look back and recognizing that what I do matters,” he told the student ambassadors.

“I don't care if you are in the medical industry, in law, in business, or if you're a barista. If you love sincerely what you do and see how it contributes to the overall good, you have found your spot.”

As might be expected for someone who oversees ethics and compliance, Avery advised the students to hold onto their values throughout their careers.

“Have passion and be able to look back at your work and believe that it matters—but also that you did it the right way,” he said. “Starting from a place of values will always get you to the right place. It can be hard at times, but ultimately that will garner respect, and that will help you move up in your career.”

Accomplishments will accumulate steadily over time, he assured the students, advising them to read The Millionaire Next Door. Although authors Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko focus on wealth building, Avery said the same lessons apply to career progression: “You chip at it little by little.”

Most successful people “started small and found their passion and they loved it,” he said. “And they started out as a brand-new graduate, just as you guys will. So, you have to find a passion and build slowly but surely.”

Students take advice to heart

Avery’s advice resonated with students participating on the call. More than two dozen sent thank you notes afterward.

“I truly appreciate your valuable advice, which helps me navigate through the process I am experiencing right now,” wrote Chia Hui Ko ’22, who is pursuing a master’s degree in finance. “Also, thank you for encouraging us to ask—the most influential power we have! I am so inspired and feel motivated now!”

Caspar Gaviria ’22, vice chief-professional development for the Graduate Student Ambassadors, described Avery as “arguably one of the best speakers I’ve ever listened to.”

“Your advice and extensive knowledge of not only professional development, but life as a whole, is truly phenomenal,” said Gaviria, who is pursuing a professional MBA degree. “I definitely left the event feeling incredibly inspired and can’t wait to grow as a person. Thank you for all that you do.”

“His candor, enthusiasm, and genuine care for the ambassadors stood out most,” said Tamra Johnson, associate director of graduate admissions for the School of Business and adviser to the Graduate Student Ambassadors, noting that the event reflected Avery’s ongoing dedication to engaging with students, faculty, and staff.

One of the ways Avery has remained engaged with the School of Business was delivering the keynote address for the 2018 commencement. He told the student ambassadors that his message then was just as true today, “You know everything you need to do to graduate,” he said. “But once you graduate, once you have that diploma, the next morning there's no script. You get to define everything you're going to do. You get to define your passion and where you’re going to go in life.”

View a recording of Avery’s discussion with the Graduate Student Ambassadors.

Tags

AGSM Student Ambassadors

alumni

Tyson Avery

Featured Alumni

GRHCC Golf Tournament & AGSM Ambassadors

ilseu — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 16:25:03 +0000

GRHCC Golf Tournament & AGSM Ambassadors ilseu Tue, 07/06/2021 - 09:25 More Blog Posts July 01, 2021

The Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GRHCC) held their annual scholarship golf tournament on Friday, June 18, 2021. The GRHCC is a non-profit organization committed to supporting small business, advancing economic development, and serving the Inland Empire community through programs that provide internships and scholarships for students. Each year, the annual golf tournament plays a central role in funding these initiatives, directly benefitting both undergraduate and graduate students by easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education. The event continues to demonstrate the GRHCC’s commitment to investing in the next generation of business leaders while also engaging the local community in a day of camaraderie and fundraising.

The UCR Business graduate ambassadors volunteered at the event, assisting with checking in golfers, distributing prizes, and ensuring all participants enjoyed a fun and memorable day of golf. Their involvement not only supported the logistical success of the tournament but also represented the strong relationship between the UCR School of Business and community organizations like GRHCC. The visible presence of student ambassadors highlighted the School of Business’s dedication to service, leadership, and partnership with organizations that create opportunities for students.

The graduate student ambassadors are a select group of UCR business students chosen for their leadership qualities and commitment to representing the business school with professionalism. Their role goes beyond volunteering; ambassadors regularly participate in community service, assist in hosting official events, collaborate with faculty and staff on school projects, and connect with prospective students to share their experiences. By serving in these capacities, they strengthen the reputation of the business school while also gaining valuable hands-on experience in leadership and professional engagement.

Andrew Rodriguez, second-year MBA student and graduate ambassador, shared his plans to expand his service by joining the GRHCC scholarship committee. As he explained, this year he will be assisting in reviewing applications and awarding scholarships. This step reflects the school’s broader mission to create leaders who are both academically strong and socially responsible. Rodriguez’s involvement exemplifies how student ambassadors bridge the gap between the university and the larger Riverside community, extending their influence beyond campus.

Through the continued partnership with GRHCC, the UCR graduate student ambassadors gain unique opportunities to network with local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates. These interactions help students build professional connections that can support their careers after graduation while also giving them the chance to practice the skills they learn in the classroom. The ambassadors also provide outreach by connecting GRHCC members with business school resources, including information about graduate programs, workshops, and events that may benefit small business owners in the region.

This collaboration also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. For the graduate ambassadors, volunteering at the golf tournament was more than just a day of service — it was an affirmation of their commitment to civic engagement and leadership. For the GRHCC, the support of motivated and service-minded students strengthened their efforts to raise scholarship funds and continue their long-standing mission of supporting education and economic opportunity.

The 2021 scholarship golf tournament once again demonstrated the impact that partnership between community organizations and higher education can create. It provided funding for students, strengthened professional networks, and fostered a sense of shared purpose between UC Riverside and the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through events like this, the UCR School of Business continues to encourage its students to serve as ambassadors not only for the university but also for the values of inclusivity, service, and leadership that define the Riverside community.

UCR Business Office of Graduate Programs sponsored a hole in the GRHCC golf tournament

Tags

AGSM Student Ambassadors

Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

AGSM Ambassadors Serve the Local Community

ilseu — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:09:35 +0000

AGSM Ambassadors Serve the Local Community ilseu Wed, 03/31/2021 - 00:09 More Blog Posts March 30, 2021

The A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management student ambassadors have remained busy during the past months: The group’s volunteer service was recognized at a March 27 ceremony with the Community Partnership Award from the city of Banning, California, for their charitable work supporting the municipality’s food distribution program. Co-chief Ambassadors Amisha Sharma and Danielle Wright accepted the award on behalf of the ambassadors.

Ambassador and first-year Professional MBA student Daniela Andrade, the former mayor of Banning, received the Leadership Award at the ceremony. State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (23rd District) also presented the ambassadors with the President’s Award for their charitable work.

Tamra Johnson, the ambassador’s advisor, received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36); awards from California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt (5th District); and a Community Service award from the City of Banning.

Daniela Andrade, PMBA ’22, former Banning city mayor, center, received the Leadership Award at a ceremony with Banning Chamber of Commerce presenters David Lopez, chamber secretary, left, and Robert Ybarra, chamber president, right.

Co-chief Ambassadors Amisha Sharma ’21 MBA, left, and Danielle Wright ’21 PMBA, center, accepted awards on behalf of the ambassadors from the city of Banning. Tamra Johnson, associate director of International Relations, right, was also recognized with multiple honors.

Tags

AGSM Student Ambassadors

Students Learn to Plan for Retirement Now

ilseu — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 06:40:33 +0000

Students Learn to Plan for Retirement Now ilseu Tue, 03/30/2021 - 23:40 More Blog Posts March 18, 2021

Time in the market is more important than timing the market—start investing in your future early.

This timeless piece of advice was one of many strategies shared during a recent panel discussion presented by the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for student ambassadors representing UC Riverside’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM). As part of a series of quarterly panel discussions, these gatherings serve as a bridge between the business community and the School of Business. They allow ambassadors to interact with professionals, gain real-world insights, and ask questions about how to prepare for long-term success.

The February session was attended virtually by 23 student ambassadors and focused on retirement and investment strategies. This was a particularly relevant theme, as many ambassadors are preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce and are making key financial decisions that will affect their futures. The topic was suggested by Vice Chief Ambassador Caspar Gaviria ’22, a Professional MBA student with a concentration in management. His initiative helped bring forward a subject that impacts every graduate student, regardless of industry or career path.

The discussion emphasized that graduate students should begin thinking about retirement and investing as early as possible. Panelists reminded the group that financial planning is not something to delay until later in life. Instead, small, consistent investments made now can grow substantially over time. The ambassadors were encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to learn, ask questions, and begin building their financial portfolios while still in school or at the beginning of their careers.

“Although I have a few investment products of my own, this event showed me that there is even more out there than I knew about,” says Ambassador Danielle Wright ’21, a Professional MBA student concentrating in finance. “I will definitely be looking into some of the investment opportunities suggested by the panelists.” Her reflection captured the impact of the event — not only affirming what students already know, but also opening their eyes to new resources and strategies that could support their financial growth.

Among the presenters was Yundra Thomas, an agent at New York Life, who encouraged attendees to adopt a proactive and optimistic perspective on finances. “Your mentality should be the abundance mentality, not the scarcity mentality,” she said. Thomas’s perspective highlighted the importance of mindset in financial success. Rather than approaching investments with fear or hesitation, students were advised to see the opportunities that lie ahead and approach them with confidence.

Thomas was joined by other speakers representing a range of expertise across the financial and insurance industries. Daniel Garias, managing partner at Virtue Agency, shared his professional insights on planning for the future. Laura Ritchie, an agent at PHP Agency, offered strategies for navigating insurance and investment options. Micah Tokuda, a financial advisor at Edward Jones, contributed his knowledge on how students can begin planning for retirement, even if they are just starting out in their careers. Together, the panelists created a comprehensive discussion that blended professional expertise with actionable advice.

“This is super helpful, especially for me,” says Ambassador Natalie Qaqish ’22, who is pursuing an MBA in management. “I needed information regarding wills and trusts, and Daniel Farias helped me with that.” Her comment underscored the practical impact of the session. By addressing specific, real-world questions, the panelists were able to meet students where they are and provide tailored advice that can influence personal financial decisions immediately.

The partnership between AGSM ambassadors and the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has become an invaluable learning opportunity. By bringing students and professionals together on a quarterly basis, the series ensures that ambassadors gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and networks. Events like this help strengthen the relationship between UC Riverside and the business community, reinforcing the School of Business’s mission to prepare students for leadership in all aspects of life.

Through sessions like the February panel, student ambassadors are gaining tools to manage their financial futures, approach investment decisions with confidence, and develop habits that will serve them throughout their careers. The conversations do not end with the event itself — they inspire ongoing exploration, encourage dialogue among peers, and plant the seeds for long-term financial well-being.

AGSM student ambassadors meet via Zoom with the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for quarterly networking events.

Tags

AGSM

AGSM Student Ambassadors

Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce