Can you please tell us about your academic and professional background?
I graduated with highest honors from University of California (UC), Santa Cruz where I received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a concentration in physical anthropology and a minor in earth science. I recently completed my MBA at the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business and I’m passionate about integrating social & environmental impact into for-profit business models. My professional experience includes 5 years working with small businesses and entrepreneurs across a variety of functions, including operations, finance, marketing, and consulting.
Why did you decide to join Centro as an MBA Advisor?
I recognized that Centro would be a unique learning opportunity. As an MBA Advisor not only would I be able to use the skills I was learning in my coursework to help an entrepreneur grow their business, I would also learn lessons that can’t be taught in the classroom; what it’s like working with clients, relationship building, balancing different work and communication styles, dealing with ambiguity, and overcoming the numerous obstacles to small business ownership, just to name a few.
One of the perks of working with chefs and food entrepreneurs ... the samples!
Which businesses/entrepreneurs did you advise?
Azalina’s Malaysian food cuisine
Can you tell us about a challenge that you faced?
Time. Entrepreneurs and MBA students are inherently busy creatures. Syncing schedules is always rough, and it can be quite a challenge for entrepreneurs to plan for
What are you up to now?
I just completed my MBA and recently joined One PacificCoast Bank & Foundation as a Financial Analyst and Program Manager.