Spotlight: SDSU Fowler 2021 Grads
Congratulations to the SDSU Fowler College of Business Class of 2021! We are so excited to celebrate your time as students as well as look forward to all of your accomplishments as alumni.
This page will be updated regularly with new spotlights on some of this year's graduating seniors. Are you graduating in May? Fill out this Google Form if you're interested in being featured!
Ellie Galinas (Marketing)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Professor Grimes, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Studying abroad last spring in Venice, Italy!
Ellie Galinas Q&A
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Professor Grimes has been one of the most helpful, genuine professors I've met thus far at San Diego State. He truly cares about the success of his students and is willing to go above and beyond to help them develop into a working business professional.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
During my time at SDSU, I have held three positions within the American Marketing Association; first as the Social Media Manager, then the Graphic Design Director, and finally as the Vice President of Marketing. I am also a part of Pi Beta Phi, had a Business Mentor through Aztec Mentor Program, and have worked for the College of Business as an Instructional Student Assistant, facilitating two courses during the Fall semester, and a Peer Coach, supporting students who have been placed on Academic Probation. I have also had three Marketing related internships with Castle Aura Enterprise, the SDCCU Holiday Bowl, and Power Digital Marketing Inc., where I am currently working & will continue to post-grad.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
The best advice I've received during my time at SDSU is to take advantage of the incredible resources that campus has to offer, and it's something that I, too, preach to everyone that I meet and the students that I coach. When you start to utilize the incredible opportunities that SDSU gives to its students, it instantly sets you up for success.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Be true to yourself and GET INVOLVED. These next few years are some of the most incredible, life-changing years of your life. Embrace the changes ahead and never hesitate to continue to grow to be the best version of yourself.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I was extremely thrilled when Kristie Dock reached out to me to help her interview the candidates for the incoming Dean of Business. Sitting on the board of students has been an incredible opportunity, and I'm so thankful to be able to help make decisions to impact the future of Fowler.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
Next up, I'm going to continue in my role as an Organic Social Media Strategist for Power Digital Marketing Inc. Throughout my time as an IMC major, I have developed a true love for and understanding of social media, so for the short term, I will continue to work in that field and collaborate with other cross-channel marketing professionals. Long term, I would love to move to New York City as a working business professional.
Shannon McKinney (Marketing)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Professor Grimes, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Going to Eureka! with friends before classes.
Shannon McKinney Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I really loved going to the library. I think that’s one of the places I’ll miss the most.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Professor Grimes has probably been the most influential person for me at SDSU. Because of his help, both in and out of the classroom, I feel much more confident in achieving my future career goals.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
The best advice I have received during my time at SDSU is to just reach out to people. It never hurts and I have made so many helpful connections I otherwise would not have been able to.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
My advice to incoming SDSU students would be to get involved with clubs and student organizations and talk to your teachers. You’ll make so many great connections and it will really help you in the long run.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I am most proud of the success I’ve achieved this past semester, even in the midst of a pandemic. Aside from doing well in my classes, I’m on two club executive boards, I’m doing a marketing internship for a New York-based advertising agency, and I’ve been working as a Marketing Coordinator for a San Diego fertility clinic. It’s been a lot to juggle, but they’ve all been awesome experiences!
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
After graduation, I’d love to be hired full-time at my current job. We’ve had a ton of success with egg donation and surrogacy since I’ve been pulled on to the team and it has been a super exciting environment to work in. For future aspirations, I hope to become a data analyst in the medical or pharmaceutical field. It’s been such a cool industry to work in so far and I’d love to see where it takes me.
Victoria Caira (Marketing)
Hometown:
Mullica Hill, NJ
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Professor Grimes, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Meeting my best friends in Zura freshman year!
Victoria Caira Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I will miss the amazing and diverse friends I have met through SDSU.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Dr. Michael Belch is the most influential professor I have had. He is kind, inspiring, understanding, and an amazing leader!
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Gamma Phi Beta, Best Buddies, Aztec Recreation Center Club/Intramural Sports Supervisor
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
My advice to incoming SDSU students would be to say YES to every opportunity given to you. Nothing is a waste of time.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Being a Dean’s list student every semester since being admitted to the Fowler College of Business.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
My plans professionally for after graduation are to attend graduate school and eventually move to a brand new state to start my career!
Cassie Weinberg (Management)
Hometown:
West Hills, CA
Most Influential Staff Member:
Glen Brandenburg, Facilities & Sustainability Director, A.S.
Favorite SDSU Memory:
The 2019 Greenfest concert with Daniel Caesar!
Cassie Weinberg Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I’ll miss all the different communities I joined on campus, from Green Love and Associated Students to Hillel and TAMID! Each involvement helped make me the person I am today, and I’m so grateful to have been part of the Fowler College of Business to support me the whole way.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
There are so many amazing faculty and staff who helped me through college, but the most influential was Glen Brandenburg, the Director of Facilities and Sustainability in Associated Students. He has been the greatest mentor, advisor, and friend, and there is NOBODY who has done more for SDSU’s sustainability than him. I’m forever inspired by his work!
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Your network is not just who you know, it’s who knows YOU and what they know about you.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Being a student is your greatest power, and your voice has more leverage than you’d think in big decisions and policies. Attend as many webinars, conferences, and meetings as you can – students usually get the best discounts and freebies, and getting your voice at the table will make you stand out from the crowd!
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Winning Best Commission at the Aztec Achievement Awards after serving as the Sustainability Commissioner. It was so rewarding to see all of our hard work be recognized, and I’m eternally proud of the Green Love Commission for all they continue to do for SDSU’s sustainability!
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
I plan to start working in the local nonprofit sector to work on San Diego’s sustainability initiatives, and eventually move into a corporate sustainability role to help companies achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Sofia Bartolome (General Business)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Michael Sloan, Management Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Going to Eunime, a non-profit organization in Tijuana!
Sofia Bartolome Q&A
What is your favorite SDSU memory?
My favorite SDSU memory was going to Eunime which is a non-profit organization in Tijuana, Mexico that houses and takes care of orphans. A group of us went for the day to play, give food and talk to the children who live there. Kids are the future and deserve to have constant love and recognition. This eye opening experience solidified my interest to pursue the VP of Philanthropy position for Alpha Kappa Psi and get into the social venture field in the future.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Michael Sloan because after taking his class I found that I want to get into social entrepreneurship or be part of a company that helps with social ventures.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Alpha Kappa Psi - VP of Philanthropy and Membership Committee as the communication emphasis
SDSU Research Foundation - Student Assistant
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Enjoy every moment because it will all soon be a memory and expand your network! It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Mentoring 38 students on the basis of communication, professionalism and teamwork. It was a 6 week process that required a lot of work, structure and dedication that was put together by myself and 4 other amazing other mentors, Daniel Reyes, Kyle Shintani, Christine Wang and Krista Niewiadomski.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
I will be teaching English in Madrid, Spain for a year starting Fall 2021 with the C.I.E.E.program.
Martin Castillo Jr. (Finance)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Dr. Michael J. McHan, Communication Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
First day of class at SDSU.
Martin Castillo Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
The relationships I have made.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Dr. Michael J. McHan. He taught me the importance of knowing how to communicate with others who are different from you. We are not all the same and that’s ok. Embrace our differences.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Never stop learning.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Cherish every relationship you create.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
How much I learn about myself. Who I am and who I want to become.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
My plan is to get a job at a financial planning firm and pass the CFP exam.
Garren Brandenberger (Accounting)
Hometown:
Yucaipa, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Jonathan Ravaglioli, Accounting Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
First day on campus!
Garren Brandenberger Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I’ll have one more year as I will be attending grad school at SDSU!
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Jonathan Ravaglioli Was my favorite lecturer I’ve had at SDSU because of the way treated his class and made it very helpful in the real world.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Student Accounting Society and TAMID!
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Your choices today decide where you will be tomorrow.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
To just go for it. Do the things that scare you and make you feel uncomfortable. Believe it or not, it gets easier.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Being able to work full time and complete my bachelor’s and minor in 3 years.
Thalia Hagopian (Marketing)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Lois Bitner Olson, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Going to the turtle pond and relaxing!
Thalia Hagopian Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I will miss the friendly atmosphere of peers wanting to help each other out academically, while having a good time. This positive environment helped ease stress and allowed me to excel.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Dr. Lois Olson was my most influential professor as she was my first marketing professor of my life. Her class allowed me to develop the strong base of marketing knowledge I needed to propel me through the rest of my major courses, with ease. Her lectures were incredibly engaging and there was never a dull moment. I won't forget her and the valuable concepts I learned in her class as I dive into my career.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Director of Student Success with the Advertising Club; College Representative for Fowler Business with TSOA; Business for Social Good; Fowler College of Business Honors Program; Tau Sigma; Phi Kappa Phi; Sigma Alpha Lambda
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Take every opportunity you can, no matter how big or small, because you never know what kind of doors they may open up. The more opportunities you take, the more choices you'll have in the future as you set yourself up for success.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I'm most proud of being awarded Outstanding Graduate of 2021, selected by the marketing department and chair of Fowler Business, because it proves to me that all my hard work has paid off as I graduate with this honor.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
After I graduate, I will be working full time at V&R Associates, expanding the business, while attending graduate school. On the side, I will also be writing for my marketing blog: marketingalacreme.com to have fun relating marketing to pastries, together at once.
Alysa Arndt (Marketing)
Hometown:
Taft, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Sunaina Chugani Marquez, Marketing Assistant Professor
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Meeting my best friends in our dorm, Tenochca!
Alysa Arndt Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I will miss seeing familiar faces within the thousands of people walking to class.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Professor Sunaina Chugani Marquez because she is an amazing professor, mentor, and stepped up to be an advisor for a brand new organization, Business for Social Good, without a second thought. She constantly gave us ideas and feedback with compassion and pushed us to create an amazing org that will live on long after we graduate.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
I’ve worked for SDSU Housing throughout college, was a part of the Aztec Consulting program, am a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, and founded Business for Social Good.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
You can’t become a butterfly in a day.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Being a co-founder of Business for Social Good, an organization where fellow students can explore how to create fulfilling business careers that contribute to the well-being of others and our communities.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
I’ll be starting a job as a Digital Marketing Specialist for Century Business Solutions.
Kelly Huynh (Management)
Hometown:
San Jose, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Dr. Michelle Dean, Associate Management Professor
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Building relationships with my SHRMie peers!
Kelly Huynh Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I will miss and have missed being on campus this past year. It’s funny I used to get annoyed having to walk to classes that seemed so far but now I miss admiring how nice the campus is.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Dr. Michelle Dean, one hundred percent! She has been such an amazing mentor to me in so many ways. I worked super closely with her as a SHRM officer because she is the faculty advisor and I have just learned so much from her. She also has a lot of insights in HR and career advice that students and I find very helpful.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Network. Network. Network.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Just put yourself out there and do it! Whatever you are thinking about doing but are hesitating on--just do it!
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I am super proud of myself for working my way up to being President of SHRM SDSU and also securing multiple internships and a full-time job for post-graduation while in school full-time.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
I will be joining Western Digital in an HR co-op rotational program to learn more about different HR areas.
Manuel Banda (MIS)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Lecturers Dr. Robert Judge and Dr. Dave Meader
Favorite SDSU Memory:
When I made the decision to become a Resident Advisor!
Manuel Banda Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss all the amazing events put on by SDSU. The first two that come to mind are the TED talks and the Lecture Series, specifically the one with Scott Harrison, CEO of Charity Water.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Dr. Robert Judge and Dr. Dave Meader. These two individuals have such a great passion for teaching in and out of the classroom. In the courses that I've been in, they both do such a great job of applying concepts we learn in the real world. They truly understand that an education goes further than what is in the books.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Professionally, I have been involved with REO specifically being a Resident Advisor for Maya/Olmeca my Sophomore year, and for Huaxyacac my Junior year. I have also been involved with the Hispanic Business Student Association since Junior year as a Director of Special Events and a United Latino Student Association Representative. Along with this, I have also had the chance to be part of the College of Business Council as a rep for HBSA. Personally, I was part of the bowling league and I also took part in the Enterprise Systems eClub.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Any job is a good job. What matters is that you work hard everyday so that your absence is felt when you move on. Whether it be for an 8-5 job or for a leadership role in an organization, it's important to take pride in what you do and give it your all because at the end of the day, that is what you will be remembered by.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Putting on some great virtual events with other schools. Given the pandemic, I was able to reach out to other schools far from here and put on some amazing virtual events. One of them even won the best virtual event!
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
After graduation, I will be with The Irvine Company, a real estate development company, as an associate to their operations team in downtown San Diego. From there, I hope to work my way into becoming a project manager as it is something I have always been interested in.
Elena Martin (Management)
Hometown:
Berkeley, CA
Most Influential Faculty Members:
Lecturers Michael Rapp and Janette Williams
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Walking on campus between classes on a sunny day!
Elena Martin Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
The college life is unique in that everything you may want or need is usually within a two mile radius. I will miss having my nearest and dearest friends just down the street and feeling such a sense of community with other SDSU students.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Professor Rapp is one of the most memorable presenters and educators. Especially in my freshman level classes, he was such a great introduction to the potential of SDSU and what it had to offer. He taught us so many life lessons and always kept it 100% with us. Additionally, Professor Janette Williams has had such an impact on me both academically and personally. She is so knowledgeable and caring and this really made a difference in my educational experience at SDSU.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
During freshman year, I joined Alpha Kappa Psi (shoutout to Beta Tau pledge class!). I was also part of the Hall Council in Zura. I also loved participating in the Brave Project and toward the end of my college career, getting involved with Women in Business. I also had a really amazing internship with Nonprofit Solutions for academic credit.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Work smart, not hard.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Take the time to get to know your professors and lecturers, especially the ones that may teach courses you are not as familiar with or comfortable with. Connections make a difference and being an active participant in your own education makes this whole “college thing” worth it.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
After graduating, I plan to use my business degree to venture into nonprofit management and potentially social work. I want to use my knowledge to help improve the lives of others.
Carolina Estrada (Marketing)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Lance Hoffman, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Tailgates and football games.
Carolina Estrada Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
Everything!!
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Lance Hoffman - he’s really open with his own experience as the founder of Mamma Chia and his teaching style truly inspires me.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
I’m a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and SD Girls Gains.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Don’t be afraid to take risks.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
STUDY ABROAD!!
Shamrina Mushell (Finance)
Hometown:
San Jose, CA
Most Influential Staff Member:
Matt Garcia, Assistant Director, Fraternity & Sorority Life
Favorite SDSU Memory:
2019 leadership conference!
Shamrina Mushell Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I'm definitely going to miss all the student organizations I got to be a part of at SDSU. Every person I met has had a big impact on my life and I will be missing them along with all the pre-COVID social interactions and networking we got to have at our campus.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Matt Garcia has definitely been the most influential staff member for me at SDSU and I am so grateful to have had his FSL advisory during my involvements with Greek organizations on campus. Matt has always shown a great example of what it means to be a leader and work in the best interest of others.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Along with being a chairwoman for my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, I was the President of the Greek Life Activities Board, co-founded SDSU's first professional sales society (VSS), worked in SDSU Well-being and Health Promotion services as a Financial Education Peer, took on a sales role as the SDSU Campus Manager for UniversityTees, and served as treasurer for the Greek InterVarsity leadership board.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
I would definitely advise incoming SDSU students to try to meet as many people on campus as possible. Join clubs, get involved in your college council, reach out to your professors; there are so many ways to make our big campus feel like home!
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I am proud of how I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to go for different leadership positions throughout my time at SDSU. Before coming to college, I never thought I would have the confidence to lead an organization as president or even start a new club. SDSU helped me grow so much in that aspect of my life.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
This summer I will begin my full time career as an Underwriting Analyst at a company in La Jolla!
Rosa Garcia (Human Resources)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Andrew Do, Finance Professor
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Walking around campus with friends drinking Starbucks!
Rosa Garcia Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
Interacting with students and professors daily.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Professor Andrew Do. His classes and experience shared with me were life changing.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Don’t procrastinate.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Don’t get scared if you fail the very first exam in your first semester. It happens.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Getting good grades and having a high GPA!
Teal Bongiovanne (Management)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Lois Bitner Olson, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Being the "cause" of a power outage at State!
Teal Bongiovanne Q&A
What is your favorite SDSU memory?
In Fall 2019, I went to use the electronic stapler in the 24 hour study center. Immediately after I'd stapled my papers together, the power went out in several buildings. To this day, my three friends and I still joke that I was the cause of that power outage.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
I will probably never forget Professor Olson and her lectures. She had strange ways of implanting the material into our memories, but it was certainly effective. I've never had a professor quite like her.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
I joined SDSU's chapters of the Society of Human Resource Management and the National Society of Leadership and Success during my senior year.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
When giving negative feedback to your group members, include some positive feedback. Let people know what they have been doing right, not just what they could improve upon.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Don't procrastinate and cram-study for exams. You're paying too much money to only learn the material just to pass exams and then forget everything once you've handed in your test. Get your money's worth and study to LEARN.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Math is not my strong point. I struggled in O'Byrne's MIS 301 class during the first part of the semester. But somehow, I managed to pull a perfect score on exam 2. I started with a D+ in that class from exam 1 and pulled myself up to an A- by the end. I'm still absolutely bewildered.
Cameron Peterson (MIS)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
David Goldberg, MIS Assistant Professor
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Going to basketball games when we were undefeated!
Cameron Peterson Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
Being around all of my friends every day.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
David Goldberg, I had him two semesters in a row and he made me fall in love with programming and technical skills.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, Association of Information Technology Professionals (Treasurer), Aztec Cycling (Treasurer)
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
You may not know exactly what you’re doing, but don’t give up and you’ll figure it out,
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Focus on getting internships and being a part of clubs on campus. You want to stand out over everybody when applying for jobs.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
We did a systems analysis report for ServiceNow’s cash forecasting process. It was a semester-long project where we had to figure everything out ourselves and ended up getting great results. After graduation, I am working as an Account Development Representative at ServiceNow.
Christian Arellano (Marketing)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Lance Hoffman, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Walking around campus after a late study session.
Christian Arellano Q&A
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Entrepreneur Society!
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Education is not a 100m dash, it's a marathon you take one day at a time.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Take advantage of the time you have as a college student and the benefits that come with your education. Take time to find out what you want to do in life and don't worry, it's never too late for change.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I attended school on and off while working a full time job, so I'm very proud to have paid for my whole education myself. I am also proud of how I managed to get my degree while overcoming the difficulties my family faced in the past year during the pandemic.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
Going back to work on my business while finishing my internship.
Rachel Martin (Marketing)
Hometown:
San Jose, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Thomas Clark, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Going to a basketball game in the 2020 season!
Rachel Martin Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I will miss being a part of Greek Life and going to the sports games with friends!
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
Thomas Clark because he taught us real life sales tactics which he has used throughout his entire career in the sales industry.
What other areas of campus have you been involved with?
Women in Business, American Marketing Association, Best Buddies, Associated Students Operations Committee, Alpha Gamma Delta
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Enjoy every second and say YES to every opportunity.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I am most proud of becoming so involved on campus, even once COVID-19 hit.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
After I graduate, I will be working as a Lead Development Representative at Amazon in Austin, Texas.
Vanessa Arroyo (Management)
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Most Influential Faculty and Staff Members:
Jill Lackey, Career Development Coordinator, and more!
Favorite SDSU Memory:
Going to a basketball game in the 2020 season!
Vanessa Arroyo Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I'm definitely going to miss events held at the Aztec Student Union. They were so fun, gave cool prizes, and I got to connect with other students. Having said that, what I'll be missing the most is hanging out in between classes with my friends and meeting new people in my classes. I've made amazing friends at SDSU and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
There's so many amazing faculty and staff that have influenced and mentored me while at SDSU, and most come from Career Services. However, Jill Lackey, Melissa Gonzalez, Michelle Svay, Ramona Acuña, Christy Quiogue, and Professor Janette Williams are just some of the great individuals that have contributed to my professional and personal success. They've all believed in me at times I didn't believe in myself and have pushed me to dream bigger.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
I think the best advice I've received during my time at SDSU is to take things day by day and enjoy every second of it. At times I felt overwhelmed and exhausted, hearing these words helped me keep pushing through even when it seemed impossible.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Incoming SDSU students, don't be afraid to reach out and get out of your comfort zone! I wish I would've taken this advice early on when I got to SDSU. You're going to meet so many amazing people and build so many friendships this way. Getting out of your comfort zone can be taking on a leadership role, connecting with your professor, getting tutoring, etc. All of these things will help you grow and will make your college experience much more meaningful. There are so many people that want you to succeed and are here to support you.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
An accomplishment I'm proud of was managing to get on the Dean's list during the Fall 2020 semester. Virtual school is not easy and has been a challenge for me as I'm sure it has been for many. However, I still tried my best and kept a positive attitude throughout everything occurring in the world. I'm also so incredibly proud of being part of the Class of 2021!
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
I hope to come back to SDSU and work towards my MBA! #AztecForLife
Clarissa Rios (Marketing)
Hometown:
Oceanside, CA
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Steven Osinski, Marketing Lecturer
Favorite SDSU Memory:
When A.S. hosted BretmanRock!
Clarissa Rios Q&A
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
I will miss the Hispanic Business Student Association.
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
The most influential faculty at SDSU for me was Steven Osinski. I admired his dedication and commitment to student success even through virtual learning. He made me feel a part of SDSU even from home.
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Live in the moment and enjoy it while you can.
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
Make use of all the resources offered, step out of your comfort zone, get involved and get an internship.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
I'm proud of my personal growth and the fact that I allowed myself to experience things that would usually make me uncomfortable.
What is next for you professionally after graduation?
I will be getting my Real Estate license, interning, and hopefully traveling a lot soon!
Jon Soden (Finance)
Hometown:
Orange County, CA
Most Influential Faculty Members:
Lecturers Frank Ryan and Ami Doshi
Favorite SDSU Memory:
CBC dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse!
Jon Soden Q&A
What is your favorite SDSU memory?
The College of Business Council (CBC) dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse was one for the books. Also, living in the Theta Chi fraternity house was the best (and most challenging) experience ever, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
What part of SDSU life will you miss the most?
During COVID, I've realized how much I miss just being on campus with everyone around. I miss just bumping into friends on the way to class and skating past Hepner Hall. I'll miss living on the SDSU campus; cherish every day of it!
Who has been the most influential Faculty or Staff at SDSU for you and why?
I wouldn't be where I am today without so many faculty and staff members at SDSU. Frank Ryan in particular was one of my favorite lecturers; he sparked my passion for finance through genuine teaching by going the extra mile, including building 3-D models inside the classroom. Also, Ami Doshi, Management Lecturer always came with great energy to class and served students first, and I cannot wait to see where she takes the Business Honors program in the future (quick plug--check it out business students!). Also, thank you to Paul Justice for all you did for the Undeclared College, and thank you to the rest of the AS faculty as well! One last thank you to all the friends along the way!
What advice would you give to incoming SDSU students?
It's going to be sad when you graduate, but the time will eventually come. Make it your goal that when you leave SDSU, you can be at peace that you took advantage of every opportunity that came your way and have no regrets.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
Given all my other campus involvements and professional roles, I am super proud to have stayed focused on academics and to be graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.83 GPA.
What is next for you professionally after graduation? Job, internship, goals, aspirations, etc.
I am currently still in the interview process, but will likely be accepting an offer with a Private Equity company. I hope to one day either start my own venture capital fund or my own business.
