Ambassadors

Gabriel chose Bauer College of Business because it is recognized for its academic excellence and because it is in a vibrant business community and a strong job market. Also, the college offers a range of specialized programs and courses that align with students’ career goals and interests. Bauer is known to have an experienced faculty and a blend of academic and professional backgrounds. Another great aspect is Bauer’s connections with local and national businesses, alumni networks, and professional organizations that can provide valuable networking opportunities and career support. Finally, Bauer offers career services, academic advising, and mentorship programs that help guide students to their preferred career path.

Elizabeth chose Bauer College of Business because she admired the MBA Program, its staff, and the University of Houston. She knew she was in good hands from the start of her application process when the staff reached out to ensure she had all the assistance she needed. The interview process was very welcoming, and from the moment she stepped into the building, it felt like the perfect learning environment for her. Being from Houston, Elizabeth has always wanted to be a part of the University of Houston, and she is thrilled to earn her MBA from UH!

The Bauer College of Business is located in the heart of Houston and has an excellent graduate program that promotes professional growth and opportunity. Since joining the MBA program, Sean has repeatedly been put into positions to connect with his fellow graduates, faculty, and highly successful individuals external to the school who are interested and invested in his personal growth. The school also offers different certificates that allow you to focus more of your curriculum in particular areas of interest.

Manaal chose Bauer College of Business because UH has served as a second home for her during her undergraduate career. She met some of the most important people in her life and learned important lessons she carries with her as she navigates her future. She loves Bauer’s collaborative and diverse environment, and she truly believes that Bauer continues to play a huge part in aiding her personal and professional growth.

Rojan chose Bauer College of Business because of its entrepreneurial spirit and history of impacting small businesses around Houston. The SURE program, in particular, aligns very closely with his personal goals in life and allows him to get hands-on experience. During informational meetings at BAUER with professors and staff, Rojan sensed support and encouragement even before applying. He felt included and listened to, yet challenged. This was the combination he needed.

Irene chose a top public school in Houston, known for its affordable tuition and exceptional faculty members who are deeply invested in student success. The program offers a diverse environment that makes it easy for her to feel at home and fit in seamlessly. With small-sized class cohorts, she benefits from personalized attention and close-knit interactions with faculty and peers. The school also provides accessible living resources, ensuring her basic needs are well supported. Advanced career planning resources empower her to strategize effectively for her future, and a thoughtfully selected cohort of peers offers her a network of ambitious individuals to build lasting connections with.

Email: aaigozhi@cougarnet.uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2023

Industry: Banking, Healthcare

Job Function: Financial Analyst

Hometown: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Undergraduate University and Degree: Almaty Institute of Power Engineering and Telecommunication, Master of Science in Telecommunication Economics

MBA Activities: MBA Ambassador

MBA Concentration: Finance

Why Bauer? Moving from Kazakhstan to the U.S. prompted me to re-evaluate my career goals. My research led me to believe that the Bauer Full-time MBA program was the right choice because it helps me extend my professional knowledge, build and contribute to a new network of like-minded people, as well as expand my career opportunities. I have seen how Bauer’s business community helps and supports its MBA graduates in their professional goals. We have outstanding faculty and career advisors here. I believe the MBA program at Bauer College of Business will provide me with the education and professional training and helps me to find my dream job, one that includes working on high profile transactions and the personal satisfaction of helping people enjoy a better life.

Email: kbruegge@CougarNet.UH.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2023

Industry: Supply Chain

Job Function: General Manager and Consultant; Hawkeye Hunting Club

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Undergraduate University and Degree: University of South Carolina, Global Supply Chain Operations Management, HR Management

MBA Activities: Houston Symphony Young Associates Council, Stag & Dove Society, and Houston Safari Club

MBA Concentration: Supply Chain

Why Bauer? I chose the University of Houston and the Bauer College for multiple reasons. Being born and raised here in Houston, it was home. Having many friends attend the university and receiving their input was also a factor. Most importantly, knowing the reach and connections that the Bauer College has in this city is something that should not be understated. Moving back to Houston at the onset of the pandemic made me realize that making these connections will benefit me in my future career. Using the resources provided to me to find the best track for my career while giving me the tools to be successful individually made the decision to attend UH that much easier.

Email: ejcaro@uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2020

Industry: Oil & Gas

Job Function: Risk & Safety, Engineer

Hometown: Houston, TX

Undergraduate University and Degree: Texas A&M University (2005), Computer/Electrical Engineering

MBA Activities: Berlin Study Abroad, Bauer MBA Ambassador, Bauer MBA Society, Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi

MBA Concentration: Corporate Finance & Energy

Why Bauer? Maintaining my career while going back to school was important to me. I needed a program where I could control the pace and dictate my hours. There were a few scheduling challenges as my job requires occasional travel. The professors were readily available through office hours, email, and even phone calls. They went out of their way to be very accommodating to students understanding they have professional jobs outside of class.

Bauer offers a long list of electives that dive further into the business paths that most intrigue you. Beyond my concentration in finance and energy, one of my favorite courses was Effective Negotiating. I also took classes in the up and coming business analytics field.

The most memorable experience during my MBA was my study abroad in Berlin. It was an opportunity to experience business culture outside the United States. By sharing the experience with other Bauer students, it further instilled comradery with other classmates and built relationships beyond the classroom.

Finally, the ROI for an MBA is unmatched in Houston. Other programs can easily cost two to three times more. As a tier 1 university, I knew I was getting a high-level education from the University of Houston without a significant financial burden.

Email: mchagant@cougarnet.uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2019

Industry: Electric Power Utilities

Job Function: Manager, Asset Management & Standards

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Undergraduate University and Degree: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India, Bachelors of Technology - Electrical and Electronics Engineering

MBA Activities: Cougar Investment Fund Class of 2017-18, President Graduate Student Advisory Board, VP - Finance National Association of Women MBA, MBA Ambassador

MBA Concentration: Finance, Leadership Management

Why Bauer? After living in Minneapolis, MN for 15 years, my family re-located to Houston. To expand my community, build a network of friends, and pursue my childhood passion of earning an MBA, I chose Bauer! The diversity of Houston, its professionalism, and a top tier education at Bauer is what attracted me to this city. Friends, professors, and staff at Bauer made my graduate school experience memorable. I not only adjusted to a new city in three years, I also completed my MBA and now host my friends and family with in my new home—Houston!

Email: ljcook@uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2021

Industry: Forensic Science

Job Function: Quality Management

Hometown: Malcolm, NE

Undergraduate University and Degree: University of Nebraska-Lincoln BS in Forensic Science

MBA Activities: UH Bauer MBA Society, Bauer Graduate Women's Network

MBA Concentration: Supply Chain Management

Why Bauer? The Bauer program checked all of my boxes as a working professional wanting to expand my knowledge of business in Houston. The continual commitment of the AACSB International accreditation shows that the University of Houston holds their program to high quality standards, and only wants the best for their current and potential students. The flexibility of classes and electives Bauer provides is unbeatable and they are connected to a large Houston and Alumni network that I wanted to join.

Email: BEGottfried@UH.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2021

Industry: Oil & Gas

Job Function: Consulting

Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida

Undergraduate University and Degree: BS in Geology from Florida State University, MS in Geology from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington

MBA Activities: Bauer MBA Society (Energy and Consulting Clubs), SURE Student Consultant

MBA Concentration: Business Consulting

Why Bauer? I chose the Bauer MBA program at the University of Houston because it offered everything I was looking for at an incredible value. I wanted to attend a local university so I could take advantage of the alumni network and participate in campus activities both during and after my time as a student. Bauer offers exceptional career development resources--such as the Rockwell Career Center--and the ability to take advantage of strategic industry partnerships and opportunities available through the various UH Energy programs and departments such as the Gutierrez Energy Management Institute. The Bauer program is also very flexible and offers a wide range of electives and certificates to help customize your academic program based on your career goals. I was not certain which business discipline I wanted to focus during my academic program, but I was interested in possibly participating in unique programs such as the Cougar Fund and the SURE program to support urban renewal through entrepreneurship. I decided to focus on the Energy Transition, and I was able to take several classes and participate in research activities to further that goal. Going back to school after so many years, I was admittedly anxious and I simply did not know quite what to expect. But the opportunities and experiences I've had as part of my Bauer MBA journey have definitely exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend the program.

Email: lcliou@cougarnet.uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2020

Industry: Banking

Job Function: Bank Strategy Analyst

Hometown: Austin, Tx

Undergraduate University and Degree: University of Houston, Hotel Restaurant Management

MBA Activities: Bauer MBA Society Vice President of Events, Bauer Graduate Real Estate Club

MBA Concentration: Sales/Finance/Leadership

Why Bauer? I chose Bauer because after interacting with the Graduate Placement Program advisors and the Rockwell Career Center, I knew I would be fully supported in my graduate level endeavors, especially in my career transition and internship hunt. I wanted a nurturing and enriching full-time MBA experience and now that I have graduated, I can say the program and alumni connections gave me exactly what I hoped to have in a diverse and opportunity filled city.

Email: emadzove@cougarnet.uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2023

Industry: Finance

Job Function:

Hometown: Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Undergraduate University and Degree: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Project Management Degree

MBA Activities: Bauer MBA Community

MBA Concentration: Finance

Why Bauer? I needed an environment where I can interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds. The University of Houston through their dedicated career center offers career services that makes it easier to land my dream job. Transitioning to finance was a huge step and I chose Bauer for the famous Cougar Investment fund program to jumpstart my career in Finance. Why Bauer, because it offers amazing MBA programs at affordable tuition rates with a higher return in comparison to equally renown universities in Houston.

Email: samomin13@uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2021

Industry: Real Estate

Job Function: Development, Management and Operations

Hometown: Houston. TX

Undergraduate University and Degree: The University of Texas at Austin - BBA Finance

MBA Activities: Bauer Graduate Real Estate Club, Bauer MBA Society and Graduate Professional Students Association (GPSA). Also competed in the ULI Hines Competition both years.

MBA Concentration: Real Estate, Investment Banking & Private Equity

Why Bauer? Given that Houston is the 4th largest city, it was a no brainer to attend the University of Houston. With the university's close ties to leading corporations within vast industries, the wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities were difficult to overlook. Also, while speaking with alumni before choosing UH, they vouched for the professors who truly care about the students getting the most out of their MBA at UH. After earning my MBA, I wholeheartedly agree with them.

Email: ctoconno@central.uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2018

Industry: Information Technology

Job Function: Experience Marketing - Brand Strategy & Identity

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Undergraduate University and Degree: The University of Texas at San Antonio - Marketing Honors

MBA Activities: Bauer MBA Society Marketing Club & Bauer MBA Ambassador

MBA Concentration: Consulting & Marketing

Why Bauer? I moved to Houston with HPE after completing a leadership development program with Hewlett-Packard in Dallas. I wanted to get my MBA from a school that had a nationally recognized professional MBA program, and a robust alumni network dedicated to increasing brand equity. Bauer surpassed my expectations with a program that challenges students to become exceptional leaders in their professional organizations, and their local communities. The professors, staff, alumni, and Bauer organizations provide students with the tools needed to be successful in their careers and fuel the growth of the Bauer brand.

Email: aogunley@central.uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2018

Industry: Biotechnology

Job Function: Head of Quality Assurance

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria by way of New York City

Undergraduate University and Degree: State University of New York at Plattsburgh, BA Biological Science

MBA Activities: MBA Ambassador, President Bauer MBA Society's Healthcare Club

MBA Concentration: Private Equity and Investment Banking

Why Bauer? In one word - Life! I was relocated to Houston by the company I worked for 4 years ago. Over the last couple of years, this city has quickly become the only home I know. Undoubtedly, I attribute the explosion of diversity both culturally and professionally as my main reason/driver for settling here.

In regards to Bauer – fit was extremely important to me (as with any major decision in life). I was looking for a program that had a growing reputation, one that was very involved in its community and one that would potentially provide a significant return on my investment. Bauer, fortunately, checked all the important boxes, which made my decision easy. Being a current student and being immersed in the MBA program here, I know without a doubt Bauer was the right fit for me. Bauer provides its students, the necessary tools in order to maximize their potential.

Email: asaini@uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2023

Industry: Sports & Entertainment Sponsorships

Job Function: Strategic Partnerships & Brand Marketing

Hometown: Ahmedabad, India

Undergraduate University and Degree: University of Houston, BBA in Management and Marketing

MBA Activities: Bauer MBA Society, American Marketing Association

MBA Concentration: Marketing

Why Bauer? Like many business professionals, I experienced my industry change during the pandemic. That is when I realized I was ready to gain new perspectives, develop advanced skills, and grow my professional network. As a proud University of Houston undergraduate alumni, I have witnessed the Bauer College of Business evolve as a world-class leader in education while setting a standard for promoting diversity and inclusion. This was very important to me; I wanted my MBA experience to represent the global nature of business today. The Bauer MBA delivers on knowledge, engagement, diversity, and value: a flexible program offering online, face-to-face, and hybrid options designed to cater to everyone. The program has something for everyone at a pace that’s right for you. As for myself, I am enjoying the majority of my Bauer MBA journey in a face-to-face class setting while actively attending networking events, mixers, and career fairs. Houston is a true gateway to the world, a city powered by the University of Houston alumni. As the world continues to change, we owe it to ourselves to keep evolving. I am thankful that the Bauer MBA experience is preparing me for the world of tomorrow.

Email: knweiderhold@bauer.uh.edu

Alumnus Graduating Year: 2021

Industry: Research Administration

Job Function: Assistant Director, Contracts

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Undergraduate University and Degree: St. Mary's University - BS in Biochemistry; Baylor College of Medicine - Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology

MBA Activities: EVP Mentorship - Bauer Graduate Women's Network (BGWN); Member of the Bauer MBA Society (BMBAS); Member of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM)

MBA Concentration: Management

Why Bauer? Bauer offers a high quality education with renowned faculty and programs, and a huge network of Bauer alumni. They also offer a professional degree plan with face to face weekly courses in the evenings. Those were the stiff rational reasons I wanted to earn my MBA from Bauer. What I learned after I committed to go down this path, was that Bauer also offers a sense of community.

Every student, faculty member, and staff member that I have interacted with is genuinely interested in making this program work for you. Everyone is here to see you win and offer whatever support they can during your journey. Coursework is important, but having an environment of encouragement and support is equally important. Bauer will give you all of that. I am a local, so it made sense to stay in the city that I live and work in.