The culture of the Foster School of Business is characterized by a strong sense of community in which every MBA student has their own story. The MBA Ambassador program is designed to introduce prospective students to the Foster community. Evening Ambassadors share their perspectives regarding admission, classes, faculty, and life as an MBA student or alumnus.
Connect with Evening MBA Ambassadors
- Attend an event: Visit the Admissions Events page to register to informally chat with a student at a virtual Student Connection, or join a student host for a class visit and more on a Shadow Day.
- Connect one-on-one: Fill out the Ambassador Connection form above to request coffee with a current student, or connect with students and alumni via email, phone, or virtually.
- Diversity at Foster: Speak with the Diversity Outreach Coordinator and current MBA or our Director of Diversity and Inclusion to learn more about our community. To connect with our veteran community, fill out the Ambassador Connection form above.
Meet Our Evening MBA Student Ambassadors
Kashish Garg
Class of 2027
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Pre-MBA Job: Software Engineer
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting/Big tech
Email Kashish
Why you chose Foster: Early in my career, I was seeking an experience that would challenge me to think more strategically, lead more effectively, and explore new career possibilities. Foster stood out as the only program that offered the flexibility to keep working full-time without sacrificing the richness of an in-person MBA. It struck the perfect balance: rigorous academics, a collaborative and close-knit community, and real-world, hands-on learning through projects with the Puget Sound business community. That combination made Foster feel like the right place to grow—not just as a professional, but as a future leader.
Advice to prospective students: Make sure you’re ready to take this on—but once you commit, give yourself permission to ease into it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the beginning—I certainly did. Juggling work and school takes some adjustment, but it does get easier, and you’ll find your rhythm.
You don’t have to do everything perfectly from day one. Leave room in your schedule for fun, club events, and simply connecting with others. Some of the most valuable parts of my Foster experience came from the unplanned moments—conversations, projects, and activities that offered new perspectives and friendships.
Be open to experiences that challenge or surprise you. Your goals may shift as you gain exposure to different people and ideas. Foster gives you the space to grow—not just professionally, but personally. Make the most of it—and enjoy the process.
What clubs are you involved in: Tech Club, Global Business Association, Wine Club, Women in Business
David Gorton
Class of 2027
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Pre-MBA Job: CPA
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Social Impact/Philanthropic Consultant
Email David
Why you chose Foster: I chose Foster because I wanted stronger relationships with the local social impact community. I knew Foster had not only a vast alumni network, but it offered tremendous networking opportunities with community leaders, professors, and large class cohorts. I chose the Evening MBA program as it is incredibly work-compatible, allowing me to retain flexibility with my future career goals while still financially supporting my family.
Advice to prospective students: There’s so many things you can do throughout Foster – I would strongly recommend prioritizing opportunities outside of the classroom. I know it’s already tough to balance work and school, but the most valuable experiences I’ve had in the program have come from networking, clubs, projects, and competitions beyond what the program requires. Engagement within a classroom only scratches the surface of what you can get out of your Foster experience.
Feel free to reach out directly if you’d like to chat!
What clubs are you involved in: Net Impact, EVCC, Strategy, Global Business, Technology, Wine
Kelsey Mara
Class of 2026
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Pre-MBA Job: Brand Manager
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consumer Packaged Goods/Tech
Email Kelsey
Why you chose Foster: I knew pretty much the day I graduated undergrad that I was going to go back for my MBA. When it came time for me to be ready for that journey, UW became my top choice. I chose Foster because I believed in the cohort-based learning and case learning Foster encourages. I also knew this would be a great school to get into if I wanted to stay local to the Seattle area. At the time that I was considering my MBA with Foster, I had just been laid off and was interested in pivoting my experience out of CPG as there are less firms hiring in that industry. I’m proud to say with the network I’ve built here at Foster, this has been a very successful plan. I’ve learned an incredible amount from my cohort-mates and have build very enriching friendships along the way. If I could do it all over again, I 100% would.
Advice to prospective students: My advice to students is to know what you want to do with your time here. You’re only going to get this opportunity once so DIVE IN, heads first! It’s going to be very overwhelming when you start – lots to choose from and way too much to accomplish. Consider your time here to be your biggest investment – not every elective, core class, volunteer opportunity, or social event is going to be important. Carefully choose how you spend that time and be your authentic self along the way. It’s the people you meet and engage with that could lead you to that next hadnshake, job, or mentor. This is where your investment pays off, so make the most of it! It’ll be worth it, I promise!
What clubs are you involved in: MBA Association, Strategy Club, OSIC
Liz Mata
Class of 2027
Hometown: Severna Park, MD
Pre-MBA Job: Military Officer
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Engineering Project Management
Email Liz
Why you chose Foster: Living in Seattle, I knew I wanted to take advantage of some aspect of a in-person MBA program. Although I was unsure at first, I learned about the benefits of the Evening Program like access to the Foster Career Managment office, tons professional networking events, and connection to the local Seattle community. After meeting other prospective Evening Students most of who also wanted to elevate their own professional brand and pivot into new industries, I knew the program was the right fit for me.
Advice to prospective students: Look at how a graduate program will functionally fit in with your life – both professionally and personally. Does it add to your personal toolkit of skills? Does it challenge you in areas you want to grow? It’s okay to not know exactly how all the puzze peices fit yet! The Evening MBA has more than enough opportunities to explore what you do and do not find exciting. Commit to finding out and taking advantage of the practical experiences that Foster has to offer.
What clubs are you involved in: MBA Association, Foster Veterans Association, Operations Club, Wine Club
Gauri Punekar
Class of 2026
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Pre-MBA Job: Product Strategy Leader
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Technology and Telecommunications
Email Gauri
Why you chose Foster: Foster uniquely aligns purpose driven leadership with tangible, real world impact- exactly what I envisioned for my MBA journey. Foster’s dedication to cultivating influential leaders who actively shape business and society deeply resonated with me. The vibrant Seattle community Foster has thoughtfully built isn’t just a network; it’s a supportive ecosystem of passionate, forward thinking professionals. Having personally experienced the caliber and impact of Foster alumni in my professional interactions, I was inspired by their genuine desire to empower others.
Advice to prospective students: As you consider Foster, lean into clarity around your “why”. My advice would be to keep your long term goals in perspective. Foster isn’t just about what you’ll learn, it’s also about the community you’ll build.
What clubs are you involved in: EVCC, Technology club
Maya Sullivan
Class of 2027
Email Maya
Why you chose Foster: Three primary reasons:
- I knew I wanted an in-person evening MBA program
- I wanted to stay local in Seattle
- Due to my background in international NGO work + my desire to potentially use the MBA to pivot careers, I knew I needed to expand my professional network in the Seattle area.
Foster’s alumni network put it head and shoulders above other options. Beyond these three ideas, I already knew the academic side would be challengning and high quality, and I knew I’d like to team-centric nature of the first two years as well. As an impact-oriented person, I also saw there were clubs, programs, classes, and other opportunities in alignment with my personal and professional goals. Finally, I appreciated Foster’s emphasis on creating supportive learning environments for all backgrounds of students, which helped reassure me that I belonged, given my background in nonprofits.
Advice to prospective students: First, truly ask yourself why you want an MBA. For many jobs and even job pivots, you don’t need one. Make sure this is a value-add to you. Second, Scour the Foster website IN DEPTH before applying – there is so much publicly available information there, and it will give you a good idea of this is the right program for you. Questions I’d ask myself include, do I like the required core curriculum and team structure? Do any of the certifications or focuses appeal to me? Do the electives or programs align with my professional goals? How will I build community – are there clubs or events that stand out?
What clubs are you involved in: Outdoor Sports and Industry, Net Impact, Women in Business
Ionut Trestian
Class of 2027
Hometown: Brasov, Romania
Pre-MBA Job: Software Engineer
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Engineering Management
Email Ionut
Why you chose Foster: One of the reasons I chose the Foster School of Business is because of its strong reputation in the Pacific Northwest and its close ties to the local tech industry. Being based in Seattle, Foster has a unique position that allows students to interact with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and a range of innovative startups. I was also drawn to the strong sense of community and collaboration that I’ve already experienced firsthand through talking with current students and attending events. I appreciate that the Foster MBA program emphasizes both leadership development and real-world impact, with a curriculum that blends core business fundamentals with opportunities to engage directly with industry. For me, it’s the right environment to build the skills I need while staying connected to the kinds of companies I want to grow with.
Advice to prospective students: My advice to prospective students is to take the time to reflect on what you really want to get out of the MBA experience and to be honest about where you are in your career and where you want to go. For me, it wasn’t just about checking a box—it was about finding a program that would push me to grow in the areas I knew I needed, like structured leadership training and exposure to broader business thinking. I’d also encourage you to talk to current students and alumni. Those conversations gave me a much better sense of the culture at Foster and helped me picture how I would fit in. Finally, be open. An MBA is not just about building on what you already know, but about challenging your assumptions, learning from your peers, and discovering new career paths you might not have considered.
What clubs are you involved in: MBA Association, Technology Club, Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club
Jahnvi Upadhyay
Class of 2026
Hometown: Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Pre-MBA Job: Continuous Improvement Specialist
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting/Big tech
Email Jahnvi
Why you chose Foster: I chose the Foster MBA program because of its exceptional Evening MBA format, which allowed me to continue working while pursuing my degree. At the time I was considering MBA programs, I was early in my career and believed that gaining work experience was just as important as completing an MBA. Foster’s program offered the perfect solution—enabling me to learn in class and immediately apply that knowledge to my work the following day. Additionally, the close proximity to major tech company headquarters was a key factor in my decision.
Advice to prospective students: Be true to yourself and take the time to reflect on what you hope to gain from the program. Even if you’re not entirely sure yet, that’s completely okay—you have three years to explore and discover your goals.
The Evening MBA program offers incredible flexibility, but remember: you chose an in-person experience for a reason. Make the most of it by engaging beyond the classroom. Get involved—run for the MBA Association Board, lead a club, become a peer mentor. These opportunities not only enrich your experience but also help you develop valuable leadership skills.
Don’t be afraid to step up. This is your time to shine, take initiative, and try new things. The possibilities are endless—make them count.
What clubs are you involved in: Consulting Club, Women in Business, Wine Club, Huddle
Julia Velichkevych
Class of 2027
Hometown: Kharkiv, Ukraine
Pre-MBA Job: Business Development Team; HR
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting and Data Analysis
Email Julia
Why you chose Foster: Exposure to diverse industries, Seattle location presuming possibilities for business networking. High US News rating of the school. Getting to know prospective cohort-mates at Eval day. Convenient schedule that can be combined with working hours.
Advice to prospective students: Deep understanding of what final result to expect, or what fields of business knowledge to explore in depth will help overcome dispersion of focus, and also clearly display how you will benefit from the school resources. Communicating to current students, admission committee and alums a lot helpd shape this type f realization.
What clubs are you involved in: MBAA, Consultimg Society, Women In Business, Circle (International students association), undergrad HR club