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. Full-Time MBA Ambassadors share their perspectives regarding admission, classes, faculty, and life as an MBA student or alumnus.
Connect with Full-Time 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 Full-Time MBA Student Ambassadors
Luz Aguirre Ramirez
Class of 2026
Hometown: Stockton, California & Guanajuato, Mexico
Pre-MBA Job: Non-Profit & Education
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting & Strategy
Email Luz Aguirre Ramirez
Why you chose Foster: I chose Foster after attending the Welcome Weekend. I needed to visit the campus, get a feel for the community, and experience Foster’s curriculum and approach. During Welcome Weekend, I witnessed how close the community was and how welcoming current students, staff, faculty, and alums were. After the events, I knew Foster was the right place for me.
Advice to prospective students: Before you begin your MBA, take some time to reflect on your journey so far and set meaningful goals. Reflect and revisit your goals to remind yourself why you’re pursuing an MBA.
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Consulting Society, Net Impact, Strategy Club
Chirag Chinmay
Class of 2025
Hometown: Bhubaneshwar, India
Pre-MBA Job: Semiconductor Research
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Technology / Semiconductor Consulting
Email Chirag Chinmay
Why you chose Foster: My decision to join this program was a straightforward one, thanks to the small class sizes, the convenient location, and the strong sense of community.
Advice to prospective students: Engage fully in the program; there’s constantly something intriguing happening. Always make an effort to attend events, network, and connect with people. The individuals within this community are truly exceptional. Have conversations with them about their experiences, and you’ll find they are more than willing to guide you in shaping your own journey. Don’t be afraid to reach out – everyone here is eager to assist to the best of their abilities!
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Consulting Club, Foster Technology Club, Global Business Association, Challenge 4 Charity
Matthew O’Connor
Class of 2025
Hometown: Middletown, NY
Pre-MBA Job: Physical Therapist
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Healthcare Consulting
Email Matthew O’Connor
Why you chose Foster: I chose Foster because UW has a strong sense of community and because everyone I talked to before I got here was knowledgeable, friendly, and always made time to talk about the program. Foster also has a great reputation for consulting and it puts a lot of effort and resources into internship recruiting. Every step along the way I’ve felt supported by both the program staff and my classmates.
Advice to prospective students: Don’t be afraid to rely on your friends and classmates. It can be overwhelming at first being in a new place, 100 new classmates, internship recruiting, company visits, and a never ending academic to-do list, but everyone here is in the same situation. The best way to be successful is to ask for help when you need it and offer help when you can.
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Consulting Society, Tech Club, C4C, Healthcare and Biotech Association
Abhinav Bhargava
Class of 2026
Hometown: Kanpur, UP, India
Pre-MBA Job: Architect
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting
Email Abhinav Bhargava
Why you chose Foster: I chose the Foster School of Business for its unique combination of location, community, and opportunity. Having worked in Seattle, including founding Mudworks and leading projects at my previous company, I value the city’s innovative spirit, which Foster embodies.
Advice to prospective students: Foster offers a unique chance to grow personally and professionally. Engage with the community through clubs and events, as connections are key here. Leverage Seattle’s business ecosystem by networking with local companies for internships and real-world insights. Balance academics with hands-on projects to apply what you learn in class, and seek mentorship from Foster’s supportive network of alumni, professors, and peers. Lastly, stay open to growth and new perspectives—Foster’s environment encourages exploration, making it a perfect place to shape your career.
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Consulting Society, Data and Analytics Club, Net Impact
Shilpa Grace Shalomi
Class of 2025
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Pre-MBA Job: Healthcare IT (Product)
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Consulting
Email Shilpa Grace Shalomi
Why you chose Foster: I selected Foster for its distinguished faculty and dynamic community that promotes networking and collaboration. The intimate class size fosters a strong sense of unity and shared learning. Plus, its prime location adds to its overall appeal.Advice to prospective students: Don’t worry and tackle challenges one step at a time. Embrace the journey and explore your options, because at Foster, we create a tight-knit community where you’ll never feel lost. Reach out to anyone here, and you’ll find unwavering support on your journey to success. Remember, you’ve got this!
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Consulting Society, Healthcare and Biotechnology Association
Phitchaya Phansopha
Class of 2025
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Pre-MBA Job: Financial Data Foundation Specialist, Decarbonization Project Lead
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Technology, Sustainability, Retails, Cleantech
Email Phitchaya Phansopha
Why you chose Foster: My pursuit of aligning my short-term and long-term career goals, centered around enhancing my business acumen and leadership competencies, finds its perfect match in the Foster MBA program. The comprehensive curriculum, abundant resources, and vast opportunities at Foster perfectly complement my aspirations.
Advice to prospective students: For prospective students, embarking on an educational journey entails careful goal setting, extensive program research, and diligent planning. Cultivate a strong network early on, connecting with students, alumni, and faculty for invaluable insights. Develop excellent organizational and time management skills to efficiently balance academic commitments and personal life. Seek guidance from mentors and advisors and embrace diversity within your academic community. Take initiative, whether through research or extracurricular activities, and stay curious, committed to lifelong learning. Maintain a work-life balance to prioritize well-being and perseverance when faced with challenges. Regularly reflect on progress, adapt strategies, and contribute to your academic and local communities. Above all, relish the journey, celebrating achievements while keeping long-term goals in focus as you navigate the path to personal and professional growth. See you at Foster 🙂
What clubs are you involved in: Technology, Net Impact, Marketing, Strategy, and Data & Analytics Club
Shubham Chaudhary
Class of 2025
Hometown: Roorkee, India
Pre-MBA Job: Analytics Consultant, Accenture
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Strategy Consulting and Product Management
Email Shubham Chaudhary
Why you chose Foster: I selected Foster due to its intimate class sizes, ideal location, and strong emphasis on community involvement, embodying a genuine commitment to enhancing the well-being of humanity.
Advice to prospective students: For prospective students, here’s a piece of advice: Reach out to current students to understand why Foster might be the right fit for you. Before you even join our community, start thinking about how you can make a difference and contribute positively to Foster once you’re here. It’s more than just choosing a school; it’s a chance to pave your path and give back.
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Consulting Society, Tech Club, Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, and Healthcare and Biotechnology Club
Adithya Viswanathan
Class of 2026
Hometown: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Pre-MBA Job: Senior Product Manager
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Technology
Email Adithya Viswanathan
Why you chose Foster: A serendipitous moment led me to attend a shadow day at Foster, and all my expectations of what Foster represents—its highly personalized curriculum, close-knit and selective cohort, proximity to a global innovation hub, inclusive culture, and student-led initiatives—were validated. I realized this was the school for me.
Advice to prospective students: My key piece of advice for a successful MBA journey is to cultivate self-awareness. Take the time to truly understand your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. This insight will help you prioritize your goals throughout the program, allowing you to create an experience that you can lean on for years to come.
What clubs are you involved in: Tech Club, Data & Analytics Club
Anshula Singh
Class of 2026
Hometown: Danville, CA, USA
Pre-MBA Job: Software Engineer
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Tech
Email Anshula Singh
Why you chose Foster: Foster’s reputation for inclusivity and community really drew me in from the beginning. The alumni were incredibly helpful in providing resources and guidance, even before I was accepted!
Advice to prospective students: One of my mentors gave me some advice which I have really taken to heart: “An MBA, or any graduate degree, is less about the short term, but how you can position yourself to get to your ideal long term.”
I was extremely hesitant to pursue this path because I was already in the industry I wanted to be in, but I decided to push through and skill up in an effort to diversify my path, and I’m excited about what’s to come.
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Marketing Association, Net Impact, VC
Saurav Hippargi
Class of 2026
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Pre-MBA Job: Chief of Staff
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Tech
Email Saurav Hippargi
Why you chose Foster: My decision to choose Foster was the small cohort size, the strategic location in the Pacific Northwest, and the strong connections Foster has with leading tech companies in the Seattle region.
Advice to prospective students: Reach out to current students or alumni to understand why Foster might be the right fit for you. Be ready for a journey filled with learning, fun, and countless opportunities to grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the Foster community will support you every step of the way.
What clubs are you involved in: Data and Analytics, Tech, C4C
David Pulaski
Class of 2026
Hometown: Portland, OR, USA
Pre-MBA Job: Product Manager
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Tech
Email David Pulaski
Why you chose Foster: As someone raised in the PNW, I wanted to stay on the West Coast and pursue PM roles in tech. I felt like Foster offered the best opportunity to do that due to its proximity to so many great companies in Seattle and its strong alumni network on the West Coast. The program also provided a generous scholarship package, which helped confirm my decision. That decision has only been supported by the amazing classmates I’ve met so far in my first term.
Advice to prospective students: Trust your gut, ask questions, and reach out to as many people as possible if you’re unsure about where to attend school, or what field you want to pursue post-MBA. So many people at Foster and elsewhere are willing to lend a hand or provide their expertise if you’re willing to ask.
What clubs are you involved in: DIBS, OSIC
Gurunandan Narasimhan
Class of 2026
Hometown: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Pre-MBA Job: Specialist Software Engineer at Societe Generale
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Fintech / Big Tech
Email Gurunandan Narasimhan
Why you chose Foster: I was particular about a small class size since it would allow for customized and focused career guidance, increased leadership opportunities, and more faculty interaction, leading to a better learning experience. Additionally, I felt the school’s tech-favorable location and deep alumni network in domains of my interest would act as catalysts for the career that I was aspiring for (PM at fintech/big-tech).
Advice to prospective students: Make sure to connect with current Foster students from various industries and backgrounds to gain insights into the culture and how Foster supports their career goals. Understanding their experiences will help you see if the community aligns with your aspirations and give you a sense of what to expect. This way, you’ll know how to make the most of your time here and choose activities that will best support your growth.
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Tech Club, Data & Analytics Club
Shweta V A
Class of 2026
Hometown: Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Pre-MBA Job: Software Engineer
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Tech
Email Shweta V A
Why you chose Foster: Foster is the perfect environment to help me pivot into product management in tech. My background as a software developer at Oracle gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, but I’m eager to build on that with strategic and leadership skills.
Advice to prospective students: During your MBA, especially at Foster, embrace networking early—each connection with classmates, alumni, or industry leaders is a chance to learn. Take advantage of hands-on experiences like projects and internships to apply classroom knowledge, particularly with Foster’s strong ties to Seattle’s tech scene. Stay open to growth, balancing academics with self-care and relationship-building to get the most out of the journey. Foster is incredibly supportive, so don’t hesitate to seek guidance; the community is here to help you thrive.
What clubs are you involved in: Tech Club, Data & Analytics Club
Dipen Waghela
Class of 2026
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Pre-MBA Job: Investment Banking
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Investment Banking, Strategy, and Corporate Development
Email Dipen Waghela
Why you chose Foster: Foster’s strong focus on community and teamwork truly sets it apart for me. With a blend of varied academics, leadership development, and a hands-on curriculum, Foster offers a comprehensive platform for individual growth. The MBA experience is deeply personal, and Foster provides countless opportunities to tailor your journey, a journey that facilitates both personal and professional growth.
Advice to prospective students: An MBA is a significant investment which demands mental resilience, especially for international students. While the degree itself does hold value, it’s the insights gained, and the clarity of thought developed that truly set you apart. An MBA isn’t a magic ticket to instant success; rather, it’s a low-risk environment to make mistakes, learn from others, and refine your approach. This journey shapes your character in ways that profoundly impact your professional life. Having the right mindset, being adaptable, setting clear goals, and constantly anticipating of what lies ahead will be the crucial elements for preparing your MBA journey.
What clubs are you involved in: Finance, Consulting, Strategy
Rishabh Katare
Class of 2026
Hometown: Madhya Pradesh, India
Pre-MBA Job: Business Development, Operations, Accounts Management, Consulting
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Health Care
Email Rishabh Katare
Why you chose Foster: I chose Foster for its welcoming and tight-knit community that thrives on collaboration and support. The school’s connection to the vibrant business ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest was also a huge draw for me, offering real-world opportunities to learn and grow. For someone like me, transitioning from a career in healthcare and aiming for management consulting, Foster has been the perfect bridge.
Advice to prospective students: Entering an MBA program is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. At Foster, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of community. It’s a place where your peers are your greatest resource—diverse in experiences and backgrounds, yet united in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. My advice is to dive in wholeheartedly. Don’t just focus on classes and recruitment; engage with the people around you, share your ideas, and learn from theirs. The connections you build and the challenges you take on will shape your MBA experience and prepare you for whatever comes next. And remember, be authentic and open-minded—growth comes from embracing the unknown.
What clubs are you involved in: Foster Consulting Society, Foster Finance Society, Healthcare and Biotech Association
Pratyush Hore
Class of 2026
Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Pre-MBA Job: Program Management Lead, NGO founder, Retail Strategist
Desired Post-MBA Industry: Tech
Email Pratyush Hore
Why you chose Foster: Foster is one of the few schools that can leverage its location, balancing in-class learning with the much-needed mental breaks through scenic hikes and treks through nature.
Advice to prospective students: 1. Network well – Your network is your net worth.
2. Be clear in your communication – If you’re building a network then communicate accordingly, show what you bring to the table; if you’re looking for mentorship, specify that
3. Be ready to work hard (after all, that’s why you’re here); Be ready to do a lot of things all by yourself and with your team.
What clubs are you involved in: Tech, Consulting