2008-2009 Evening MBA Ambassadors

Current Evening MBA students who wished to share their experiences with prospective students created the Evening MBA Ambassador Program in 1999. The students listed below have volunteered to serve as a contact for you as you evaluate the Ross School of Business Evening MBA Program. Our Evening MBA Ambassadors can be reached at the email addresses listed below. Current work, undergraduate institution, and family status categorize each Ambassador. Many have taken classes at the Commerce Park, Southfield and Ann Arbor campuses, and can easily give you a unique and current perspective on the Evening Program and its many strengths. They will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about the curriculum, work/life balance, or the admissions process.

For more information or to volunteer as an Evening MBA Ambassador, please email the Evening MBA Association President: Rashinder Gill at gillr@umich.edu or evembainfo@umich.edu

Name Rashinder Pal Singh Gill Email gillr@umich.edu Career Focus Consulting, Corporate Strategy and Operations Geographic Region Mid-West, Southern States, Canada, India, Germany, South Korea. Grad/Undergrad Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College – BS (Mech.), Wayne State University – MS (Mechanical Engg.) Prior Industry Automotive   “I decided to pursue my MBA at Ross School of Business because of the flexibility and reputation of the program, world class faculty; and above all the Alumni Network. Currently, I am the President of Evening MBA Association and part of building taskforce for the new building of the business school. I have found Ross MBA to be a very well balanced program designed to meet the challenges of today's complex business environment, an essential for my development as a future manager. The diversity and pace of learning is intense. There's no question that it's tough. Time management alone is enough to tire you out, but it's really mind over matter. It has been challenging to work full-time and pursue the Evening MBA at the same time, but it's a lot of fun. Feel free to contact me, and I'll be glad to share my experiences and help in your decision to pursue MBA at The Ross School of Business.”
Name Jennifer Webb Email jnwebb@umich.edu Career Focus Entrepreneurship, Consulting Geographic Region Past: US Midwest and Western Europe -- Current: US Midwest -- Future: Western Europe and US West Coast Grad/Undergrad Central Michigan University, Michigan, Middlebury College, Vermont & La Sorbonne, Paris, France Prior Industry Information Technology   ”After 13 years of experience in Information Technology in the automotive industry, I realized that I needed to earn my MBA if I want to climb any higher in the corporate world. Choosing to work full-time while attending UM part-time was a difficult choice, but it was the right one for me. Never would I have dreamed of the opportunities I've had so far, nor would I have thought I would launch my own business within seven months of starting the MBA program! UM has it all: outstanding and engaged faculty, extraordinary students, a demanding curriculum and a plethora of extracurricular activities. I’m involved with the Community Consulting Club, the Michigan Business Women, and the Ross Golf Club, as well as the Evening MBA Association and the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship. Go Blue!”
Name Rohan Mendonza Email rohanm@umich.edu Career Focus Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Corporate Strategy Geographic Region Midwest, West Coast Grad/Undergrad Bangalore University, India Prior Industry Implantable Medical Devices   "After 5 years of experience in medical devices, I realized the Ross MBA was the logical next step in my career to bridge the gap between my current position and future aspirations. With its high academic standards, excellent faculty and diverse student base, Ross gives me a unique insight into global business management. The flexible structure allows me to effectively manage a work-life balance in addition to offering opportunities for networking and entertainment. I’m involved with the Healthcare and Life Sciences Club and the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship."
Name Shomit Manapure Email shomitm@umich.edu Career Focus Logistics, Entrepreneurship Geographic Region Midwest, Asia, India Grad/Undergrad Production Engineering, India Prior Industry Logistics, Manufacturing   "Ross is one of the best schools for Management education in the Midwest. I found the program well rounded and focused on different areas of management such as Strategy, HR, leadership, etc. I am a member of the Entrepreneurship and Venture Club and also a Ross Ambassador and section leader for my region."
Name Amanjeev Chawla Email amanjeev.chawla@us.o-i.com Career Focus General Management Geographic Region Toledo, OH Grad/Undergrad B.Tech. Computer Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, India Prior Industry IT, Packaging (Manufacturing)   “I selected Ross since it is one of the nation's top business schools with a reputation for academic excellence. I have been able to and, hope to further leverage the immense resources available to students in the form of renowned faculty, smart fellow students, recruiting opportunities, various business school facilities and other learning aids. A combination of all these ultimately make the learning experience very rewarding. For me, every class has offered a rich environment to further enhance my knowledge. I have enjoyed it thoroughly. It feels great to be part of a community which offers high standards of education outside the day-to-day work.”
Name Murali Arcot Email asmurali@umich.edu Career Focus Consulting, Strategy and Operations Geographic Region East and West Coasts, Midwest, Asia, India Grad/Undergrad University of Madras - Engineering Prior Industry Automotive - Manufacturing/Engineering   “Apart from regular classes, involvement in special courses, clubs and conferences are the best resources to experiment our skills and create a dynamic learning experience. The Interdisciplinary Project Course (IPC) was a real consulting experience in a field totally different from my current daily job and a fun experience. It provided the learning towards developing good strategies and offered insights towards solving real problems. The student-organized ‘Asia Business Conference’ not only helped me get in touch with the happenings in the high growth markets, but also helped me develop good organizational skills. In essence, I think Ross MBA is a good lab to experiment and tap into our hidden potential.”
Name Marwan Rateb Email mrateb@umich.edu Career Focus Investment Banking Geographic Region East Coast Grad/Undergrad Industrial and Operations Engineering Prior Industry Automotive   “I chose Ross because of its world class reputation, faculty and facilities. I wanted a school where I could determine the content and focus of my MBA and be able to get an unmatched education. There is no better program in the area! I have been involved with the Evening MBA Association, Student Government Association, and a variety of clubs including the Finance, Hi-Tech, and Entrepreneur Venture Capital Clubs. At Ross I have the opportunity to work on start-ups, utilize the amazing library resources, and interact with great students and faculty! As 2007 President of the Evening MBA Association, I look forward to answering any questions you may have about Ross! GO BLUE!”
Name Nikhil Apte Email napte@ford.com Career Focus Finance/General Management Geographic Region Asia/India Grad/Undergrad University of Pune, India Prior Industry Automotive   “Being part of the Business School at the University of Michigan has offered me an exceptional learning experience among the brightest peers and the best faculty. A friendly community coupled with various socio-academic clubs, offer great networking opportunities with people of similar interests and aspirations. I'm currently the VP of Finance for the Evening MBA Association.”
Name Sreenivas Vedula Email sreenivs@umich.edu Career Focus Consulting Geographic Region Mid-West, West Coast Grad/Undergrad Andhra University - Mechanical Engineering Prior Industry Automotive   “I chose Ross because of the complete package that it has to offer--Excellent academic curriculum, world renowned professors, state of the art infrastructure, action oriented learning approach, leadership development initiatives, varied student clubs that provide deep insights into multiple career paths, and last but not the least, a vibrant Ann Arbor atmosphere. Overall, the opportunity to pursue a MBA program while working full time, as a step towards making a lasting positive difference in the career path of my choice was too tempting to let go. I am a member of the Consulting, Marketing and High Tech clubs and VP of Community in the Evening MBA Association.”
Name Katie Morrison Email katiemo@umich.edu Career Focus Finance and Strategy Geographic Region USA Grad/Undergrad University of Notre Dame, BBA 2002 Prior Industry Automotive   “Prior to joining the Ross community, I knew I wanted to pursue an MBA, but was on a great career path at my company and didn't want to leave that to study full-time. The decision to become an Evening MBA Student at Ross allows me to have the best of both worlds -- to continue developing in my company and take advantage of all the Ross School of Business has to offer.”
Name Bharani S. Yerramalli Email byerrama@umich.edu Career Focus Strategy and Finance Geographic Region US, BRIC Grad/Undergrad Michigan Technological University - Mechanical Engineering Prior Industry Automotive   “Ross provides you the opportunity to learn from the best! Not only do you learn in the class from awesome faculty but also you learn thru your interactions with rest of your classmates. The energy in the classrooms, case competitions is just amazing. Coming with a background in engineering I have found that the knowledge I gained at Ross has helped me immensely to diversify my career options both at work and outside. An MBA from Ross will prepare you evenly to face the challenges of the corporate world. ”
Name Thierry Rolina Email trolina@umich.edu Career Focus Corporate Strategy, Innovation Geographic Region North America, Western Europe Grad/Undergrad Ecole Centrale Nord, Lille France, MS Process Control Prior Industry High Technology - Embedded Software   "My background includes 20 years as an Engineer and Business Development Manager in various technology areas; such as Mil & Aero, Telocom, Medical, and Automotive. For the past 10 years, my focus of interest has been the Embedded Automotive Software Industry. My interest is in Innovation and Corporate Strategy, so I wanted to grasp the appropriate tools from a respected institution which not only teaches concepts, but also promotes leadership and action-based learning."
Name Rajesh Mummineni Email rajeshmv@umich.edu Career Focus Corporate Strategy, High-Tech, Entrepreneurship Geographic Region Midwest, Asia, India Grad/Undergrad University of Madras - Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Prior Industry Information Technology   ”I was attracted by the Michigan focus to develop Leaders that are well rounded and team focused. The professors are wonderful. They have the knack to keep you engaged after a full day at work. I am looking to round up my leadership skills and management basics while making the connections for my future entrepreneurial ventures.”
Name Scott Michael Powell Email powellsc@umich.edu Career Focus Marketing (Brand Management) Geographic Region Midwest Grad/Undergrad Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (Michigan State) Prior Industry Automotive   "I joined Ross to help make a career change from Engineering to Marketing.Along the way, I decided the best fit for me was in Consumer Packaged Goods. This summer I had the opportunity to do an internship in Brand Management at Kellogg's. I feel like Ross has prepared me with the educational tools to be successful, but the best part for me was the unique opportunity to work with so many people from such diverse backgrounds."
Name Vick Dwivedi Email vdwivedi@umich.edu Career Focus Finance/General Management Geographic Region USA and India Grad/Undergrad New Jersey Institute of Technology/National Institute of Technology Prior Industry Automotive   ”Ross School of Business is one of the best in the world. I joined Ross School of Business to pursue my interest in finance and to further develop my leadership skills. I enjoyed my interactions with the outstanding faculty and extremely intelligent students. It is challenging to work full time and study as well but once I joined I started enjoying my time at school. I have also developed an extensive network. I feel great to be associated with Ross School of Business.”
Name Robert Gallagher Email rjgallag@umich.edu Career Focus Finance / General Management Geographic Region Midwest / South Grad/Undergrad Grad - MBA; Undergrad - Mechanical Engineering (U-M) Prior Industry Automotive (Engineering)   "I joined Ross to help pursue my career interest in finance or general product management outside of automotive. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with fellow Ross students, learning a lot both within the classroom and outside of it. I plan to take full advantage of the diverse opportunities offered by the Ross environment. Through Ross, I was able to procure a finance internship for the summer, and I plan on finishing my last 14 credits full-time, so I can give an "Evening MBA" perspective on how the recruiting process worked for me (at least for different career opportunities)"
Name Kanna Akella Email akella@umich.edu Career Focus IT, Finance Geographic Region Canton, MI Grad/Undergrad MS, IITM Prior Industry Consulting, EDS   ”Currently I am responsible in leading and managing projects teams. I joined Ross to advance my career with the knowledge of Finance and Marketing domains. I enjoyed the courses taken so far, interaction with fellow Ross students and Professors. I plan to take full advantage of the diverse opportunities offered by the Ross environment. ”
Name Tony Chen Email tchen@umich.edu Career Focus consulting Geographic Region Metro Detroit Grad/Undergrad UM LSA '95 - Cellular and Molecular Biology Prior Industry Automotive (Engineering)   "I started the program to make myself look better in the marketplace in the competition for highly sought-after positions, but instead, I realized that the Ross MBA teaches you applied business. You can actually take what you learn and apply it to the real world, and in some cases, apply it to something you're working on the very next day! I'm pretty happy, but I'll be even happier when I graduate and see what I can really do."
Name Jennifer Vaughan Email vaugjenn@umich.edu Career Focus Marketing and Corporate Strategy Geographic Region Ann Arbor, MI Grad/Undergrad Graduate Student Prior Industry Health Care   ”I decided to pursue my MBA degree in order to combine a marketing and Corporate strategy perspective with my current background in health care. Attending Michigan has given me an amazing learning opportunity that expands beyond the class room. In my spare time I enjoy running and doing triathlons. ”
Name Jeremy Sharff Email sharffj@umich.edu Career Focus Strategy/Marketing Geographic Region one of the coasts Grad/Undergrad MBA/Mechanical Engineering Prior Industry Automotive   "I joined Ross to help with a career change as well as to understand the workings of business. Through the courses and people, I found my strongest interest to be in strategy and marketing. The faculty, facilities and most important, the students have provided the quality education and experience unparalleled anywhere else.""
Name Ian Foslien Email ifoslien@umich.edu Career Focus Corporate Strategy Geographic Region Midwest Grad/Undergrad Master of Science Mechanical Engineering - University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering - University of Minnesota Prior Industry Automotive   ”I joined Ross to provide myself with more flexibility with my career options. The team experiences at Ross have greatly enhanced my performance as a project manager at Visteon Corporation. I hope to continue building a solid base here at Ross for my career, becoming more involved in opportunities outside the classroom. ”
Name Nathan Schmid Email nschmid@umich.edu Career Focus Marketing & Product Management Geographic Region Global (Working out of the U.S.) Grad/Undergrad MBA focus in Strategy & Marketing / Undergrad BSME Mechanical Engineering-Penn State University Prior Industry Diversified Manufacturing   "I joined Ross to learn more about business and to provide me with a springboard out of engineering and into a marketing role. As an evening MBA I had the opportunity to take my classroom learnings and apply them daily in my full-time job. My Ross experience made me much better suited for my current role in which I have strategic decision making responsibility for an entire product portfolio. Additionally, I built friendships at Ross that will last a lifetime."
Name Albert Zangrilli Email azangril@umich.edu Career Focus Operations/MO Geographic Region Ann Arbor (Pittsfield Township) Grad/Undergrad B.A, Notre Dame, 2001. cross-enrolled in Rackham Prior Industry US Navy pilot/officer since graduation   ”I joined Ross to see international business from a diverse perspective. I also liked their action-based approach to learning. I enjoy people, HR,law, economics, and pretty much everything else that Ross has offered so far. I like the Ann Arbor area and am getting more familiar with it. ”
Name Alex Partin Email apartin@umich.edu Career Focus Marketing Geographic Region SE Michigan Grad/Undergrad MBA/Mechanical Engineering Prior Industry Automotive   ""I joined Ross to help me make a career switch from engineering to marketing. I have also developed an interest in corporate strategy through course work and company interactions. The Ross MBA truly enables career switches and provides a wealth of educational as well as career options to students." "
Name Iris Yim Email irisyim@umich.edu Career Focus strategy, marketing Geographic Region Ann Arbor Grad/Undergrad USC/National Taiwan Univeristy Prior Industry Market Research   ”I joined Ross to further my career in market research and strategic planning, to strengthen my understanding of marketing, advertising and brand management. I have been very impressed by the caliber of faculty and fellow classmates and thoroughly enjoyed the classes I have taken so far. ”
Name Manish Gupta Email mgta@umich.edu Career Focus Marketing & Strategy Geographic Region Midwest/East Coast Grad/Undergrad BITS, Pilani-India; Kansas State University Prior Industry Advertising/Marketing Communications   ""I joined Ross because I wanted to build upon my strong functional background with cross-functional skills such as finance and strategy. My experience at Ross has been over and above my expectations. Not only have I learned a lot but also made friends and connections for life. Apart from my work and MBA, I love to blog, help non-profit organizations and camp." "
Name Srihari (Sri) Mulgund Email srihari@umich.edu Career Focus Corporate Finance and Strategy Geographic Region East Coast/USA, India/Asia Grad/Undergrad University of Toledo, OH / National Inst of Engg, Mysore, India Prior Industry Automotive   ”As a person looking to change my career function, Ross offers me the critical resources that prepare me to compete effectively on a turf alien to me. The Ross EMBA program not only offers me with the flexibility of a Part-Time program but also the rigor of a Day Program. The diverse student population within the 'Ross Network' has and will continue to enrich my classroom experience and reward me with a lifetime of friends and connections. Ross School of Business provides an environment of collaboration and team-work. I look forward to hearing from you. Go Blue!!! ”
Name Lisa Schoder Email lfreismu@umich.edu Career Focus Marketing and Corporate Strategy Geographic Region Midwest Grad/Undergrad Grad: Auto Engineering, U-Michigan / Undergrad: Mechanical Eng, Michigan State Prior Industry Automotive   "'My decision to enroll at Ross was driven by my desire to alter my career path. I have a background in engineering, but found myself drawn towards product marketing and brand management. The MBA from Ross will open up new opportunities where I can leverage my technical background and focus in on products that truly resonate with consumers. Given the prestige associated with Ross, I count myself lucky to have the opportunity to attend such a great program. The classes are engaging and challenging and I've had the opportunity to meet many great people who add so much to the overall classroom learning experience.' "
Name Dan Shirkey Email dshirkey@umich.edu Career Focus TBD (leaning toward Strategy and Marketing) Geographic Region TBD Grad/Undergrad Mechanical Engineering Prior Industry Automotive, Machinery   ”"I work at a small-medium sized ($15M) family business. While finishing my Ross degree I am determining whether I will utilize my new skills to grow my current company, or if I will begin a new career with a new company and perhaps a new industry. Whatever I decide, I am confident that my experiences and knowledge gained while at Ross will be a great asset in my future. The faculty and students at Ross are great, and I fully expect the brand new B-school building to exceed expectations. Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, and going to the beach." ”
Name Brian Burstein Email bburstei@umich.edu Career Focus Strategy Geographic Region Ann Arbor Grad/Undergrad Undergrad - Industrial Operations Engineering - Michigan Prior Industry Automotive   ""To be honest a major reason I initially joined Ross was to check the box. I knew I wanted to make a carrear switch, but I was not certain where I wanted to focus. I knew an MBA would help me get to where I want to go. In my two years at Ross I have been amazed at how much I have learned. It is amazing how much you can get out of this program. I have become a much better leader and my experiences at Ross have helped me set direction for the rest of my life. In the year and a half I have remaining at Ross I plan to take full advantage of the many diverse opportunities, to network and grow my professional skill set. Go Blue! "
Name Marcus Pollack Email pollacma@umich.edu Career Focus Finance Geographic Region Midwest Grad/Undergrad BSME, Kettering University '01 Prior Industry Engineering Services, Automotive   ”I joined Ross to build on my business management skills, and came to focus on Finance and Strategy. Ross is a great environment, with a diverse group of students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, which has allowed me to learn a lot beyond the course work. During my time at Ross, I have been involved with Finance and Entreprenuer Clubs to meet other students and see different career options. ”
Name Leslie Polsen Email lgryniew@umich.edu Career Focus Operations Management Geographic Region Royal Oak Grad/Undergrad BS Computer Engineering Prior Industry Engineering   "Ideally, the decisions that a company makes should be sound, both from technical and business perspectives. I joined Ross to learn how to make good business decisions. My primary area of interest is in operations, as I am also pursing a Master?s in Manufacturing Engineering. I have enjoyed the classes that I have taken at Ross so far, and look forward to future courses."
Name Saurav Snehvrat Email sauravs@umich.edu Career Focus Finance and Non Profit Organizations Geographic Region Southfield,MI Grad/Undergrad B. Tech Electrical Engineering Prior Industry Software   ”Ross for me is like a treasure chest. The more you dig in, more pearls will you find. My interests include financial instruments as well as Non Profit Organizations. Current interests are in gandhian philosophy and law. I avidly play tennis and cricket while love watching baseball and the NHL.Go Red Wings! ”
Name Rebecca Wiechman Email rwiechma@umich.edu Career Focus Marketing, Strategy Geographic Region Currently--Michigan; Potentiall--Midwest Grad/Undergrad BA--Hope College Prior Industry Retail   "I am very excited to be entering into the world of brand managagement and strategic marketing. In the past I've worked in various industries, mainly retail, but also education and event planning. I very much value my experience at Ross not only for the rich classroom discussions and diversity of student backgrounds, but also for the wealth of opportunity and involvement outside of the classroom. You can never put a price tag on the kind of people you meet in the program--people who will be life-long friends as well as potential business contacts, mentors, or trusted advisors. "
Name Jeremy Kay Email jjkay@umich.edu Career Focus General Management Geographic Region Chicago, IL Grad/Undergrad BA, Albion College Prior Industry Automotive   ”"I pursued an MBA to make a significant career switch (both industry and function). The program was hard work, but exceptional! I learned from the best professors, met a lot of really great people, and significantly expanded my horizons. However, nothing beats the career opportunity available upon graduation." ”
Name Huan Zeng Email zeng@umich.edu Career Focus Consulting Geographic Region Southeast Michigan Grad/Undergrad Grad Prior Industry Auto OEM - Ford Motor Company   "My goal isn't pursuing an MBA degree. The journey to it is what I enjoy most and the worldview after pursuit is most critical for me. Such a journey widens my horizons and makes me more fluid and complete. Ross has exceeded my expectation in many aspects.I enjoy sharing my perspectives with others. I value any opportunity to get to know people and be helpful and supportive. I am a proud mom with two gorgeous little kids, a blessed wife with a loving and wonderful husband, and a competitive employee with lots of potentials. My dream is to become an entrepreneur."
Name Ryan Wilber/td> Email WilberRV@umich.edu Career Focus Corporate Finance / Strategy Geographic Region Midwest Grad/Undergrad B.S. in Finance from Florida State University Prior Industry Automotive Manufacturing   ”I joined Ross to further my education in business at one of the top institutions in the country. My education has been focused on strategy and finance. I am a member of UMBSA and the finance club. I have made many new friends and created a solid network of colleagues that I will keep with me throughout my career. I love to ski, scuba dive, and travel. ”
Name Jaspreet S. Gurm Email jsgurm@umich.edu Career Focus Corporate Strategy, Finance Geographic Region USA, India Grad/Undergrad Grad Ohio State University Prior Industry Automotive   "My decision to pursue MBA at Ross was influenced by many factors: World class faculty, Rich curriculum, Alumni network, Emphasis on action oriented learning, Reputation of the program. The flexibility of the program allowed me to continue working full-time while taking classes in the evening. This has also allowed me to implement what I learn in the class, into my job, the very next day. Ross MBA will provide me the right set of tools which will help me to succeed in my career."