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Graduate Ambassadors

Connect with Current Kogod Graduate Students

The Graduate Student Ambassador program connects applicants for our on campus programs with current students to learn why they chose Kogod. Click on a profile below to read graduate student testimonials in your program of interest.

Interested in connecting with one of our graduate ambassadors? Email kogodgrad@american.edu. Be sure to include which program you're interested in, which ambassador you'd like to connect with and any questions you have for an ambassador.

First year mba program ambassadors

  1. Kogod first year MBA Ambassador Carlos Aguirre

    Carlos Aguirre

    Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

    Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
    Undergraduate Institution: Louisiana State University (LSU) Baton Rouge, LA
    Degree Held: B.A International Studies & Political Science
    Experience: 3 years in Correspondent Banking and Trade Finance
    What I value about Kogod: I don't feel like a number. I've gotten to meet the faculty and staff while sharing my career goals and the ways to get me there. 

  1. Nigel Buoga

    Nigel Buoga

    Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: Drake University (Des Moines, IA)
    Employment Experience: 3 yrs in the Army & 3 yrs in IT
    Kogod Decision Criteria: Prior relationship with Kogod faculty and appreciated the ease of access to professors
    What I Value About Kogod: The above and beyond effort put forth by staff and faculty to support the students

  1. Kogod Student Ambassador Mayra Medrano

    Mayra Medrano

    Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: Herzing College
    Degree held: B.S. Business Administration, Concentration in Business Management
    What I value about Kogod: Approachable professors, access to professional resources, and supportive career advisors. 

  1. Kogod Student Ambassador Sarah Tebi

    Sarah Tebi

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
    Degree held: Communication Arts: Worship Arts
    What I value about Kogod: The small cohort, and the faculty and staff’s sincere willingness to connect with students and prepare them for success.

SEcond year MBA Program AMbassadors

  1. Zach Errickson

    Zach Errickson

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: University of South Carolina
    Degree held: B.A. in Political Science and French
    What I value about Kogod: The size of the cohort, relationship with professors and dedicated career coaches

  1. Harpreet Gill

    Harpreet Gill

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
    Degree held: B.A. Accounting
    What I value about Kogod: Diversity and inclusion

  1. Dan Gorman

    Dan Gorman

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: Syracuse University
    Degree held: B.S. Sport Management
    What I value about Kogod: Its emphasis on helping students develop a global business perspective, the focus on team/group projects, and the ability to network with industry leaders in the D.C. area

  1. Nosa Iyare

    Nosa Iyare

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

    Degree Held: B.S. in Accounting

    Kogod Decision Criteria: Spoke with a Student Ambassador  

  1. Hang Ngo

    Hang Ngo

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: Foreign Trade University, Hanoi, Vietnam
    Degree held: B.A. in International Trade
    What I value about Kogod: Excellent cohort, close bond with classmates, location in the heart of DC.

  1. Ahmad Abdel Rahim

    Ahmad Abdel Rahim

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: American University of Beirut
    Campus Involvement: Kogod Case Competition, Business Analytics Case Competition
    What I value about Kogod: Diversity, collaborative and friendly environment.
    View Full Profile

  1. Parth Tanna

    Parth Tanna

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), India
    Degree held: Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Technology
    What I value about Kogod: I made my decision to join Kogod on the basis of its curriculum and professors. So, I value professors here. They are all ready and eager to guide us for our better future.

  1. Gisel Zurita

    Gisel Zurita

    MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

    Undergraduate Institution: George Mason University
    Degree held: B.S. in Economics
    What I value about Kogod: The small cohort and the AU alumni.

MS in Accounting

  1. Qing (Doreen) Gao

    Qing (Doreen) Gao

    MS in Accounting

    Undergraduate Institution: Fudan University, Shanghai, China
    Campus Involvement: Accounting Club
    What I value about Kogod: Super friendly, knowledgeable and approachable faculty and staff
    View Full Profile

  1. Madison Light MS in Accounting

    Madison Light

    MS in Accounting

    Undergraduate Institution: American University
    Degree Held: BS in Accounting, minor in Economics
    Work Experience: Internships at EY in Manhattan and multiple Non-Profit orgs. in DC
    What I value most about Kogod: I really have come to appreciate the staff in the accounting department as well as the entire business school. I think they do a great job of teaching both the textbook and real-world application of material we learn. On top of that, you typically have pretty small class sizes which makes me feel like I can personalize each class and that I get to know my professors on a very personal level. I find that this helps a lot in the learning process.
  1. Sarah Schrader-Nahoom

    Sarah Schrader-Nahoom

    MS in Accounting

    Degree: BS Accounting 2018 
    Work Experince: Incoming Forensic Associate at KPMG. Past: Baker Tilly; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 
    Why I Joined Kogod: I thought I wanted to be an investigative reporter when I came to AU. Then I learned that I could combine my passion for writing with mathmatical analysis at Kogod and I have never looked back. 
    What I Value Most at Kogod: Kogod has not only challenged me academically, but it has exposed me to a network of prestigous professors who are always available for a quick coffee. It has also given me the opportunity to go abroad and it has introduced me to lifelong friends. I love answering any and all questions about how to balance the rigorous workload while still having fun. 
  1. Zhiyuan Zhang

    Zhiyuan Zhang

    MS in Accounting

    Undergraduate Institution: American University
    Degree Held: BS in Economics
    Work Experience: Internships at Bain & Co. Shanghai, Management consulting, McKinsey & Co. Shanghai, Management Consulting, Hyde Park Investment Services, New York, Xiamen International Trade & Industrial Co., LTD, Xiamen, China.
    Why I chose Kogod: Staff and Faculty helped me to understand various potential career paths that a business degree would qualify me for. I knew that I wanted to start preparing for CPA and CFE exams, and Kogod provided me with adequate resources that were essential for my personal growth. Other than its prime location, Kogod provides a tailor-made curriculum that assists me in getting ready for CPA exam and my future career. 
    What I value about Kogod: My professors know how to create an immersive learning environment through engaging interactions and intuitive content. Faculty members constantly demonstrate their strong ability to guide students on license exams and career planning.

MS in Analytics

  1. KSB Student Ambassador Joline Faye Badua

    Joline Faye Badua

    MS in Analytics

    Undergraduate Institution: American University
    Undergraduate Degree: B.S. Business Administration with a focus in IT & Analytics
    What I value about Kogod: Attending Kogod as an undergraduate student, I saw how the business school truly cares for their students. I was amazed at how the faculty and staff within the business school were supportive and accommodating. The professors and staff have guided me towards my career and so choosing to attend Kogod to continue my higher education has been a rewarding experience for me.
     

  1. Kogod MS in Analytics Student Ambassador

    Lauren Gilligan

    MS in Analytics

    Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
    Undergraduate Degree: BS in Business Administration, double-major in Accounting and Business Information Systems
    Employment Experience: 1.5 years with EY in External Audit, 1.5 years with Alvarez and Marsal in Disputes & Investigations
    Professional Certifications: CPA, CFE
    What I Value About Kogod: The graduate program is designed for and accommodating to students who are working while also trying to further their education.

 MS in Finance

  1. Alaa Alaeddin

    Alaa Alaeddin

    MS in Finance

    Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University
    Previous Employer: PricewaterhouseCoopers 
    Why did you choose to attend Kogod? Interested in the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) and the level of care shown by professors.

  1. Garrett Ramela

    Garrett Ramela

    MS in Finance

    Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland University College
    Degree Held: BS in Business Administration
    Work Experience: Finance in the US Marine Corps and Significance, Inc. Financial Consultant/Marketing Director
    Why I chose Kogod: Close proximity to work, beautiful campus, driven student-body, and most flexible finance program in the DMV area.
    What I value most about Kogod: The student-body and the networking events. I do more networking events in a week than I have classes, and I work full-time. The flexibility!
  1. Solomon

    Solomon Okehi

    MS in Finance

    Undergraduate Institution: Southern New Hampshire University
    Degree Held: BS in Economics & Finance
    Work Experience: 5+ years as an accountant/income auditor in the hospitality industry.
    Why I chose Kogod: The DC location is great. The school is a renowned and highly regarded academic institution that has produced several successful alums like Gary Cohn, former president of Goldman Sachs, and Robert Kogod, a famous real estate investor in the DMV region.
    What I value most about Kogod: Experienced professors who worked on wall street as investment bankers and hedge fund managers, who therefore have first hand experience of what they teach . The professors and very friendly, approachable and always ready to help students with their work.

MS in Marketing

  1. Kogod Student Ambassador Justin Simms

    Justin Simms

    MS in Marketing

    Undergraduate Institution: American University
    Campus Involvement: Men of Empowerment & Excellence
    Employment or Internship Experience: Currently working in the Graduate office at AU. Have previously done digital production internships at both TV One and Office Depot.
    Kogod Decision Criteria: Doing undergrad at Kogod, something just clicked for me. The professors are open and helpful both in the classroom and in career pursuits. Everyone here cares about each other and they have their own individuals aspirations that create a friendly, but empowering environment. 

    What I Value About Kogod: The people, between the professors and staff everyone is extremely open, friendly and willing to take time out of their day to work with you if you need it. 

  1. Anisha Vinayak

    Anisha Vinayak

    MS in Marketing

    Undergraduate institution: King’s College London
    Degree held: BSc Business Management
    Bio: Since graduating from my undergraduate studies a few years ago, I’ve worked in both agency and client-side roles in London, focusing on digital marketing and events management. After I’ve completed my Master’s, I’d like to develop my career by working in strategic brand management at an international organization. 
    What I value about Kogod: The practical aspects of the MS program and its small class size appealed to me, as well the opportunity to learn and be taught by experienced academic and industry professionals. The community is very diverse and inclusive, and as an international student I have felt very welcome by the faculty and student body. 

MS in Real Estate

  1. Robert Ladov

    Robert Ladov

    MS in Real Estate

    Undergraduate Institution: American University
    Degree Held: BS in Business Administration (in progress at Kogod)
    Work History: Summer Associate at The KRE Group in Jersey City, NJ. Marketing and New Business Development at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, D.C.
    Why I chose Kogod:  Located in Washington DC while still having the feel of a traditional college campus. I also appreciate the program flexibility and wide breadth of majors, minors, and specialization options available to me.  
    What I value about Kogod: The dedication of our academic advising team. They are always willing and able to bend over backwards to ensure that you get exactly what you want in terms of your degree and overall education experience. 

MS in Sustainability Management

  1. Kogod Student Ambassador Heather Worsley

    Heather Worsley

    MS in Sustainability Management

    Undergraduate Institution: Towson University
    Degree held: B.S. Environmental Science
    Campus Involvement: Food Recovery Network
    What I value about Kogod: Kogod's interdisciplinary and international approach is absolutely essential for the study of sustainability.
     

  1. Kogod Student Ambassador Jessica Chapman

    Jessica Chapman

    MS in Sustainability Management

    Undergraduate Institution: American University
    Degree Held: International Relations/Environmental Studies 
    Employment Experience: I am currently the General Manager of the Davenport Coffee Lounge in the School of International Service, where I am always working to incorporate new sustainable business practices. 
    What I value about Kogod: I value the professors and their commitment to our development, as well as the networking opportunities and curriculum. 
     

  1. KSB Grad Student ambassador Kira Austin-Dumaine

    Kira Austin-Dumaine

    MS in Sustainability Management

    Undergraduate Institution: University of Delaware
    Undergraduate Degree: MS in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management
    Employment Experience: 11 years with Hyatt Hotels, 2 years self-employed, 3 years with World Resources Institute
    Kogod Decision Criteria: I have a drive to combine sustainability and business management. Kogod is the perfect intersection of these fields, with the important addition of in-person classes and real connections. 
    What I value about Kogod: Access to knowledgeable and passionate professors, and introductions to industry leaders working with corporate / social responsibility. 

  1. Juanita Mahehca

    Juanita Mahecha

    MS in Sustainability Management

    Undergraduate Institution: Rosario University, Bogotá, Colombia
    Degree Held: B.S. in Economics
    Employment Experience: 7 years of professional experience in business consulting and sustainability
    Campus Involvement: TA Director of MSc Sustainability Management
    Kogod Desition Criteria: It is the only school that has included Sustainability Management studies in the business school.
    What I value about Kogod: How easy it is to approach and ask for support from professors and staff. 
     

 MS in Taxaton

  1. john duggan

    Jonathan Duggan

    MS in Taxation

    Undergraduate Institution: The University of Georgia

    Degree Held: B.S.F.C.S. in Financial Planning
    Work Experience: Current Associate, Financial Planning Analyst at Sullivan Bruyette Speros & Blayney
    Kogod Decision Criteria: I desired to further my abilities in the integration of tax planning and wealth management at a school that would rapidly expand my network, challenge my technical capabilities, and assist me in developing an innate, conceptual understanding of taxation. 
    What I Value Most About Kogod: Accessibility. I consistently have opportunity for direct and meaningful dialogue with both my peers and professors. 
  1. Matt Radford

    Matthew Radford

    MS in Taxation

    Undergraduate Institution: Penn State University
    Degree Held: B.S. in Accounting
    Work Experience: 12+ years at CohnReznick LLP. Currently a Partner in the Notional Tax Dept. Also a liscensed CPA in Maryland.
    Why I chose Kogod and what I value most:  I decided to attend Kogod in order to augment the knowledge that I’ve acquired on-the-job over the past decade. Although my job provides me with ample opportunities to work on challenging and highly technical issues, I appreciate that the MST classes broaden my horizon and expose me to tax concepts and issues that don’t occur frequently in my client base. Further, I’ve found that even in the courses where I have substantial background knowledge due to my client experiences/career, I still learn new concepts and develop a better understanding of concepts that I thought I already fully understood. It’s this general experience (i.e., the classes always have something to offer no matter how familiar one may be with the subject matter) that I find most valuable.