2023-2024 Program

Meet the Fellows

Marie Ann Aguirre

MBA, Human Resources Management & Organizational Behavior

Marie Ann Aguirre is a graduate student at CSUEB pursuing her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. Receiving her B.A. in Sociology from Cal Poly Pomona in 2020, she has a passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in her professional and personal life. She has experience working in the nonprofit space - ranging from the academic sector, survivor advocacy, and cultural awareness, and is currently serving as a Homebuyer Program Coordinator in San Francisco. Her goal is to continue building DEI initiatives upon organizational structures and communities. Her long-term goal is to become a DEI Manager or a Nonprofit Director in an effort to preserve diverse representation at all levels in an organization. She's so thrilled to embark on this journey with WIL, gaining skills and knowledge from admirable leaders in the
space!

Shriya Arora

MS Business Analytics

A current student pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics at California State University, East Bay, Shriya is on a path that bridges the intricacies of data science with the art of leadership. With a strong foundation in analytics, she seeks to further her understanding of data quality assurance, report-building, and harnessing data for insightful market share analysis. This academic journey is deeply complemented by Shriya's passion for empowering women in leadership roles, and her background as a data enthusiast with a commitment to gender equality aligns seamlessly with the Women in Leadership fellowship. As she sets out on this remarkable journey, she aspires to collaborate, inspire, and carve an uncharted narrative where data-driven leadership is the compass, equality is the destination, and positive impact is the legacy created together.

K. Daily

BS Business Administration, Operations & Supply Chain Management

K. Daily spent the last few years working in environmental engineering project management for both public and private sector organizations. Her industry experience includes water distribution, fire protection, and land management. She decided to pursue a degree in Supply Chain Management after discovering her passion for data-driven decision-making and innovative program development. She is currently exploring practical applications of quantitative problem-solving techniques and leveraging principles of data analytics to create sustainable supply chain initiatives that benefit people as well as the planet. Her objective is to synchronize her education with her work experience in hopes of eventually leading diverse teams of global climate professionals toward improving environmental, social, and governance performance for businesses.

Varshashree Dasuratha

MS Computer Science

Meet Varshashree Dasuratha, a dedicated Master's degree student in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her profound passion for technology has been a guiding influence in her life since high school, and it continues to thrive as she progresses in her academic journey. She is driven to contribute to society through AI-empowered solutions. Her academic research spans a variety of domains, and she is committed to being a catalyst for positive change. An ambitious, responsible, and enthusiastic individual, Varshashree also enjoys connecting with loved ones, exploring her culinary skills, dancing, and watching TV shows. She is sincerely grateful for the Women in Leadership opportunity and is eager to make a meaningful impact through her work.

Vinmathi Iyappan

MS Business Analytics

Vinmathi is a dedicated individual with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (BE EIE), currently pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics. Her strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with her 7 years of experience as a senior developer, she intends to leverage in the healthcare sector to drive positive change. Her goal is to create a tangible, real-world impact and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Beyond her professional goals, she is a passionate gardener who values sustainable living practices and actively works to reduce carbon footprints.

Terri Lane

MBA Global Innovators

Terri Lane will be completing her EMBA from CSUEB in Global Innovators in Spring 2024. In July 2023 she joined the CSUEB College of Business and Economics team as the assistant to the dean. While on this new career path she developed a passion for student success specifically in their financial lives. She wants to pursue creating a program or a platform focused on teaching other students about financial literacy. There are 43.5 million students that have accumulated a total of $1.77 trillion in both federal and private student loans, so handing students a diploma is not enough anymore. Students need to learn how to use their income to pay off their debt and prepare for a future of financial freedom, which in itself is a path of student success. She will be using her education both inside and outside of the class to help students reach this version of success.

Ria Maharaj

BS Public Health

Ria Maharaj, a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Department of Public Health, is currently engaged as a research assistant in multiple studies focusing on under-represented South Asian communities. Her primary interest lies in her own Indo-Fijian community, as it is considered a diaspora. Ria aspires to become a practicing Physician Assistant, with a keen appreciation for community outreach and a desire to forge personal connections with community members. Presently interning at Hume, a behavioral wellness clinic, Ria takes an active role in hosting workshops tailored for the South Asian community. These sessions aim to initiate open conversations about mental health and emotional well-being without judgment, reflecting her commitment to fostering understanding and support within her community.

Pallavi Nair

MS Business Analytics

With 8 years in the financial services industry, Pallavi specializes in Credit Risk Analytics & Mitigation, and Process Transitioning. Currently enrolled in the Business Analytics program at California State University East Bay, Pallavi is dedicated to blending her financial background with cutting-edge program insights. A former leader at Wells Fargo, Pallavi is a firm advocate for women in leadership. Beyond the world of numbers, she finds joy in hiking and exploring nature during her downtime. Passionate about continuous learning, she is excited to embark on this journey alongside other Women in Leadership associates and Fellows.

Yocelyn Rivera

BS Business Administration, Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior

Yocelyn Rivera is a CSUEB student majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. She us currently a Pre-Trial Release Specialist at a non-profit contracted out to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department for a little over 3 years. Yocelyn also 10 years in the Army Reserve part-time, and is currently a construction sergeant there. She is hoping to make a career change into the Human Resources field in the near future and using her knowledge and experience to help companies and employees create better work environments. This is something Yocelyn is passionate about as she has seen how Human Resources can really be an important part of helping a company be successful. She us really looking forward to the Women in Leadership Fellowship and hopes to gain some experience and learn from everyone involved and in turn hopes everyone can learn a little from her as well.

Nadia Zerktouni

MBA for Global Innovators

Nadia Zerktouni is an Executive MBA in Global Innovation candidate at California State University, East Bay, and she is part of the Marketing Team at the Cal State East Bay Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. More than ten years ago, Nadia achieved her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Master’s degree in Management from the Louvain School of Management. Drawing from her several past experiences including as a Financial Crime Investigator in Europe, she brings a distinct and informed perspective to any challenge she undertakes. Ambitious, multi-lingual and forward-thinking, Nadia aims to establish her startup following her graduation in 2024. Her deep-rooted commitment to volunteering in several organizations emphasizes her passion for community enrichment. Outside her professional sphere, Nadia enjoys globe-trotting and treasuring moments with her family and friends.

Meet the Associates

Shama Farhad

BS Public Health

Shama is finishing up the last year of her undergraduate career at the Department of Public Health. She is passionate about the AAPI community, specifically her Indo-Fijian community. Throughout her research work and internships, she loves to advocate and spread awareness about her community through the public health lens. Shama envisions herself conducting research with major public health agencies, pushing for equitable policies, and leading with confidence to bring her community together to have better health outcomes. In the future, Shama hopes to pursue her DrPH (Doctorate in Public Health) degree, as she is eager to become an established and well-rounded public health professional and leader. Outside of the professional world, Shama loves to read, try different cuisines, build legos, and spend time with her friends and family.

Janet Linares

BS Business Administration, Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior

Janet Linares has over 10 years of experience in the Human Resource profession working for a large healthcare organization. Her work of practice specialty is in employee and labor relations. Janet holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice and is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior. Born and raised in the Bay Area, in her free time, Janet enjoys spending time with her two boys, hiking Bay Area trails and reading on her Kindle. Janet is thrilled about the addition of the Associates program as it provides flexibility in her already tight schedule. Janet looks forward to connecting and sharing her knowledge base with others and enhancing her business acumen.

Mishelle Taborga

B.S. Statistics, Data Science Concentration

Mishelle Taborga is a senior at California State University East Bay majoring in Statistics with a concentration in Data Science. After graduating in Spring 2024 Mishelle aspires to pursue her graduate degree in Data Analytics. Her recent Bioinformatics internship at UCSF this past summer exposed her to working with biological data alongside researchers and a principal investigator. Now, as she explores graduate school program options, she is taking some business courses to explore her interest in the MSBA programs. Being the oldest sibling in her family has given Mishelle a strong interest in leadership, she hopes to use her data analytics skills to aid her in decision-making and to ultimately help her be a better leader.