Candidates

GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

2022-2023

*updated as of 2/26/22*

CANDIDATE LIST

President (1)
Executive Vice President (1)
Vice President of External Relations (1)
Vice President of Internal Relations (1)
Vice President of Communications (1)
Vice President of Finance (1)
Vice President of Academic Affairs (1)
Vice President of Technology (1)
Vice President of Community Development (3)
Vice President of Diversity (1)
Vice President of Graduate/Alumni Relations (1)

PRESIDENT (1)

Grace Till

Hello, my name is Grace Till and I am running to be MUSA’s next president. There’s a lot I could say about my experience at UCI. However, I’d like to attribute most of my core memories, lifelong friendships, and achievements to those who have created a community at Merage for me to join 3 years ago.

My vision and mission will be everchanging – but at the moment, for my last year at UCI, I’d like to be the positive influence that others were on me and do as much as I can to continue building this community and expand Merage’s influence. With my on-campus involvements and professional experiences, I hope to best represent and lead Merage. Our school needs leaders who voice our weaknesses and actively work to create solutions to enact positive change! I hope you all can join me in this journey :)

As always, I’m open to chat! Find me on Linkedin or Facebook!

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT (1)

Manav Manivannan

Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

I don’t know how accurate this statement is, but what I do know is that in my 3 years in MUSA I have put 100% of my effort into serving and elevating the Merage community.

I learned about the impact that MUSA can have while I was a MUSA representative freshman year and I worked with 7 other students to fundraise and host the first MUSA Bondfire.

As a MUSA associate, I helped plan and execute the inaugural UCI Business Conference where we hosted the biggest MUSA event in history with about 300 virtual participants and 21 amazing alumni.

Finally, as this year’s VP of Graduate/Alumni Relations, I helped MUSA and Merage navigate these tumultuous times, fundraised around $2,000, and have strengthened the relations between the undergraduate and graduate school.

With my extensive experience in MUSA, I aim to bring more professional opportunities to our students and connect the greater Merage community with the top business schools in the country.

Furthermore, I will make sure to teach the next generation of Merage leaders by expanding the associate's program and giving them more autonomy to plan an even better UCI Business Conference.

If you wish to see my vision become a reality, then make sure to vote Manav Manivannan for your next Executive Vice President.

If you want to see my credentials, check out my Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/manavmanivannan/

Thank you!

VP OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS (1)

Adora Chen

Hi everyone! My name is Adora Chen, and I’m a first-year business administration major. I am so excited to be running for your next Vice President of External Relations!

Being a MUSA Representative has introduced me to so many hardworking students within the Merage community who are genuinely passionate about their roles in business. After collaborating with these like-minded individuals, I’m eager to give back to the business
community through promoting MUSA events. Marketing has been a long-time interest of mine as it allows me to pursue my two passions: art and business.

As a MUSA Representative, I directed marketing for Clash of the Clubs, a social event that brought together several business clubs for a night of fun competition and bonding. I designed marketing materials such as Instagram posts and stories that were shared on the MUSA social media platforms. With a background in art and graphic design experience, I would continue doing similar work for MUSA by implementing cohesive marketing campaigns that utilize original graphics. I’m also currently an Internal Affairs Intern for Marketing Association which has taught me the importance of brand consistency. As VP of External Relations, I would ensure that the MUSA brand image remains coherent in terms of color palettes, typography, and layouts. Besides creating promotional content for MUSA events, I would also increase student interaction with MUSA’s social media and communicate with clubs to spotlight their events.

Feel free to connect with me, and thank you for your time and consideration!

Adora Chen

VP OF INTERNAL RELATIONS (1)

Winnie Qi

Hi everyone! My name is Winnie Qi, and I am a second-year Business Administration student running as your next MUSA Vice President of Internal Relations for the 2022-2023 school year.

Through my time as a MUSA Representative, I was inspired by the people around me who provided me with an immense amount of support in my professional and personal development. They encouraged me to explore different student organizations and allowed me to gain the confidence to take on various leadership roles. Without a doubt, I would not be where I am without guidance and knowledge from MUSA. I want to share
the kindness and wisdom I received and help shape the next generation of student leaders in the business community.

I believe that strengthening internal relations contribute to the overall success of an organization. As VP of Operations at Product Association, I have had the opportunity to work closely with other board members to help create a collaborative work environment. I recognize the importance of collaboration within an organization and I strive to strengthen relations within different MUSA branches.

If elected as VPIR, I am committed to spearheading initiatives to allow for MUSA Representatives to collaborate with the Executive Board more frequently, strengthening relations between business-related student organizations with MUSA, as well as cultivating an inclusive environment for professional and personal growth.

Thank you for your consideration and I hope to serve as your next VP of Internal Relations! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

VP OF COMMUNICATIONS (1)

Catherine Nguyen

Hi everyone! My name is Catherine Nguyen, and I am a third-year Business Administration and Sociology double-major hoping to be your next Vice President of Communications.

During my freshman year, I participated in the MUSA Representatives Program, allowing me to gain leadership skills and meet lifelong friends in Merage. Last year, as a MUSA Associate, I mentored a group of four Representatives and collaborated with five Associates to host MUSA’s inaugural Business Conference. This year, as MUSA’s VP of Academic Affairs, I have hosted a multitude of Faculty Luncheons as well as highlighted the amazing student leaders we have through Student of the Week flyers.

As I enter my final year at Merage, I am running for VP of Communications with the goal of (1) acting as a point of contact for MUSA-affiliated organizations to share their events to so I can promote them with the larger community through an updated, public Google Calendar and (2) support the next board through taking thorough notes during meetings and ensuring internal events are blocked on our schedules in a timely manner.

Outside of MUSA, I currently serve as the President of the Undergraduate Business Association and Chief Operating Officer of Lambda Phi Nu. I am also a Programs Assistant in the Executive MBA Office and a Resident Advisor in Arroyo Vista. Through my experiences, I am well-versed in supporting teams through active communication and scheduling.

Thank you for your consideration, and vote Catherine Nguyen as your next Vice President of Communications!

VP OF FINANCE (1)

Sergiy Prokofiy Montano

To wield the power of the purse can be far mightier than that of the sword. Money is power, and as your Vice President of Finance I will make sure that power is used to progress our Merage Community. I know that leading with an emphasis on corporate sponsorship, supported by the MUSA Finance department will benefit all of us.

I have an accomplished record of responsibility in both my professional and academic careers. I have a 4.0 GPA as a Business Major and BioSci minor; beyond my GPA, many of you may also know me as an active MUSA Representative and/or as the guy who hosts countless study groups for many of your classes. I am also an active member in the business community; I hold an executive position in a biotech company, and have helped raise over $5,000,000 USD, as well as having successfully managed budgeting and analysis for million-dollar international marketing campaigns, coupled with business experiences on an international level.

I am definitely qualified to serve as your VP of Finance, but there is something more important than finances. My experience has shown that connections and networking are incredibly important. I want to lead the Finance Department at MUSA so it can be the entity that bridges the gap for many students to a stellar career founded in connections. Through the
active, managed, and intelligent use of funds; I believe that I would best be able to bring corporate sponsorships, networking opportunities, and more to Merage.

VP OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (1)

Ruby Chin

Hello Merage students! My name is Ruby Chin and I am running to be your Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Being a first generation transfer student, I understand how daunting it can be to enter a new environment with a different academic rigor and I want to be able to make this transition for all students easier. If elected I plan to strengthen and improve the connection between the students
and faculty at Merage. Students are often intimidated by approaching instructors or professors with questions, but I want to change that. By implementing a system that allows students to address any issues they may have in a more casual manner I believe that this would encourage
students to build a stronger connection with their professors. I hope to do this by creating a forum where students can address any issues they may have and I will help bring it up to any faculty members.

I want to ensure that the incoming Merage class will be well prepared and informed of all the resources and opportunities that we have to offer. My experience and knowledge that I have gained here at UCI through BA Career Launch and CAUCI motivates me to help every student at
Merage reach new heights academically and professionally. Academic success is something that Merage students should pride themselves on and I want to help every student achieve that goal.

Thank you for your consideration and vote Ruby Chin as your next Vice President of Academic Affairs!

VP OF TECHNOLOGY (1)

Natcha Watanaharuetai

Hi everyone!

My name is Natcha Watanaharuetai (like matcha with an N) and I am a second-year Business Administration major with a specialty in Finance and Accounting. I would love to be your MUSA’s VP of Technology!

MUSA has had a tremendous impact on me professionally and personally. Their representative program provided me with valuable resources and life-long connections, inspiring me to be the
best version of myself. I became involved in leadership positions for various clubs such as ISBA, FLA, ASUCI, and many more organizations, helping to better my community. Now, equipped with the experiences and passion, I am running for VP of Technology to give my utmost excellence to MUSA and the Merage Community.

If elected, I will devote all my efforts to benefit our community. I will continuously provide career-oriented resources such as job opportunities, and upcoming events on the MUSA website, and create a network of business organizations on campus in an easy-to-access platform, helping not just increase club exposure, but ensuring you find the perfect fit! Being a Student Coordinator for the Center for Investment and Wealth Management intertwines perfectly with VP of Tech as I oversaw the website, communicating with the Merage technology team to create a professional, informative page. In addition, I would love to implement weekly interactive newsletters for students, providing updates regarding the Merage community and professional
guides to help everyone succeed.

My goal is to serve you all, and with my qualifications, I am confident that we will succeed together!

VP OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (3)

Julius Lo

Hello. My name is Julius Lo and I am running for VP of Community Development for MUSA Board 2022/23.

Through my experience of going to community college and transferring to UCI last Fall, I’ve noticed a difference in depth of connections. To compare directly, the relationships I’ve built at UCI have felt more genuine and have encouraged me to be more involved. As a result, I have a desire to be a part of the process and help new incoming first and transfer students feel just as welcomed as I did.

Now, imagine a few events before the school year begins- around Week 0, where new students can come and learn about the business clubs and organizations offered at UCI while making friends to experience them with! Or think of a trivia night where enrolled students are paired with incoming students to help them be more comfortable while answering some fun questions together! All of these events offer a perspective into Merage’s culture while expanding the community. However, who are the people that host these events?

These events and the ideas that go into them are left up to MUSA. Having been a MUSA Associate this year, I’ve worked alongside the board and would love to continue contributing to our community. If chosen to be VP of Community Development, I promise to gather insights about the types of events the students really want and actively listen to their needs. Thank you.

Dominic Pagano

To create a meaningful college career you should get involved early, and when I boarded the plane to start my college journey I was determined to make that happen. I met many of the current board members throughout MUSA’s spirit week and this is where I became aware of the MUSA Reps program. During my interview it came up that I was the first person to apply out of 40+ applicants and this shows how committed I am to be a part of Merage. It became my goal to attend as many events as I could from international student mixers, the annual Merage Business Conference, to even putting my own event on, The Clash of the Clubs!

Through these events I have been able to meet people outside of the immediate MUSA circle who have little to no involvement in clubs but actively want to. The resources and skills clubs provide are essential to creating a capable and active student body and I will bring these
opportunities to the larger student body. I will foster a community around Merage through active professional and casual networking sessions, more club interactions between one another, and engaging the broader Merage community through bridging the gap between international and domestic students. I want to make networking an active event where students participate and collaborate in events past exchanging linkedins and majors. Merage has a proud student body that is begging to be engaged with and I would be proud to bring it to life!

Philip Stulman

My life at the Paul Merage School of Business began mid-April when I accepted my admissions offer as a third-year transfer student. The most challenging aspect of being a transfer student is that we only get two years to leave a positive impact and become immersed in the
already-existing community. While I strongly believe one aspect of attending college is to develop professional skills, I know first-hand that establishing life-lasting relationships is far more important to make the most out of your college experience. Whether that is becoming involved with the numerous organizations at UCI, or meeting other students in your classes, the capability of creating a family atmosphere is irreplaceable.

My goal here at Merage is to set a foundation for future business leaders to thrive during their time at UCI by taking advantage of all that MUSA has to offer. The best approach to developing a family is by having the undergraduate student population become more involved
with each other. Encouraging student body association through social and academic events such as class retreats or scavenger hunts will give the opportunity to new and existing students to feel connected with the Merage family and transition with ease. By joining several Merage
organizations at the start of my UCI career, I have gotten a taste of what community is like, and my goal is to ensure that each and every student at Merage has the chance to make the most of their college experience.

VP OF DIVERSITY (1)

Rithika Pothi

Hey Merage! My name is Rithika Pothi, and I am excited to be running to be your next Vice President of Diversity.

There's so much value in a community where people feel safe being themselves and sharing their stories and experiences, and I would like to foster this further through MUSA. Through the MUSA Reps program, I have immersed myself in the Merage community, met so many new
people, and stepped outside of my comfort zone. I met people from many different backgrounds who came together to make Merage a better place, from fellow reps, associates, board members, and even alumni. Each person has faced their own sets of struggles to get to where they are now, and It is incredible to be in a community filled with such supportive, passionate people and with so many inspiring stories.

It's essential to me to continue this storytelling by making sure Merage is both inclusive and intersectional. As VP of Diversity, I would like to continue having events with different clubs that focus on diversity from race to disability and everything in between. I hope to help amplify the
voices of minorities and shed light on various aspects of diversity and continue creating an environment of safe and open conversation.

Feel free to reach out to me with any ideas or questions you may have at [email protected] :) Thank You so much for your support, and don't forget to vote Rithika Pothi as your next Vice President of Diversity!

VP OF GRADUATE/ALUMNI RELATIONS (1)

Vivian Tran

Hello Merage Students!

My name is Vivian Tran, and I am a second-year business administration major; running for Vice President of Graduate and Alumni Relations. Currently, I am involved in MUSA, LPN, and HRMA.

Being in MUSA these past two years has been such a rewarding experience, and I have enjoyed serving Merage by hosting events that bring our community together. I am running for Graduate and Alumni Relations because I would like to continue to engage the business community by creating the bridge and maintaining the connections we have to Alumni of Merage. There are many outstanding Alumni with great opportunities for current students, and I would like to continue to instill the Merage pride in everyone who has been part of our school.

After serving on board and being involved in Merage-affiliated organizations, I understand what it takes to fulfill this position. Being on board, I've hosted numerous panels, organization fairs, and events. Additionally, I have helped establish connections to industry professionals in various clubs and brought opportunities to our students.

Next year, I would like to further our relationship with our Alumni by hosting panels, mixers, networking events, and creating a board for post-graduates to share jobs, openings, or other experiences. Overall, I want to maximize the potential of current undergrads by connecting you all to these opportunities and allowing Alumni to reconnect with Merage!

Thank you for your time, and I hope you will consider me for VP of Graduate and Alumni Relations.