Meet our graduate student ambassadors
Abby Bu - UBC MBAN
Hello! I’m Abby. I completed my undergraduate degree in Honours Economics at UBC. Before returning to school, I spent four years working in banking operations, where my curiosity for using data to solve real-world problems led me to pursue analytics. A meaningful part of my UBC journey has been my involvement in student orientations, helping new students feel welcomed and supported from day one. That same sense of care and community is something I’ve truly experienced at Sauder. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring fashion, have a growing interest in motorcycles, and am training in boxing. As a student ambassador, I’m always happy to connect with students and share my experiences.
Iman Faisal - UBC MBAN
Hi there! I’m Iman, an international Master’s student at UBC Sauder with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Science. I bring over four years of experience across South Asia and the Middle East, starting my career in consulting before moving into sales, business development, and partnerships strategy. Most recently, I worked in digital banking and have a strong interest in payments and fintech. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy cricket, badminton, travel, cooking, and filmmaking. Having recently relocated to Vancouver, I understand the challenges newcomers may face and the questions prospective applicants often have. Hence, I’d love to connect and support you in any way I can during your journey to Sauder!
Kady Toure - UBC MM
Hello! I’m Kady, and I hold a degree in Economics from UBC, with a strong foundation in data analysis, research, and project coordination. My professional experience spans financial services and public sector research, where I’ve worked closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. I chose the MM to strengthen my leadership and strategic thinking while bridging analytical skills with real-world decision-making. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy playing pickleball, staying active, trying new recipes, and seeking out new adventures. I’m always happy to connect and chat about the MM experience and student life with fellow students!
Kennedy Blair - UBC MM
Hello everyone, welcome! I’m Kennedy. I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences within Kinesiology. Combining my undergrad and now my master's this is my fifth year at UBC, and I’ve lived in the Greater Vancouver area my whole life. As my undergraduate graduation approached, I didn’t feel drawn to the usual paths many in my program chose, but discovering the opportunities and support, RHL felt like the right fit to help me enter the Vancouver job market. After graduating the MM, I’m hoping to go on exchange to Nice, France! I love traveling, snowboarding, the beach, and meeting new people. I’m excited to connect with you all soon.
Manaal Zar - UBC FTMBA
Hello! My name is Manaal, and I’m a full-time MBA student at UBC Sauder specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Before joining Sauder, I worked closely with my family business, an experience that was both rewarding and challenging, and ultimately motivated me to deepen my business knowledge and skill set. Having lived in Hong Kong, India, and Malaysia, I recently returned to Vancouver and enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. I’m always happy to chat about the MBA experience, entrepreneurship, or life at Sauder. Outside of school, you’ll usually find me reading, exploring the city, or catching up on my latest TV obsession.
Monica Li - UBC MBAN
Hi everyone! I’m Monica, a Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) student at Sauder. Before moving to Vancouver, I earned my BBA degree from HKUST and spent several years in Hong Kong’s technology consulting sector, specializing in customer digital transformation. With a background in Information Systems and Operations Management, I developed a passion for leveraging data to solve complex problems. This led me to Sauder, where I am now deepening my technical skills in advanced analytics. I’m always happy to share my journey or discuss life at Sauder. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!"
Nkem Okwuchi - UBC FTMBA
Hello! I’m Nkem, a full-time MBA student at UBC Sauder with 10 years of experience in finance and accounting across diverse industries (Tech, Consulting, Financial Services, and Energy). I came to Sauder to broaden my business perspective and strengthen my ability to make thoughtful, impact-driven decisions. It has been a rewarding experience learning, unlearning, and relearning in a supportive and collaborative community. As an ambassador, I’m excited to contribute to making the admissions and transition journey more personal and less intimidating, especially for candidates navigating career transitions, cultural shifts, or family commitments like I did. Looking forward to connecting!
Tori Lunn - UBC FTMBA
Hi! My name is Tori, and I am an MBA student at UBC Sauder with a double focus in Entrepreneurship and Climate, bringing an operations background across both the private and public sectors. I chose Sauder for its unique intersection of innovation and sustainability. During my MBA, I am working with graduate researchers from the engineering faculty to bring emerging technology to market, and I will be travelling to Cape Town, South Africa for my Global Immersion Experience (GIE) project. I am excited to share my experiences and highlight the unique opportunities available to Sauder MBAs. Outside of school, I enjoy ocean sports.
Yukari Inoue - UBC FTMBA
Hi, I’m Yukari, an MBA student who believes it is never too late to pursue a new path. With over a decade of experience in finance and accounting across Japan and North America in the mining industry, I developed a strong foundation in business fundamentals and cross-functional collaborations. Through the UBC Sauder MBA program, I am now focused on building the skills to execute data-driven strategies and gaining a holistic understanding of how to drive business growth. Outside of classes, you can find me on a scenic trail with my dog, at a climbing gym, or exploring the plant-based food scene in the heart of Vancouver!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you are enrolled in the program site on Canvas, it is really easy to start reaching out to other students in your cohort. Introduce yourself in the discussion forum to start making connections. The scheduled monthly coffee chats are another great way to meet your cohort members.
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You most certainly will! Each program has a dedicated careers team via the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre. Once you begin your studies, you will be able to book 1:1 coaching appointments as well as receive access to a wealth of career and professional development tools, platforms and training.
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Lucky for you, the business development team at the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre work every year to build industry relationships that encourage employers across Vancouver, Canada and internationally to create opportunities for students to work with them. Also, before the internship period, students will work with their assigned career coach to map out an effective plan for their internship job search based on the post-program goals as well as prior training and experience.
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Due to the intensive nature of our full-time programs, students are strongly advised not to work outside of the allocated internship periods. That said, if you absolutely need to work during the program, we recommend you wait until after you have completed Periods 1 & 2, this way you can get used to the school schedule and workload.
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Admitted students interested in on campus housing should apply as soon as possible and consider backup options. There are many wonderful neighborhoods near campus and around Vancouver where students can rent. All current students get a free transit pass which makes commuting free and easy.
On-Campus UBC Residence: https://vancouver.housing.ubc.ca/getting-started/graduate-students/
On-Campus non-UBC Housing: https://www.wesbrookproperties.com/
Off-Campus Housing: https://vancouver.housing.ubc.ca/other-housing/off-campus-housing/ -
Executive positions in the MBAN, FTMBA, or MM student society, student clubs such as sport clubs, mental health clubs, and women in business clubs, or even starting your own student club.
Chat with an ambassador
Choose the program you are interested in below to join an upcoming chat with one of our team.