Evelyn Lazo

University of California, Riverside, School of Business | A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM)

“I am a strong and determined leader. I am persistent and unstoppable.”

Hometown: Murrieta, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I hiked to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park in Utah.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Redlands, B.S., Business

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Navy Federal Credit Union, Member Service Representative III

What word best describes the UC Riverside MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? Intelligent. Not only is everyone so diverse in various ways—culture, race, tradition, language, professional background—but they are also innovative and creative, and many are educated with more than one master’s degree. The students here welcome challenges and strive to overcome them with their hard work, dedication, and discernment. This is evident with their knowledge in exams, during presentations, in classroom discussions, our intense projects, and the ideas shared in student organization meetings.

Aside from classmates, what was the key part of UC Riverside’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Diversity. I believe it is important to see people from my ethnicity or culture represented in a positive way. I want others like me to know that they can also strive for better and be highly educated with a bright future. UCR has many wonderful graduate programs to choose from that help students’ personal and professional development. And, the diverse group of students inspire and create an atmosphere of relatability. Many students leave their homes, their cultures, traditions, and their families to study here at UCR for an opportunity at success. It is a difficult time for many students. However, we all gather together at different times and support each other. The students here share their personal stories—challenges and successes—which help us all communicate with and understand each other.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at UC Riverside? I am currently a vice chief ambassador for the AGSM Student Ambassadors, which provides the opportunity to participate in an array of projects which aid in my personal and professional development. It is an organization where I can assist other students to become acquainted with UCR’s business program, networking, and amazing internships with American multinational companies such as Google and Amazon, and all the brilliant clubs and organizations available on campus. The ambassadors strive to make current and prospective students feel welcomed and part of the UCR family from the very beginning. The other chief ambassadors have been very welcoming to newcomers like me. They are kind, understanding, answer questions without hesitation, and offer to assist with any questions we may have regarding our projects or studies. This is what I try to offer as a vice chief ambassador myself. I keep in mind that we are all first-year students, and I am here to assist in any way I can to make sure they are having a great student life experience here at UCR.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I was previously an assistant manager for U.S. Bank, and this position allowed me to gain leadership skills and lead a team in a fast-paced environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far is achieving the role of vice chief ambassador, a leadership role that allows me to grow and showcase my abilities while assisting students in their own development. Currently, I am leading a team highlighting students’ countries, skills, and experiences on LinkedIn. This project provides exposure for our wonderful students and assists them with many job opportunities as they create posts showcasing their expertise in marketing and creativity. All the while, they are gaining new skills. I also think it is fundamental for women to hold leadership positions and demonstrate the strengths and skills we have to motivate and inspire a new generation.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? We meet at the Getaway Café and the Barn, which are on campus. We are planning a trip to the beach, which is beautiful, tranquil, and relaxing. It gives us a chance to hang out in a positive environment, clears our minds, and prepares us for the week ahead.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I have faced challenges, as everyone else has, which temporarily impeded my pursuit of an MBA. However, as the strong and persistent woman that I am, I worked hard and never gave up on this dream. I took advantage of an opportunity which presented itself, pushed myself to the next level, and here I am now. My definition of success is not only achieving a personal or professional goal, but it is being happy with oneself and one’s unique accomplishments. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in project management with a company that values its employees and empowers them to be better than they were yesterday. This happens when a person follows his or her own dreams without allowing society’s paradigms to influence how one should act, achieve, or exist. I feel I am already changing the world by volunteering in and supporting my community and encouraging others to donate some of their time for the sake of those less fortunate.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE UC RIVERSIDE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MBA CLASS OF 2024