Nadia Witt

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

“A proud Black/Latina woman. A hardworking, disciplined student and athlete who enjoys trying new food/restaurants.”

Hometown: Keizer, Oregon

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have played competitive softball since the age of nine earning numerous accolades. Throughout this journey, I have traveled to 21 different states for competitive play.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of California, Riverside, Ethnic Studies

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: University of California, Riverside, NCAA Division 1 Varsity Softball Team Captain and Customer Service Representative

What word best describes the UC Riverside MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? Exceptional. Those I have met thus far are both exceptional students and eager for success. This is a diverse program gathering people from around the globe with different backgrounds and experiences but similar ambitions. Knowing how much discipline, dedication, and conviction is needed to enroll in an MBA program, let alone complete it, I am both inspired and motivated by the others I have met.

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? One of the most important reasons I chose the AGSM MBA program is its high rankings among business schools across the nation. Even so, the most important factor was a direct meeting I had with a member of the admissions staff, which allowed me to see the many opportunities this program has to offer. I quickly saw how welcoming the staff is and how much they truly care for the success of their students. There are many stories of previous students’ success in their current careers following the completion of this program. I was reassured that people like me, coming from diverse backgrounds, were capable of thriving in such a program. It was important to choose a program that would challenge my limits while also providing a supportive community in which I could flourish. I see this MBA program as robust and offering a variety of career paths which is very important to me.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at UC Riverside? As a student-athlete, much of my time outside of academics has revolved around sports. I have been blessed with the opportunity to represent the University of California, Riverside softball program the last few years and am even more excited to continue this journey while obtaining my MBA. Many business students have started to become more involved in athletics, and softball specifically, so I am hopeful this continues to grow as I am linked to both programs.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:  One of my biggest accomplishments is being a student and an athlete. Only a small percentage of the population is granted the opportunity to play sports at the D1 college level, and an even smaller percentage are able to simultaneously compete and complete their degrees. Since I was very young, my mother has emphasized the importance of a higher education for my siblings and me; I am extremely proud to say, while balancing athletics and academics, I am just the second in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far?  There is a distinct difference between undergraduate school and master’s programs, so being able to navigate through new waters is challenging but rewarding. I am just at the start of my MBA journey, but the amount I’ve learned thus far is immeasurable; I already see myself applying newly learned information into daily practices and activities.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? The Getaway Cafe is a small restaurant on campus (right across the softball field!), and many of my peers and I enjoy gathering there. They have a friendly staff, music, pool tables, TVs playing different sporting events, and a great menu!

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? As noted above, I wanted to enter a program with a variety of options that would not only provide a supportive community, but also the essentials to be successful in business. I have always seen the MBA as a prestigious degree that will open doors in my future. Coming straight from undergrad, I saw this as an opportunity within an amazing program that I could not pass up. Following graduation, I would ideally enjoy a career remaining in athletics, whether it be a director of operations, a position within a sports management agency, or any position directly impacting the livelihood of athletes. I hope to combine my knowledge and skills with my passion for sports and inclusivity to positively influence or provide opportunities for athletes across the globe.

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