Natasha Khan

Columbia Business School

“A creative soul, nurturing growth through innovation, embracing life’s journey, and inspiring others along the way.”

Hometown: Bay Area, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: Identical twins run (we have 6 pairs and counting!) in our family, but because identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg, they have the same genome. Any differences between twins are due to their environments, not genetics. So, there’s a recurring environment that enables this to occur in our family and we’re still in the process of understanding what it is exactly but have no idea what it may be.

Undergraduate School and Major: Hofstra University, B.A. in Business Marketing, Legal Studies, International Business, Minor in Computer Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: CEO & Co-Founder of Khancept & Managing Partner of TriValley Real Estate Group

What makes New York City such a great place to earn an MBA? New York carved the essence of excellence within me, revealing resilience amid challenges and sparking transformation during my undergraduate years. Its vibrant streets ignite business brilliance and weave global ties, motivating students with a passion for innovation. Cultural richness nurtures experiential learning and adaptability, a testament to the city’s soul.

Guided by industry giants, careers flourish through mentorship and real-world immersion. Here, every corner imparts wisdom, every interaction forges alliances within an immersive haven. New York nurtures versatile, globally astute business visionaries, and I aspire to become one of them.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Columbia Business School’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Driven by a desire to innovate in real estate, I was convinced that CBS possessed the ideal source of essential resources by the distinguished faculty at the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate, along with an inclusive culture and unwavering commitment to excellence at the school. These resources encompass expert mentorship, immersive industry insights, and the means to allocate resources effectively.

These elements are not something that can be bought but have to be earned through environment – They carve a transformative path towards achieving a broad spectrum of goals, surpassing my previous notions of possibility. With the program’s support, these goals are now attainable.

What has been your first impression of the Columbia Business School MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best CBS story so far. My initial interactions with Columbia Business School’s MBA students and alumni have etched a lasting impression, defined by authenticity and openness. Each encounter has been a sincere and transparent exchange, deepening my respect for this prestigious institution. While the school’s reputation precedes itself, my appreciation grew considerably as I delved further into the narratives shared by its members.

At a networking event, I engaged with a passionate alumnus exuding passion and fulfillment. They championed equal access education for first-generation students, intertwining it with the deep, unwavering love immigrant parents hold for their children’s educational journey. This profound conversation shed light on the very essence of our collective presence. Nurturing dialogues centered on first-generation perspectives proved a compelling reminder that, through the embrace of community, we mend the divide of first-generation disparity. As we cast our net of unity, we span the gap, uplifting and emboldening the countless overlooked stars within our shared realm of potential.

In her story, I saw myself, I saw my family, and I saw our society. I witnessed CBS transcending academic prowess to nurture a community driven by purpose and a shared desire to effect meaningful change. This encounter reaffirmed my belief that the individuals driving the institution are the very cornerstone of its excellence. Their genuine dedication, conduct, and embraced values distinctly set CBS apart. It became unmistakable that the school’s influence extends well beyond the confines of its academic curriculum, stretching into the tangible world through the impactful actions and endeavors of its remarkable community of authentic changemakers.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? Being a part of The Silfen Leadership Series student board profoundly excites me at Columbia Business School. This involvement would facilitate dialogues with distinguished industry leaders spanning various functions and grant access to professionals who have walked in my shoes before. The chance to hear from a corporate partner like Asim Hamid, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, seamlessly aligns with my pursuit of Real Estate Finance under Professor Brian Lancaster, who will also be teaching. Furthermore, enrolling in Professor Lancaster’s course will solidify my understanding of how large-scale enterprises identify fresh investment prospects in a global context. This holds exceptional relevance, as I consider California my home and have witnessed the University of CA’s recent $4B investment commitment in Blackstone’s BREIT real estate vehicle. These courses present an invaluable opportunity to enrich my insights within an industry I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Taking on real estate development felt like building and flying a plane simultaneously. My first big shot was negotiating a major deal, a cornerstone for my portfolio. I was new and thrown into a sea of seasoned players, unsure about negotiations or navigating this complex terrain. But there was no other way than to learn on the go. I soaked up industry knowledge while building a company portfolio, sourcing deals, and believing in my place at the table. Being new to an industry was a mindset and, at first, I thought it was my weakness. But it turned out to be my strength. I worked harder than ever to grasp this long-term game. Looking back, that humble beginning became the most valuable lesson in my career journey.

What do you hope to do after graduation? I aspire to attain a position of robust strength, abundant resources, and diverse perspectives that enable me to perceive in ways previously unseen. I envision expanding my real estate portfolio internationally and venturing into the higher echelons of STEM education on a commercial scale. With these resources, I aim to contribute even more to the communities that have nurtured me and brought me to this juncture in my journey.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? UC Berkeley, Harvard University, UCLA

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? A pivotal approach lies in cultivating a profound self-awareness. Delve into the core of your identity, aspirations, and ambitions. Simultaneously, actively engage and interact with the vibrant CBS community. Through this immersive experience, gauge the resonance between your values, industry goals, and the essence of the institution. You’ll sense an energy within these interactions, revealing the extent of your engagement and commitment. By investing your utmost dedication, you’ll discern if CBS reciprocates by equally investing in you. When your dedication syncs with their response, you’ll know you’re on a promising path towards success in this program.

DON’T MISS: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2025