Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Rabeea Ayesha, University of Washington (Foster)

Rabeea Ayesha

University of Washington, Foster School of Business

“Lifelong learner who finds strength in being curious and vulnerable, and in my friends, family and faith.”

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m sure it will sound more “fun” to me in a few years that I chose to go to business school for a full time MBA program as a mom of two young girls.

Undergraduate School and Major: Institute of Business Administration, Karachi. Bachelors in Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: ICNA, Marketing Manager

What makes Seattle such a great place to earn an MBA? Seattle boasts of a vibrant ecosystem of corporate giants like Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon and Starbucks, providing diverse experiential learning. There are tons of fun networking opportunities, all the way from formal events to casual coffee shop meetups. Amidst the stunning Pacific Northwest, we find balance with outdoor adventures and cultural exploration. Seattle’s dynamic culture, from world-class museums to diverse, eclectic neighborhoods, fuels our creativity and ambition, making it the perfect backdrop for our MBA journey at Foster.

Aside from your location and classmates, what was the key part of Washington Foster’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The pivotal aspect that led me to choose Foster’s MBA program was its robust experiential learning initiatives, coupled with a comprehensive mentoring program. The emphasis on hands-on projects, internships, and consulting opportunities provides invaluable real-world experience, augmenting classroom learning significantly. Additionally, the mentoring program, which pairs students with experienced professionals, offers personalized guidance and support crucial for career development. This combination of experiential learning and mentorship perfectly aligns with my career aspirations, ensuring that I would not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and industry insights necessary for success in the business world.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Foster? One of the most enriching experiences at Foster has been the MBA mentoring program, which pairs students with experienced professionals in their field of interest. Through this program, I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by a seasoned executive who has not only provided invaluable guidance and insights into the industry, but also went the extra mile to connect me with other key industry leaders.

Additionally, a highlight of this program was our trip to the Nordstrom headquarters as part of a mentoring event. We had the unique opportunity to meet with members of Nordstrom’s C-suite, gaining firsthand knowledge about their leadership styles, industry trends, and strategic vision. Engaging with such high-level executives in a real-world setting was incredibly inspiring and provided a deeper understanding of corporate leadership and decision-making.

Washington Foster operates off a philosophy of We>Me. Give us an example of how you’ve seen that among your classmates so far. At Foster, the philosophy of “We>Me” is palpable among classmates, particularly in times of academic and professional challenges. During recruitment, we’ve seen a collective effort to share resources, offer interview preparation sessions, and provide moral support. My fall and winter quarter teams became a tight-knit support system, ensuring everyone stayed on top of deadlines and understood course material. Our class president has been instrumental, going out of their way to organize to foster a sense of unity and camaraderie within the cohort. This ethos of collaboration over competition underscores how we prioritize collective success above individual achievements at Foster.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant career milestone to-date has been spearheading Dove Day 2014 alongside a dynamic cross-functional team. Through strategic storytelling, meticulous KPI setting, and rallying dedicated volunteers, we orchestrated self-esteem advocacy workshops across 20 local schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Witnessing the profound impact on the lives of young individuals, as they embraced newfound confidence, was incredibly rewarding. This endeavor not only underscored the transformative power of purpose-driven marketing, but also illuminated the profound social impact it can have. It was a pivotal moment that solidified my resolve to pursue a career in consumer product marketing, driven by the belief that businesses can be a force for positive change while achieving commercial success.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: Top of Form

My most meaningful accomplishment in the MBA program has been successfully balancing the rigorous academic curriculum with active involvement in the Foster community, all while juggling the responsibilities of parenthood. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent Foster as a student ambassador, win the AT&T case study competition, contribute to philanthropic efforts in my capacity as Associate VP C4C Auction team, and now being elected as VP of Alumni Affairs. These experiences have taught me the importance of humility, resilience, and gratitude, reminding me of the privilege it is to be part of such a supportive community.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Choosing just one is challenging, given the multitude of enriching moments. However, one cherished memory is attending the Forté Conference in Dallas, where I had the privilege of meeting several remarkable women from my cohort. From that initial connection, we formed a bond that has transcended beyond the conference walls. Another standout experience was being a part of the C4C auction gala. Collaborating on such a meaningful project not only strengthened our friendships but also allowed us to give back to the community. These shared experiences have been instrumental in forging lasting friendships and creating a sense of camaraderie that enhances my MBA journey immeasurably.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON FOSTER’S MBA CLASS OF 2025