From Global Innovators To Local Leaders—How UC San Diego’s Rady School Graduates Are Shaping The Future Across Industries

The UC San Diego Rady School of Management has cultivated a diverse and dynamic group of alumni whose professional journeys highlight the transformative impact of their education. From tech innovators and biotech entrepreneurs to dedicated parents and international travelers, Rady graduates are making significant strides across various industries and disciplines. This collection of profiles showcases the impressive achievements and personal stories of Rady alumni who exemplify the school’s commitment to leadership, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.

Among these standout alumni is Seyi Oshinowo, whose career at Meta as a Global Operations Project Manager underscores the practical application of Rady’s rigorous quantitative focus. Similarly, William Lu, now an Integrated Product Team Lead at NIWC Pacific, credits his success to Rady’s emphasis on analytical rigor and collaborative learning. Dina Uzri, with her background in virology and biotech, reflects on her entrepreneurial journey and ongoing contributions to healthcare, highlighting the intersection of scientific knowledge and business acumen cultivated at Rady.

Cory Trusty, a Senior Account Manager at Juniper Networks, and Joseph Tesoro, a recent graduate balancing a full-time job and a growing family, demonstrate the program’s flexibility and its capacity to support ambitious career and personal goals. Milton Rubio’s international commute for the FlexWeekend MBA program and Nathalie Yahnke’s drive to improve healthcare accessibility further illustrate the global reach and impactful nature of Rady’s alumni network.

These stories offer a glimpse into the diverse paths taken by Rady graduates, each leveraging their education to drive change and achieve success in their respective fields.

Seyi Oshinowo 

A Decade of Impact: Seyi Oshinowo’s MBA Journey –  From the Rady School of Management to Global Operations at Meta

Proud alum, Seyi Oshinowo (MBA ’14) reflects on the 10 transformative years since he received his Rady MBA and marvels at the whirlwind of experiences that have shaped his professional journey.

When Oshinowo began his MBA at Rady, he immersed himself in the rigorous coursework, honing his analytical skills. These skills would then help to propel him to his current role as a Global Operations Project Manager at Meta. The quantitative focus of his studies at Rady prepared him to navigate the many complex professional challenges ahead.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Oshinowo’s family is originally from Nigeria. “My family sacrificed a lot for me and my siblings,” said Oshinowo. “And now I just want to give back and be able to help solve other people’s problems, and that’s something that I do in my work every day.”

His family’s sacrifices helped to fuel his drive, and now, he channels that energy into solving real-world problems.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being at Meta

In his current role, he collaborates with Meta’s facilities, culinary, and security teams. His mission? To improve the quality of life for Meta’s employees. Two critical challenges dominate his agenda:

1. Cafeteria Efficiency: Oshinowo analyzes wait times in Meta’s bustling cafes. Armed with data, he strategizes ways to streamline the experience. Should they open additional stations? Ensure ample food availability? His goal: seamless, efficient service.
2. Desk Allocation for Hybrid Employees: The office landscape has evolved, and hybrid work models are the new norm. Oshinowo tackled the desk dilemma head-on. His innovative solution? An app that allows employees to reserve desks in advance. Now, thousands benefit from a smoother in-office experience.

As Oshinowo witnesses employees embracing these changes, he knows he’s making a difference.

A Focus on Innovation and a Smaller Cohort Drew Him to the Rady School

Oshinowo was visiting his cousin, a student at UC San Diego, when he fell in love with the campus and came upon the Rady School.  “I was drawn to its focus on innovation and smaller cohort size, not to mention the breathtaking San Diego views.”  He also honed his communications skills taking part in the many presentations the Rady School requires of its students, which has become a vital asset in his career. “I remember at Rady we had to do presentations all the time,” Oshinowo recalled. “Every week we had to understand how to deliver a message to other people who may not be as familiar with the product or as familiar with the effort as you are. I also need to be able to influence people who I don’t have authority over. So, learning those tactics from classes at Rady and being able to apply it every day has been a game changer for me, because I’m able to understand how to connect with people, how to build relationships with people, and how to deliver results as well.”

His stint with the San Diego Padres during his Rady days not only broadened his professional horizons but also helped him fulfill a personal milestone—he has visited all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. His next goal?  “I am going to the Olympics in Paris! I set my mind to it and made it happen – I’m excited to take part in the festivities this summer.”

Looking ahead, Oshinowo aspires to share his journey through panels and speaking engagements, especially to inspire individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

As an active Rady alum, Oshinowo hopes to instill a sense of commitment in current students, encouraging them to contribute to the institution’s legacy through mentorship, engagement, and philanthropy. “Rady has provided me with invaluable resources and connections,” he reflects. “I want others to experience the same and pay it forward.”

William Lu 

William Lu (MBA ’23), a native of Houston, Texas, has always been driven by a passion for leadership and innovation. Graduating from the University of Houston with a degree in Kinesiology, Lu’s career path took an unexpected yet rewarding turn when he decided to pursue an MBA at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management. Today, as an Integrated Product Team Lead at NIWC Pacific, Lu reflects on his journey, his accomplishments, and the invaluable lessons he learned at Rady.

Analytical Focus: A Key to Success

The analytical rigor at Rady has been instrumental in Lu’s career. “The coursework emphasized the importance of using data to reinforce our decision-making,” he notes. This habit has become second nature to him, as he now regularly considers what sources of information he has and how to best leverage them to support his ideas and suggestions.

When asked to describe Rady in one word, Lu chooses “agile.” He appreciates the school’s responsiveness to student feedback, having seen several of his suggestions implemented within months. “It’s great to have your voice heard as a student and, even better, to see it help the school.”

The Joy of Collaboration

The group assignments at Rady taught Lu how to harness team dynamics and utilize each member’s strengths. “I continue to think about group dynamics when working on projects for my day-to-day work,” he says.

In his role at NIWC Pacific, Lu thrives on the collaborative nature of his work. “Each function is essential in ensuring efficient service to the customer,” he explains. “From the engineering team to the contracting team, I routinely interface with all business functions to identify opportunities to optimize existing processes. These interactions always lead to me learning something new.”

Lu’s journey at Rady provided him with the tools to tackle novel problems at work. Courses such as Applied Market Research, Lab to Market (now renamed “Rady Action Project”), and Experiments in Firms equipped him with frameworks to design work surveys, use consulting methodologies, and experiment with workplace solutions. “These are all tools I was not using before coming to Rady,” he said.

Choosing Rady: Alumni Network and Top Faculty

Two key aspects that led Lu to choose Rady were the supportive alumni network and the esteemed faculty. Informational interviews with current students and alumni highlighted the openness and eagerness to help, while the faculty’s top-tier credentials made it an easy decision. “Having access to top professors right here in San Diego made it an easy decision,” he affirms.

Lu’s favorite course was Managerial Judgment and Decision Making with Professor Rottenstreich. “I’m fascinated with decision-making and the elements that influence it,” he explains. He also highly recommends Biotech Industry, Structure, and Strategy with Professor Bain and Negotiations with Professor Gneezy. For prospective MBAs, he suggests the book “Case Studies & Cocktails: The Now What Guide to Surviving Business School,” a comprehensive overview of the business school experience.

Surprising Lessons: Academic and Non-Academic

One academic surprise for Lu was how much he thought about class topics outside the workplace. From negotiating prices on OfferUp to considering consumer surplus while shopping for gym memberships, Rady’s lessons permeated various aspects of his life. Non-academically, the strong relationships he formed with classmates were unexpected. “It’s incredible how quickly you bond with your classmates,” he reflects. “We’ve shared milestones, helped each other professionally, and supported each other’s growth.”

Lu’s advice for potential applicants is to engage with the admissions team. “Throughout the year, the admissions team hosts panels and various events. It’s a great chance to meet faculty, current students, and alumni and get a feel for what your time at Rady will be like.”

William Lu, Wine Connoisseur

Outside of the business world, Lu is a dedicated wine enthusiast. With a Level 2 Award in Wine from the Wine Spirits Education Trust, he is currently working towards the Certified Specialist in Wine certification through the Society of Wine Educators.

Lu’s journey from Houston to the Rady School of Management and beyond showcases the power of education, collaboration, and continuous learning. His story highlights how an MBA can transform not only a career but also personal growth and community connections. As he continues to lead and innovate at NIWC Pacific, Lu remains committed to supporting others and making a meaningful impact in the business world.

Dina Uzri

A Passion for Entrepreneurship and Lifelong Learning

Dina Uzri (MBA ’18) spent her childhood in Saudi Arabia where she attended an American International School. She returned to the United States for high school and attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology. Furthering her education, she pursued a Ph.D. in Virology at Harvard University. She brought this wealth of scientific knowledge and a passion for entrepreneurship to her Rady MBA studies. “The emphasis on entrepreneurship, and the fact that a large number of the students were working professionals with technical and scientific backgrounds was very attractive to me,” she said. “I felt confident that I would have common ground with my classmates and similar interests, and I did.”

Describing herself as a believer in a growth mindset, she embodies the spirit of lifelong learning—a trait that has propelled her to remarkable career achievements. While pursuing her MBA at Rady, she was also on the founding team of a biotech startup, where she put into practice many of the skills and learnings from Rady. She went on to combine her scientific expertise with business acumen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, where she managed international allocations of COVID tests and testing materials at Hologic. Reflecting on this experience, she shares, “It was very gratifying and meaningful to have the opportunity to step in and support global testing during the early days of COVID when tests were scarce and mortality was so high.”

Until recently, Uzri served as the Site Head and Director of Business Operations and Strategy at BioLabs San Diego, where she supported nearly 40 startups working to bring the next generation of therapies and technologies to the market across a variety of exciting fields. At BioLabs, she enjoyed the opportunity to wear multiple hats to support startups in bringing groundbreaking technologies to market. She recently transitioned to a new role as the Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester, in Rochester, NY. In her new role, she will work closely with researchers at the University to support innovative ideas and commercialization of their inventions.

Mastering Both Hard and Soft Skills

In the years since graduating from Rady, Uzri has incorporated lessons in leadership, operations, finance, marketing, economics, and negotiation into her daily work, tackling diverse business needs with confidence and precision. In her experience, problem-solving and sound decision-making ultimately hinge on the combination of hard skills and soft skills. “The analytical focus of Rady’s faculty and coursework equipped me with the tools to extract actionable insights from data—an invaluable skill set in my day-to-day work,” she emphasizes. Furthermore, courses on leadership, organizational structure, decision-making, along with multiple team-based projects helped her hone her “soft” skills—communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and more. Her favorite Rady experience, the Lab-to-Market project (now renamed the Rady Action Project), exemplified the school’s emphasis on practical application and teamwork, leaving a lasting impression on her.

Reflecting on her time at Rady, one thing that surprised her was the profound impact of her classmates on her overall experience. “One thing I didn’t anticipate was how invaluable my classmates would be. I remain close friends with many of my classmates, and I know the tight knit relationships we formed at Rady will be a source of support for the rest of our lives,” she said.

Cory Trusty

A Quest for Knowledge and Growth

Cory Trusty (MBA ’18), a Rady alum born in Kentucky, carved his path to success through education, hard work, and a relentless drive for improvement.

Trusty’s journey began at UC San Diego where he majored in Physics at Revelle College, showcasing his penchant for analytical thinking from the outset.

“After completing my undergraduate studies, I knew I wanted to pursue further education that would equip me with the skills to excel in the business world,” he reflects.

The analytical focus of Rady’s faculty and coursework prepared him to engage with data scientists and analytics professionals, both within his company and externally with clients. The program’s emphasis on corporate governance and operations provided him with invaluable insights that he applies daily in his professional endeavors.  Currently, Trusty holds positions of Senior Account Manager at Juniper Networks and Co-Owner of Trusty Properties LLC.

Despite his impressive career achievements, he remains grounded, describing himself as a family-oriented adventurer who is always eager to learn and improve.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to continually challenge myself and strive for improvement,” he shares.

 A significant career accomplishment came in 2022 when he was awarded the #1 Owner Salesperson in North America, a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field. When asked about his work, he expresses a passion for the challenge of matching technical solutions to meet customers’ needs in critical sectors of the economy.

“I enjoy the challenge of finding innovative solutions to complex problems and delivering value to our clients,” he explains.

Reflecting on his time at Rady, he describes the experience as “amazing,” highlighting the joy, drive, and intelligence of his cohort. The friendships forged during his MBA continue to enrich his life and professional network to this day.

“For me, the people I met at Rady were absolutely amazing, and I am so fortunate to still have many of those people in my life today,” he shares warmly. “Rady taught me that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to in the business world,” he reflects.

He encourages Rady students to embrace the learning opportunities presented by the program, both academically and socially.

“In my quest for knowledge and growth, Rady provided me with the platform for success.”

 

Joseph Tesoro

Dad of Seven – and a New MBA Graduate

When you have a full-time job, a spouse and five kids with two more on the way, finding flexibility can be a challenge.

Joseph Tesoro (MBA ‘23) found it while pursuing his master’s degree.

Tesoro is a recent graduate of UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management’s FlexEvening MBA program. He said the program definitely flexed the “Flex” in its name.

“The staff was understanding about our lives outside of school,” he said. “There were some cases where I had to either go on a business trip and skip a class or I had to be late to class due to a personal commitment. Communicating this to my professors was easy, and I always felt they were understanding.”

The FlexEvening program is designed to allow professionals to further their education and accelerate their career potential without having to leave their jobs. For Tesoro, it meant he could take two or three classes a quarter, mostly on weekday evenings, and still be there to be dad for Joseph (7), Evelyn (5), Thomas (3), Leo (2) and Gregory (2).

In fact, the children – who recently were joined by twins Benjamin and Charles – were part of the motivation for Tesoro to seek his MBA.

“It is one thing to want your children to be successful, but it is another to actually take a risk and show your children how to be successful,” he said. “I want to help guide my children through decisions that they make in their personal life.”

Tesoro was in the midst of a 14-year career with UPS and serving as a senior account executive when he made the decision to join the FlexEvening program. Beyond setting a good example for his children, he wanted to increase his knowledge and options for career growth, he said.

What he found was more than just classroom education.

“An MBA with Rady gives you great opportunities to network with different individuals from multiple business units,” he said.

It was at one such networking event that Tesoro’s career path changed.

Rady has a strong partnership with many San Diego-area businesses, including Gartner, a technological research and consulting firm. The company holds several on-campus events each year.

Tesoro used those events to network with as many company representatives as possible. Eventually, his resume made it to the right person at Gartner. He began a new full-time job as a consultant in February 2023, shortly after his FlexEvening graduation.

“Rady played a vital role in my job change,” he said. “This would not have been possible if Rady and Gartner were not partners.”

Despite the success he found during and after his time in the FlexEvening program, Tesoro said the task was not easy. What he said he knew, though, was that it was possible.

“There is a misconception that you must choose between having a family and bettering yourself,” he said. “What is great about Rady is that you can have your steak and eat it too. It is possible to raise a family and get your masters at the same time.”

And so now Tesoro is settling into not only his new job at Gartner but his expanded role as a father of seven. He said it’s a bigger challenge to go from zero to one child and one to two or three than it is to go from five to seven. 

“Four-plus kids is like adding more white noise to existing white noise or adding water into the ocean. It’s chaos no matter what you do,” he said. “Now, when it comes to my grocery bill, there is definitely a difference.”

Milton Rubio

Going the Extra Mile — Literally

When most people think about furthering their education, clearing customs every week is rarely part of the equation.

It is for Milton Rubio (MBA ‘23).

Rubio is a current student in UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management’s FlexWeekend MBA program, a part-time executive program designed for experienced professionals. Every weekend, he leaves his home in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, and steps on a plane bound for San Diego to attend classes in person.

Rubio said it’s a testament to the FlexWeekend MBA program that he’s willing to literally go the extra mile.

“It can be tough leaving my family behind, but we understand the importance of my education and the sacrifices we have to make,” Rubio said. “I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps, from flight delays to having to change flights last minute, but I’m determined to make the most of my MBA program at Rady.”

Rubio has spent his weeks since early 2017 as a leasing manager and lead coordinator for project development with Arco Áreas Comerciales. In that role, he is responsible for managing tenant relationships and overseeing new commercial real estate development.

The work involves everything from conducting market research to determine the best areas for new projects, collaborating with stakeholders on current projects and providing overall management of various project teams to ensure all remain on time and within budget.

“The ability to create a sense of community within the areas we develop is deeply fulfilling for me,” he said. “We understand the importance of creating spaces that not only meet commercial needs but also contribute to the fabric of the surrounding community. By creating spaces that are welcoming and inclusive, we are able to bring people together and foster a sense of connection and belonging.”

Rubio said he was initially attracted to Rady because of its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. That focus, he said, is one he shares personally.

In addition, Rubio wanted to grow his contacts and be part of a mutually beneficial community of professionals.

“The opportunity to connect with Rady’s extensive network of alumni and industry partners was a major draw for me,” he said. “I knew that these connections would be invaluable as I progress in my career.”

He said his studies in the FlexWeekend MBA program already are contributing to his increased success with the company.

“I have gained a new perspective on the business world and have been exposed to new ideas and cutting-edge research,” he said. “Additionally, I have had the opportunity to travel and learn from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs, which has been an incredible privilege.”

All of that makes the hassles of international travel more than worthwhile, Rubio said.

His own experiences lead him to recommend the FlexWeekend MBA program to those in similar situations and with similar interests in career growth.

“My experience at Rady has been incredibly enriching and humbling,” he said. “Being a part of such an amazing cohort has allowed me to meet a diverse group of like-minded individuals from various industries. Overall, my experience at Rady has been invaluable and has provided me with a strong foundation for my future career.”

Nathalie Yahnke 

From California to Africa and Back

A trip to Africa helped ignite Natalie Yahnke’s (MBA ‘23) interest in increasing women’s access to healthcare. Her education much closer to home is fanning those flames.

Yahnke is a current student in UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management’s Full-Time MBA program. She turned five weeks spent in Kenya in 2019 into what she now sees as the direction for her career.

“I saw the difference small medical devices and advocacy can make there,” Yahnke said. “So now I’m interested in the scalability and accessibility of solutions for the general population and democratizing basic products and procedures.”

During her time in Kenya, Yahnke witnessed the disparity in healthcare that too often left women undertreated. She and her fellow travelers spent their days working with women and girls at a nearby school.

“Puberty and hygiene and sanitary materials are not something that’s discussed,” she said. “Seeing that, established my interest in working within healthcare.”

Yahnke began her post-college career in marketing with American Specialty Health. She soon started thinking about furthering her education so she could climb the corporate ranks to make a bigger difference in women’s healthcare, specifically in biotechnology.

That’s where UCSD came in.

Yahnke was looking to stay close to her Southern California roots and saw a vibrant healthcare culture in San Diego. Her research didn’t stop there.

“I looked at a lot of the different professors, and I spoke to some current students at the time who were able to speak to their experiences,” she said. “The (decision to attend) Rady was a lot about the curriculum and the professors.”

The program’s STEM designation was another factor. That designation is offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to programs with a strong quantitative focus in science, technology, engineering and math. Yahnke said she was seeking to match that quantitative learning to her more qualitative background.

Yahnke described her FT MBA experience as positive and challenging. The best decision she has made, she said, was to push herself far past her comfort zone.

“This is a unique time to advance your knowledge and skills in areas that you are not familiar with at all,” she said. “A few times, I wanted to say, ‘This is a class that I would be good at,’ but instead I took a financial class or an investing class. It’s been really awesome to be able to go outside of the box and challenge myself.”

Part of that challenge has extended beyond the classroom.

Yahnke took advantage of Rady’s Israel immersion program and learned more about healthcare in different cultures. Then, in February, Yahnke started working as a market research intern with the La Jolla Institute for Immunology.

She landed the internship because of another positive aspect of her FT MBA experience: The networking.

“I really realized people are super willing to help, especially within Rady,” she said. “I have found people to be very generous with their time.”

Which leads to the advice Yahnke would give to those who might be considering following in her footsteps. Yahnke encouraged prospective students to challenge themselves in their course selections and to take advantage of the opportunities outside the classroom to help them shape their post-Rady futures.

“It’s important to make sure you’re making and maintaining connections,” she said. “Reach out. Ask. Take the chance. Advance yourself. You never know what can come from that.”

Frank Wang

Unlocking Potential: The Journey of a Tech Marketing Executive

Meet Frank Wang (MBA ’13) – a proud Jersey kid, family man, Brooklyn Nets fan, and self-proclaimed adventurer. 

Wang’s career journey began during the Great Recession, a challenging time that forced him to reassess his career path. Initially working in the retail industry, he realized that opportunities for growth were limited. Driven by a desire to pivot his career, he took a significant leap of faith by pursuing an MBA at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management.

“I like to look back at the point where I was able to take control of my career. Going to Rady and getting an incredible education, as well as exposure to companies, people, and mentors, helped me tremendously to successfully pivot myself into the career I wanted to be in,” Wang reflects.

This decision marked the turning point in Wang’s professional life, enabling him to transition into tech marketing. It was a move that required courage, vision, and an openness to change. His time at Rady equipped him with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to navigate this transition successfully. Beyond career opportunities, it also led him to meet his wife and start a family in San Diego.

“When I look back at that choice over a decade ago, it has paid off in more ways than just my career. I also got to meet my wife in San Diego, and now we have two kids and love calling this gorgeous place home.”

Currently serving as a Staff Product Marketing Manager at Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Wang finds immense satisfaction in the creative process of marketing. For him, it’s not just about selling a product—it’s about crafting compelling narratives, leveraging innovative strategies, and bringing ideas to life in ways that resonate with consumers.

“In marketing, you’re often collaborating cross-functionally to make decisions and move forward. At Rady, I developed a strong foundation across multiple business disciplines. I can use it to build a perspective of how to approach colleagues when I want to drive stakeholder alignment and ensure success for the projects I’m leading.”

Wang’s success is rooted in a solid foundation of analytical thinking. Rady’s emphasis on data analysis empowered him to tackle complex problems head-on, turning numbers into actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making.

“I spent more time taking finance classes because it did not come as naturally to me,” Wang admits. “I’m a big advocate of making yourself uncomfortable and taking courses that put you out of your comfort zone. But being able to work with my classmates and learn from the best professors ended up turning it into a strength for me.”

When asked to describe his Rady experience in one word, Wang chooses “energetic.” This reflects the vibrant atmosphere, the innovative spirit, and the sense of possibility that permeated every aspect of his time at the school.

“In my second year, I was on the team that developed the business plan for the StartR Accelerator. We worked together to do the market research and build the case to pitch the project to the school and investors. It’s been incredible to see that program thrive and grow.”

In his quest for personal and professional growth, Wang is always seeking new sources of inspiration. He recommends “Your Next Five Moves” by Patrick Bet-David—a book that offers strategic insights invaluable for business development and scaling.

Reflecting on his Rady experience, Wang is grateful for the unexpected lessons he learned both inside and outside the classroom. He found invaluable support from Rady’s career services team, who helped him refine his resume, perfect his interviewing skills, and craft his personal brand.

To aspiring MBA students, Wang offers sage advice: “Have a clear goal and be intentional in your pursuits. It’s not just about getting a degree—it’s about finding a community that aligns with your values, aspirations, and vision for the future.”