Skyler Meador

UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business

“Dynamic entertainment professional with expertise in branding, marketing, and storytelling for iconic franchises and adaptations.”

Hometown: Orange, CA

Fun fact about yourself: During undergrad, I participated in Speech and Debate and got the chance to take my first international trip to China, where I debated at universities across the country.

Undergraduate School and Degree: UCLA, Bachelors of Arts

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Film/TV Development Coordinator, Brillstein Creative Partners

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Mattel, El Segundo, CA

Where will you be working after graduation? Mattel, Associate Marketing Manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Awarded Faculty Scholarship
• Student Ambassador, Admissions
• Executive Vice President, Merage Women in Business
• Vice President of Social, Merage Student Association
• Women in Leadership Mentor to undergraduate students
• Vice President of Events, Net Impact

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? As the Vice President of Social for Merage Student Association, I am responsible for planning several events throughout the school year, including a networking event in fall for our new and returning MBA and Specialty Masters graduate students. This year, we organized a highly successful networking event that brought together over 100 new and returning students, fostering connections and creating a sense of community within the Merage School. This event featured interactive icebreakers and professional networking questions. The event was both engaging and impactful, setting the stage for a collaborative academic year characterized by a strong sense of community.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? For my summer internship at Mattel, I got the opportunity to intern in the Global Franchise marketing department in their Infant Toddler Preschool segment. I contributed to the re-launch of the Barney property and contributed to the go-to-market strategy for the global launch of the new animated television show, Barney’s World. This experience was a dream come true, as it allowed me to work on a beloved character and IP that I have always had a deep, organic love and passion for. In this role, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop compelling digital marketing assets. This experience not only strengthened my marketing skills but also reaffirmed my passion for creating meaningful and impactful brand experiences.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose UCI Paul Merage School of Business because of the smaller cohort and class sizes. Coming from a larger institution for my undergraduate degree, I knew for my MBA that I wanted a program with a more intimate class setting where I not only got to know my professors but also build a strong sense of community with my classmates. I knew how naturally competitive MBA programs could be, but I wanted an environment that balanced ambition with collaboration and mutual support. In my first year, I actively collaborated with my cohort through comprehensive mock interview preparations and collaborative exam review sessions. We excelled because we worked together, reaffirming that my decision to choose this program was the right one.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Professor John Joseph. We are introduced to him in our Intensive during our orientation before school starts, where he introduces us to strategy concepts like the Five Forces. My classmates and I were immediately engaged during his lectures, as he made an impact on our ability to think critically and provide rational solutions. He pushed us in our morning debriefing session to think deeply and analytically about real-world business challenges and apply strategic frameworks in practical, meaningful ways. He offered insights and thought-provoking questions to push discussions. In the spring of our first year, we took Strategy with him, where we did a weekly deep dive into different Strategy frameworks and various case studies that brought the concepts to life. The lessons I learned in his class continue to influence how I approach complex business decisions, making his teaching one of the most transformative experiences of my MBA journey.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course as an MBA has been Driving Profitability Through Managerial Accounting, taught by Professor Devin Shanthikumar. It was by far my most challenging course, but it consistently taught me to think critically and creatively about the way we drive business solutions. It empowered me weekly as we focused on a different case every week, where I built extensive Excel spreadsheets to support my strategies for driving profitability in various industries. Professor Shanthikumar did an amazing job at always pushing us to see beyond the numbers and truly understand the underlying story they told. She encouraged us to analyze data from multiple perspectives and to consider both short-term gains and long-term sustainability when proposing solutions. This course not only sharpened my analytical skills but also enhanced my ability to present data-driven strategies with confidence. It has been a transformative experience that I will carry with me as I navigate future business challenges.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA event at Merage is an annual UC-wide cross-collaborative event held during International Women’s Month, in partnership with UC Riverside and UC San Diego. Each campus’ Women in Business club put on the event and work collaboratively to plan a day filled with inspiration and community. This event brings together students from various UC campuses to celebrate and amplify the voices of women in business. It features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that focus on empowering women leaders and promoting gender equity in the workplace. It is inspiring to be part of a community that is actively driving change and fostering inclusivity in business.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? I grew up in Orange County, so Irvine already feels familiar, but I also love the diverse food scene here. The city offers an incredible variety of cuisines, from authentic Asian dishes to innovative cafés, which makes exploring new restaurants and coffee shops a fun experience. Irvine’s food and drink culture is a big part of what makes living here so enjoyable, as I love searching for the next best Poke Bowl or Matcha Latte.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The television show Mad Men best describes the realities of business for me. While it is set in a different industry (advertising versus entertainment), the dynamics of gender, age, and power in the workplace resonate deeply with my experiences. The show captures how societal expectations and gender roles shaped the professional environment of the 1960s, with women like Joan and Peggy navigating a male-dominated field, while characters like Don Draper illustrate the complexities of leadership, identity, and ambition. The tension between personal lives and professional responsibilities, as well as the constant push to innovate in a competitive environment, mirrors many challenges faced in today’s business world. Mad Men offers a poignant look at how far we’ve come and the ongoing evolution of corporate culture.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Merage has integrated AI into our programming via both academic and extracurricular opportunities to engage with the technology. In the classroom, we explore AI concepts through courses that cover data analytics, machine learning, and its applications in business strategy. Outside of the classroom, Merage offers a Digital Leadership Series, where they examine the broader societal and macroeconomic consequences of technology and the transformative impact of digital innovation on businesses, economies, and global trends. Through instructors who encourage the use of AI, Merage fosters an environment where students are empowered to explore and integrate advanced technologies into their coursework and projects.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I have a lot of admiration for my classmate Anisa Siddiqui. What stands out about Anisa is her passion for driving change and innovation with authenticity in the healthcare industry. Her dedication to personal growth and understanding the consumer experience, combined with her business acumen, allows her to approach challenges with curiosity and creativity. Her commitment to making a positive impact in consumers’ lives has consistently inspired me. Beyond her professional achievements, Anisa is very involved at Merage, serving as a Student Ambassador and the President of Product Club. She plays a key role in fostering collaboration and supporting her peers in their professional development.

Anisa has played a pivotal role in my life, becoming one of my closest friends in my program and a constant source of inspiration. I’m grateful for her friendship and excited to continue learning and growing alongside such a talented and driven individual.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. As a woman, breaking through the glass ceiling to reach an executive or leadership position is a significant goal.
2. Collaborate with an organization to lead initiatives that prioritize inclusivity and representation in marketing strategies.

What made Skyler such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Skyler over the course of the last year and through her leadership roles on campus, where she has demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and a strong commitment to her peers. She has been a student in both Organizational Behavior and International Management courses, performing at the top of her class. Skyler is committed to her academic growth and has consistently demonstrated a high level of engagement and intellectual curiosity in both courses. She is a quick thinker, offering thoughtful insights during class discussions, and is always eager to dive deeper into complex concepts. Having taught MBA students over the last decade, Skyler stands out among the top 1% of all of my students.

Outside of the classroom, Skyler’s leadership shines through her active involvement in campus organizations. As an Executive Vice President of Women in Business, she has not only contributed to the strategic direction of the organization but has also played a pivotal role in organizing events and initiatives that empower and support women pursuing careers in business. Her organizational skills, vision, and ability to collaborate with diverse teams have been key to the success of numerous initiatives.

Skyler’s global perspective and top-notch analytical skills allowed her to create unique strategies in my International Management course. She demonstrated a keen understanding of the complexities involved in managing across borders and cultures, consistently incorporating diverse viewpoints into her analysis and recommendations. Her ability to consider the social, political, and economic dynamics of international markets enabled her to develop practical, well-rounded strategies that could be applied to real-world scenarios. Her collaborative approach in group projects also stood out, as she was able to bring together individuals with varying global perspectives and guide the team toward a shared vision. Moreover, her written work and verbal presentations demonstrate her intellect, clarity of thought, and ability to convey complex material to a variety of audiences.

Skyler’s passion for both her academic and extracurricular pursuits, combined with her strong work ethic and natural leadership abilities make her a standout individual. I am confident that she will continue to achieve great things in her future endeavors and have a lasting impact on any organization or community she is a part of. With Skyler joining Mattel post-graduation, I am certain that her innovative thinking, leadership skills, and ability to collaborate effectively will make a significant contribution to the company’s success. In conclusion, it is with little hesitation that I nominate Skyler to be considered for the Poet’s and Quant honor as she is truly deserving.”

Maritza Salazar Campo, Ph.D.
Professor, Organization and Management

DON’T MISS: THE 100 BEST & BRIGHTEST MBAS: CLASS OF 2025