Steve Odell

• Class of 2022
• Blue Cohort, classes on Monday + Wednesday
• Industry: Technology
• Function: Consulting

I come from a military family and have been in the Army Reserves myself since 2004. I spent the first nine years of my professional career in the commercial nuclear power industry at Westinghouse Electric Company, building risk analyses for nuclear power plants; I now build business case analyses at Forrester for companies looking to implement new technologies. I chose Haas for the opportunities and relationships, and it’s shattered my expectations so far; I’m inspired every day by the caliber, drive, and achievement of my classmates, and I can’t wait to see what else the program brings.

Rosa Hilmarsdottir Cucicea

• Class of 2023
• Industry: Banking
• Function: Clean Energy Finance

I’m originally from Iceland, but California is my home now. I’ve been in banking my entire professional career and found a passion in clean energy financing. That passion led me to my current position as Director of a Clean Energy Division at a local California bank. I aspire to continue my growth (Student Always!) and the perfect next step for me was to pursue my dream of obtaining an MBA, but I was not willing to give up my career. I chose Haas because the part-time MBA program offers the same curriculum and faculty as the full-time program. I was also impressed with the vast resources and opportunities that Haas offers within the sustainability sector. I decided to apply for the VP of Admissions position because I was so impressed with the admissions staff and student volunteers while I was exploring Haas back in 2019. I went to a lot of in person events and instantly connected with staff and students who encouraged me to apply when I had doubts about my qualifications. Now, as VP of Admissions, my goal is to give back and encourage others (Beyond Yourself!) through their Haas admissions journey.

Ghita Soulimani

• Class of 2023
• Industry: Healthcare

After working in clinical trial operations for almost 7 years, I pivoted my career 5 months into the MBA. Passionate about healthcare, especially healthcare access, I realized I want to be involved in the strategic and business development side of things rather than be an executor. I came to Haas because of the sense of community and belonging it gave me, but also to hone my business knowledge and add versatility to my skill set. When I’m not in school or at work or running after my 2-year-old daughter, I enjoy traveling, cooking, high-intensity workouts, and, believe it or not, hanging out with friends at Haas.

Alex Holden

• Class of 2023
• Industry: Sports & Entertainment
• Function: Business Development & Partnerships

My passion is at the intersection of entertainment, media, and technology. After a brief stint in the start-up world, I have spent most of my career at the San Francisco Giants in business development and partnership roles (and enjoyed the occasional championship parade after a few World Series victories!).

I decided to pursue my MBA at Haas in order to learn, grow, and prepare to take on new challenges in my career. The program has been incredible and I am excited to share my student experience with others!

Yvonne Mok

• Class of 2023
• Industry: Healthcare

I am a pharmacist and I have been involved in the clinical, regulatory, and business side of healthcare. I came to Haas to pursue my dream of investment management and the reformation of the healthcare system. I have gotten invaluable advice from the fantastic professors to guide me towards my passion, and I am able to interact with the high caliber students guided by the four Defining Leadership Principles. I am excited for you to join our community where you develop both the business acumen to further your career while creating lifelong friendships.