Meet Our 2026 Commencement Student Speakers

Hitesh Bali, Full-Time MBA

Why UC Davis?

When I chose UC Davis, I was looking for more than a Full-Time MBA program. I wanted a place where I could grow as a leader, challenge myself and be part of a community that genuinely supports one another.

UC Davis gave me that and more. The GSM’s collaborative culture, hands-on learning and strong sense of community helped me bring together my background in sales, strategy, and business development with my future goals in product marketing, go-to-market strategy and leadership.

What stood out most was that UC Davis did not just help me build business knowledge. It helped me build confidence, purpose and lifelong relationships.
 

What were three highlights from your UC Davis experience?

1. Leading ASM and Building Community
One of the biggest highlights of my MBA experience was serving as president of the Associated Students of Management. This role gave me the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, staff, alumni and leaders across different MBA programs.

Leading ASM taught me that leadership is not just about having a title. It is about listening, bringing people together, solving problems and creating experiences that make people feel included. From planning events to supporting student initiatives, I was able to contribute to the GSM community in a meaningful way.

2. Leading a Real-World IMP Project
Another major highlight was leading my Integrated Management Project, where I worked with a real-world client and helped guide a team through research, strategy and recommendations. 

It was one of the most practical and meaningful parts of my MBA journey because it brought together everything I had learned in the classroom. 

Through the IMP experience, along with projects like AminoSense and Barnstorm Foundry, I worked on go-to-market strategy, customer discovery, market research, product positioning and commercialization. These experiences strengthened my passion for solving real business problems and building strategies that are data-driven, customer-focused, and practical.

3. Recognition, Growth, and Lifelong Relationships
UC Davis also gave me opportunities to grow in ways I never expected. I feel truly honored to have been recognized with awards such as the Stephen G. and Shelley A. Newberry Distinguished Fellowship for Leadership, the Robert H. Smiley Leadership Award and the GSMAA Student Fellowship Award.

At the same time, the most meaningful part of the journey was the people. Whether it was group projects, late-night meetings, case discussions, leadership events or simple conversations with classmates, I found a community that pushed me, supported me and inspired me. The friendships and relationships I built at GSM will stay with me far beyond graduation.

Mia Hildebrand, MPAc

Why UC Davis?

I chose UC Davis because I fell in love with the campus the first time I visited for a softball camp during my junior year of high school. 

Before that trip, I didn’t know much about UC Davis, but the moment I arrived, something just clicked. The small college-town atmosphere felt welcoming and instantly felt like home. 

I was also drawn to the university’s strong reputation and the opportunities that come with being part of the UC system, while still being close to my hometown of Pleasanton, California. 

Looking back now, UC Davis became so much more than a school to me. It became the place where I grew personally, professionally, and creatively.

What were three highlights from your UC Davis experience?

1. Building Friendships and Community
One of the best parts of my MPAc experience was the relationships I built with my classmates. Whether it was having over 15 classmates show up to a Halloween party I hosted or competing together in intramural sports like soccer, softball, tube polo and dodgeball, those experiences created friendships and memories that made UC Davis feel like home.

2. Growing Through the Startup Center and PLASMA
Getting involved with the UC Davis Startup Center and participating in the 12-week PLASMA accelerator was another major highlight. Through the program, I expanded my network, refined my business, Mia’s Craft Kits, and pitched in front of more than 600 people at Demo Day. 

Receiving funding from the judges, including veteran Silicon Valley tech executive Diane Bryant, someone I greatly admire, was an unforgettable moment that gave me confidence in pursuing my entrepreneurial goals.

3. Putting Myself Out There and Giving Back
During my time at UC Davis, I challenged myself to put myself out there both in person and online by sharing my experiences on social media and connecting with students as an MPAc ambassador and teaching assistant. 

Whether helping students navigate internships, offering advice or simply creating a welcoming environment, I found so much fulfillment in building community and helping others feel like they belong here.

Where are you heading next?

After graduation, I’ll be moving to San Francisco to begin my career as an audit associate at KPMG. At the same time, I plan to continue pursuing my creative passions by growing my business, Mia’s Craft Kits, and creating content online.

UC Davis taught me that I do not have to choose between creativity and professionalism. I can pursue both. As I start this next chapter, I’m excited to continue building a career that blends business, creativity and community.

Shruthi Khurana, MSBA

Why UC Davis?

UC Davis chose me as much as I chose it. The Master of Science in Business Analytics program’s mix of technical rigor, applied analytics and Bay Area access helped me pivot from banking into data and AI. What stands out most is the collaborative, supportive cohort. People share opportunities and show up for each other, making this experience both collaborative and grounded.

What were the highlights from your UC Davis experience?

1. My Practicum Project Taught Me Brand Operations
My capstone project at Lagunitas Brewing Company. Coming from client experience I already knew the importance of listening to customers but Lagunitas was my first experience working with an American consumer brand. The project management duties gave me a taste of how American corporate culture operates.

2. Reinventing Myself
I arrived as a banker and I leave as a data and AI practitioner. UC Davis gave me the technical foundation and the confidence to make that leap. The constant cycle of learning by doing quietly builds not just skills but resilience.

Where are you heading next? 

This summer I'm joining BioMeBar as a product marketing intern, applying consumer analytics and AI-driven marketing to India's first personalized gut health brand.

Beyond that, I'm pursuing roles at the intersection of AI, product and strategy in the Bay Area, doing work that is transformative and impactful.