Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Ambassadors
We encourage you to connect with our ambassadors via email, LinkedIn, or a 1:1 Zoom meeting to answer your questions about school culture, why they selected The Merage School, academic pathways, the path to UC Irvine from across the U.S. or another country, and much more. Take advantage of this great opportunity!
Micquela Espinosa
Undergraduate Institution: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Management and Marketing / Advertising
Hometown: Quito, Ecuador 
Language(s): Spanish and English
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Hello! I’m Micquela from Ecuador, coming from a business and creative background. I worked as a Commercial Analyst in my family business for two years and am now eager to innovate within the construction industry. My purpose is to leave a long-lasting impression on the people I work with and to learn from the little things that make our lives great every day. Although jumping into the MIE program felt challenging at first, despite my prior corporate knowledge, I believe that combining an understanding of business and human relationships with a spark of creativity can unlock endless opportunities and growth across industries. I’m here, ready to jump in with you and support you throughout this journey, because every person is unique and I’d love to hear your goals!
Valerie Espinoza
Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Media Communications
Hometown: Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico 
Language(s): Spanish
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I graduated from BYU in Rexburg, Idaho, where I earned my degree in media communications. After completing my degree, I joined Crumbl Cookies at their corporate office in Utah as a Field Trainer. In this role, I had the opportunity to work closely with Franchise Owners across the country, overseeing business operations and providing coaching and support. From the beginning, the UCI Paul Merage School of Business stood out to me because of the welcoming and inviting disposition from student ambassadors, staff, and faculty. I was struck by the enthusiasm they expressed about the program, and the tight-knit community they had grown to be a part of. My primary career goal is to learn more about the franchising industry, whilst participating in networking events that will help me build strong connections. I look forward to applying the skills and insights I gain in this program to make a meaningful impact in the franchising world and in the community. In my free time, I enjoy curating Pinterest boards for my future home, meticulously planning every detail—from bathroom tile to light fixtures in the primary en suite. While I don’t plan on buying a home anytime soon, I’m excited and prepared for when that day comes! Traveling is another passion of mine. I find a lot of joy in learning about and experiencing different cultures; I find it truly enriches my perspective on life. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for music and dance. I enjoy singing and dancing to various genres, but I have a special love for traditional Mexican music and dances. Having been born and raised in a Mexican household, I hold my culture and family traditions close to my heart. They are deeply rooted in me and have shaped the woman I am today.
Ishan Kejriwal
Undergraduate Institution: Christ University (Bangalore, India)
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Analytics
Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 
Language(s): Hindi, Gujarati
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I am an Analytics Graduate with experience in content creation and digital marketing. My background combines analytical skills with creative problem-solving skills. I am passionate about driving growth through innovation, so the MIE program stood out to me because of its strong emphasis on experiential learning and its focus on equipping us with the tools to create and scale new ventures. My goal in life is to start my own business and expand my family business across the globe, by innovating processes to benefit both business and community. I am a sports enthusiast who plays professional competitive pickleball and recreational soccer. I am a musician at heart; I sing, am a part-time music producer, and play various instruments such as the keyboard, piano, guitar, ukelele, and harmonica.
Rui (Ray) Liu
Undergraduate Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Engineering Science and Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Beijing, China 
Language(s): Mandarin
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I received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University. I have experience as a management trainee for Schneider Electric, where I had the privilege of working with top-tier consulting firms such as Accenture and Capgemini. I later became a product manager for the startup company Noitom where I worked with doctors to tackle practical medical problems using technologies such as Motion Capture and VR. I decided to pivot into a career in business and join the UCI Paul Merage School of Business because my goal is to not only develop an entrepreneurial mindset with business skillets, but I also want to enhance my networking skills and explore the various opportunities and challenges available to me through this program. I am open to all sorts of career opportunities, from starting my own business to joining business giants in the market. I enjoy playing video games and am obsessed with partner dancing, especially Argentine Tango. I love Tango for its beauty, elegance, and because it connects me to people from all walks of life. I also teach Tango in my spare time and am dedicated to building and growing the local dance community.
Kimberly Lukman
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration
Hometown: Bandung, Indonesia 
Language(s): Indonesian, Korean
Specialization/Track: Founding a company
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Salam kenal! I’m Kimberly Lukman, born and raised in Indonesia. I completed my undergraduate studies in Business Administration at UCI, where I also had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea - I still pop over to visit my “chingus” there whenever I can! My passion for innovation and entrepreneurship started when I began managing small-owned coffee shops. Besides the ideal location (peaceful and perfectly surrounded by the beach on one side and mountains on the other), I chose the UCI Paul Merage School of Business because I am excited to learn how to innovate and maybe even launch my own company in the beauty, health, and wellness industry. When I am not studying, I enjoy binge-watching K-dramas (currently obsessed with "Gyeongseong Creature!") and playing sports, from frisbee to basketball to badminton (I’ve recently taken up volleyball)! I can’t wait to connect with you and help make the most of your journey!
Youngin (Summer) Nam
Undergraduate Institution: Korea University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Chinese Studies
Hometown: Gwangju, Korea 
Language(s): Korean, Chinese
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I was born in Korea and spent six years studying abroad in Canada and China. These experiences broadened my perspective, emphasizing the value of diversity and inclusion. After graduation, I went into sales, working for a US trading company. However, I was truly passionate about becoming an entrepreneur. My ultimate career goal is to create a warm and inclusive fitness center - a space where people can exercise without fear of judgment or hindrance. I chose the UCI Paul Merage School of Business because I believe the MIE program will equip me with practical knowledge and hands-on experience through excellent curriculum and various opportunities. Some of these fantastic opportunities include the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition, Alumni Entrepreneurs Mixers, and Innovation in Healthcare Breakfasts. I am a fitness enthusiast, so in my spare time you'll catch me at the gym, sweating it out. Some might call it a routine, but for me, it's a confidence booster and an energy kick.
Chi Rey
Undergraduate Institution: De La Salle University (Manila, Phillippines)
Major(s)/Minor(s): Applied Corporate Management
Hometown: Metro Manila, Philippines 
Language(s): Filipino
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Hi! I'm Chi Rey, and I’m currently enrolled in the Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the UCI Paul Merage School of Business. My professional career began in HR and Marketing, and over the years, I've expanded into Marketing & Sales, with a strong focus on strategizing and overseeing business operations. Currently, I am the COO of a virtual staffing agency with the goal of business expansion. My work experience spans a range of industries, including retail, fitness & wellness, and start-ups. In 2014, I became a certified yoga instructor, and later combined my passion for fitness with my professional skills and vision for career growth, and launched my own yoga brand and community, Positivi-Chi. I chose UCI because the program’s curriculum covers exactly what I’m looking for in the context of both my career and the business world. Additionally, the location (close to the beach), the vibes, and diversity in cultures all attracted me. I enjoy staying active, especially with yoga and CrossFit. Occasionally, you will see me walk or maybe roll in a BJJ class (it's been a long while though)! I also love dogs, and I have a beagle back home who I’ve named after my favorite fruit, Lychee!
Celine Rosales
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Santa Barbara
Major(s)/Minor(s): History & Sociology; Minor in Applied Psychology
Hometown: Norwalk, CA
Specialization/Track: Founding a company
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During my undergrad, I spent time in Florence, Italy, to learn about entrepreneurship abroad, which gave me my first taste of business. After graduation, I spent a year learning customer service ropes at an e-commerce company based in Santa Barbara. I then accepted a position at a SaaS company, also based in Santa Barbara, in their Sales/Marketing department. I spent a couple of years there before leaving Santa Barbara to pursue my Master's. I chose the UCI Paul Merage School of Business because my interview almost felt like a consultation. I felt genuine curiosity from my interviewer and quickly connected with the faculty I met on my tour. I chose the MIE program because it was the only program specifically geared toward aspiring entrepreneurs in the UC system at half the price of an MBA. It also helped that the Merage School was well-ranked and of great notoriety.
