Student Ambassadors
CONNECT WITH USWe 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!
Heng-Wei (Lawrence) Chou
Undergraduate Institution: National Taiwan University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Foreign Languages and Literatures
Hometown: Tainan, Taiwan 
Language(s): Chinese, Japanese, Spanish
Before joining the Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) program at UC Irvine, I completed my undergraduate studies in Foreign Languages and Literatures at National Taiwan University, where I developed a passion for exploring different cultures through language. I’ve also had the opportunity to study abroad at Osaka University and serve as an International Youth Ambassador under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promoting cross-cultural exchange and global friendships. I chose the MIE program for its focus on innovation, hands-on learning, and entrepreneurial mindset, which I believe will help me turn creative ideas into meaningful ventures. As I work toward graduation, I’m excited to explore opportunities where I can make an impact through innovation and collaboration with like-minded peers. Outside of school, I enjoy martial arts like boxing and jiujitsu, photography, cooking, and connecting with others as a student ambassador.
Yasmeen Lopez
Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Northridge
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration
Hometown: Lancaster, California 
Language(s): Spanish
Specialization/Career Path: Founding a Company
I’m a first-generation American and proud daughter of parents from San Vicente, El Salvador. I earned my undergraduate degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge and now own and operate Muñeca Mala Beauty, where I provide makeup services and create my own line of cosmetics. I chose to pursue my Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) at UC Irvine because of its strong focus on innovation, real-world application, and support for aspiring entrepreneurs like myself. My goal is to grow my business, expand my reach in the beauty industry, and eventually create a nonprofit that empowers underrepresented communities through financial literacy. Outside of school and work, I enjoy staying active at the gym, having picnics with friends, exploring art museums, watching movies, and discovering new local restaurants.
Jake Monarch
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Economics; Minor in Business Management
Hometown: Ladera Ranch, California
Specialization/Career Path: Founding a Company
As a proud double Anteater, I’m currently pursuing my Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) at UC Irvine after earning my undergraduate degree in Business Economics with a minor in Business Management. I’ve always loved creating and problem-solving, whether it’s hosting esports tournaments, producing strategy content, or 3D printing custom products and VR prototypes. My passion for turning ideas into real solutions inspired me to join the MIE program, where I’m growing alongside like-minded innovators who share my drive to make an impact. Looking ahead, I hope to launch my own business in the manufacturing space and gain hands-on experience that allows me to bring new ideas to life. Outside of class, I enjoy 3D printing, virtual reality, gaming, fitness, and art. I even used to compete in esports tournaments across the U.S.!
Seo Woo (Claire) Park
Undergraduate Institution: Korea National Open University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Education
Hometown: Seoul, Korea 
Language(s): Korean
Hi, I’m Claire! I was born and raised in Korea and have also lived in Canada and the U.S., experiences that shaped my global perspective and creativity. After studying Cosmetology in Canada, I gained hands-on experience in cosmetic sales and managed my own cosmetic brand in Korea, collaborating with major corporations and retail channels. Later, I discovered a passion for adult English education, earning degrees in Education and TESOL certifications, and teaching executives from global companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and Apple. I chose the MIE program at UC Irvine to strengthen my ability to turn creative ideas into sustainable business models and to develop the entrepreneurial mindset needed to build a global venture combining my experience in education and cosmetics. Outside of school, I enjoy arts and crafts, cooking, dessert classes, and sharing lifestyle and beauty inspiration with others.
Tristan Semmens
Undergraduate Institution: Liberty University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Marketing & Professional Sales
Hometown: Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
I served six years in the U.S. Navy, primarily as a medic alongside Marines, and completed my degree online at Liberty University while on active duty. Since separating from the military in December 2023, I’ve focused on entrepreneurship and discovered my passion in the pet industry, developing a patent-pending product. I chose UC Irvine’s Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) program for its supportive, hands-on approach to helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed, as well as for its welcoming campus culture and vibrant community. My goal is to expand my pet product business while connecting with mentors and like-minded peers through the Merage network. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring Southern California with my dogs, surfing and snorkeling with my wife, basketball, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, open water swimming, sailing, and snowboarding. A fun fact about me is that I’ve rappelled down a 300-foot cliff with a patient in the military and once skied 100 miles in four days carrying 100 pounds.
Kenechukwu Uche
Undergraduate Institution: Federal University of Technology Owerri
Major(s)/Minor(s): Information Technology; Minor in Management
Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria 
Language(s): Igbo, Yoruba
I was born and raised in Nigeria and earned my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the Federal University of Technology Owerri. I’ve been passionate about entrepreneurship from a young age, starting my first company at 22, a marketing agency called Nextouch, and later founding Woodlet, an online furniture store that quickly achieved $50K in revenue within 10 months. Most recently, I launched Fluentshop, an AI-powered e-commerce store builder, and am excited to grow this venture with the foundation and guidance I’m gaining through UC Irvine’s Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) program. I chose MIE for its unique focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the opportunity to build the structured business knowledge needed to scale a sustainable, high-growth company. Outside of class, I enjoy playing soccer, dancing, video games, photography, fashion, and keeping my spaces organized.
Labitta Vindi
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Economics
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia 
Language(s): Bahasa Indonesia
Hai, I’m Labitta! My mom let my 4-year-old brother name me when I was born, so I’ve always had a pretty unique name! I completed my undergraduate studies in Business Economics at UC San Diego and have worked in a variety of industries, from biotech startups to record labels and hospitality, which helped me discover my passion for entrepreneurship. I chose UC Irvine’s Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) program for its collaborative, supportive environment, hands-on learning opportunities, and, of course, the amazing food in Irvine! My goal is to gain real-world experience and eventually open my own business in the media or beauty industry while building confidence to take calculated risks. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring golf, discovering new food spots, and connecting with people across different industries.
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