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!
Jennifer Antunez
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science; Minor in Chicano/a/x
Hometown: Santa Ana, CA 
Language(s): Spanish
linkedin.com/in/jennifer-antunez-6070b616b/
Hello everyone! I am a first-generation Latina coming from a non-traditional accounting background. I took a gap year before starting my masters to take a break to get to know what route I wanted to take. What made me choose UCI Merage School was how open and communicative the staff were. My career goal is to obtain a CPA and work as a partner for an accounting firm. What I am looking forward to as I work towards graduation and beyond is making strong connections with my peers, faculty, and professionals in the accounting industry. My hobbies and interests include dancing, reading, and listening to music. I also love to journal dance Folclórico.
Soha Farahani
Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Fullerton
Major(s)/Minor(s): Mathematics / Actuarial Science
Hometown: Tehran, Iran 
Language(s): English, Farsi
Specialization/Track: Taxation
Working in banking and mortgage helped me learn about accounting. This experience made me want to pursue accounting and get my CPA. I've finished my educational requirements, so I am now CPA eligible and excited to move forward in my accounting career. I chose the UCl Merage School because it offers a strong focus on preparing students for the CPA exam. My career goal is to work in tax consulting and become a CPA. As I work towards graduation, I look forward to gaining more knowledge and building connections.I love hiking and spending time in nature, especially watching sunsets. I really enjoy baking in my free time! I play the Persian instrument, called the Tomback.
Katelynn Kwok
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Riverside
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration; Concentration in Accounting & Audit
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Language(s): Cantonese (Conversational)
Specialization/Track: Taxation
Hi everyone! My name is Katelynn. After graduating from UCR, I pivoted a little towards the finance side and worked as a credit analyst at a commercial bank. However, after working for a couple of years, I decided to pivot back to accounting and eventually get my CPA license. What attracted me to UCI Merage School was how there are so many opportunities to grow professionally. UCI has always been a dream school. After completing the MPAc program, my goal is to obtain my CPA license and build my career in accounting. On my free time, I really enjoy traveling, being a dog mom, hanging out with my family and friends, watching sports, working out, going to concerts, researching and doing skincare, and being a foodie!
Paul Landy
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration
Hometown: Granada Hills, CA
Specialization/Track: Data Analytics
My name is Paul Landy. I have interned in the tax and audit department of Ernst & Young. Currently, I am studying for my CPA exams, and I have accepted a Fall 2025 offer as an Audit Associate with Ernst & Young while working as a Teaching Assistant for accounting classes. UCI Merage was an easy choice for me. During my undergrad, I was exposed to the fantastic professors and support that the UCI community offers. I wanted to continue my education at Merage to further connect with and learn from industry professionals who care about the success of their students. My career goal is to be a CPA. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer with my intramural team, playing pickleball, learning new skills, and spending time with friends and family.
Maira Saeed
Undergraduate Institution: Wilfrid Laurier University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Economics and Accounting
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan 
Language(s): Urdu
linkedin.com/in/maira-saeed-b6b63590/
I’m Maira! Having lived in seven countries, I have a rich understanding of different cultures, which has shaped my worldview. I spent three years in China, where I couldn’t resist indulging in a plate of “jiaozi” each week—I'm definitely a big foodie! I aspire to be an auditor for a public accounting firm. What drew me to UCI Paul Merage School is the stellar program and the helpful faculty. In addition to my studies, I’m passionate about fitness; I’ve recently taken up running and am eager to improve my skating skills. When I need to unwind, I love curling up with my favorite shows on Netflix. Please feel free to reach out and chat! Zot zot zot!
Zachary Velazquez
Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Long Beach
Major(s)/Minor(s): Applied Mathematics, Concentration in Finance
Hometown: Waterford, CA
Language(s): Spanish (Intermediate)
linkedin.com/in/zachary-velazquez-823a94236/
Hello, my name is Zachary Velazquez! Throughout my academic journey, I developed and strengthen my financial acumen. After obtaining my MFIN degree at UCI, I have decided to pursue a MPAc degree at the same university. I do not have relevant work experience before entering the MPAc program. Being a previous Merage student, the program staff created a safe community for students to be themselves. I have found a second home here at UCI. Given my degrees in both finance and accounting, I hope to attain a job within auditing of financial services. I find pleasure in a variety of sports-related activities, and have taken on the challenge of completing several half marathons along with a full marathon. Regularly hitting the gym not only keeps me physically fit but keeps the mind rejuvenated. In my spare time, I enjoy socializing with friends, exploring different food establishments, and attending car meets.
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