Matthew Bonello, DO, MS has dedicated his professional life to making Las Vegas a healthier community. As a Family Medicine Physician at the Southern Nevada Health District, he serves as the first point of contact for patients of all ages and conditions, and sees his path as a calling.

“I strongly believe that I will see patients until I can no longer work,” he says. 

Like the rest of his Cohort 23 colleagues, Matthew brings a lifetime of learning and work experience to UNLV. His educational journey began with a BS in Health Care Administration from California State University, Long Beach in 2008. He then earned an MS in Global Medicine from the University of Southern California in 2012, and eventually his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Touro University Nevada in 2018.

Now, he sees the EMBA program as a way to grow as a professional alongside an industry that is constantly evolving. He also looks forward to learning from his cohort members, especially those working outside of the healthcare sector.

"Many decisions are made for patients without clinical context," he explains. "I want to learn more about the content and reasoning behind those decisions.

"This program will help me grow professionally and personally. I look forward to becoming ingrained in the community through interactions with my cohort."

Choosing UNLV was a strategic decision for Matthew, who plans to stay in Southern Nevada long-term and address what he anticipates will be an increased need for healthcare leadership. As someone who spends a large percentage of his free time in follow-up patient care or working to anticipate patient concerns, he hopes to reach the perfect balance of professional service and personal growth. The EMBA, he says, is key to his development. 

“I do not want to attempt to restrict myself to a particular path or attempt to predict the future,” he says. “Instead, my aim is broader. I see this degree as helping me achieve not milestones, but goals: to become a more astute physician, to develop leadership skills and influence, to be exposed to like-minded individuals within my community, and to become a more well-rounded human being.”

Born to first-generation immigrants who instilled in him a relentless work ethic and a determination to achieve the American dream, Jameson Chan's journey to UNLV’s EMBA Cohort 23 stands as a testament to his unwavering resilience and unyielding ambition.

From an early age, Jameson's unwavering focus has always been on academic excellence. Guided by the values of his traditional Chinese upbringing, his mother employed a "Tiger Mom" approach, employing strict parenting techniques to drive her children's achievements. Jameson's exceptional abilities became evident when, at the age of six, he emerged victorious in his first school spelling bee, surpassing contestants eight years his senior. Encouraged by his mother, he deviated from the conventional educational path and leveraged his musical talents to earn a Bachelor's degree by the age of 18.

While his mother envisioned a career as a world-renowned pianist, Jameson chose to forge his own path, attending the University of Oregon and Portland State University. Fueled by his professional accomplishments and ignited by the limitless possibilities for growth, he has now set his sights on the EMBA as his next remarkable achievement.

Similar to his fellow EMBA students, Jameson has already achieved great success in his professional life. Currently serving as the Director of Business Development for Lifeline Vascular Care, he has also ventured into the realm of real estate, amassing an impressive portfolio of rental properties. Though the prospect of balancing school, work, and a family that includes a wife, 4-year-old daughter and one-year-old son can be daunting, Jameson discovered that the EMBA schedule perfectly accommodates his educational pursuits while allowing him to fulfill his other responsibilities. Undoubtedly, he firmly believes that the rewards will far outweigh the efforts invested.

Through his pursuit of the EMBA, Jameson aspires to inspire those around him, both personally and professionally. The decision to enroll has already sparked inspiration within his network, and he eagerly anticipates sharing his journey and accomplishments as he progresses through the program.

Under her leadership, Reverb's marketing evolved from a startup approach to one that drove substantial business growth.

"I joined Reverb to professionalize the marketing practice and help the company scale efficiently, which made it a desirable acquisition target for Etsy," she explains. “Post-acquisition, I worked to uplevel Reverb’s marketing from that of a startup to a scaling tech company, balancing my skills as a data-driven performance marketer and a brand storyteller.”

Prior to Reverb, Kristen honed her skills as a top marketer at other Chicago-based startups, including SpotHero and Luxury Garage Sale. In focusing on growth marketing and brand building, she was able to "bring together the creative and analytical to tell powerful stories and drive business impact."

Her early career in performance marketing and advertising agencies provided a solid foundation for the EMBA program, as she was able to work with clients across various industries. In committing to UNLV, Kristen says she is continuing on a path of lifelong learning and growth, one that will, eventually, lead to her starting her own business.

“I had considered pursuing an MBA when I lived in Chicago, but the timing seemed wrong,” she says. “I relocated to Las Vegas in 2021, and I realized that there would never be a ‘perfect’ time to start a program, and it was time that I took the time to invest in myself.”

As a mother of two daughters, Kristen is also hoping to inspire the next generation of learners, by demonstrating the importance of education and continuous self-improvement. At the same time, she wants to strengthen her connection to the community that she now calls home.

"Although I’ve been in Las Vegas for three years already, I don’t feel like I know the city well yet," she notes. “So I’m eager to learn about everyone’s areas of expertise and learn about their business experiences here in Nevada.”

Jazmine Danielle joins EMBA Cohort 23 with a lifetime of knowledge in the social science and holistic wellness sector. The owner and CEO of her own wellness brand, Queendom Cultivation, Jazmine holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminology and criminal justice from Northern Arizona University, as well as a master’s in international security studies from the University of Arizona.

To call her a lifelong learner is an understatement. As her life took her away from politics and criminal justice and down a new path, she developed a deep passion for “helping business owners through my spiritual wellness coaching practice.” She has become a Reiki Master, a certified energy healing practitioner, a full-spectrum doula, an aromatherapist, and a spiritual wellness coach. 

This shift in her professional direction now allows her to empower others on a personal level and guide them towards well-being. The EMBA, she says, will help her become a more well-rounded leader.

“By combining my knowledge of spiritual wellness with a strong foundation in business principles, I can empower [business owners] to achieve success on both a personal and professional level,” Jazmine explains. “For instance, I can provide stress management techniques specifically designed for the pressures of running a business. 

“I can also offer guidance on creating a work environment that fosters employee well-being, which can lead to increased productivity and morale.”

One area she is eager to explore is negotiation. As a spiritual wellness coach, she often has conversations with clients about investing in their well-being or the well-being of their employees. Having a strong foundation in negotiation, she says, will give her the confidence to effectively communicate the value of her wellness offerings.

“This will not only benefit my coaching practice but also empower me to advocate more effectively for myself and my clients,” she explains.

Jazmine chose UNLV not just because of the school’s reputation, but because the EMBA program focuses on real-world application of daily coursework. The ability to learn something in class and put it into practice immediately, she explains, will help herself and her business grow by leaps and bounds. 

“I'll gain a strong foundation in areas like finance, marketing, and leadership,” she says. “This knowledge will allow me to understand the specific challenges business owners face, from managing stress to fostering a productive work environment.”

Nathan Dudley is a seasoned leader with more than two decades of distinguished experience in U.S. Army Special Operations. His military career included 16 deployments to combat zones, which shaped his leadership style and strategic thinking. After transitioning from military service, he took on the role of Executive Vice President at an Unmanned Aviation company, where he played a pivotal role in driving significant company growth.

Today, he is a Data Platform Program Manager for Intelligent Waves LLC, with a new mission as a member of Executive MBA program Cohort 23.

“My ambition is to ascend to an executive role within my current organization and, ultimately, establish my own company,” Nathan says, adding that the EMBA, alongside his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, will give him “the tools to navigate complex business environments and make strategic decisions.”

Nathan is particularly excited to delve into courses related to entrepreneurship and innovation, which are critical to his long-term goal of becoming his own boss. He also values the opportunity to learn from his fellow cohort members, whose diverse perspectives and experiences will broaden his understanding of global business dynamics. At the same time, he hopes to share the knowledge and skills he learned during his years in service – leadership, decision making, problem solving, and cross-cultural communication, among others.

“I chose UNLV because of its strong reputation for fostering innovation and leadership within a diverse and dynamic environment,” Nathan says. “The program's focus aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.”

Beyond his professional pursuits, Nathan is deeply committed to community service, particularly in supporting veterans and individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As Vice President of the Board for Hiemta Warrior Healing, he is dedicated to making a positive impact, and believes that the leadership skills and experiences gained from the EMBA program will further enhance his ability to create change.

“Demonstrating the value of lifelong learning and the importance of setting ambitious goals is essential to me,” Nathan says. “Additionally, I want to show that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to transition from military service to a successful career in the private sector, while continuing to pursue personal and professional development.”

Christa Fells has spent a lifetime serving the Las Vegas community – 15 years as teacher in the Clark County School District and 11 years with the Clark County Fire Department.

Her journey is even more remarkable given the challenges she’s faced as a single parent. The balance of work of family is a struggle that’s familiar to many, but for Christa, it’s soon going to pay off.

“Ensuring my children had the necessary tools to become productive citizens was of utmost importance to me,” she says. “My children are now young adults. This is an ideal time for me to pursue this degree, which will help elevate my professional life in the fire service and enhance my entrepreneurial ventures in both a nonprofit organization and a small travel agency business."

Choosing UNLV to complete her Executive MBA was an easy decision for Christa. She had earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the university, and returning to school feels like a full circle moment. Having taught for so long – at Hal Smith Elementary School, Watson Elementary School, and the 100 Academy, among others – she’s used to being in a classroom. 

"Teaching was a rewarding experience," she says. "It taught me the value of patience, resilience, and the importance of being a role model.

“Returning to this institution felt like the perfect fit. The familiarity and strong sense of community make it an ideal place to further my education."

Christa is particularly excited to learn from her fellow cohort members, and hopes that her background will enhance the learning experience while also adding a diverse voice to the classroom.

"I believe it is crucial for young people in our community to see a woman of color succeed in a nontraditional career and passionately pursue education,” she says. “By doing so, I hope to inspire them to think creatively and develop a broad range of skills.”

Debbie German brings a diverse business perspective to EMBA Cohort 23, having spent 25 years in the Las Vegas commercial and residential real estate sector. The program, she hopes, will help her maintain pace in an evolving industry while also elevating her to a future leadership position.

But her colleagues may also learn something valuable from Debbie’s involvement in the community. She serves as the Director of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Cares committee, emphasizing volunteerism and supporting local non-profits in Southern Nevada. She has previously served as a volunteer for Junior Achievement and the local Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) chapter. She is also a community volunteer for Project 150, earning Volunteer of the Year honors in 2023.

Choosing UNLV to pursue her advanced degree was an easy decision, she says, as the EMBA program’s accreditation and concierge service fit just what she’s been looking for.

“I feel the program will hone my skills and increase my ability to communicate at a more professional level,” Debbie says. “Personally, it will bring me great joy to hold a prestigious graduate degree from UNLV.”

Like many EMBA graduates, Debbie is also hoping her future success will inspire those in her life.

“I mentor children and young adults, and I hope to inspire them to further their education to grow personally and professionally,” she says.

Ashley Gulbranson enters the EMBA program as one Cohort 23’s most well-traveled and educated members. Her journey is one marked by an enduring love for exploration and learning. 

At 18, Ashley embarked on her first overseas adventure to Spain, spending a gap year as an au pair. She stayed in Europe to pursue her education, earning an undergraduate degree at Saint Louis University’s Madrid Campus; and she later spent two years teaching English and working as an interpreter in France. 

Fascinated by Arabic culture, Ashley further expanded her horizons by living in Lebanon and Kuwait. Transitioning from a Spanish teacher to the Vice Principal of a high school in Kuwait, she eventually found her calling in human resources and HR leadership roles.

Now back in the U.S. and living in Henderson, Ashley enjoys a vibrant family life with her husband, Ralph, their two children, and their golden retriever. The family is deeply engaged in their community, attending church, playing tennis, and participating in their children’s numerous activities.

Ashley's decision to pursue an EMBA was significantly influenced by a friend from her prayer team, who specializes in career mentorship and encouraged her to chase this long-held dream. 

“It has always been a dream for me to pursue an MBA,” she says. “The EMBA makes so much sense for my current role and desired future track.”

The proximity of UNLV to her home and the structure of the degree program, which accommodates the needs of working professionals, made it an easy choice, Ashley adds. Professionally, she’s hoping the advanced knowledge will help her compete across multiple business disciplines, including finance, marketing, and operations, while further refining her expertise in HR and leadership. Personally, Ashley is just excited to be back in an academic environment, eager to learn and form meaningful relationships with her cohort members.

“I am looking forward to Marketing, as I think it will be fun, and Accounting, as I find that to be an enjoyable challenge!” she says. “I also look forward to Conflict Resolution, as this is something I enjoy.”

Ashley is also hoping that her success will inspire her children, and says her 6-year-old daughter has already started giving her “pointers” for back-to-school success.

Cody Gullickson joins Executive MBA Cohort 23 having already built a remarkable career at the crossroads of medicine and business. The owner and founder of Proficient Solutions, LLC, Cody has spent the past eight years immersed in the healthcare industry – working across the spectrum in critically important sectors including pharmaceuticals, medical device implants, and lab diagnostics. 

"My customers have often sought my insight on how to pursue business ventures within their scope of practice," Cody explains. "Unfortunately, I didn't always possess the knowledge to accurately contribute to the subject matter." 

The gap in his expertise motivated Cody to pursue the EMBA. He’s hoping the program will give him the tools and understanding necessary to better serve clients, while also exposing him to a myriad of knowledge and perspective that he’ll get from his colleagues.

"I'm looking for a program to start me on the path to reach my full potential," he says. "A program that will equip me with the awareness to complement my relentless capacity to adapt and ultimately provide the opportunity to give back and improve the lives of others around me."

In addition to his EMBA colleagues, Cody is excited to meet and learn from the faculty at UNLV’s Lee Business School, particularly Executive Director of the UNLV Troesh Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Leith Martin, who teaches EMBA 714: Management of Entrepreneurial Organizations.

"Professor Martin mentioned that the methodology tools were similar to those utilized by the National Science Foundation’s methodology called i-Corp," Cody says. "These tools teach how to commercialize research and ideas generated in labs, which is highly valuable and directly applies to the industry I currently work in."

Inspiration plays a significant role in Cody's life, especially from his two children. 

"My 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter excel academically far more than I did," he says. "Maybe they inspired me to pursue this degree."

Monesia "Mo" Hobbs brings a wealth of experience in education, business, hospitality, and creative strategies to EMBA Cohort 23. A lifelong learner with a fearless approach to any professional challenge, Monesia has been climbing the ladder since high school, when she interned in the publicity departments of Fox Sports, Levine Communications, and others. A career in hospitality management followed, and after moving to Las Vegas in 2021 she set her sights on even greater success.

Today, Monesia is UNLV’s Academic Coaching Coordinator at the Center for Academic Enrichment, owner of her own creative strategies agency, The Wordplay Firm, co-chair of the Alliance of Professionals of African Heritage, and she offers her professional hospitality services to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Monesia has never shied away from academic challenges, having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a Public Relations emphasis from California State University, Long Beach, and a Masters of Communication Management from the University of Southern California. The EMBA, she says, is just one more challenge she’s prepared to overcome.

“I believe it will validate my experiences,” she says. “An EMBA is a terminal degree, and I will feel educationally complete once I’m done.”

But like many members of Cohort 23, Monesia isn’t just doing this for herself. She not only hopes to learn from and inspire her EMBA colleagues -- "I don’t know what I don’t know, but I’m excited to hear their perspectives and expertise,” she says -- and also the students she works with, many of whom are first-generation or low-income college students.

“Many of them don’t see themselves getting advanced degrees, let alone completing their undergrad degree,” she says. “I hope that I can continue to show them that they can do whatever they want and that it’s never too late.”

Max Kelner is experiencing his first taste of UNLV – and Southern Nevada as a whole – after recently relocating to Las Vegas from New York City. A seasoned corporate in-house lawyer, Max has spent his career providing legal counsel while amassing a foundation of academic achievements, including his bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Buffalo and a law degree from Western State University College of Law.

Max's decision to pursue the EMBA is driven by his ambition to deepen his understanding of business operations at the executive level. As a lifelong learner, he wants to build upon what he’s learned about the motivations, operational modes, and communication styles of business leaders in a structured environment, enhancing his ability to represent business clients effectively.

The EMBA stood out to Max for its AACSB-accreditation and the reputation of its local alumni network -- a particularly appealing factor for someone new to Las Vegas. He sees the program as an opportunity to further integrate himself into the professional community while giving him the knowledge and skills to better serve his clients. 

Looking at his coursework, Max says he’s excited to study the Psychology of Leadership.

“I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, sociology, history, and otherwise trying to understand how (not so much why) people respond to their environments, especially when such responses appear irrational,” he explains.

On a personal level, he hopes to underscore the importance of continuous learning and personal growth to those around him – notably his children and his wife, who is working on her hospitality degree at UNLV.

The future is wide open, but Max adds that the program will lead to some short-term dissatisfaction at home.

“I’m very sorry to my dogs for the walks that will be missed during the next 18 months,” he jokes.

Yan Linn is proud to think of himself as a lifelong learner. His journey, a testament to perseverance and continuous growth, has taken him from Myanmar to Las Vegas, and along the way he’s earned bachelor’s degrees from Yangon Technological University and UNLV. 

Arriving in the United States in 2002 as an international student, Yan initially supported his family by working at Panda Express, where he quickly rose to the role of general manager. The experience helped him transition out of the fast food industry and into his wife’s family business, starting with modest resources in a small kitchen in the southwest area of Las Vegas. Through hard work and dedication, they expanded operations, supplying sushi bento boxes to supermarkets and securing catering contracts with hotels, earning their growing business a reputation for excellence and freshness. 

Even with the responsibility of work and family, Yan remained committed to lifelong learning.

“My father, who was an electrical engineering graduate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1962 always inspired me to get a foreign degree just like him,” he says. “I made every effort to obtain an engineering degree while I was working more than full-time and raising a baby girl at the same time.”

After completing his civil engineering degree at UNLV, Yan realized the strategic benefits of applying a business education to his professional ventures. He went on to take part in MGM Resorts International’s mentorship program for minority business enterprises, refining his skills in business development and strategic planning.

With more than two decades of business leadership experience, Yan sees the EMBA as pivotal in broadening his business acumen while managing his responsibilities as a father and management team member. He looks forward to learning from his cohort peers about effective leadership and strategies for automating and scaling businesses.

“I hope to learn the strategies of how to run small and medium size companies in autopilot and how to be a good leader of profitable and reputable company,” he says.

Personally inspired by his teenage daughter and motivated to set an example for future generations, Yan is eager to delve into the areas that are crucial for navigating and innovating in competitive markets, such as the EMBA’s Financial Accounting and Strategic Marketing courses. He’s grateful for the opportunities his education has provided, and he’s committed achieving the American Dream through hard work and dedication.

Angelica Mack is driven by a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship, nurtured through her creative ventures and dedication to the beauty industry. Starting with handmade clutches and a loungewear line, Angelica found her niche in lash artistry, where she serves as CEO of Lash BesLe Co. and crafts products and content that foster confidence and beauty. 

A graduate of UNLV (where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism studies) and the University of Nevada, Reno, Angelica began a marketing and public relations career after college, but, “wasn’t feeling fulfilled at all.”

“I decided to pivot and try out the beauty industry,” she recalls. 

Finding fulfillment in empowering women and building meaningful connections through her services and educational platforms, Angelica’s entrepreneurial success eventually led to her training more than 300 people nationwide in lash extensions and small business management.  

Motivated by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to enhance her business acumen, set her sights on the EMBA program. Professionally, Angelica anticipates the program will strengthen her strategic thinking, decision-making abilities, and creativity, all while expanding her professional network. 

“I chose UNLV because of how great of an experience I had there during my undergrad,” Angelica says. “I also really admire the diversity that the campus offers as well as a clear mission to be inclusive.” 

Personally, she adds, the EMBA represents a chance to inspire her community and empower minority women to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Through her journey, she aims not only to elevate her own career but also to pave the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.

“My goal is to form a ladder behind me so that other women can climb up,” Angelica says. “I want women to know that they can take risks in their career, be successful, and, most importantly, be independent.”

Carmi Moser brings a distinctive background in information technology and cybersecurity to Executive MBA Cohort 23. As Senior Principal Cybersecurity specialist at FINRA, her expertise spans all areas of IT operations, compliance, security, risk, and governance; adding an entirely new dimension to an already diverse cohort.

Working alongside colleagues in the program and contributing what she’s learned is one of the primary reasons Carmi applied to the EMBA.

“I feel that this program will foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration that will help me navigate complex business challenges and exercise self-discipline,” she says.

Carmi’s impressive resume includes roles as Director of GRC at Kaseya, where she honed her skills in building secure operational centers and managing complex IT operations. Notably, she was instrumental in constructing the SOC for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and overseeing IT operations for Virgin Hyperloop One, which was partially developed at a test site in North Las Vegas.

Motivated by the prospect of future executive opportunities, Carmi chose to pursue the EMBA to deepen her understanding of business and strategic leadership. The degree will complement her academic resume, which includes a Master’s in Information Technology from American InterContinental University and an IT Engineering degree from Charter College. She also holds several prestigious cybersecurity certifications, including CISSP, CCSP, CDPSE, and GCIH.

Carmi is also hoping to inspire her niece, a recent high school graduate, to pursue a fulfilling career and to embrace lifelong learning. She sees the EMBA as an opportunity to lead by example and to motivate those around her to strive for excellence.

Dr. Marriyam Moten is no stranger to the University of Nevada Las Vegas. A practicing cardiologist for more than 30 years, she serves at the VA Nevada Healthcare System and is a Professor of Medicine at the University. Dr. Moten supervises medical residents and fellows in cardiology, and her commitment to lifelong learning and innovation drives her to stay current with the evolving landscape of her profession.

That’s what led her into the EMBA program. Dr. Moten, who holds two graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and a degree from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, is motivated by a family legacy of lifelong learning and community service.

Dr. Moten’s father, a business executive who founded schools and hospitals, her late husband, an interventional cardiologist with free community clinics, and her brother, a union president, all believed in the importance of continuous education and giving back. Now, she says, it’s up to her to carry on the tradition. 

“I want to continue to learn to be inclusive with the changing landscape of medicine and be innovative like the kids, grandkids, and trainees, who are now making their own apps and website at a tender age,” she says.

Dr. Moten's personal journey is marked by resilience and generosity. After losing her husband in a car accident, she donated their home and 12-acre land to community clinics for use by medical students and residents in Kansas. It was an act of kindness that reflects her dedication to giving back and supporting the next generation of medical professionals. Further encouragement by her niece and her niece's husband, both pursuing MBAs, has motivated Dr. Moten to learn more about the business side of medicine – lessons she’ll absorb throughout her EMBA studies.

“It will help me broaden my perspective, gain business management skills, gain new knowledge and different perspectives,” she says. “It will also help me understand the importance of time and project management, and perhaps one day help me grow into leadership position.”

Resilience and adaptability are cornerstones of Benjamin Nevares’s journey, traits instilled in him from his formative years growing up in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. Raised with the understanding that hard work and perseverance are essential, Benjamin’s path to the UNLV and EMBA Cohort 23 has been one of continuous learning and achievement.

“I believe in the power of resilience and hard work,” he says. “I want to show others that no matter where you start, you can achieve great things with determination and the right opportunities.”

Graduating from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a B.S. in Sport Conditioning and minor in Coaching and Psychology, Benjamin was heavily influenced by his work with renowned researchers like Dr. Lightfoot in exercise physiology. This early exposure to cutting-edge research, including studies on the “couch potato gene” and applied exercise physiology, helped shape his outlook, though his career would take him in many directions before he began the EMBA. 

Currently, Benjamin serves as a construction manager for Reece Homes, where he has set sales records and managed multiple development projects, demonstrating his ability to adapt and excel in various roles, including sales counselor and construction manager. The experience has also showcased his capacity to lead and innovate effectively – essential elements of EMBA graduates.

Benjamin’s pursuit of higher education is fueled by a desire to sharpen his business acumen and join a community of like-minded, ambitious individuals. He is particularly excited about exploring entrepreneurship within the EMBA program, as he plans to expand his influence and continue the growth of his health and business podcast, the Ben Thinking Podcast.

“I want to inject myself into a community of well-intentioned individuals who are pursuing a higher level of learning,” Benjamin says.

Like all EMBA students, Benjamin brings a unique personal background to the cohort. A competitive powerlifter, he has represented Team USA and earning multiple gold medals on the world stage, including titles at national championships and world meets. His accolades include the prestigious All American Powerlifter title and a presentation at the Olympic Training Center to improve accessibility for auditory disabled athletes.

Benjamin’s ability to endure and motivate will be highly valuable as he and his classmates navigate the EMBA program.

Ben Pruess, Director of Business Systems for Medline Industries, has spent the last 19 years at the intersection of IT and healthcare, a journey marked by a steady ascent from hands-on roles to strategic leadership.

Beginning his career as a programmer analyst and business analyst, Ben thrived in the challenge of working closely with others to define functional requirements and deliver systems that streamlined processes and enhanced user satisfaction. His passion for making work easier and more enjoyable for others set the foundation for his career, and furthered his journey as a lifelong leader – a journey that’s led him to UNLV and EMBA Cohort 23.

He chose UNLV for its emphasis on learning and its appealing course offerings, and he sees the EMBA as an opportunity to further immerse himself in the community that he and his family – his wife and three sons – have called home since 2022.

“I have found that the more I grow in my career, the more I need financial acumen, strategic decision-making, leadership, and negotiation,” Ben says. “I saw an EMBA as a great way to acquire that experience to pair with my system knowledge.”

Alongside his professional pursuits, Ben is committed to health and wellness. In 2017 when he competed for Team USA at the ITU World Triathlon Age-Group Sprint Distance Championships in Rotterdam.

Ben also hopes to inspire his three boys to be lifelong learners and show them that, “there are big things worth working for.”

Ricardo Russo is following a “family tradition” as he journeys through UNLV’s Executive MBA program. His sister and her two children all attended the university, and he wants to become the next UNLV graduate in the family.

Ricardo’s background is unique in that he brings experience in both the military and healthcare management to Cohort 23. As Chief Operating Officer at Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center, he has distinctive leadership credentials and insights into military medical operations.

Ricardo was a lifelong learner before he joined Cohort 23, having earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University and two associate’s degrees. When it came time to decide on a graduate program, Ricardo chose UNLV because it would start him on the path to reach his full potential. Professionally and personally, Ricardo believes the EMBA will be transformative.

"The program is geared towards professionals who have been executing the job for years,” he says. “The experience and perspective the cohort will bring to the table are immeasurable and will help me grow.” Ricardo is eager to gain new views and approaches to education, leadership, and communication, and he is motivated to inspire others—including his sister.

“She is on the fence about grad school,” he says. “I hope this pushes her to get back into it.”

With a four-decade career built in hospitality, Edward Tracy brings experience in ordering, inventory, financials, hiring, training, and venue openings – from casino resorts to stadiums – to UNLV’s Executive MBA program. Today, he is General Manager of the acclaimed Brasserie B by Bobby Flay at Caesars Palace – having settled in Las Vegas following a three-year stint working in the Bahamas.

Edward's academic journey began with an Associate's degree in Hospitality Management from Northwood University in 1993. Nearly 30 years later, he returned to his alma mater to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in 2022.

"Returning to school after such a long gap was challenging but incredibly rewarding,” he recalls. “It reignited my passion for learning and personal growth."

That passion will be on full display in Cohort 23. Ed is hoping the program will deepen his understanding of high-level business operations and position him for an opportunity in hotel and casino operations.

"Having a better understanding of Accounting, Statistics, Micro and Macroeconomics will provide a backbone of knowledge that can be applied immediately as I look to move from intermediate management into executive-level leadership, he says."

Ed selected the EMBA program for its reputation, accessibility, and, notably, its location in the world's hospitality capital. He sees tremendous value in learning from hospitality professionals and others in the program – students whose backgrounds include healthcare, education, and international business.

"The value in learning from people in other industries cannot be understated," he says. " Hearing their experiences, their achievements, their points of view will help make me a more well-rounded professional.”

While the EMBA will round out Edward’s professional skillset, it also represents a significant personal achievement. He hopes that his success will motivate his team of managers, chefs, and employees at Brasserie B and inspire them to pursue higher education as a means to improve themselves.

"I hope they see that it’s never too late to further their education, that there is more to learn and achieve," he says.

With more than 15 years of experience in global sourcing, product development, and vendor management, Daria Wallace has built an impressive career marked by international expertise that’s made her fluent in Russian and Mandarin Chinese.

“I moved to China directly when I graduated from college,” Daria says. “I lived and worked there full time for eight years and worked my way through and up several different production jobs in fashion and outdoor gear and equipment.

“Living in China gave me experience you just can’t get otherwise.”

Now, Daria’s resume is about to get another boost as she joins UNLV’s Executive MBA Cohort 23.

Choosing the university was a natural decision. Having relocated to Las Vegas in February 2023, Daria found the program to a perfect fit and considers it “the best in the region” and can give her new insight into international business, negotiation, finance, accounting, and law, among other topics.

"International business is what I live and breathe every day," she explains. "I'm also very excited to learn more about negotiation as this is a big focus in my day-to-day job.

“I know the EMBA will help me make better decisions and be a better teammate, leader, and – overall – a more well-versed professional.”

Like many others in Cohort 23, Daria is committed to the Las Vegas community. She serves as a volunteer judge for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), both nationally and locally, and, alongside her husband, she fosters animals and volunteers at a local shelter. Volunteering, she says, helps her stay grounded and mentally healthy. Through her EMBA journey, Daria aims to inspire those around her, particularly young professionals and her family. "It’s crucial for young people in our community to see a woman succeed in a nontraditional career and passionately pursue education," she says. “I missed the challenge of learning new things and the connections you make when part of a group of successful and driven people. “The higher I go in my career the more I need to incorporate new ideas and different perspectives, and taking an EMBA is one of the best ways to do so.”