Hult International Business School - MBA Class of 20016 - Digital Yearbook

YEARBOOK

MBA Class of 2016
Dubai Campus







Table of Contents

06 Message from the Yearbook team
07 Message from the Dean
08 The Hult team
12 The Professors
18 The Students
52 Clubs
58 Events
66 Autograph

5

The Hult MBA has been an extremely special and incredible experience for each of us. From orientation
and the initial anxiety, to long marathon nights spent on campus, to bonding and sweating with our
course & HIC teams, to celebrating our triumphs & milestones, to all the fun trips and parties - it has
been one rollercoaster of a ride.

We have tried to capture each of these moments in this MBA Yearbook that you can reach out for when
you reminisce about this experience. Look for those special moments, those events, those professors
and those friends who were such an important part of your MBA.

We’ve also acknowledged the role that each member of the Hult team, led by the inspirational Dean
Amanda, have played in creating this wonderful environment for us to learn and prosper, and the
opportunities they created for us to leverage our education. The professors, with their unique styles &
comical quirks, have made our classes engaging and insightful, and all feature in our yearbook.

We picture a bunch of us, sitting together, several years from now, flipping through this book, and
laughing and bringing back those times and the untold stories that they carried with them. Thank you all
for making this yearbook possible, and giving us so many great memories to fill up not just a book, but
an entire lifetime!

We love you guys!

The Yearbook Team
(Fazal, Jashan, Nadia, Paula)

6

To the MBA Class of 2016,
Congratulations on this fantastic achievement. It is really time to celebrate. I say this even though some
of you may be feeling even more anxious than you did at the start of your degree. The more possibilities
you can see, the more countries you can imagine living in, and the more roles you can imagine taking,
the harder it can be to make a decision about your future. If you continue to push yourself, to grow, to
drive your limits further, then you will likely continue to experience stress in your lives. So forget about
it right now and take the time to really appreciate and enjoy just how far you have come since we met
in September. Thanks for making me 30 new friends this year, as well as 30 new eloquent, capable and
ethical business leaders of whom I can be proud.
Dr. Amanda Nimon Peters
Dean, Dubai Campus

7

MBA CLASS OF 2016 YEARBOOK

The Hult Team

8

Agnieszka Ajmal Amber Jay Daniel
Kuzniarski Suhail Dittmer Downey

Associate Dean Campus Technology Engineer Associate Dean Assistant Registrar

Caroline Cindy Crystal Donato
Hayes Cenia - Tagaytay Corsino Dinglasan

Registrar Accounting Manager Visa Coordinator Senior Admissions Manager

9

Debbie Dhanujha Kimberly Lina
Dowling Gandhi Honcada Donayre

Assistant Dean – MBA & MIB Program Associate – MBA & MIB Accountant Assistant Dean – EMBA

Hina Kevin Ursula Magdalena
Khan O’Brien Lozada Soszynska

Career Development Advisor Head of Student Services Director - Corporate Relations Director of Career Development &
Middle East & Africa Corporate Relations
10

Louise Michaela Namrata Paolo
McFadden Mencerova Kamath Gomez

Executive Director Events & Communications Student Services Manager Student Services Coordinator
Manager

Marco Sheng Vats Henrik
Legaspi Astian Varun Johnson

Assistant Admission Manager Office Coordinator Campus Application Engineer Director of Corporate Relations

11

MBA CLASS OF 2016 YEARBOOK

The Professors

12

Alek Grzeszczak Claudia Lassetter

MBA (Finance) & MIA (International Bachelor of Arts
Business): Columbia Business School, Postgraduate Diploma in Management
MA Sc. (Telecom Engineering): University Masters of Business Administration
of Ottawa
International Marketing
Financial Management
“Prof. Claudia’s masterclass at the Campus premier last year was the selling point of Hult
“Professor Alek Grzeszczak made a dry subject area interesting and entertaining. His to me. It was an amazing class with high engagement, use of multimedia and innovation.
FinancialManagement course was challenging but he made learning fun. His teaching During her International Marketing class, she challenged students to develop a critical
was exceptional and he explained complex concepts in an understandable manner. He mindset and do a project on a real world case. ”
went beyond class time and did additional teaching for those who needed the extra
attention. His assignments were challenging but gave us the real essence on real world
scenarios. He was humorous and kept the class active and engaged at all times. I take
this opportunity to thank him and wish him all the best for the future endeavours!”

Daniel Deneffe Mufeed Rawashdeh

PhD PhD, CMA, CFM

Managerial Economics International Accounting &
Corporate Finance
“Professor Daniel Deneffe ran his course in style. His course was filled with his vast
experience in management consulting. He made us realize the limitations of pretty “Professor Mufeed made me think of accounting and finance beyond numbers. He
looking textbook formulae and theorems. His classes were so close to the reality of equipped us with an ability to look at business as a whole. His classes were filled with
life of management professionals which made us aware of what's coming next. amazing examples of financial decision making activities. His sense of humour kept a
His style of explaining managerial concepts using examples from his personal and heavy subject like corporate finance easy to absorb. The best thing about professor
professional life was amazing. It was a pleasure to have him right at the beginning of Mufeed is that he really cares about learning experience of his courses. I could transform
our MBA!” my career from IT to Finance largely because of him. By all means, he enriched my Hult
experience the most. My professor of the year award goes to you Professor Mufeed!”

13

Mark Esposito Nick Wake

PhD in Business and Economics Phd, MBA, B.Eng
Business & Global Society Operations Management

“Professor Mark Esposito brings a wealth of global experience to the class and lets “I thoroughly enjoyed Professor Nick Wake’s Operations Management course during
the international students contribute openly & freely. His lectures are engaging, Module A and it was one of the best courses I took during the last year. His innovative
interactive and an experience of its own kind to attend. Professor Esposito has played an and engaging approach with simulations, activities and novel teaching methods captured
important role in shaping the thoughts of the future global leaders of Hult.” our attention. He brought in his knowledge on Operations Management and experience
from the real world to add more value to the course, going beyond conventional
teaching methods. He was friendly and approachable and he made learning Operations
management fun. Thank you Professor Nick and wishing you all the best!”

Ramez Helou Rehan Khan

BA in Management & MBA
International Business Hult Impact Challenge
Leadership Skills

“Professor Ramez has been the major difference between the Hult MBA and all the other MBA “Prof. Rehan was the only professor who taught us across 3 modules. During this time he
programs around the world. He has been truly inspiring and motivational and I have learnt taught us some valuable tools that can be used in start ups and established companies
a lot thanks to his leadership tools as well as his coaching sessions. He has made a huge alike. His insights as well as feedback shaped our team projects from basic ideas into
contribution in the achievement of my professional and leadership goals. I have improved professional business plans.”
a lot as a leader thanks to the PDP and regular feedback. He has also been kind enough to
support the Hult Public Speaking Club as a mentor and speaker and I will always be thankful
to him for that. I believe I have achieved my objective of improving my leadership skills at Hult
and I thank the professor for that. Hence, I wish the professor carries on with his mission of
improving leadership skills of students through the MBA program at Hult.”

14

Samineh I. Shaheem Tommy Weir

BA in Psychology, MA in Doctorate in Strategic Leadership
Management & PhD Leadership
Organizational Behaviour

“The class discussions are what I enjoyed most about Professor Samineh’s class. We “Professor T. Weir is the best choice to teach leadership at Hult. I do not believe there is
discussed a myriad of topics. Through these discussions I learned so much about anyone more qualified that can teach us about leadership Dubai-style. His book on the same
cultures, religions, customs and behaviors. Professor Samineh did an excellent job topic was quite enlightening with stories on various topics and interviews with business
breaking down corporate philosophies and their internal relationships. She taught us leaders based in UAE. His method of teaching the course with classroom interaction and
about the current challenges the world faces today pertaining to gender inequalities and discussions was quite insightful and interesting. I really enjoyed his last session where he
reasons why ethnicities or nationalities may not understand other nationalities. I could taught us how to present to a CEO and the session changed our perspective on how to
always expect an intellectual conversation in her class. Last but not least, Professor interact with top level executives. The leadership pipeline model was very thought provoking
Samineh was just an easy person to connect with on a professional level.” and taught me how leadership must be involved at every level of the organization. It has
been a pleasure to know Professor Tommy Weir, someone who is very accommodating,
understanding and truly amazing to know.”

Yasar Jarrar Yusaf Akbar

PhD Manufacturing DPhil
Engineering and Management Global Strategy
Business & Global Society

“Professor Yasar Jarrar is a thought leader in innovation in today’s complex world. “Professor Yusaf Akbar is an amazing professor and a great person. He is a lecturer that
Professor Jarrar inspired us, the future global leaders, to look at the world through you can listen to all day without getting bored. The amount of information that he knows
a different lens, and to design & implement sustainable business models for an ever through the books he reads and the ideas that he generates are just astonishing! It an
changing world.” experience itself to be taught by Professor Yusaf Akbar.

15

16

17

MBA CLASS OF 2016 YEARBOOK

The Students

18

Aditya
Yeluru

B.Tech (Mech), MSc “I have worked with Aditya in a team for Emirates
India NBD Future Innovation Challenge and UAE Global
September 7, 1980 Management Challenge. He has been a good mentor,
[email protected] friend and teammate. He is someone we turned to when
our team required detailed analysis, coming up with new
Aditya is an MBA with 10 years’ experience as an Engineering Analyst. ideas and executing plans. I feel he is a great team member
He is passionate about using Data Analytics for business decisions. to have as he is always focused. His inputs in finance and
Aditya worked for Engineering technology companies like Quest operations were very useful for our team.Aditya would be
Global, GE, Rolls Royce, Siemens, Toshiba, Elliott and Ishikawajima- an asset to any company he joins.”
Harima Heavy Industries (IHI, Japan) in the O&G and power generation
domains. Prior to MBA, Aditya graduated as Master of Science Jashan Jot Singh
(M.Sc.) with Merit in Computational Science and Engineering from
the University of Greenwich, London and has a Bachelor’s degree in
Mechanical Engineering.

• Dean’s List (Module-D)
• UAE Finalist Global Management Challenge
• Winner of Emirates NBD Future Innovation Challenge

19

Alexander “Alex is one of the very few students if not the
Urquhart only one who managed to excel on each and every
subject in the MBA program. He is the scientist with
BA (English and Geology), MS (Geology) critical thinking ability that caused most of his colleagues
USA/UK seek his help on complex situations when they run
October 19, 1985 out of thoughts due to his ability to take advantage of
[email protected] complexity by analyzing the situation and looking for
innovative solutions. His leadership style is focusing on
Alex is from the USA and he is a graduate in Geology with experience devoting himself for other’s success. He takes on the
in statistics, econometrics and program evaluation with a public policy responsibility of making the world a better place and
focus. Alex’s abilities include research, data analytics, critical thinking he is planning to do this by making energy available
and innovation. His career aspiration is to contribute to the energy through implementation of data-driven business and
industry by making energy available through implementation of data- policy decisions, which, by looking at his qualifications
driven business and policy decisions. and capabilities, makes great sense. I learned from Alex
on both the professional and the personal level and he
Founded student volunteer group that made regular visits to a home inspires me to become a better person.”
for people with disabilities, raised nearly $1000 for children’s causes,
and collected clothing, shoes and school supplies for poor and Moawiah Alhalleeq
refugee families

20

Amit
Dahiwadkar

B.E in Electronics & Telecommunication
India
June 18, 1985
[email protected]

The ability to work and succeed in diverse environments is key to professional “Amit has rightly earned the highest respect
success. This is exhibited by Amit’s background as a technology & management from every colleague in the deeply multicultural Hult
professional, having consulted for close to 15 clients globally and lived in over 6 environment. He is a natural leader and a keen business
countries so far. The Amit Dahiwadkar brand name resonates an efficient leader, analyst known for cutting through the weeds to clearly
effective partner and an eloquent presenter in a multifaceted and multicultural perceive the root business problem in any situation.As
environment. a result, he can directly attack any problem and design
solutions that avoid unnecessary complexity.Amit
• SKEIN - my partners for life. We will be known for who we are and what we shows respect to his colleagues by being always patient,
bring to the table in the decade to come. thoughtful and attentive.Additionally, his friendliness and
unshakeable sense of humor make him a pleasure to work
• Overcome the fear of financial failure (one of the main reasons I joint the with. I have learned more from Amit than from any class
MBA to gain perspective on. I am now educated and confident than ever at Hult. He has inspired me to be a better leader.”
to understand how finance plays a role in success or failure in any business
initiative) Alexander Urquhart

• Regional Finalist @ the HULT Prize (my first time ever envisioning and
acomplishing a successful for-profit social entrepreneurship initiative - making
money while doing good in the world can co-exist)

21

Cristina “In the year I have known and worked with
Paucar Cristina, I have developed enduring respect for both
her work ethic and her problem-solving ability. Her
Bachelor in Electronic Engineering (BE) actions consistently inspired and motivated our team. She
Peru understood intuitively when teammates were confused,
December 16, 1985 lost or off-track and brought us back on task without
[email protected] judgment. Outside campus, Cristina is also a wonderful
friend. She knows how to have fun and always be there
In a bubble, life is a succesion of events and at the end all depends for me no matter what.”
on how we live them. I consider myself a traveler not a tourist, driven
by curiosity not by book, I never had the need to make plans to have Nadia Roringpandey
a good night and always had time to make friends and to learn...learn
that there was a time that the all world said it cant be done but my
hope in humanity demonstrate that the world was wrong.

• Winning Team for the Hult Impact Challenge Dubai Campus
• Active member of Rotaract Dubai
• My team and friends forever: 9LIVES

22

Daniel “Daniel, or ‘Santos’ as he is lovingly known, is
Santos the Spanish firebrand of our class - not afraid to speak
his mind, confident, positive, in-your-face! To those who
B.E in Industrial Engineering don’t know him well, the ‘Santos’ experience might be
Spain overwhelming, but for those who know him, Daniel is a
February 14, 1980 great friend, a lively & entertaining companion, full of life
[email protected] & spirit. His passion and poise will make him an enigmatic
leader and that is where I see Daniel a few years down the
Environmental engineer with a passion for sales and high standards. However line - at the top. I wish Santos success in his professional
and first of all, husband, father to be and friend of his friends. Travel and career, and happiness & joy in his life ahead.”
live half of the world and make many friends and looking forward to travel
the other half of world. My favourite statement is “ there is always room to Fazal Mohammad Ajmal
improve.

• Made friends for life
• Achieved amazing knowledge in multiple academic disciplines

23

Dileepa
Peiris

BSc in Human Resource Management (USA) “Dileepa exhibits characteristics of a proficient
Sri Lanka resource in any setting—a motivated lead, an inspiring
April 22, 1985 colleague and a diligent sub-ordinate. I state this as I
[email protected] have had the privilege of holding those three positions
working with him at different instances during our MBA.
The 1st Sri Lankan MBA Student at Hult International Business We have together taken part and accomplished success in
School- Dubai Campus, Dileepa strives for excellence in every many well-known challenges like the “HULT Prize”, the
aspect of life, be it academic, professional or personal. He is a “KPMG International Case Competition”—a strategy case
Human Resource Management Graduate with 8 years’ experience competition against 22 other countries and the “Emirates
in Operations, HR and Lean Enterprise in the manufacturing sector. NBD Innovation Challenge. His attitude to things will
Trust, commitment, team work, integrity and humility are the values get him the altitude he intends to reach professionally and
he believes in and intends to live by these values. He is passionate personally. Looking forward to crossing paths again.”
about dancing, music and is a food lover. Studying in a world class
business school has been his longstanding dream and studying at Amit Dahiwadkar
Hult saw his dream come true.

• Top 3% in Academic Grades at Hult Dubai, with Dean’s Recognition
for Academic Excellence in Modules A, B & C

• UAE Winner of the KPMG Ace the Case Challenge

• Hult Prize 2016 winner of the Dubai Campus

24

Elham
Al Murdaa

Bachelor in Civil & Environmental Engineering “Elham is a charismatic leader, a fighting-spirit,
Palestine/Lebanon and the Star of Hult, MBA-2016. Elham’s participation
April 21, 1989 in Hult Prize has been inspirational and played an
[email protected] instrumental role in the evolution UrbanBazaar. She
is a great professional—and I expect nothing less than
Goal focused, I know what I want and I work for achieving it. My life’s excellence from her in her Career!”
motto is “Believe that you can and you are halfway there. I enjoy life
with colors, music and water. My hobbies vary from learning languages Imran Jattala
to cooking, handcrafts and dancing. I never lose a chance of meeting
new people and knowing more about their aspirations in life.

• Hult Prize 2016 winner of the Dubai Campus
• Best Networker

25

Erica “All my peers at Hult are a combination of
Gale smart, resourceful or intelligent. But what sets Erica
over and above the rest is the value she places on aspects
B.A. International Affairs & Italian beyond that—selflessness, empathy, health, fitness, self-
USA development; things we normally don’t place a lot of
November 27, 1990 emphasis on. From her yoga & lululemon-loving, to her
[email protected] passionate stands on the environment & community
service, she’s pretty unique! Her infectious smile,
As a hospitality enthusiast with several years experience across enthusiasm and energy has endeared her to everyone and
retail, food & beverage, and hotel operations, Erica loves figuring earned her loyal friends for life, which I’m glad to count
out how to communicate with and learn from people all over the myself among! You’re destined for great things, Erica, and
world. This year has been challenging, full of learning, and lots of remember—only you can limit yourself!”
fun, and the best thing to come of this year in Dubai, Shanghai, and
San Francisco are all the lifelong friendships. As David Burnham, the Fazal Mohammad Ajmal
architect behind the City of Chicago and the Chicago World Fair said
“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and
probably will not themselves be realized.” Erica is passionate about
yoga, wellness, and helping people live a healthy, happy lifestyle,
and the Hult MBA has given Erica the confidence to make big plans
to develop herself and spread her passions to others.

• Competed in KPMG International Case Challenge
• Gained confidence to start my own business
• Made lifelong friends from all over the world

26

Fazal
Mohammad Ajmal

B.E. in Information Science “Through my experience with Fazal in Module
India A and during the KPMG Ace-the-Case Challenge, I
December 2, 1985 learned that he has amazing work ethic and is an excellent
[email protected] addition to any team. He will always take the lead to
ensure the project is completed on time and to the
Fazal lives his life by a simple mantra – ‘Work hard, play harder’! This highest standard, and is inclusive and supportive of each
is what 7 years of working with challenging brands across multiple team member. Fazal is also one of the most friendly, loyal
domains in an industry that gives no quarter, marketing & advertising, people you will ever meet. He can engage with people
will teach you. When it’s time to get the job done, you step up, lead from all walks of life, and always makes you feel like you
and deliver beyond expectations. But at the end of the day, you are one of his good friends. I have no doubt that he will
put your victories aside and celebrate with the people that made it be a great asset to any company! Thanks for being one of
possible. An engineer, a culinary enthusiast, a technology geek, a the best parts of my MBA journey!”
music aficionado, an avid traveler – these are the different shades of
Fazal! The year at Hult for him was a year of growth & self-discovery, Erica Gale
travel to new cities & countries, forging enduring friendships and
making lifelong memories.

• Global Finalist at Hult Impact Challenge (Corporate Track)
• Dean’s List Honor for Academic Excellence
• Winner & Runner-Up at Hult Trivia Night

27

George
Baffour

BSc (Oceanography & Fisheries); MPhil (Fisheries Science)
Ghana
September 10, 1980
[email protected]

George is a versatile Ghanaian scientist, writer and media consultant “George is the most dedicated student I have
with a track record of excelling in new fields. With a solid graduate ever come across.When he sets a goal, he makes sure he
education in oceanography & fisheries sciences, as well as several achieves it.This is evidenced by all the competitions he
years of research & consultancy experience, he made a successful won with Emirates NBD, 3M and more! His immaculate
switch to the media industries of Ghana and Nigeria. He is also a planning ability intrigues me, as does his ability to
published science-fiction novelist. At Hult, George made his mark by outperform in diverse fields. Not many can excel at
winning or placing highly in several business competitions including oceanography, acting, media and leadership, all at once. It
the ‘Emirates NBD Future Intelligence Challenge’ (UAE) and the global is rare to find someone with beyond-normal intelligence
‘3M Invent a New Future Challenge’ (USA), both of which he won. and perfect execution ability. George you are a gem of a
person. Congrats on being a star!”
• Winner (7Sigma) of Global Finals (USA) of 3M Invent a New Future (INF)
Challenge 2016 Shruti Kasat

• Winner (DUBAInnovators) of Emirates NBD Future Intelligence
Challenge 2015

• Cofounder and Vice-President of Hult Public Speaking Club—Modules
A to C

28

Hesham “Hesham is a very brilliant thinker and can come
Aly Ahmed up with original thoughts and solutions to business
problems. He is also a very warm, friendly and helpful
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) individual especially when his friends are in need.”
Egypt
[email protected] Nikhilesh Kalidasu

Hesham is a graduate in commerce with experience in Islamic
banking and consultancy, always looking forward to new adventures.

29

Imran “Jattala is an expert in Designing Sustainable,
Jattala Scalable & Disruptive Business Models. He is known at
Hult for IoT, Design Thinking & Digital Disruption.”
B.E. Electronics
Pakistan Elham Al Murdaa
March 15, 1984
[email protected]

Disrupt - Innovate - Lead—Defines Jattala. Entrepreneur with a
passion & dream to Change the World for Good. Love Designing
Sustainable, Scalable & Disruptive Business Models. Skilled in
IoT, Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas, & Digital Scaling
Strategies.

• UrbanBazaar - Disruptive Business Model for BoP
• Founding Hult Smart Cities & IoT Club
• Founding Hult Prize Pakistan Chapter

30

Jashan “I had the pleasure to work with Jashan at Hult in
Jot Singh Public Speaking Club, Emirates NBD Future Innovation
Challenge and UAE Global Management Challenge
BSBA in Finance & Management (GMC). His Leadership, team building skills and attention
India to detail added value to the teams. He did a commendable
April 29, 1990 job in both the competitions, especially in the UAE GMC
[email protected] where his expertise on the User Manual came in handy
all through the competition. His inputs on Operations
Jashan is someone who is passionate, hardworking and a management were pragmatic and logical based on the
teamplayer. He has always placed others before him and looked to available options. It doesn’t take long for anyone to notice
add value to the community at Hult, whether be it as a MBA class Jashan’s strong Leadership and interpersonal skills. He will
representative or as the President of the Hult Public Speaking Club. be a great asset to any organization.”
He has ensured that he gives his best in whatever he does and helps
others along the way too. As a testimonial to his contributions he was Aditya Yeluru
awarded with the Deans Recognition Award by his classmates for
outstanding contributions to the Hult community. He has also added
value in the classroom and his projects, and recieved the Deans list
award for academic excellence in Module C and E.

• National Finalist -3M Invent a New Future (INF) Challenge 2016.
• Winner (DUBAInnovators) of Emirates NBD Future Intelligence

Challenge 2015.
• Founder and President of Hult Public Speaking Club

31

Juanita “Open, direct, to the point along with
Ramirez Velez efficient, focused and diligent—six characters in two
complementary buckets that define Juanita as a peer and
Management Engineering team mate through my MBA journey. Her ability to get
Colombia things done without compromising on quality & the
February 10, 1989 goal will take her a long way in life. I will miss the chirpy
[email protected] nature and comic sense along with her constant drive to
achieve. She is someone I will make the effort of keeping
Juanita has over 5 years of international experience in the Wealth in-touch with post my MBA. See you around and thanks
Managment and Private Banking Industry. She has worked and lived for all the fond memories.”
in Medellin - Colombia, New York - USA, Montevideo - Uruguay and
Miami - USA and she has studied and lived in Medellin - Colombia, Amit Dahiwadkar
Bournemouth - UK and Dubai - UAE. She has a can-do, self-
motivated and result oriented attitude, has the ambition and passion
to excel and wants to continue building a long-term, varied and
meaningful career in international environments.

• Dean’s Schoral Program. Award granted to high achievers with
outstanding academic and professional profiles.

• Dean’s List for Academic Excellence throughout the whole MBA
(Modules A,B,C,D and E)

• Maersk Line Graduate Program - MLGP.

32

Katlego
Dolamo

Bachelor in Commerce with specialization in law, “My walk with Katlego has been a life changing
Bachelor in Accounting Sciences, experience.A friendship not of convenience but of choice
Post Graduate Diploma in Compliance to understand and be understood. It brought me pain, it
South Africa gave me pleasure. It stretched me beyond my comfort
August 31, 1984 zone and made me appreciate the diversity in humanity. If
[email protected] I would write the things I learnt from you, I would have
to write a book. If I would sum it up in a few words, I’ll
Love being part of people’s success stories. If I can get someone to say; true friends bring out the best in you.Thanks for the
believe they can achieve something they never thought they could tutorials.You gave me hope during some of my darkest
and helping them in whichever way I can in that journey is my greatest hours at HULT.”
inspiration. I’m also a compliance & risk professional who is passionate
about good governance and believe the world would be a far more Tolulope Akintan
progressive place if corporations took on role of corporate citizens
that give back to the societies they live among and prosper with.

• Being part of the remarkable 9Lives team

• Building lifelong bonds and networks

• Learning that attitude and not only aptitude determines your reach

• Winning team of HIC Challenge Dubai

• Receiving Dean’s Recognition for Academic Excellence

33

Kubanychbek “It has been a pleasure learning from Kuba. His
Ibragimov passion for his entrepreneurial pursuit was inspiring.
He spoke with purpose and always gave valuable
M.A. International Relations contributions which came from a place of introspection
Kyrgyzstan and deep understanding.”
June 13, 1979
[email protected] Katlego Dolamo

Kubanychbek has 8 years of working experience in public sector
(government, central bank, parliament). 6 years of entrepreneurial
experience in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. (Founded and
developed his own business across CIS countries). Love Designing
Sustainable, Scalable & Disruptive Business Models.

• Created and developed business model for own brand.
• Winner in management simulation (Module D San Francisco

campus)

34

Moawiah “When comparing Moawiah with all other MBA
Alhalleeq students that I taught at Hult (12 years) and at the Fuqua
School of Business, Duke University (6 years), I would
BSc in Computer Systems Engineering without hesitation position him in the very top.The same
Jordan conclusion follows when comparing his performance
December 26, 1985 to that of my students at Harvard University’s Extension
[email protected] School (2015, 2016) and Summer School (2011, 2012).”

Moawiah is an expert in designing and delivering service solutions Dr. Daniel C Deneffe
with a proven track as business developer. He has seven years of
experience in five different countries across the Middle East, Africa
and Europe (EMEA) which brings a great deal of diverse working
environment experience and an intensive leadership capabilities that
make him great in motivating and influencing others. Moawiah is a
dedicated individual who stands out for his intellectual capabilities
and analytical thinking with a constant desire to strive for depth and
rigor.

• Dean’s Recogniction for Academic Excellence
• Global Management Competition.
• Hult Prize 2016 - Room Manager

35





Nadia Careska
Roringpandey

Bachelor of Law “I had the esteem pleasure of working with Nadia.
Indonesia First of all, she is just an amazing person to be around
June 25, 1986 both in and out of the classroom. Her personality is
[email protected] warming, funny and bright. On a professional note, she
is very smart, efficient and amazing working with others.
Nadia has a background in Law, with an overall 7 years working She helps cultivate an environment that is positive and
experience both in business development and corporate legal. a pleasure to work in. She always brings great ideas and
An Indonesian who lives in Hong Kong. Family woman who brave learns quickly when new things come to her.When she
enough to chase her dream to get an MBA degree. An easygoing and comes across a challenge, she attacks it ahead on and
hardworking type of person. Full of confidence, enthusiasm and can prevails! She has a bright future!”
easily get along with people. My motto is “it’s nice to be important, but
it’s more important to be nice.” Taylor Harps

• HULT Impact Challenge (HIC) Dubai Winner
• HULT Prize Social Media Ambassador
• Having friends from more than 20 countries, and a chance to visit

Forbidden City and Great Wall in China

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Nikhilesh “Nik is a genius and gem of a guy. He is a cool
Kalidasu customer and operates from his own quadrant. It’s matter
of time before Nik lands a right jewel-shelf and shine. Nik
Masters, Physics is great friend and I want to see him as an effective leader.
India He has got everything to make it happen!”
December 9, 1988
[email protected] Imran Jattala

Nikhilesh a few years of experience involving with businesses, and
believes in sustained effort. His other interests include music and
other arts.

• Engaged proactively in all classes and discussions.
• Was part of brilliant and supportive teams.
• Made good friends for a lifetime.

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Paula
Campos

Marketing Diploma, Management Diploma “What I love about Paula is her total
Brazil determination to deliver world class results. On the way
June 3, 1983 to doing that, she is humble enough to ask and receive
[email protected] feedback the adjust your course to hit whatever goal she
put her heart and mind on. It’s a pleasure to have seen her
Paula is Brazilian but better described as global citizen having grow and develop into the fine leader that she is.”
lived, worked and studyed in over 10 countries. She is a vivacious,
enthusiastic and trustworthy person with a positive outlook in life Prof. Ramez Helou
and a healthy sense of humor, she is a multi-linguist of 5 languages
and loves getting on a plane to discover new places and cultures.
Her 10 years working experience is a combination of the footwear
industry and sports marketing with expertise in licensing. Paula strives
for excellence in all aspects of life and believes you can never stop
learning either on personal or professional level. The year at Hult was
marked by personal growth, long days & nights at campus which she
will always remember with great joy, the memories and the friendships
made along the way is the most precious achivements!

• Hult Student Association Representative (HSA)

• Dean’s Recognition for Academic Excellence in Modules B, C, D & E

• Fostered friendships for life!

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Pedro
Costa

Degree in Management, Post-graduate course in International Business
Portugal
February 16, 1979
[email protected]

Pedro is retail professional with ten plus years of experience in “Pedro Costa; a popular name at Hult MBA
strategy and operations in Africa and Portugal. The best take Class of 2016 is a great colleague, enthusiastic team mate,
away in those ten years? the experience of managing teams from passionate communicator and faithful friend.Throughout
different cultures and backgrounds! Loves to learn new subjects the past year, I had the privilege of working with Pedro
and discover places, people and cultures. He traveled through more together in many instances, such as Team Skein, Emirates
than twenty countries, crossed paths with many different people NBD Innovation Challenge, Global Management
and creeds. Along that journey, he discovered that traveling is not Challenge and KPMG Ace the Case- where we were
about the destination, is how you get there that adds the most value. crowned as UAE winners. Pedro’s analytical skills puts
Same thing applies to life or career. Choose you journey, not the him in par with the best in the world. I make this an
destination, and enjoy it! opportunity to wish him all the best! Hope our paths will
cross one day! Until then, Saúde Pedro!”
• Winner of the KMPG Ace the case competion
• Dean’s Recognition for Academic Excellence in Modules A and C Dileepa Peiris
• Skein (to be continued)

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Peter “Marketing insights, food insights and people
Kotikalapudi insights, Peter has all these three bases covered well.As
a fun friend and a knowledgeable colleague, Peter made
Bachelors of Business Administration my MBA journey at Hult a memorable one. Cheers to
India a great future.”
January 6, 1985
[email protected] Vikram Ahuja

Peter Kotikalapudi is an experienced marketing professional. When
not working with companies on their marketing strategy, he can be
found head banging at a rock/metal concert. Peter always “knows a
guy” who can help you out thanks to his wide professional network.
His love for new challenges and travel has taken him to 4 countries in
the past decade. He has also never met a beef steak he didn’t like.

• 3rd Place - HULT Talks
• 3rd Place - Emirates NBD Future Intelligence Challenge 2015
• Winner - Hult Trivia Night

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Polina
Roufanova

Bachelors of Business Administration “When I think of Luxury, Polina my classmate
Canada comes to mind, she is a successful entrepreneur from
May 6, 1988 Canada. Highly experienced working with some of the
[email protected] best brands in the world, Polina is truly a global citizen.
Her great sense of humour and endless entertainment
Polina Roufanova has 7 years of professional experience in marketing, lightened the MBA journey. Polina will definitely be a
luxury brand management and consulting services. In 2014, Polina success in what ever she aspires to achieve. Best wishes
received the Under 30 Award from the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Lady P!”
Canada’s largest chamber of commerce, for her career achievements.
Polina considers herself a global citizen, having lived and worked in Rahul Sewnarain
Canada, Hong Kong, Montenegro, Russia and UAE.

• President of Luxury Goods Club
• Dean’s list - Module D
• Winner of Marketplace Simulation

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Rahul “Rahul is a natural leader. He is sharp, always
Sewnarain to the point, and easy to work with. He inspires people
to think Big. Some people talk about things and some
Bachelors of commerce people do things. Rahul is definitely a doer. During our
South Africa MBA, Rahul managed to start a business in Dubai at
August 20, 1987 the same time doing excellent work at Hult. Rahul is
[email protected] full of energy and an amazing person to be around. He
was a huge asset to our MBA class and I have personally
Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. learned a lot from his bright life. In 10 years from now
Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. I can see Rahul being a well established business owner
Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it. helping other to achieve their dreams.”

• Cooking Polina Roufanova
• Cleaning
• Laundry

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Sheila “Sheila is one of the calmest yet smartest person I
Amadu have ever met. She thinks quietly and thoroughly, then she
gives the best solution for the problem we are facing. She
B.A Integrated Development Studies dreams of making her country a better place, for this she is
Ghana starting her own business in Ghana. Sheila is a dear friend
June 9, 1986 and a great teammate. She has a great taste in fashion,
[email protected] she is all in glamour all the time. Sheila has the ability to
motivate you even in the darkest times.”
Before Hult Sheila had the opportunity to work for one of the top
banks in Ghana where she developed her customer service and Elham Al Murda’a
mangement skills. She served on the board of an NGO CARONow
which develops programmes for advancing rural opportunities in
Northern Ghana. She has a strong motivation for improving the
educational needs of the deprieved so she started her own NGO
Barefoot Africa. After graduation she will go on to start her own
business in cosmetics and later in fashion.

• KPMG Case Competition
• Hult Talks

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Shruti
Kasat

Bachelors of Technology, Electronics and Communication “Shruti Kasat has been a dear friend and
India one of my strongest encouragers at Hult.We were
March 27, 1990 fortunate to work together on two business challenges,
[email protected] our teams being: DUBAInnovators for the ‘Emirates
NBD Future Intelligence Challenge 2015’ (UAE);
Shruti has a work experience in financial services and oil and gas and Dubai Lightning for the ‘Al-Futtaim UAE Global
industries. Prior to her MBA, she did her engineering in Electronics and Management Challenge 2016’. She is a wonderful
Communication and worked as a software professional at Accenture. individual with a beautiful free spirit. Her intelligence
She finished her MBA with a focus in Finance and is working as is extraordinary and her financial acumen knows no
a Financial Controller at Schindler in Dubai. When not crunching bounds. I will miss working with her in teams and
numbers, Shruti likes to write abstract pieces. She believes in living having friendly discussions out of class hours.”
life king size and wakes up every day to make a difference in her own
little ways. George Baffour

• Global Management Challenge
• Dean’s List and Dean’s Scholars
• Emirates NBD Innovation Challenge

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Simon
Botero Velez

Management Engineering “I was fortunate to have worked with Simon on
Colombia several projects and challenges throughout the year of
June 1, 1987 the MBA program inside and ouside class settings. He is
[email protected] a hard worker when it comes to achieving his goals and
can be successful at many things. His creativity along with
Simon has over 5 years of experience in Banking/Finance. He has critical thinking allow him to see the big picture. He sets
worked in the brokerage house and the investors relations department a high standards of himself and others while being able
of the largest bank in Colombia. He is a pragmatic and results driven to lift the quality of work to meet these standards. He is
person who wants to continue building an international career. results driven with great ability to keep focus on end goal
and redirect the group attention and effot back towards
• Global Management Challenge Winner in UAE. Represented UAE the end goal once it’s deviated. Simon is a close friend and
in the International competition in Macau. I predict him a huge success in his career.”

• Dean’s List for Academic Excellence. Moawiah Alhalleeq
• Toyota Lean Seminar, Derby - UK

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Taylor “I have witnessed tremendous growth in Taylor
Harps over the course of his MBA and I am sure that the skills
and abilities he has developed will allow him to success
B.S. Accounting in the future. I have worked with him in stressful
USA and complicated projects requiring high levels of
January 21, 1989 intelligence and understanding, he met every challenge
[email protected] and tackled every problem with grace and ease.Taylor
is also someone that is trustworthy and kind, and
Taylor Harps is from Ellenwood, Georgia. During his leisure time, he everyone love to hanging out with him. I have a really
enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family and playing delightful time working with Taylor.”
golf. He primarily comes from a food and beverage background
specifically airport restaurants with experience in operations and Nadia Careska Roringpandey
finance. Taylor visions to one day opening up a series of fine dining
restaurants across the world. Taylor believes the key to living is
doing what you love the most and living that life grandiose. He also
believes in seeing and experiencing the world. He believes this takes
a person’s imagination to a level that person never knew existed!

• Member of winning team of HIC Competition
• Visited The Great Wall of China, Buckingham Palace, Burj Khalifa
• Completed beginners certification in Arabic course

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Tolulope
Akintan

B.Sc Mathematical Science, Microsoft Certified Systems “Working with Tolu is always a pleasure.After all
Engineer MCSE 2002, Certified Information Systems this time I know him I can say he has a great mind and
Auditor CISA 2004 a beautiful soul, looking through his eyes makes you see
Nigeria the world differently and with another perspective which
April 10, 1975 definitely add value to any work environment. Besides
[email protected] that Tolu is an exceptional friend and my salsa partner...
I won’t forget all the memories and good times that we
I love to dance in the face of the storms of life as the thunder gives built during this year. Can’t wait to see what the future
beats to the situation. Now equied with better problem solving tools has prepared for you, but definitely is something big! May
from HULT, the dance hence would be more prolific. The cacophony of God bless you always.”
chaos is a song of solutions begging to be played.
Cristina Paucar
• Expanded my network of friends globally
• Explored Dubai
• Member of the HIC winning Team Dubai (9Lives)

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Vikram
Ahuja

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) “Vikram; looks innocent, sounds jovial but
India extremely talented and smart individual who lit up
August 7, 1991 the MBA Class of 2016 in and off the class room in
[email protected] many instances! His maturity is beyond his age and his
communication skills are outstanding. Planning and
A focused, dedicated and creative individual, committed to making a preparation is something Vikram did without failure
positive impact at work and community. Through projects undertaken, and in a team environment he was a reliable colleague.
I envision developing spaces of global standards, with respect to real Vicky is a trustworthy friend and I was blessed to have
estate and infrastructural developments. him by my side in San Francisco. I have no doubts
that he will be a successful entrepreneur and looking
• Survived living in two greatly different international cities forward to see him shine in life!”
(Dubai/San Francisco)
Dileepa Peiris
• Received Deans award for community building
• Fostered friendships for a lifetime”

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