Above: From Left: Jillian Kates, Shaina Atcherian, Aiyana Erhart, Marcelo Ketzler-Lopez and Elise Wood holding their grand prize after winning first place in the AIBL business plan competition. Photo courtesy of AIBL.
From Alaska to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York City, CBSM student organizations have caught flights and experienced learning opportunities of a lifetime. 2024 has been a period of renewed growth for multiple members from groups including Associated Students of Business (ASB), Native Alaskan Business Leaders (NABL) and finance class, Student Investment Fund (SIF).
Associated Students of Business
This February, Ashley Plys, a senior accounting major and the President of the ASB student organization, traveled to Los Angeles with the National Millennial and Gen Z Community (NMGZ). The NMGZ community seeks to debunk misconceptions and foster meaningful connections through dialogues between Gen Z professionals and organizational leaders. Engaging with prominent businesses such as KABC Channel 7 Eyewitness News, Toei Animation Inc., and NBCUniversal, among others, provided valuable insights into the significance of Gen Z perspectives in various industries. The trip highlighted the importance of giving the youth a platform, offering participants a glimpse into future opportunities.
“Having the opportunity to make meaningful connections that rose above industry, background, and age proved that networking is more than just a skill buzzword. Find those opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the adventures that provide personal and professional development.” - Ashley Plys, CBSM Accounting student.
Above: CBSM Student Ashley Plys, with the NMGZ community on the beach in Los Angeles, CA, in February 2024. Photo courtesy of Ashley Plys.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the summit underscored organizers’ commitment to facilitating impactful engagements and empowering young voices. The experience left a lasting impression, showcasing the significance of collaboration between generations and the potential for positive change in professional spheres.
Native Alaskan Business Leaders
NABL won first place in a business plan competition at the American Indigenous Business Leaders Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marcelo Ketzler-Lopez, 2024 NABL president, and members Shaina Atcherian, Aiyana Erhart and Elise Wood, proposed the “Hub and Spoke Vet Clinic,” in the University Division.
“One Health is a holistic approach of the interactions between animals, people, and the environment, emphasizing its focus on the Indigenous communities in Alaska. When proposing business plan ideas, the lack of veterinary care in rural communities was something that I felt could be successful and a passionate idea that most, if not all, members could relate to or empathize with.”—Elise Wood, One Health Master’s student.
Above: Marcelo Ketzler-Lopez, the NABL student organization president, presenting at the 2024 American Indigenous Business Leaders Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March.
Leveraging each member's expertise, they crafted a comprehensive business plan that addressed challenges and solutions pertinent to rural Alaska.
“As an accounting student, I focused on the financials. Shaina, who is from Chevak, AK, discussed the challenges of living in a remote village. Aiyana, a dual business and engineering major, was perfect for marketing, and Elise, with her knowledge of one health, covered topics like the importance of preventative measures.” - Marcelo Ketzler-Lopez, CBSM Accounting student
The group garnered a lot of interest in its work. Throughout the competition, they ran into many people who wanted to hear more about the project, including the Arctic Slope Native Association. One of the things that the UAF veterinary medicine program was interested in was how it could incorporate what it does into the hub-and-spoke method of care that the CBSM NABL team showcased.
Student Investment Fund
This spring, the Student Investment Fund (SIF) class, led by Dr. Kim McGinnis, traveled to New York City to attend the Global Asset Management Education Form, also known as the GAME Form. Throughout the first day, several firm-wide presentations discussed outlooks for the U.S. and global economies and strategies for investing in the current market. Keynote speakers included Lisa Abramowicz, co-host of “Bloomberg Surveillance” on Bloomberg Television, Zach Buchwald, CEO of Russell Investments and more. These activities provided a comprehensive review of current risk and portfolio risk management.
On the second day, students could choose from 25 different discussions and presentations to attend, including “Covering Wall Street,” a panel led by reporters who covered Wall Street for publications such as the Financial Times. This discussion enlightened students, bringing awareness of potential niche career paths for finance and business graduates.
“One of the biggest takeaways from the GAME form was the importance of AI in the industry. During almost every presentation, AI was a prevalent component of the discussion. AI will not only change what investors invest in; it will also change how investors invest and how they pursue those investments.” - Dave Sauter, CBSM Accounting student
SIF students were able to network with industry titans and diverse students from all over the country, allowing some students to spend time with potential employers. Attending the GAME form was an inspiring experience for the students, allowing them to explore different career paths through hands-on experience, building connections and learning from professionals at the top of their field.
Left: Lainey Appel and Gus Paul posing for a photo while on their Student Investment Fund trip to New York City. Photo courtesy of Lainey Appel.