Snapshots

Deepali Agarwal (MBA, MBusAn’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:58:00 +0000

Deepali Agarwal (MBA, MBusAn’25) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:58

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Deepali Agarwal
Majors: Business Administration and Business Analytics
Hometown: Lucknow, India

Why did you choose Leeds for your MBA?
I’ve always believed that diversity is where innovation lives. I wanted to be part of a community that brings together bold, creative minds from all walks of life—and Leeds is exactly that. Whether I’m in class, at a club meeting, or chatting over coffee with peers from around the world, I feel inspired by the range of perspectives and ideas.

As someone who champions women in business, I’ve looked for spaces that truly empower and uplift them—and that’s what I found at Leeds. From day one, I was drawn to the numerous initiatives undertaken by the school mission of supporting women leaders and fostering inclusive growth. It wasn’t just a checkbox on a brochure—it was reflected in the people, the programs and the culture.

How has Leeds shaped your perspectives about business?
Coming from a small town in India, I grew up watching women around me turn traditional embroidery and handwork into small businesses—often from their homes. These women weren’t just artisans; they were entrepreneurs, caregivers and the financial backbone of their families.

That inspiration led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in business and later start a small NGO to support these women and their craft. But I knew I needed to grow my own knowledge and expand my toolkit if I wanted to create larger impact.

At Leeds, my perspective on business has grown from personal passion to global purpose. I’ve learned how innovation, analytics and inclusive leadership can intersect to solve real-world problems. Being here has reaffirmed my belief that business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people, communities and creating access. Leeds hasn’t just taught me how to lead—it’s shown me why I want to lead.

What experiences have stood out?
At Leeds, every classroom feels like a space where every voice matters. In many of the classes, we’re not just listening to lectures; we’re actively engaging, solving real cases, and thinking critically alongside our professors and peers. I’ve loved how professors act more like facilitators—bringing together our diverse and creative minds to explore complex business challenges. It’s made learning feel collaborative and alive.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in the business world in the U.S. In the long run, my dream is to start my own business—one that blends technology, creativity and purpose to create meaningful impact, especially for underrepresented communities.

How has Leeds prepared you for your career? Leeds has been a transformational chapter in my journey—not just professionally, but personally. Being involved in so many events, from organizing cultural celebrations to leading club initiatives, helped me find my voice and build my confidence. I’ve realized that I’m capable of making an impact not just in my hometown, but anywhere in the world.

”Being here has reaffirmed my belief that business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people, communities and creating access. Leeds hasn’t just taught me how to lead—it’s shown me why I want to lead.“

Deepali Agarwal’s perspective has expanded from personal passion to global purpose. Her dream is to one day start her own business, especially to serve underrepresented communities.

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Camden Dempsey (Fin, Mktg’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:35:36 +0000

Camden Dempsey (Fin, Mktg’25) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:35

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Camden Dempsey
Major: Finance & Marketing (Minor in Leadership, Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies)
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Leadership Award: Scripps Leadership and Career for Student-Athletes

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue building my startup, VerEstate, a digital title insurance company that aims to streamline the home buying process through AI-powered solutions. I’ll also be completing my master’s in real estate at CU to further deepen my knowledge of the industry, playing my final year of football at CU, and spending as much time as I can enjoying Colorado!

How would you sum up your experience at Leeds?
Leeds has been transformational. I’ve had the chance to grow not only academically but also as an entrepreneur and leader. From the classroom to startup competitions, and through relationships with faculty and peers, I’ve been challenged and supported every step of the way. Leeds has given me the skills and confidence to take advantage of opportunities to build, connect and create ideas!

How do you plan to stay connected to Leeds?
I plan to stay actively involved as a mentor and guest speaker, especially in the Deming Center and entrepreneurial programs that shaped my journey. I also hope to give back through alumni networks and by supporting future student ventures!

"Leeds has been transformational. I’ve had the chance to grow not only academically but also as an entrepreneur and leader."

Camden Dempsey may be graduating, but his CU connections continue. He will be pursuing his master's in real estate, and Buffs football fans will be happy to see him on the field for one more year!

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Yuping Li (PhD’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:25:00 +0000

Yuping Li (PhD’25) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:25

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Yuping Li (PhD’25)
Hometown: Fujian Province, China
Leeds Division: Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Operations
Upcoming Position: Assistant Professor in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Singapore Management University

Leeds Mentors: I am especially thankful to my advisor, Professor Tony Tong. From the earliest stages of my dissertation through to its completion, he has provided unwavering support, insightful feedback and generous mentorship. Our ongoing conversations have shaped how I think about research, academic life and what it means to contribute to a scholarly community. His guidance has been instrumental to my growth as a scholar, and working with him has been a truly formative experience.

I am also sincerely appreciative of the members of my dissertation committee. Professor Janet Bercovitz has been an enduring source of support throughout my PhD studies. Her clarity of thought and insightful feedback greatly enriched this work, and she has been a continual source of inspiration to me—especially in her example as a female scholar.

Professor Mukund Chari helped deepen my appreciation for methodological rigor and precise thinking. I am grateful for the many conversations where he patiently engaged with my ideas and helped refine my presentations.

I am also grateful to Professor Sina Khoshsokhan for his support throughout the dissertation development and the job search process. I have greatly benefited from his generosity in sharing his experiences.

Highlight: I feel incredibly fortunate to have pursued my doctoral studies in such an intellectually stimulating and naturally beautiful environment, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. I especially enjoyed the sunny weather and breathtaking views—something I’ll miss dearly. Beyond academic growth, I’ve been lucky to build lasting friendships and share this journey with an exceptional group of colleagues. The mentorship and camaraderie I’ve experienced here have been truly special.

Research Inspiration: My research sits at the intersection of open-source innovation, corporate strategy and entrepreneurship. I was drawn to this area by observing how open-source software has become both technologically essential and commercially valuable. Today, nearly 95% of software includes some open-source component. Major commercial transactions underscore its value—for example, IBM’s $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat and Microsoft’s $7.5 billion acquisition of GitHub.

Despite its prominence in practice, academic research on open source remains limited. We still know little about why firms choose to engage with open source, what the consequences are, and how they sustain competitive advantage while doing so. While open source can provide firms with advantages like cost reduction, access to distributed knowledge, talent identification and broader technology diffusion, it also introduces competitive risks by exposing proprietary technologies.

”Beyond academic growth, I’ve been lucky to build lasting friendships and share this journey with an exceptional group of colleagues. The mentorship and camaraderie I’ve experienced here have been truly special.“

Dissertation: “Navigating the Paradox of Openness in Corporate Growth: Evidence from Open-Source Startups”

Summary: Open-source innovation has become increasingly influential in the technological landscape and is gaining significant commercial value. While traditionally viewed as independent of corporate interests, recent years have witnessed a substantial increase in the participation of commercial firms, particularly digital startups, in open-source development. Globally, open source has catalyzed entrepreneurial growth by allowing startups to build on existing technologies and tap into decentralized talent pools. However, the open-source nature of startups’ technology also presents challenges to their ability to capture value. My dissertation investigates the strategic implications of digital startups leveraging open source for growth and examines how they navigate this paradox of openness during key strategic events, such as competing with industry incumbents and reaching corporate milestones like initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Why is this research impactful?
This research advances our understanding of how firms navigate the complex trade-offs of openness in innovation ecosystems. It offers novel insights into how startups can strategically engage with open source to drive growth, maintain competitive advantage and maximize value capture. As open source continues to shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship, these findings hold both theoretical and practical significance for scholars, entrepreneurs and corporate strategists alike.

Yuping Li is joining Singapore Management University as a tenure-track assistant professor in strategy and entrepreneurship. She’ll miss the Rocky Mountains but will be leaving with lasting friendships and connections at Leeds.

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Rachel Warren (Acct, RelEst’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:37:24 +0000

Rachel Warren (Acct, RelEst’25) Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 04/22/2025 - 12:37

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Rachel Warren
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Major: Accounting and Real Estate with a minor in Political Science
Leadership Award: Leeds Scholars Program

What are your plans after graduation?
My plan for after graduation is to work a restaurant job to save money while I continue networking and applying for jobs in commercial real estate, specifically focusing on brokerage.

How would you sum up your experience at Leeds?
My experience at Leeds has been a game-changer. I found an incredibly supportive community within my peers, professors and program advisors at Leeds that has helped shape me into who I am today and has been invaluable in guiding me toward the career path I want to pursue. I feel incredibly grateful to have been set up for such great success from my Leeds experience over the past four years.

How do you plan to stay connected to Leeds?
I plan to stay connected to Leeds through continued alumni involvement in the Leeds Scholars Program. It is really important to me to give back to the community that gave so much to me during my four years at Leeds.

"My experience at Leeds has been a game-changer. I found an incredibly supportive community that has been invaluable in guiding me toward the career path I want to pursue."

Rachel Warren feels well prepared to pursue a career in commercial real estate, thanks to a supportive network at Leeds.

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Angel Nuñez (Econ’25, Business Minor)

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:29:11 +0000

Angel Nuñez (Econ’25, Business Minor) Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 04/22/2025 - 11:29

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Angel Nuñez
Major: Economics, Business Minor
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Leadership Award: TRIO Student Support Services Program, Student Academic Success Center

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a master’s in applied economics at Purdue University, where I’ll continue building the analytical and research skills I began developing at Leeds.

How would you sum up your experience at Leeds?
Leeds challenged me to think critically, collaborate with diverse teams and find confidence in my voice. The professors, opportunities and peers helped shape not just my academic path, but my growth as a future leader. It’s a place that pushed me to aim higher and not sell myself short.

How do you plan to stay connected to Leeds?
I’m applying to join the Leeds mentoring program and plan to stay engaged through alumni events and networking opportunities. I want to give back to the same community that helped me grow, and I’m excited to support future students the way others supported me.

"The professors, opportunities and peers at Leeds helped shape not just my academic path, but my growth as a future leader. It’s a place that pushed me to aim higher."

Angel Nuñez departs CU for Purdue University, where he will pursue a master’s in applied economics and build upon the analytical skills he began developing at Leeds.

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Oliver Casis (Fin’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:53:23 +0000

Oliver Casis (Fin’25) Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 04/22/2025 - 09:53

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Oliver Casis
Major: Finance
Hometown: Greenwood Village, Colorado
Leadership Award: Air Force ROTC

What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to move to commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force in Pensacola, Florida, and begin Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT).

How would you sum up your experience at Leeds? My experience at Leeds was incredible. Surrounding myself with peers and mentors to push me out of the comfort zone to achieve higher goals is something that I will forever be grateful for.

How do you plan to stay connected to Leeds?
I plan to stay connected with Leeds through the alumni network and all social media platforms.

“My experience at Leeds was incredible. Surrounding myself with peers and mentors to push me out of the comfort zone to achieve higher goals is something that I will forever be grateful for.“

Oliver Cassis is leaving Leeds with gratitude for learning how to pursue his goals with confidence. He is headed to Pensacola, Florida, to begin Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT).

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Stephen Barrow (MRelEst’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:18:07 +0000

Stephen Barrow (MRelEst’25) Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 04/21/2025 - 15:18

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Stephen Barrow
Major: Real Estate
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa

Why did you choose to come to Leeds for your master’s?
My decision to choose Leeds came down to two main factors. First, I wanted to be in a place that fit my outdoor and active lifestyle, and Boulder felt like the perfect match. Second, ��ƷSM��ӰƬ is a great university with a highly regarded business school, which had a degree that aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

How has Leeds shaped your perspectives about business?
I came here without a business background, and so my time at Leeds has just been an incredible learning experience. Leeds has broadened my understanding of business beyond just the numbers. I’ve learned how values like sustainability, relationships and partnerships, and long-term vision play critical roles in business success. It’s also taught me the importance of collaboration and strategic thinking, especially in an industry as multifaceted as real estate.

What experiences have stood out?
Several experiences stand out—participating in the NAIOP Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge, meeting countless industry professionals who shared their time and insights, and going on the real estate trek to New York. I’ve also learned a lot from my classmates and the talented lecturers who are committed to our growth. These experiences, among many others, have pushed me to think critically and connect technical skills to broader business and real estate goals.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to continue working in the real estate industry here in the U.S.—whether that’s in private equity, asset management or development. Gaining international experience is an opportunity to get out my comfort zone, and I believe it will provide valuable perspectives and set me up for long-term success, no matter where my career takes me.

How has Leeds prepared you for your career?
Leeds gave me the foundation I needed—both technically and professionally. It gave me the confidence to think big and think creatively. Leeds has connected me to a strong and well-established alumni and industry network, and it has helped me sharpen key skills like financial modeling, market analysis and strategic planning. I’m excited to carry everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my career. Thank you, Leeds.

"Leeds gave me the confidence to think big and think creatively. It has connected me to a strong and well-established alumni and industry network, and it has helped me sharpen key skills like financial modeling, market analysis and strategic planning."

Stephen Barrow says at Leeds, he has learned how think critically and connect technical skills to broader business and real estate goals. No matter where his career takes him, he feels Leeds has set him up for success.

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Victor Alamillo (MBusAn’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:57:42 +0000

Victor Alamillo (MBusAn’25) Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 04/21/2025 - 14:57

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Victor Alamillo
Major: Business Analytics
Hometown: Fountain, Colorado

Why did you choose to come to Leeds for your master’s?
I chose Leeds for my master’s because I had heard firsthand from Leeds alumni that the graduate program staff and professors were extremely supportive and understanding. My own experience confirmed this, as my professors were always open to answering my questions and providing additional examples to clarify complex topics.

How has Leeds shaped your perspectives about business?
Leeds has opened my eyes to the vastness of the business world. By engaging with my cohort, I have met a diverse range of individuals from various countries and backgrounds, which has made me more knowledgeable about business and global practices.

What experiences have stood out?
Being a part of the Graduate Diverse Scholars program, spearheaded by Kristi Ryujin, has been one of the most memorable experiences of my time at Leeds. Through the program, I have connected with a diverse group of students beyond the cohort, networked with and learned from industry professionals, and received support to navigate my graduate journey.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to stay in the Denver metro area and work in the technology industry, where I can combine my communication, design and data skills.

How has Leeds prepared you for your career?
Leeds has prepared me for my career by offering a variety of real-world case studies during my coursework. This hands-on approach allowed me to gain valuable experience in Python, R, SQL and more.

"Leeds has opened my eyes to the vastness of the business world. By engaging with my cohort, I have met a diverse range of individuals from various countries and backgrounds, which has made me more knowledgeable about business and global practices."

By experiencing real-world learning through case studies in addition to coursework, Victor Alamillo feels well equipped to enter the technology field and apply his communication, design and data skills.

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Maggie Wellman (MBA’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:00:51 +0000

Maggie Wellman (MBA’25) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:00

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Maggie Wellman
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Pueblo, Colorado

Why did you choose to come to Leeds for your MBA?
After completing my undergrad at CSU and bouncing around a bit, I wanted to return to Colorado and pursue my master’s in a new academic environment. Leeds offered a dynamic, supportive community that aligned with my interests in business and sustainability.

How has Leeds shaped your perspectives about business?
Before Leeds, I was fairly confident in my understanding of the basics of business. Leeds really flipped me on my head and exposed me to all of the different angles that you can approach businesses with to make them successful. It really is difficult, and I believe that sometimes people look at businesses assuming concepts like strategy or operations are straightforward, but everything must be done intentionally and with careful thought to stay above water in the market.

What experiences have stood out?
The MBA is a packed program, and there is a ton that I loved being a part of. I really enjoyed the Barney Ford Scholarship Fundraiser and leading it as president of the planning committee. It reflects the dedication of Leeds, supporting their students and enabling everyone who wants to pursue higher education.

On a fun note, I enjoyed the tailgates hosted by the MBA board, as everyone came together, whether they were a football lover or not.

In terms of professors, it is hard to say who stood out the most. Our accounting professor Henry Laurion was undoubtedly a class favorite, but also Rich Wobbekind, Heather Kennedy and Jamie Cheston all shared their expertise and support to help me figure out the direction I should be facing for the future. Overall, the program gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself and make friends that I will have forever.

What are your plans after graduation?
I am about to get married and would love to stay in Colorado. I am applying to jobs in event/program management as well as marketing and brand management. I have a ton of interests, and I am extending my efforts to get where I am meant to be.

How has Leeds prepared you for your career?
When I came into the program, it was a stall. I wanted to do something in sustainability (still do), and I know I am good at a lot, but I was feeling disheartened by my job experiences up to that point that I wanted to gain some perspective and learn something new.

I changed the trajectory of my path a lot, and every time I did, I leaned on the career office, networking opportunities, and the incredible advice from others who had been through similar struggles. Through all of that, I found more clarity and direction.

Leeds taught me a lot, through classes, but also through events and the value of the community. I am coming out of this program more prepared than I was going in.

“Leeds taught me a lot, through classes, but also through events and through the value of the community. I am coming out of this program more prepared than I was going in.“

Maggie Wellman departs Leeds with greater clarity, direction and preparedness as she seeks to shape a career integrating sustainability into event and program management and marketing and brand management.

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Dongoh Shin (PhD’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:15:32 +0000

Dongoh Shin (PhD’25) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 04/18/2025 - 13:15

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Dongoh Shin (PhD’25)
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Leeds Division: Accounting
Upcoming Position: Assistant Professor in Accounting at Wayne State University

Leeds Mentors: My dissertation co-chairs, professors Clare Wang and Nathan Marshall, have been invaluable guides throughout my PhD journey, particularly during my critical fourth and fifth years. They consistently challenged me with high-level questions and encouraged me to position my research within the broader context of existing literature. Additionally, Professor Henry Laurion has provided both emotional support and practical research guidance. I am particularly grateful for our research discussions, which evolved into a productive co-authorship.

Highlight: The highlight of my time at Leeds was successfully defending my dissertation proposal—a significant milestone that represented my first independent academic achievement within the program.

Research Inspiration: My experience as both an analyst and institutional investor in the equity market shaped my research interests. During my time in these roles, I became fascinated by the information flows that connect capital market participants and get them to make decisions. I was also drawn to examining how financial reporting serves as critical conduits for transmitting this information. This market experience sparked my curiosity about the underlying dynamics of information transfers in capital markets.

“My dissertation co-chairs consistently challenged me with high-level questions and encouraged me to position my research within the broader context of existing literature.”

Dissertation: “Who are my roommates: Corporate co-tenancy and information environment”

Summary: My research examines how firms who share their headquarters buildings with others (i.e., corporate co-tenancy) potentially influences the information environment of corporate managers.

Why is this research impactful? This trend has become increasingly common in recent years. Given the prevalence of this trend, understanding potential information spillovers within an office building has important implications for corporate decision-making.

Dongoh Shin will begin a new role as an assistant professor of accounting at Wayne State University. His PhD journey at Leeds was enriched by the invaluable guidance and support of his mentors.

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Snapshots

Deepali Agarwal (MBA, MBusAn’25)

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