Faces of Leeds

Oksana Terletska (Fin’26)

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:44:48 +0000

Oksana Terletska (Fin’26) Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 06/22/2026 - 14:44

Jane Majkiewicz

Oksana Terletska is all about showing up as her best self and motivating others around her. That’s been true in her academic journey, as a student-athlete, and now as she starts her career as an institutional equity trading analyst at Morgan Stanley—a role she describes as her dream job.

She had another goal, too: being featured in “Faces of Leeds” before graduation. Her women’s hockey teammates made it happen with a surprise nomination.

Mia Fiscelli (StrEnt’27), president of the Women’s Ice Hockey team at 91��ý, wrote: “[Oksana] truly represents exactly what it means to be a leader, a trailblazer, and an inspiration within the Leeds community. … She is a first-generation college student who has already broken barriers and created opportunities for herself and every girl on her team who looks up to her.”

Engaged. Driven. Thoughtful. Genuinely committed. Those are the words her teammates used to describe her, and the recognition means a lot to Terletska. She calls her hockey teammates her second family.

Finding her edge

Terletska fell in love with hockey while watching the Chicago Blackhawks with her father. After the team's 2013 Stanley Cup win, she wanted in.

Her father had always dreamed of playing but never had the opportunity growing up in the Soviet Union. When she was 9, she convinced him to get her on skates. “My mom wanted me to do figure skating. I said, ‘Absolutely not. I want to play hockey.’”

She went on to play on Chicago’s first girls hockey team and continued through high school. 91��ý stood out as a place where she wouldn’t have to choose between hockey and her future.

For Terletska, the game has always been about more than competition.

“Hockey offers life lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom,” she said. “How do you handle tough losses? How do you keep moving forward? How do you show up as the best version of yourself for your teammates?”

Those lessons stay with her. “There aren't always good seasons, there aren't always good practices, but it’s staying committed even when it gets really hard.”

Carving a path in finance

While hockey shaped her approach to challenges, Terletska was equally focused on her future.

Originally interested in accounting and operations, she was increasingly drawn to finance and economics. Inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial background, she became fascinated by how financial markets connect industries around the world. “There are always questions to ask,” she said, “which leaves room to grow.”

She interned at Morgan Stanley last summer, crediting Susan Brodnicki, assistant director of student programs at Leeds’ Burridge Center for Finance. “She guided me to opportunities she believed would be great for me and that I would be interested in.”

During her internship, Terletska rotated through cash trading, algorithmic trading, futures, and securities lending—gaining a firsthand look at the trading floor’s rhythm and pressure. The environment felt like a natural fit. Having grown up in Chicago, she has always been drawn to the energy of big cities and is eager to begin her career in Manhattan.

“People say it’s the city that never sleeps. I think that’s very true.”

Aligning actions with values

What ties it all together for Terletska is discipline.

As a student-athlete, she balanced academics, practices, travel and leadership responsibilities, including serving as the team’s treasurer—a role she describes as both demanding and rewarding. The experience sharpened her ability to prioritize and stay organized, even when competing demands pulled her in different directions.

With family split between the U.S. and Ukraine, she has also learned to navigate uncertainty and stay grounded in the face of it. It all shapes how she leads.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that the best leaders lead through their actions, not their words,” she said. “They don’t always need to be the loudest person in the room.” As a senior leader on the hockey team, she focused on setting a positive example through preparation, accountability and consistency.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that the best leaders lead through their actions, not their words. They don’t always need to be the loudest person in the room.”

—Oksana Terletska (Fin’26)

“My dad always taught me to carry yourself with integrity,” she said. “If you don’t have integrity or a purpose behind your actions, how can you expect others to do the same?”

Over time, she has come to see that while technical skills can be learned, character is built through challenges and choices. “It’s about developing as a holistic person,” she said. “And I think Leeds does a phenomenal job in fostering that.”

Looking ahead

On the team, Terletska became known for sharing motivational quotes. One has become a guiding principle: “The answer will always be no if you don’t ask for the opportunity and put in the work to get there.”

Success, she believes, is not about avoiding failure. It’s about pursuing opportunities, learning from setbacks and moving forward. “The quote also reminds me that you have to put yourself out there,” she said. “Everyone brings something unique to the table, and you can't count yourself out before the race has even begun.”

While the trading floor may feel different from the hockey rink, some things will remain familiar: showing up when it’s tough, staying dedicated to a purpose and uplifting the people around her.

She’s ready to take the shot in New York.

“Everyone's super ambitious in their respective careers, and that keeps you pushing alongside the city's hustle.”

From the hockey rink to the trading floor, first-gen college graduate Oksana Terletska doesn't back down from challenges.

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Ethan Miller (MBA’23)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:51:08 +0000

Ethan Miller (MBA’23) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:51

Jane Majkiewicz • Photos by Nathan Thompson

Ethan Miller stepped into his role as CEO of Meisinger USA in 2023, but in some ways, he had been preparing for it since childhood. At just 6 years old, he remembers answering the family’s home phone with practiced professionalism: “Hello, thank you for calling the Miller residence. Is this for Meisinger, or for the Millers?”

Growing up, the family business was simply part of everyday life. He helped assemble small display wallets with miniature rotary instruments—tools the company has manufactured since 1888 in Düsseldorf, Germany, for the dental and medical industries.

Now, Meisinger is firmly a family operation. Miller serves as CEO, his brother Dillan as COO, and his parents remain involved—his father, Alex, in a consulting role, and his mother, Stacy, in HR after many years as vice president. The company has steadily grown since its inception, moving into expanded facilities in Centennial, Colorado. In 2025, Canada was officially added to the company’s name.

Finding his own path

Miller wasn’t always sure he’d follow in his parents’ footsteps. Early on, he was drawn to dentistry, but that plan shifted when he enrolled at Colorado State University and chose business administration as a major. What began as a practical decision turned into a genuine passion. Miller was fascinated by the strategic and operational side of organizations.

When Miller formally joined Meisinger in 2018, his business focus allowed him to step quickly into meaningful conversations. “I was able to work alongside top-level doctors, and with the product management and development teams and quality management—having to understand and know all of the background.”

As his father decided he had “run his course” in leading Meisinger, Miller was appointed CEO in 2023, just as he completed his MBA from Leeds. While he hasn’t entirely abandoned his interest in dentistry, he maintains a close connection to the industry through the friendships he’s developed with dentists, oral surgeons and others in the field. “Working alongside them is a pleasure.”

“[The Leeds MBA] wasn’t just learning to learn. I knew where and how to apply it.”

—Ethan Miller (MBA’23)

Making an impact

For Miller, the impact of Meisinger’s work goes far beyond growth metrics.

“From where we are today—with strong financial performance and continued growth—it’s important to recognize the amount of effort and commitment that made it possible,” he said.

Helping teams understand how their work connects to a larger mission is central to his leadership. “At the end of the day, we provide healthcare. That’s one of the most unique opportunities because we’re changing people’s lives.”

Through partnerships with organizations such as the Brighter Way Institute, Mission of Mercy, and Kids in Need of Dentistry, Meisinger supports efforts that deliver dental care to underserved communities.

“You see people with a terrible smile or missing teeth—maybe they can’t afford care. And then you see how much a smile can change someone’s whole outlook,” he said. “It’s always good to show our employees that this work has a purpose, and this is what it leads to.”

A Legacy of Precision: Founded in Germany in 1888, Meisinger has been a pioneer in dental rotary instruments. Today, CEO Ethan Miller—who grew up in the family business—continues that tradition, polishing his leadership with an MBA from Leeds as he guides the company into its next chapter.

Leadership in an era of rapid change

A sense of mission also guides Miller as the company navigates rapid technological change, including AI.

“Anything that helps people be more productive and creative, while improving patient outcomes, is worth looking into,” he said. But he remains cautious. “I’ll always be skeptical until something is proven, especially when we’re talking about patients or healthcare.”

As an example, Miller points to advances such as AI-supported 3D printing of dental crowns as promising. “They’re utilizing AI in a way that allows the doctor to be more intentional,” Miller said. “That might help bring healthcare costs down and expand access.”

Still, he’s wary of losing human connection along the way. “Sometimes, it’s OK to have a few errors in an email instead of something perfectly polished with emojis and em dashes,” he said with a laugh.

Why Leeds made sense

Miller began the Leeds Hybrid MBA during the pandemic. The format fit his need for flexibility.

“We had people from all kinds of backgrounds—not just business degrees—and all across different industries,” he said. “It made everything more real-world.”

Rather than learning concepts in isolation, he could directly connect class discussions to his work experiences. “It wasn’t just learning to learn. I knew where and how to apply it.”

The cohort experience also forged lasting connections. “You really got to know people’s strengths,” he said. “Even now, I’ll think, 'This person would be perfect to talk to about this—or for that role.'”

Looking ahead, and keeping things in balance

In 2026, Miller was named to the Denver Business Journal's “40 Under 40” list—an honor that “felt like the culmination of a lot of things,” he said: “hard work, opportunity, and being blessed with people who built something strong before me.”

The Denver Business Journal recognition "was the culmination of a lot of things—hard work, opportunity, and being blessed with people who built something strong before me."

—Ethan Miller (MBA’23)

He’s quick to credit his parents, his brother and company partners for creating a foundation that allowed him to step in and advance the company’s next chapter. He especially points to his brother’s efforts to expand new opportunities, including internships.

Despite his professional accolades, Miller is also quick to credit the person he calls “the real superhero”: his wife, whom he says keeps their household running—juggling three kids, two dogs, and daily life—often while he’s on the road.

“I don’t know how she does it,” he wondered aloud. “We’re very blessed. We started young, so we get to be the young, fun parents.”

That perspective—grounded in gratitude and balance, alongside ambition and purpose-driven work—reflects the kind of leadership Miller embodies. Those values align with Leeds' mission to cultivate next-generation business leaders who use business as a force for good.

All in the Family: What Alex Miller (left) started in Florida more than 20 years ago has expanded into something much bigger. Now led by his sons, Ethan and Dillan (center and right), Meisinger USA & Canada is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, outgrowing two previous buildings before landing in its current location.

It may be all in the family for Ethan Miller (MBA’23), but as CEO of Meisinger USA & Canada, business is anything but routine.

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Ali Jafarzadeh (PhDFin’28)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 15 May 2026 03:30:44 +0000

Ali Jafarzadeh (PhDFin’28) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 05/14/2026 - 21:30

Grace Garfoot • Photos by Nathan Thompson

As doctoral candidate Ali Jafarzadeh completes his third year at Leeds, his academic interests and long-term goals are coming into sharper focus. He chose to pursue a PhD in financial economics to study questions with real-world relevance. His dissertation examines corporate finance, innovation and creative destruction—how new technologies, products and business models replace less efficient ones and shape economic outcomes. His work draws on both social science and his background in engineering.

“I wanted to learn more deeply about how economic systems—and, more broadly, societies—work,” Jafarzadeh said. “In economics, marginal analysis studies the incremental effects of decisions. That perspective led me to financial economics, where many of the most interesting decisions tend to be financial ones.”

“I wanted to learn more deeply about how economic systems—and, more broadly, societies—work.”

—Ali Jafarzadeh (PhDFin’28)

Using history to chart the future

Originally from Iran, Jafarzadeh completed his undergraduate degree in engineering at the University of Tehran before moving to the United States to pursue his doctorate. When reflecting on the decision to leave Iran in pursuit of his education, he often frames it through a historical lens—imagining what his life might have looked like had he lived centuries earlier.

“If I was a prince of Persia in the 18th century, I probably would have been sent to a good school in the West, and I would be paid to study something very important for the country. And that is exactly what I’m doing now,” he said.

“I want to understand how nations become prosperous, and that motivation comes from growing up in Iran—a country with so much potential yet so little growth,” Jafarzadeh added. “The situation in Iran is complex at the moment, but I believe that, at some point, there will be a transition to a more democratic and liberal system, creating opportunities for people like me to contribute meaningfully.”

After completing his doctorate, he hopes to return to Iran to contribute to his home country. His goal is to teach at the University of Tehran or pursue a path that allows him to have a broader social impact.

Celebrating culture and community

Beyond his academic work, Jafarzadeh has played an active role in strengthening the Persian community at 91��ý. As president of the Iranian Students Organization, he has worked to create a space for people who share his identity to come together and celebrate their culture.

“Throughout this past year, I tried to make sure everyone in our community had a place to connect to talk with peers and celebrate our culture,” Jafarzadeh said. “When people go through difficult times, those with shared experiences understand each other much better. I saw it as a responsibility to help sustain that community. We have a deep, ancient history and a culture with meaningful traditions. I tried to respect that and keep it alive—even far from home.”

Graduate Student Excellence

In recognition of his academic achievement and leadership, Ali Jafarzadeh was awarded the 2026 Summer Graduate School Fellowship by the 91��ý Graduate School. This selective, campuswide honor includes $7,500 in funding for exceptional doctoral scholars.

Balancing commitments

Balancing his dissertation, his role as president of the Iranian Student Organization, and family life has required Jafarzadeh to manage competing responsibilities. He views this as a skill that improves with practice, but it requires setting priorities and knowing when to seek support.

“Managing multiple commitments is something you learn over time,” he said. “There’s a balance to maintain, and when things become too complex, I don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Support from friends, family and the broader community has shaped his experience in Boulder. He points to that network—along with time spent with his wife and their cat—as central to navigating the demands of doctoral study.

“My wife is incredibly supportive,” he said. “We both want the best for each other.”

For Jafarzadeh, a financial economist by training, the next step is clear: turning his vision into impact.

Leeds doctoral student Ali Jafarzadeh is studying economic systems so he can play a meaningful role in his home country’s future.

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Ryan Brace (Fin, Acct'26)

Kelsey Cipolla — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Ryan Brace (Fin, Acct'26) Kelsey Cipolla Fri, 05/01/2026 - 06:00

Nathan Thompson and Grace Garfoot

What does it take to thrive under pressure in front of 50,000 fans? Ryan Brace's journey at Leeds prepared him to step up with confidence as the in-game host for the CU Buffs.

What does it take to thrive under pressure in front of 50,000 fans? Ryan Brace's journey at Leeds prepared him to step up with confidence as the in-game host for the CU Buffs.

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Ruby Batalla, Director of Opening Doors to Achievement

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:20:40 +0000

Ruby Batalla, Director of Opening Doors to Achievement Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 04/15/2026 - 15:20

Grace Garfoot

Little did Ruby Batalla know that the 91��ý Pre-Collegiate Development program she joined as a high school senior would become the doorway to her education, her career, and her second family. As a first-generation student, Batalla’s gaze only extended as far as high school. Now, as the director of the Opening Doors to Achievement Office (ODA) at Leeds, she helps support first-generation students like her through their university experience and beyond.

“As a first-generation student, I didn’t know that higher education could be a career space,” said Batalla. “I fell in love with it as an undergrad and have stayed ever since. Doors open for a reason.”

For Batalla, her identity has shaped the course of her academic and professional life, influencing the mission and values she brings to her role as director of the ODA Office.

“Being first-gen, being Latina, is such a big part of who I am,” said Batalla, pointing to physical, cultural and familial traits. “Helping students find space for themselves is so important, especially at a university. You have to learn the norms quickly, while not giving up so much of yourself and your identity. It’s about adapting but not conforming, which is always hard. I hope I am a model of that, especially for first-generation students.”

"Helping students find space for themselves is so important, especially at a university. ... It’s about adapting but not conforming.”

—Ruby Batalla

Unexpected changes and challenges

Batalla has been the director of ODA since 2019, stepping into the role right before the pandemic hit. To her, quarantine and isolation proved to be the most challenging time in her career so far. She missed her community and the interactions she enjoyed with students and staff. Still, she and the staff strived to find ways to continue supporting students and one another.

“Most of my staff have always loved being here for students,” she said. “To be so far removed was the hardest part. We leaned on each other to create virtual events.”

Since stepping into the director role, Batalla has also overseen the office’s name change—a protective measure to ensure that the office could maintain its space and continue its work during a time of federally mandated cuts related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

ODA changed its name from the Office of Diversity Affairs to Opening Doors to Achievement, keeping their well-known acronym while continuing to uphold their mission and work.

Batalla found the Leeds community and Dean Khatri extremely supportive throughout the entire transition. The school acted quickly to ensure that staff and students wouldn’t lose their support or resources from the office.

“We are, thankfully, very supported by the Leeds ecosystem,” said Batalla. “The cuts that have happened to other colleagues, and the dissolution of offices or programs, have not been a fear that the students, staff or I have ever had.”

Growth in a supportive community

Having spent her entire academic and professional career at 91��ý, Batalla continues to share how lucky she feels to have found a place that has supported her identity and her passions so fervently.

“I have been asked why I continue to stay, and if there is a detriment to CU being my only point of view,” she noted. “I always come back to the idea that CU is the state’s flagship university for a reason.

"As a CU alum, I know the impact of higher education. I know the power of what this degree means, and the power of the business school and the university as a whole.”

"As a CU alum, I know the impact of higher education. I know the power of what this degree means, and the power of the business school and the university as a whole.”

—Ruby Batalla

As a Leeds leader, a wife, a sports fan and a dog mom, Batalla moves through both her personal and professional life with that same sense of passion and purpose she first discovered when she came to CU as that hopeful high school student. Loving her interactions with students, as well as her role in connecting students to faculty and opportunities, she is determined and unwavering in her desire to integrate her values into everything she does.

“I didn’t change my last name when I got married. ‘Batalla’ in Spanish means ‘battle.’ I kept it because I tell people, ‘You need to know who you’re dealing with,” she explained.

“If you take away my last name, you don’t know who you’re dealing with—because I am warm and kind and helpful—but I am also relentless.”

A chance opportunity in high school launched Ruby Batalla’s journey as a first‑gen college student—and a career dedicated to helping others realize their dreams.

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Tonya Fan (Mgmt, Mktg’28)

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:32:08 +0000

Tonya Fan (Mgmt, Mktg’28) Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 03/30/2026 - 12:32

Jane Majkiewicz • Photo by Nathan Thompson

Underneath Tonya Fan’s gentle demeanor lies the inner workings of a sharp businesswoman. Her first venture was a lemonade stand she ran as a child.

“Everyone had lemonade stands,” she reflected. So, she deliberately undercut her competitors’ prices. It didn’t go unnoticed. “The management of the food truck area where I sold came down and said, ‘You can’t be here selling without a license.'

“That’s when I knew I really wanted to start a business and a brand.”

Finding her direction

At 14, Fan launched her first enterprise: a sticker shop on Etsy. When potential legal issues surfaced, she closed shop but did what any entrepreneurial spirit would do: She started looking for her next opportunity, using the proceeds to fund her next business.

“High school is when I first started getting the idea about starting a fashion brand. I was just day and night on my laptop and phone, trying to get ideas and to design stuff. I lost my way and started not focusing on the things I really loved, like my family, music …”

Then one day, she glanced over at the family dog, Okyo. “He was pretty old, and I started feeling guilty. That’s when it clicked.”

She launched OKKYO in 2024 (the extra “K” added for flair), centered on being present and not leaving dreams unexplored. “It’s about reminding people to stop waiting for the perfect time and instead start pursuing what matters to them now.”

Today, two California retailers and two online stores carry OKKYO’s hoodies, matching sweats and sweater, while Fan balances it all with college.

Entrepreneurship in her DNA

Part of Fan’s motivation is helping her restaurateur parents retire. “A huge chunk of this journey is to help my parents.”

Though she began with design, she found the business side more compelling. That curiosity led her to Leeds to study entrepreneurship and business.

“Building OKKYO while studying at Leeds has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my college career. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned so much.”

Learning through setbacks

Manufacturing mishaps could have derailed Fan’s progress. One retailer needed more hoodies in large, but a shipment from her manufacturer in China arrived entirely in the wrong size.

“The manufacturer tried to charge me for their mistake,” said Fan. A family member pushed her to stand firm: “You are letting them stomp all over you!” Fan agreed.

After three days of back and forth, the manufacturer took responsibility for the error—but a replacement order was entirely wrong again. “This was very close to Black Friday—the busiest time of year. I lost a lot of money from that.”

What Fan gained, though, were valuable lessons in negotiation, persistence and relationship building. She ultimately chose to continue with the manufacturer, but only after they took accountability for their errors and made improvements.

It's about reminding people to stop waiting for the perfect time and instead start pursuing what matters to them now.

CJ Riggins, program manager at the Deming Center, has also helped Fan with practical insights and advice, becoming an important resource.

“She’s amazing. I love her so much,” said Fan. Riggins has helped her strengthen her decision making, expanding perspectives on things like color trends and customer preferences.

Fan has also benefited from the BASE program, particularly being able to listen to industry professionals' real-world experiences. She met a mentor at a networking event who inspired her to improve her public speaking.

Outside the classroom, Fan serves on the executive board of the Fashion Case Club, which brings in industry speakers such as Coach, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren and North Face. “It’s an amazing club because instead of just design, it covers the business aspects of the fashion industry.”

Learning how to learn

In high school, Fan didn’t always feel academically confident. “I was good at getting Bs and As, but only after studying for hours and hours.” She always looked up to her older brother, a mechanical engineering student at 91��ý—who grasps things “super fast.” He helped her reframe her mindset. “As I grew up, he showed me that people are different from each other. I have my strengths and he has his.”

Her first year of college was focused heavily on academics until a conversation with her grandmother helped her find balance. Her grandmother’s story of postponing travel until it was too late left a strong impression. “Even though academics are important, there are ways to balance my time between the things that I love to do, that I want to do, and with having good grades.”

Now a sophomore, Fan is committed to living OKKYO’s message. “I took my grandmother’s words, and I want to make the most of my life.”

If I want to do something, I'm going to put everything into it.

Looking ahead

Fan keeps OKKYO’s line intentionally small in favor of high quality, avoiding fast fashion. “I want people to get a hoodie and be able to wear it for years and not just throw it out in a couple of months.”

What fuels her most is hearing from customers. “I recently sent out a survey asking: 'What is something you’ve been putting off?' So many people responded, some with paragraphs spilling their hearts out to me. I realized that I have built a community based on trust and confidence.”

She reminds people that the hardest part of pursuing your passions is taking that first step.

And she continually lives her message. This summer, Fan is traveling to Taiwan. The trip is about enjoying time with friends and exploring cultures. But it doesn't mean she has to put her business goals on the back burner. Even on vacation, she’ll be observing fashion trends and capturing ideas--something she does naturally because it's her passion.

That instinct—to be present and to keep learning—drives everything she does. From the start, she’s told herself, “If I want to do something, I’m going to put everything into it.”

Tonya Fan isn’t just building her dream fashion brand—she’s living its message by staying present, helping others, and leaning into every opportunity to fuel her growth.

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Decker Clark (Fin, Mgmt’23)

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:18:30 +0000

Decker Clark (Fin, Mgmt’23) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 03/12/2026 - 13:18

Jane Majkiewicz

Nearly two years into his Peace Corps service in Uganda, life has changed dramatically for Decker Clark (Fin, Mgmt’23). A Colorado native who had never traveled outside the U.S., he now speaks Leb-Lango and is teaching business and life skills to out-of-school youth in the Lango subregion. He shared some experiences that have shaped his perspective.

Decker Clark says “Wot jobi!’ (’Sko Buffs in Lango).

He goes by a new name. “It’s spelled E-B-O-N-G. It really is a name that I use now—like a whole other identity.”

He originally thought he would work in sports. “I thought I’d get a sports-management type of job. I worked with CU Athletics handling equipment, and I had a couple connections with the Broncos. While I enjoyed my work with CU football, I realized I didn’t want to do that forever.”

His mom planted the seed for the Peace Corps. “In my senior year, I was trying to figure out what to do next. It’s a big decision. Looking back, at the time, it was a huge deal. I thought, ‘I could spend time somewhere else in the world and get to experience another culture.’ On my application, I wrote: ‘I would love to go anywhere in Africa.’”

It all started with an African dance class at 91��ý. “I had an extra three credits to take. I’m not a big dancer—I’ve never been out there like that—so I told myself, ‘I’m gonna do it. I know I might try to back out, but I’m going to this class.’”

His dance teacher, Nii Armah Sowah, was the coolest guy he’d ever met. “I made myself go that first day, and listening to the teacher, I thought, ‘Whoa … he knows a lot about life. He told me, ‘You could use your business degree for anything. How you apply it is up to you.’ That inspired me.”

He uses his Leeds foundation every day. “Things like being in the Leeds Residential Academic Program (RAP), public speaking, lessons from courses, using Excel—I use all of that today, and it really makes an impact. Being here has given me greater appreciation of my time at Leeds, because people here are eager to learn, even without opportunities. They’re doing everything they can to study.”

A class on bargaining turned out to be surprisingly useful. “I use bargaining and negotiating all the time at the market. They try to give me a bad price and I remember my ‘BATNA’ [Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement].”

The adjustment was easier than expected. “The Peace Corps does a really good job easing you in. We spent about a month in the capital doing all-day training. They’d send us to the market or drop us in the city and say, ‘You have to find your way back.’”

But living without running water was an early challenge. “Our first homestay had no running water. I was bucket-bathing, and we had an outdoor latrine. After that month, my actual site and house are very, very nice.”

Working with youth has been especially rewarding. “I’m an agribusiness and economic development (AED) volunteer. During training, we learned about nutrition, climate-friendly farming, and working with community savings groups. You can just see the excitement and passion in the youth here. I work with an NGO serving out-of-school youth—ages 15–30, which surprised me at first.”

He helped fundraise for a new program. “In January 2026, I was in the U.S. raising funds for a grant to put youth through a four-month technical training. We reached our goal and started on February 1. We have about 50 students in information and communication technology, hairdressing, sweater making, tailoring and welding.”

He now has both a birth family and an adopted one. “People have accepted me here. Now, if you ask anyone, they’d say I’m a Lango man. My parents visited; it was cool to share my experience with them and for them to meet my host family. It gave them comfort to know I am in good hands.”

His view of family has changed. “The style of living in Uganda is very communal. We’re together all the time, cooking meals. Everyone is doing things to uplift the house. No one is in their room, sitting on their phone. That was a big, big shift.”

The future, reimagined. “Before, I pictured myself in entrepreneurship, but now I see myself working with youth—especially youth with disabilities in sports. Learning a language and a new culture has pushed me to want to stay international.”

“I came from a completely different background, but there are so many ways we can connect. At the end of the day, we’re all just people going through life. We’re all in this together."

(Ebong) Decker Clark (Fin, Mgmt’23)

Decker Clark (Fin, Mgmt’23) shared his inspiration in a class note, with a photo of his parents visiting his new family in Uganda. He ended with the message: Apwoyo wun ducu, dong aber (thank you all, stay well)!

Decker Clark uses his Leeds’ business and entrepreneurship skills every day as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda, where his host community calls him Ebong, saying he’s "a Lango man" now.

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Matthew Winston (Mgmt’25, MBusAna’26)

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:29:35 +0000

Matthew Winston (Mgmt’25, MBusAna’26) Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 03/03/2026 - 07:29

Georgia Horan

Photos courtesy of CU Athletics

At 7 a.m., Matthew Winston (Mgmt’25, MBusAna’26) is sprinting across Folsom Field, locked into strength and conditioning practice. Two hours later, he trades his cowboy hat for a laptop, shifting from Ralphie handler to business analytics student, bringing that same laser focus to the classroom that he brings to the field.

That mindset also shapes how he approaches leadership: “Intense focus and drive, and giving my 110% in everything I do.” For Winston, that intensity isn’t situational. It’s about consistency, discipline and showing up fully in every space he enters.

Although many students recognize Winston from running Ralphie across the field on game days—one of 91��ý’s most visible traditions— he doesn’t define himself by titles or achievements. Instead, he reflects on the relationships he has formed within his communities. “It’s about the people I surround myself with, because I've learned a little bit from everyone I've met,” he said.

A tradition built on community

Winston first heard about Ralphie handling the summer before his freshman year and knew he wanted to be involved—even before seeing Ralphie run in person. After earning a coveted spot on the team, his understanding of the role quickly evolved. “I kind of thought it was just some people who went and ran; I didn't realize it was such a tight-knit group, and we're almost like a family.” He found a community built on trust, preparation and shared responsibility.

Ralphie handling practices range from two to five times per week, including strength training and buffalo training sessions at Folsom Field. Handlers also volunteer at the ranch. Winston quickly learned that while the public moments last seconds, the preparation is rigorous.

“You don't just get handed opportunities, you seek them, and you build your own opportunities.”

Matthew Winston (Mgmt’25, MBusAna’26)

He also recognized the great responsibility that comes with the role. “Whether I'm in class, or whether I'm running the buffalo, I'm representing the university, and my actions will have an influence on people that are watching. So, I have always made sure that I embody the values of Leeds and the Athletics department.” For Winston, representation isn’t about attention—it’s about accountability.

Beyond the field, he has served on the Leadership and Career Development Committee of 91��ý’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee. He has helped organize resume and LinkedIn workshops for NCAA Division I athletes. “I'm trying to give back and uplift the community, hopefully helping people find jobs or internship opportunities beyond athletics,” he said.

Handling more than Ralphie

Learning how to juggle all his responsibilities wasn’t seamless. “At first, it was a bit chaotic, and I was still learning how to balance all the clubs and organizations along with my social life, making sure I was doing well in my classes, and the Ralphie role on top of that,” said Winston. He also had a job. For him, growth came not from eliminating commitments but from refining how he approached them.

Over time, Winston shifted his mindset toward depth rather than volume. “I discovered how to prioritize quality of work over quantity." While aiming to wrap projects up quickly, he learned not to overlook how to give 100% to whatever he was choosing to spend time on. The attitude shift represented a level of maturity and intentionality rather than focusing only on time management.

Discovering a new direction

Winston started his own venture in high school—Surf the City Longboards—which designed and shipped custom skateboards across the country. He entered Leeds with the intent to pursue entrepreneurship. “That opened my eyes to the excitement of starting a business or being your own boss and choosing your own path,” he said. Over time, though, while he realized that entrepreneurship gave him direction, he didn’t see it as his only pathway.

As he progressed through coursework, Winston discovered a passion for analytics and the structure behind innovation. Courses in data analysis, machine learning and neural networks shifted his academic focus while expanding his vision for the future.

“In the future, data is going to be everything. Understanding data and data rights, the structure of data and how to analyze it—that’s going to be huge,” Winston said. Rather than choosing between creativity and technical skill, he committed to both.

A timeless philosophy

Through athletics, academics and leadership, one philosophy has guided Winston’s decisions: “You don't just get handed opportunities, you seek them, and you build your own opportunities. So, it's really important to say yes to as many things as possible.”

He looks forward to building a future based on that mindset. “Eventually, opportunities will seek you out, and then you just have to pick and choose what is most valuable to you.”

From sprinting with Ralphie to tackling business analytics, Matthew Winston channels relentless focus into showing up fully and getting the job done.

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Ying Zeng, Assistant Professor of Marketing

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:16:35 +0000

Ying Zeng, Assistant Professor of Marketing Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 02/13/2026 - 07:16

Jane Majkiewicz

There’s a good reason Assistant Professor of Marketing Ying Zeng studies consumer decision-making: she considers herself terrible at it. Holding up a handful of “blind box” collectibles, she admitted, “You can’t imagine how many blind boxes I’ve bought.” As she contemplated one of her treasures, she couldn’t help but point out that it’s actually ugly. “I am a bad decision maker, extremely bad.”

So why does she—or anyone—buy them? For Zeng, one explanation is they fuel her research into why consumers—herself included—make inconsistent and irrational choices. There’s an adage that we teach what we most need to learn. “Exactly,” said Zeng.

One decision she never questions, however, is joining Leeds.

A work-life balance and then some

After studying and teaching in Peking, Chicago and Toronto, Boulder is the first small city Zeng has lived in—and it feels like an ideal fit.

“Usually, academic scholars make our career choices based on two aspects. One is what’s best for our career development, and the other is what’s best for our life in general. For me, Leeds is a perfect balance of both.”

She was drawn early on to Leeds’ Marketing division, which she describes as “top tier,” with a global reputation and faculty whose work she has long admired. Applying only to “top” PhD programs, Leeds was on her list. She ultimately earned her doctorate from the University of Toronto, but Leeds never left her mind. “Now I'm very fortunate to be a faculty member, which means I am technically allowed to stay forever,” she quipped.

Valuing excellence is central to Zeng’s experience. “Leeds has a strong culture of high standards and continuous improvement, which has pushed me to be more rigorous and intentional in both my research and teaching. I’m constantly encouraged to aim higher and create meaningful impact in the field.”

“I’m constantly encouraged to aim higher and create meaningful impact in the field.”

Ying Zeng, Assistant Professor of Marketing

Academic excellence in the classroom

Since her arrival in 2024, Zeng has been impressed with Leeds students. Her undergraduate marketing research course is “very hardcore”—full of technical concepts, causal thinking and philosophical underpinnings. But Leeds students rise to the challenge.

“They’re amazing at understanding complex concepts, handling the homework, working on group projects and the case analysis.” Students are curious and thoughtful, asking high-quality, advanced questions, she said.

More importantly, she sees them as generous. “They’re not trying to refrain from sharing things by viewing others as competitors … they love their classmates, the class, what they're working on and what they study. That enthusiasm and optimism make me feel lucky to teach them.”

Graduate students show the same drive—smart, hardworking and “genuinely curious about scientific questions.” They aren’t simply checking boxes. “They’re here to really learn, grow and contribute to knowledge. That is something I find very precious.”

Working with PhD students has also been gratifying. One sometimes texts her at 10 p.m. with new ideas—not something she encourages—but the work ethic and dedication inspire her. “I’m advising them, but I’m also learning from them.”

Zeng’s Insights in the Spotlight

Since joining Leeds, Ying Zeng’s research has been featured in several 91��ý Today articles. Her expertise has been sought by major media outlets, including Yahoo Finance and The Wall Street Journal.

Stories include:

"You're Probably Misreading Online Reviews. Here's Why"

"Use AI to Shop Smarter—Not Spend More—This Holiday Season"

"Your Brain on Black Friday"

"Labubu 'Blind Box' Trend Reveals Why Surprise and Scarcity Keep Us Shopping"

"How to Survive Mundane Tasks Without Feeling Drained"

Research that really makes a difference

Zeng’s own habits feed her research. “I am so obsessed with buying random, weird things that make me feel somewhat self-reflective and self-conscious. This drives me to understand the psychology underlying that.”

Looking at one of her blind-box collectibles, she reflected: “The more I stare at it, the more it starts to transfer from ugly to attractive to me.” Such purchases, she noted, are how “we connect with the world, with other people and with ourselves.” These choices defy cost-benefit analysis and cold, rational thinking, she said.

“One big stream of my research is on consumer attitude expression.” She studies why consumers chase high ratings and low prices only to regret poor-quality purchases later, which often leads to waste. The findings have garnered attention in mainstream media, including The Wall Street Journal.

New research explores why e-commerce platforms are saturated with five-star reviews, determining that social norms discourage lower scores. “But if every product gets five stars, it’s hard for consumers to tell high quality from low quality,” she said.

The practical solution: “Use review sites to guide your decisions.” Goodreads is one example—though owned by Amazon, its reviews tend to be more thoughtful because they’re less sales-driven.

Her broader aim is a “win-win-win”—benefiting businesses, consumers and policymakers. Businesses can improve products and innovation, consumers can enhance their lives, and governments can make more effective regulations that keep consumer welfare top of mind.

Five stars for Leeds

Having grown up in southwest China and lived in major cities, Boulder’s outdoor culture has been a welcome—and humbling—shift for Zeng. She arrived thinking she was a competent skier only to realize, “No, I’m elementary-school level!”

The challenge motivates her. “With all these mountains and everyone being so good, I have so much to learn, and I find it super rewarding.” Boulder’s active lifestyle has also nudged her into going to the gym and enjoying K-pop dancing, helping her balance fun with academic rigor.

The Leeds community makes all the difference. “Both our faculty members and our students are real gems. There’s a real sense of respect, openness and support that makes it easy to ask questions, exchange ideas and build things together.”

And that is—unequivocally—her unbiased rating.

Ying Zeng’s research on consumer behavior reveals how businesses and consumers make decisions—even offering some surprising insights about her own choices.

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Pratik Sunuwar (Mktg’28)

Kelsey Cipolla — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:04:03 +0000

Pratik Sunuwar (Mktg’28) Kelsey Cipolla Thu, 02/05/2026 - 16:04

Georgia Horan

Photo by Nathan Thompson

For Pratik Sunuwar (Mktg’28), boxing is no longer just a sport. It’s the place where he learned, “I'm stronger than I think I am.” As a Leeds sophomore studying marketing, he keeps boxing as a top priority—and with good reason: In December 2025, he was ranked the No. 1 amateur middleweight in the United States.

Behind that success is a family that quietly shaped his worth ethic. Sunuwar had long training days during the pandemic, with his brother training beside him, turning isolation into a shared routine. “We were just training all the time, all the time,” he said. Those hours were not only about improving his technique. They were about learning how to keep going when everything else slowed down.

His mindset shifted during the pandemic. It was a period of uncertainty that reshaped many students’ lives, including his. He began taking boxing seriously. With classes disrupted and daily life altered, training became his anchor.

Then came a pause that changed everything. “I took a big break,” he said. “And when I came back to compete, I just started dominating.” The effect was immediate and dramatic. For the first time, Sunuwar began to see himself differently. “At that point, I realized I have something special.”

From casual to professional

In his early years, boxing wasn’t something Sunuwar viewed as a defining part of his future. It was simply an outlet. “I had competed before that point, but I didn't think I was that good, you know?” For a long time, boxing was “just to stay in shape and to have a fun sport.” There were no long-term plans and no expectations of championships or recognition, only routine, repetition and enjoyment.

But coming to 91��ý deepened his relationship with boxing. In a city where he had already spent years training, the transition to college pulled him closer to the gym. Now competing as an amateur middleweight, Sunuwar fights in the 165-pound division. Reaching and maintaining weight requires constant discipline. “I mean, it sucks, but that's what you've got to do sometimes,” he said. Still, the challenge drives him forward, and it opens doors to competing internationally. “It’s exciting. It's a different level of competition, so it'll help me grow.”

Balancing academics and athletics

Balancing training with school isn’t easy. As a marketing major at Leeds, Sunuwar structures his days around both academics and athletics. The same streets lead him from lecture halls to the boxing gym, tying his academic life directly to his athletic one.

Mornings begin in the classroom. Evenings end at the gym. The discipline that keeps him in shape is the same discipline that carries him through long days of studying.

When he looks back on his journey, what stays with him most is not a single fight, but the work it took to get here. He continues to prove to himself that he has what it takes—one class, one workout and one fight at a time.

While most students were wrapping up finals and heading into winter break last December, Pratik Sunuwar was juggling deadlines with the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships.

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