Anderson Ambassadors

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained:
Bachelor of Science Elementary Education

Hometown: Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Anderson Program: MBA

Email:  tuesdaycooke1@unm.edu

What’s your story?
I was born and raised in Rio Rancho, New Mexico and love the sunshine, outdoors activities and community that have come with living here for my whole life. I completed my BS in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University in 2020 and then entered the work force as a first-grade teacher in Rio Rancho. As a first-year teacher during unprecedented times, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and given the opportunity to grow professionally and personally in ways that were unexpected due to the unique circumstances presented in 2020. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, spending time with my family and squeezing in the occasional nap when my schedule allows.

What are your career goals?
Over the next two years I would like to pursue opportunities in administration or project management. Anderson has led me to learn more about myself as a professional and potential career paths outside of education I may be interested in. Eventually, I would love to open my own charter school to better serve the unique needs of students in Albuquerque and beyond.

Why Anderson School of Management?
I love to learn, and I love school, I think that is a huge part of the reason I chose to become a teacher. I chose to pursue an MBA from Anderson as it presented an intriguing opportunity to broaden my horizons professionally as well as continue to learn and pursue leadership opportunities within the realm of education. I owe this decision to my mentor and friend, Jenny, for pushing me to try something new and exciting outside of elementary education. With the flexibility to continue to work full time and go to school, Anderson was a clear winner.

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained: BA Latin American Studies/Spanish, UNM

Hometown: Colombia/Acton, MA

Anderson Program: Executive MBA

Email: semmons@unm.edu

Ambassador Position:  Vice-President

What’s your story?
Though I grew up in New England, I consider Albuquerque home. I’m currently the Operations Manager at KUNM Radio, the public radio station broadcasting from the University of New Mexico. Outside of work, I’m an avid urban biker and spend time and energy on house projects. I enjoy the techno dance scene and try to travel as much as I can. I’ve also attended and survived the Burning Man festival in the dusty Nevada desert four times.

What are your career goals?
Eventually I would like to transition out of the public radio world and into a different career, either at UNM or in the film and TV industry here in Albuquerque.

Why Anderson School of Management?
In the last six years as Operations Manager, I’ve learned I’m a pretty good manager, but I could always be better. In the year coming out of the worst of the COVID crisis, this seemed like the right time to go back to school for a graduate degree. The EMBA program was especially appealing as a way to immediately apply the knowledge I gain in my classes to my day-to-day work. As a program meant for working professionals, the class structure also works well with my full time job.

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained:
BA in International Business

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Anderson Program: MBA

Email: cfernandes@unm.edu

Ambassador Position:  Treasurer

What’s your story?
I am an international student from Brazil living and studying in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My journey as a foreign student started almost 6 years ago in 2017 when I decided to leave my home country to travel and learn a new language in the US. I was an Au pair for 2 years before I decided to go back to school here in NM. I have been to more than 40 states, as traveling is one of my passions along with Finance and Accounting. My career path started when I was 17 as an intern for a commercial bank (HSBC) working with trading. At the age of 21, I graduated from college, while I was a manager for one of the biggest commercial banks in South America (Itau Unibanco). I am also a CPA certified. My first goal coming to the US was to learn English, however life had other plans for me as I am currently pursuing an MBA.

What are your career goals?
I am looking for a job where I can combine the languages I speak (Portuguese, English and Spanish) and a company that would give me the opportunity to challenge myself. I am highly interested in Accounting, Economics and Finance.

Why Anderson School of Management?
I always say that I didn’t choose New Mexico, New Mexico chose me. Anderson is a place where I feel accepted and welcomed. It is a place where I can combine an amazing curriculum with affordable tuition.

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained: AS in Medical Laboratory Technology; BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Anderson Program: Executive MBA

Email: elhernandez3223@unm.edu

Ambassador Position:  Secretary

What’s your story?
I am a US Navy veteran and proud member of the Diné nation. I have been a Medical Laboratory Scientist for 21 years. I started in a rapid lab, hospital setting, then went on to become a travel Medical Laboratory Scientist for four years working in hospitals throughout the United States. Now I am the Evening and Night shift Supervisor at the New Mexico Veterans Administration Healthcare Systems (NMVAHCS). I decided to pursue my EMBA to further enhance my career. I enjoy working with and for my fellow veterans.

What are your career goals?
The type of job I’m aiming for after graduation is to become a part of the Senior Executive Service within the VA Medical System. This will allow me to be part of the change and future of the VA.

Why Anderson School of Management?
Anderson was always my choice for a graduate program, just from its reputation and word of mouth from prior graduates. Anderson School of Management just made sense for my lifestyle and schedule. The ability to go to school on my days off really was a plus. My EMBA ‘22 cohort is actually the first cohort to start and complete the program during an active pandemic.

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained:
BS in Health, Society & Policy

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

Anderson Program: MBA

Email: Bronte.penrose3@unm.edu

Ambassador Position:  Member

What’s your story?
I was born in Australia, raised in Portland, Oregon, and went to undergrad at University of Utah. After graduation I returned to Portland to work at Providence Health & Services outpatient rehabilitation, where I gained a knack for meeting the needs of patients and providers. From there I transitioned into one of Portland’s main urban hospitals and took on interventional cardiology coordination. I chose this field very intentionally, for exposure to a full and complex service line and am still working in this position remotely from Albuquerque. Highlights of my first year in New Mexico have been great food, amazing birding, and new friends.

What are your career goals?
My five year plan has me working with provider logistics, improving specialty service overlap, workforce, or outreach. I love finding ways to improve patient care and the experience of their providers. Imagining my ten year plan is why I’m here at Anderson, I’m drawn to healthcare for its complex economy and undeniable purpose, there are countless ways I can imagine fulfilling my goals.

Why Anderson School of Management?
I’m pursuing my MBA at Anderson for a deeper understanding of leadership, strategic planning, conflict management, economics, and revenue cycles. With these tools and my solid experience in clinic and hospital settings, I’ll be equipped to bring creative and positive changes to the environment I feel lucky to be a part of.

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained:
BBA with a concentration in Finance; Minor in Economics

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Anderson Program: MBA

Email: mslenes@unm.edu

Ambassador Position:  President

What’s your story?
I graduated in 2021 with a 3.82 GPA. Throughout my undergraduate, I worked as a host, server, bartender, and assistant manager at Jinja Bar & Bistro in the Northeast Heights. Upon graduating with my Bachelors’ degree, I took a long-term internship at UAS Wealth Advisors. I am currently working at UAS where I trade securities for clients, help advisors with retirement plans, create financial proposals, and research the overall stock market. Alongside this internship, I am working at UNM as a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Reilly White and Ms. Marisa Martinez.

What are your career goals?
I plan on becoming a Chartered Financial Planner (CFP) after graduating to become a financial advisor. As a personal goal, I would like to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) within the next 10 years. I am planning on turning my internship into a career after I graduate with an MBA in 2023.

Why Anderson School of Management?
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, and I knew that Anderson’s business school was great. Given the great program, low in-state tuition costs, scholarships offered, and the fact that I could live with my parents throughout college, I couldn’t see myself being at any other school! I really enjoy the professors and staff at UNM, and I’ve really been able to connect with these wonderful people throughout achieving my MBA.

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained: English (International Business)

Hometown: China

Anderson Program: MBA, Healthcare Track

Email: csu@unm.edu

What’s your story?
I am Changxin Su, my English name is Leo. Before I came to the US, I worked in Shanghai as a sales manager in an international trade business company. My job was influenced by the pandemic situation, so I decided to continue to study. I was mainly responsible for expanding markets and developing new business opportunities. My job also brought me chances to discover health care policies in different countries and understand the global health care industry. I wish to study the MBA to deepen my understanding of global health care systems and management, enhance my managerial skills, and boost our business.

Undergraduate Degree/Other degrees obtained:
BBA in Accounting and Finance

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Anderson Program: MS in Project Management (MSPM) & MS in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics (MSCBA)

Email: nhill01@unm.edu

What’s your story?
I graduated in December of 2017 with a BBA in Accounting and Finance. I am a mom and a wife, and we are a baseball family. Go Cardinals! In my job, I am doing project management work and I have totally fallen in love with this work. Sorry to say, but it is a lot more interesting (to me) than accounting work. In April I took and passed the PMP exam and am now a certified Project Management Professional.

What are your career goals?
My career goals are to advance in my career doing project management work. I want to become a project manager and help the organization that I am in to make improvements through project management techniques I am learning in my classes.

Why Anderson School of Management?
Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to go to business school. After going to Anderson for my undergrad, I knew that I would be going back to Anderson for my master's degree. It was a long-term goal, and I knew that Anderson school of Management would be part of that goal! I am extremely excited to be an Anderson Ambassador and encourage others to continue their education at Anderson!