Anderson Ambassadors

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: BE in Information Technology, Mumbai University

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Anderson Program: Masters’ of Science in CyberSecurity and Business Analytics (MS-CBA)

Email: sonalig@unm.edu

What’s your story?
After graduating in 2017, I became part of a multinational IT company and worked as a Technology Business Analyst for 4 years. During this time I got to work on diverse tools and technologies, it was also this time where I identified my inclination towards Data Visualization & Statistical Analysis. My decision to pursue a Master's of Science in CyberSecurity and Business Analytics was driven by my passion for analyzing data to discover insights & uncover trends, and also by increasing market demand for leaders of the highest qualification – who have skills to apply technology and its newer iteration in the creation of business models.

What are your career goals?
In the long-term, I envision myself as a highly-skilled consultant or a manager in the Information Technology industry.

Why Anderson School of Management?
While shortlisting Universities for my Master’s course I was focused on STEM approval, relevant coursework, and affordability. UNM Anderson School of Management was a perfect fit after considering these factors.

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: BA in Psychology with a minor in Business

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Anderson Program: MBA for Professionals

Email: mlucero33@unm.edu

Ambassador Position:  Vice-President

What’s your story?
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with other honors. I am passionate about politics, veterans, and volunteering for different causes.

What are your career goals?
My end goal is to become a Human Resource Director of an institution.

Why Anderson School of Management?
Albuquerque is where I was born and raised; I am lucky that UNM offers a wonderful AACSB Business school. Ideally, I would like to reinvest my education back into my hometown and start a nonprofit to help veterans reintegrate back into the civilian workforce and utilize my BA in Psychology to provide a strong support system to aid in their successful transition back into society.

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

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Anderson Program: MBA for Professionals

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.