Campus Ambassadors

Students from all over the world are represented at Thunderbird. The school's Campus Ambassadors exemplify the diversity for which Thunderbird is known - and they are here to help you get to know Thunderbird and the life-changing experience we offer.

To speak with a Campus Ambassador, please contact:

Niky Chokshi, Global Community Engagement Manager
Niky.Chokshi@thunderbird.edu
+1 602 978-7486

Africa: Barry Nyaundi Nyauke

Citizenship(s): Kenya
Geographic areas of expertise: Sub-Saharan Africa
Academic program: Master of Science in Global Marketing
Academic focus at Thunderbird: Global Marketing
Industry experiences/interests: Consumer goods, marketing consulting
Clubs/associations/activities: SHARE Fellowship, Barrett Honor Scholar, Campus Ambassador Program, Honor Council, African Business Club, Thunderbird Rugby Football Club
Languages: English, Kiswahili

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
I chose Thunderbird because it provided the unique confluence of a world-renowned international business program and faculty and alumni with a serious engagement with Sub-Saharan Africa, my region of interest. Thunderbird will equip me with the tools and network to thrive as a business leader in a part of the world that is awakening and is poised to be the next high-growth region.

Africa: Caroline Kenduywa

Citizenship(s): Kenya
Geographic areas of expertise: Sub-Saharan Africa & U.S
Academic Program: Master of Arts in Global Affairs & Management
Academic focus at Thunderbird: Global Development
Industry experiences/interests: International development in Emerging Markets (Africa), Strategy Consulting Experience: Entrepreneurship, Finance
Clubs/associations/activities: Thunderbird Campus Ambassador, V.P Africa Business Club, Net Impact, TEMBA, & MBA Womens International
Languages: English, Swahili, German

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
I chose Thunderbird because it was the only place that could equip me with the right tools in integrating global leadership, global entrepreneurship and global business development in a sustainable environment. I intend to apply these skills in the development of emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in the East African region.

Africa: Jennifer Juma

Citizenship(s): Nigeria
Geographic areas of expertise: Sub-Saharan Africa; North America; Emerging economies
Academic program: Masters of Science in Global Management
Academic focus at Thunderbird: Global Management
Industry experiences/interests:
Consulting, Microfinance, Agribusiness and International Development
Clubs/associations/activities: Africa Business Club, Net Impact, ThunderDance
Languages: English, Hausa

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
To get more global exposure and education to be able to pursue an impactful career that creates sustainable prosperity across borders.

The Americas: Carolyn Fifi

Citizenship(s): Citizen of Trinidad and Tobago
Geographic areas of expertise: Caribbean and Latin America
Academic program: Full-time MBA
Academic focus at Thunderbird: General Management
Industry experiences/interests: Equity Partner of a commercial law firm with special emphasis on cross-border mergers and acquisitions; Legal Counsel of the Caribbean operations of a multinational bank
Clubs/associations/activities: Volunteer at Trinidad and Tobago Coalition Against Domestic Violence; long distance running and high-intensity interval training
Languages: English (native), French (intermediate), Spanish (intermediate) and Mandarin Chinese (basic)

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
Thunderbird is the premier provider of a global business education. This is reflected in the diversity of its curriculum, student body and faculty. The faculty makes the course content relatable by drawing on international examples/experiences. I believe that Thunderbird will equip me with knowledge of business fundamentals as well as the key skills required in cross-cultural environments so that I can transition successfully to a career in business development and strategic planning with a global company.

The Americas: Juan Hidalgo

Citizenship(s): Colombia/US
Geographic areas of expertise: Latin America
Academic program: Full-time MBA
Academic focus at Thunderbird: Global Marketing
Clubs/associations/activities: Latin American Exchanges,
Latin American Business and Culture Club
Languages: English/Spanish/Portuguese

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
Thunderbird provides an experience unlike any other university, allowing all individuals to live under a cross-cultural umbrella that cannot be found anywhere in the world. Classes, team projects, after school activities, etc, allow students to constantly be around other students from all over the world who are eager to share and learn from other cultures. Thunderbird has always been the ideal place for me. After working for a couple of years I knew that my next step would be to come here. This is the ideal institution for me that would provide the specific tools in order to progress in my career as an international executive.

The Americas: Yemile Salazar Ojeda

Campus Ambassador - Yemile Salazar Ojeda

Citizenship(s): United States and Mexico
Geographic areas of expertise: USA, Europe, Mexico, Latin America
Academic program: Master of Science in Global Marketing
Academic focus at Thunderbird: Global Marketing
Industry experiences/interests:
Former Northern Arizona University Group Exercise Instructor and Resident Assistant
Clubs/associations/activities:
Thunderdance, Thunderbird Marketing Association, Campus Ambassador and Latin American Business and Culture Club
Languages: English and Spanish

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
I chose Thunderbird because Thunderbird strives to educate global leaders who create sustainable prosperity worldwide. I foresee myself living out this mission statement by working for a company that strives to make the world a better place, and my education at Thunderbird will allow me to make a difference.

Asia: Anisha Vinny

Citizenship(s): India
Geographic areas of expertise: India, Middle East
Academic program: Full-time MBA
Industry experiences/interests: Technology, Consulting. Function: Business Development, Strategy, Operations
Clubs/associations/activities: Campus Ambassadors, Thunderbird Student Government, Foundations Leader, Net Impact, Thunderbird Management Consulting Association, Indian Sub-continent Club, MBA Women International
Languages: English, Malayalam, Hindi

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
I chose Thunderbird because I wanted to receive a business education with a global focus. The great faculty, the international opportunities, the diverse cultures and backgrounds represented in the student body attracted me to Thunderbird.

Asia: Karan Passey

Citizenship(s): India
Geographic areas of expertise: Asia, North America
Academic program: Full-time MBA
Academic focus at Thunderbird: Consulting and Corporate Strategy
Industry experiences/interests: Strategic/Risk Advisory Services in Financial Services, IT & ITES, Healthcare
Clubs/associations/activities: President - Thunderbird Management Consulting Association (TMCA), Peer Career Advisor and Thunderbird Campus Ambassador
Languages: English, Hindi and Marathi

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
Thunderbirds have a unique mindset. Truly global citizens, Thunderbirds are able to adapt to any environment and enjoy exploring new cultures and environments. I wanted an education and experience that is focused on developing global managers, so Thunderbird was a natural choice for me and - like many others at Thunderbird - it was the only business school to which I applied.

Asia: Vi Braun

Citizenship(s): Vietnamese/ U.S
Geographic areas of expertise: Asia Pacific Academic Program: Traditional MBA Academic Focus at Thunderbird: Consulting Industry Experiences/interests: Financial services/ Strategic Business Development Consulting
Clubs/associations/activities: Campus Ambassador Program, Thunderbird Management Consulting Association, TEMBA, Net Impact, ThunderDance, Vietnam Business and
Cultural Club.
Languages: Vietnamese, English

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
Thunderbird attracted me with the wide International exposures throughout the academic program and the tight-knit community. Globalization is a trend not just in business development, but also in interpreting in other life aspects as the barriers are fading. Thunderbird was the right choice to develop my skills streamlined with the growth in globalization.

Asia: Wenping (Chelsea) Zhang

Citizenship(s): China
Geographic areas of expertise: Sourcing events sales and operation
Academic program: Full-time MBA
Academic focus at Thunderbird: Marketing & Global Management
Industry experiences/interests: Marketing & sales, strategic marketing
Clubs/Associations/Activities: Campus Ambassador Program, Thunderbird Marketing Association, ToastMaster Club, Greater China Club, Volleyball Club
Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
I joined Thunderbird to prepare myself to be a business leader in multinationals. This is the right place to shape that edge. Here on campus, I enjoy the global perspectives students bring into class, and the global experiences our program offers to prepare us to stand out.

Europe: Borijan Borozanov

Citizenship(s): Macedonian
Geographic areas of expertise: Europe, SEE
Academic program: Full-time MBA
Academic focus at Thunderbird: General Management
Industry experiences/interests: Investment promotion, Project Management, Government, Construction, Real Estate Development/Management Consulting, Strategic Business Development, International Development
Clubs/associations/activities: Campus Ambassador Program, Thunderbird Management Consulting Association, European Club
Languages: English; Serbian, Croatian, Bulgarian and Macedonian

Why did you choose Thunderbird?
I have identified a very strong connection between my personal values and Thunderbird's mission and legacy. Even more, Thunderbird matched perfectly with my quest for top global education, excellent alumni network and very unique collaborative environment.