Asia-Pacific Region
Adit Akerkar | MBA 26
Location: Mumbai, India
Future Industry: Consulting
Haas Clubs: Haas Consulting Club, Haas Soccer Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Access to unparalleled resources in consulting and entrepreneurship
Favorite thing about the Haas community: How close knit the network is. Haasies adore each other and that has also been so helpful while recruiting too. I've found some of the most amazing and kindest people here.
Fun fact: Since 4 years I've had each new haircut in a new city. Covered 5 countries and 19 cities in the process,with some awesome memories.
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Anthony Kim | MBA 26
Location: Seoul, South Korea/Chengdu, China
Future Industry: Climate-Tech
Haas Clubs: Berkeley Energy & Resource Collaborative, Haas Golf Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Hikes and visits to the National Parks (Yosemite, the Rockies... and more to come)
Favorite thing about the Haas community: You can be yourself! The Haas community genuinely believes that diversity leads to collective growth and seeds innovation. And so, at Haas, everyone’s unique experiences and perspectives are valued and heard. So you can always be your authentic self.
Fun fact: I lived in 7 different countries on 3 different continents.
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Kotaro Koike | MBA 26
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Future Industry: Clean Tech/Mobility
Haas Clubs: Aerospace@Haas, Haas Technology Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Finally getting to watch Shohei Ohtani live at the Oakland Coliseum!
Favorite thing about the Haas community: The people here are not only kind and caring, but also deeply ambitious, and it creates an environment where everyone supports one another through every challenge. Whether it's sharing advice, collaborating on projects, or simply offering encouragement, the spirit of camaraderie is truly inspiring and makes all the difference in our collective success.
Fun fact: Never have I ever worn a helmet while skiing (I will this season!).
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Arpita Pandey | MBA 26
Location: Hyderabad, India
Future Industry: Entrepreneurship
Haas Clubs: Co-President of Female Founders and Funders, Haas Technology Club, Haas Consulting Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: One of my favorite memories after moving to the US was a road trip with my siblings along the Pacific Coast Highway, from San Diego to Bakersfield, filled with breathtaking views and endless laughter.
Favorite thing about the Haas community: What I love most about Haas is how it feels like home. The Defining Leadership Principles aren’t just words—they’re lived out in everyday moments, like classmates sharing advice or pushing each other to think differently. It’s a place where I’ve found a community that inspires me to grow and give back, all while staying true to myself.
Fun fact: I’m a trained classical dancer, violinist, and guitarist, plus a certified scuba diver and mountaineer—always ready to perform, explore, or climb to new heights!
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Weiru Ye | MBA 26
Location: Shanghai, China
Future Industry: Tech
Haas Clubs: Haas Tech Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: I went to high school and college in the US and this is the third time that I’m moving back to the US! California is hands down the best state and so grateful for the weather and proximity to nature and SF.
Favorite thing about the Haas community: Haasies are impact-driven but also have fun! I genuinely appreciate and enjoy everyone’s presence around me and very grateful to be part of this community
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Veronica Zeng | MBA 26
Location: Shenzhen, China/Singapore
Future Industry: Healthcare, Tech
Haas Clubs: Healthcare, Tech, Product Management, Women in Leadership
Favorite memory about moving to the US: I have been on three student-led trips during the first two months of MBA: San Diego, Las Vegas, Yellowstone National Park, and they are amazing! I had a great time exploring the U.S. with lovely classmates!
Favorite thing about the Haas community: People at Haas are exceptionally caring and supportive, embodying its defining leadership principles, “Beyond Yourself” and “Confidence Without Attitude,” in every interaction. Haas is also an incredibly community-oriented institution where we come together to celebrate each other’s successes, provide a helping hand during tough times, and share knowledge and experiences openly. This tight-knit and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect, enabling everyone to grow both personally and professionally. Whether through student-led initiatives or casual conversations in the courtyard, the spirit of community is palpable, making Haas a place where relationships are formed that last a lifetime.
Fun fact: I studied and worked in 6 countries in APAC and Europe, and learned German, ancient Latin and Greek at college.
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Rachael Abayomi | MBA 26
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Future Industry: Technology/Investment Banking
Haas Clubs: Haas Finance club, BBSA, AfBC, Redwood@Haas, Food@Haas
Favorite memory about moving to the US: My favorite thing about moving to the Bay Area has been joining student clubs and attending different campus events at UC Berkeley. It’s exciting to hear from inspiring speakers, and feel part of such a vibrant community.
Favorite thing about the Haas community: My favorite thing about the Haas community is how everyone truly lives up to our core values. Students go above and beyond to support each other, the school management tailors the curriculum and activities to be student-focused, and everyone is genuinely approachable. And yes, I love that Haas is such a diverse and inclusive community as well!
Fun Fact: I once tried learning five different languages at the same time—now I can order coffee in French, Spanish, and Korean, but I might mix them up!
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Frederick Amoako Awuah | MBA 26
Location: Accra, Ghana
Future Industry: Energy/Technology/Finance
Haas Clubs: Finance Club, Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative, Africa Business Club, 1G Club, Policy and Politics Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: When I first moved to the Bay Area, I was greeted by a weather pattern that felt completely new to me, with daylight still illuminating the sky in the evening.
Favorite thing about the Haas community: My favorite thing about the Haas community is its incredible diversity. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich environment for learning and collaboration.
Fun fact: I’ve earned the tag of being the most hilarious person in every institution I’ve been a part of!
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Jean Roch (JR) Donsimoni | MBA 26
Location: London/France/Germany
Future Industry: Video Games
Haas Clubs: Digital Media & Entertainment Club, Tech Club, Product Management Club, Haas AI and Data Science Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: During our fall break, I went on a solo road trip up the northern California coast and up to Seattle. I saw some incredibly beautiful views and really enjoyed some lesser known areas of the West Coast. A close second would be our recent Cal-o-Ween event, which was incredibly fun, especially seeing all of my friends and classmates dressed up in absolutely hilarious outfits!
Favorite thing about the Haas community: It’s been unbelievably supportive and close, especially with my fellow Axies (proud Axe cohort member here!). It’s only been a few months, but I definitely know I have friends I’ll keep for the long-term and everyone has been willing to help at every turn. Nothing but good things to say!
Fun fact: I have a black belt in kickboxing, I bungee jumped from 108m (~355ft), and this is not my first graduate degree (already got a PhD beforehand).
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Avanika Lal | MBA 26
Location: London, UK
Future Industry: Coaching (Leadership/Executive/Team)
Haas Clubs: Senior Vice President of LAUNCH, Leadership Coach for the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy, Teams@Haas Undergraduate Coach
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Embracing the open-mindedness, creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Bay Area. There’s a unique energy here that pushes you to think bigger and bolder, and I'm grateful to be part of it!
Favorite thing about the Haas community: How everyone is each other’s cheerleader! It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who genuinely celebrate each other's successes and encourage one another to reach new heights.
Fun fact: I’ve competed around the world with a professional Indian dance team!
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Peter Oke | MBA 26
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Future Industry: Investment Banking/ Technology
Haas Clubs: Finance Club, Technology Club, Soccer Club, BBSA, AfBC
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Attending my first Warriors game and getting to see Steph Curry in person (even though he was injured and didn’t play). I’m looking forward to my next visit when he’s actually on the court!
Favorite thing about the Haas community: The shared values among Haas community members, rooted in the Four Leadership Principles. Everyone is genuinely supportive and willing to go the extra mile to help one another. The environment is highly collaborative, and you don’t feel a cutthroat sense of competition, even during elections or recruitment processes.
Fun fact: I love people-watching when visiting new places like Cancun, Helsinki, or Birmingham. It’s fascinating to observe how culture and daily life differ around the world.
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Vlad Silchenko | MBA 26
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Future Industry:Entrepreneurship/Venture Capital
Haas Clubs: Berkeley Entrepreneurs Association
Favorite memory about moving to the US: My favorite memory about moving to the United States is arriving in the Bay Area, where everyone is a builder. Here, it feels like innovation is woven into everyday life—surrounded by people from around the world, all here to create, build, and push boundaries. With over 300 unicorns in San Francisco alone, there’s an energy in the air that’s contagious, inspiring me to think big and be part of something greater.
Favorite thing about the Haas community: My favorite thing about the Haas community is how genuinely people connect. Everyone here is truly interested in getting to know you, your story, and your journey—creating a close-knit, supportive environment that feels like a second home.
Fun Fact: I’m a wine connoisseur with a personal collection tracked on Vivino. During the war, I found a bottle of Northern Californian wine in Kyiv and promised to open it only if I was accepted into a business school in the region. I finally opened that bottle when I got the call from Berkeley Haas—a true taste of victory.
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Joaquin Burmester | MBA 26
Location: Santiago, Chile
Future Industry: Consulting & AgTech
Haas Clubs: Food@Haas, Latin American & Hispanic Business Association (LAHBA), Redwoods@Haas
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Backpacking in the national parks of the Southwest! Enjoying the beauty of Zion, swimming in the Colorado River, and falling asleep under the stars in the darkness of the Grand Canyon are some of my favorites memories here so far.
Favorite thing about the Haas community: Its generosity! The people at Haas are genuinely incredible and always ready to lend a hand. Whether it’s sharing resources, connecting you with valuable contacts or offering guidance, their support is remarkable.
Fun fact: I have been doing horseback riding since I was 5 years old, and I can also move both of my ears at the same time.
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Leslie Castro | MBA 26
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Future Industry: Consulting or Strategy & Ops (Tech)
Haas Clubs: Haas Consulting Club, Product Management Club, Latin American & Hispanic Business Association (LAHBA)
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Stepping onto campus for the first time and feeling like I had just walked into an American movie, thinking, 'This is my new life.' Also, seeing the sunset with the Golden Gate in the background felt surreal—it still surprises me every afternoon.
Favorite thing about the Haas community: How quickly it feels like home. In just a few months, I’ve found myself surrounded by people who genuinely care—whether it’s offering advice, lifting each other up during tough moments, or simply sharing a laugh, the support and connection here are truly one of a kind. These are friendships for life.
Fun fact: I'm great at recognizing actors from one movie to another—even the ones you’d never expect to remember; Once, I got lost with friends trekking in northern Italy. After five hours, we stumbled into a village that looked straight out of a horror movie... and that’s when I decided hiking might not be for me.
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Diego Morales Gonzalez | MBA 26
Location: Mexico City
Future Industry: Management Consulting
Haas Clubs: ALMA
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Stargazing at Lake Tahoe
Favorite thing about the Haas community: It’s diversity of cultures, represented by heartwarming and inspirational people. I can find each part of the world in my colleagues, learning and growing jointly.
Fun fact: I left with my mom 2 beautiful dogs in Mexico since I miss them so much, I have transformed my love for taking care of living things towards taking care of many plants. Now I have more than 6 plants in my room and balcony.
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Gonzalo Vasquez | MBA 26
Location: Lima, Perú
Future Industry: Tech (Product Management)
Haas Clubs: Haas Tech Club, Product Management Club, Latin American & Hispanic Business Association (LAHBA), Digital Media and Entertainment, Soccer Club
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Breathing in the tech ecosystem! Getting the chance to hear and be inspired, live, by people like Mark Zuckerberg, Shreyas Doshi, or Tony Fadell, and attending the Notion annual event in SF (my favorite product). Also, having so many hiking trails and beautiful nature scenes so close to campus. I absolutely love walking back home!
Favorite thing about the Haas community: It’s collaborative and supportive nature. I remember some people wanted to learn how to play tennis, and volunteers stepped up to host a beginners' tennis clinic. The same spirit applies to tech recruiting. Also, I’m currently living in the same apartment where I stayed for Days at Haas, thanks to a second year referral. That’s the true essence of collaboration!
Fun fact: I’m naturally ambidextrous, especially when it comes to sports! I write with my right hand, but on the field, I’m left-footed in soccer, right-handed in tennis, and shoot with my left hand in basketball. To top it off, I can switch effortlessly between hands when playing ping pong!
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Yael Shavitt | MBA 26
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Future Industry: Corporate Finance/Investing
Haas Clubs: Finance Club/Investment Club, Women in Leadership, Latin American & Hispanic Business Association (LAHBA)
Favorite memory about moving to the US: Camping for the first time in my life at Yosemite during Haasemite! Making smores at the campfire under a sky full of stars, after a day of amazing hikes and views - all of that with the best company possible of other haasies was truly a memory for life! Can’t wait for Haasemite 2025!
Favorite thing about the Haas community: How everyone truly embraces the ‘paying it forward’ culture and is always open to help each other. That’s what inspired me to become an ISR.
Fun fact: I love arts and crafts (especially ceramics and drawing/painting); everyone thinks I have a twin sister - but my younger sister and I are actually 3.5 years apart!
Schedule a virtual meeting with Yael