The Data & Analytics Club for Foster MBAs was started with a forward-thinking vision: to establish an analytics-centric hub that not only serves the current cohort of Foster MBA students but also lays a strong foundation for future generations. Rooted in the recognition of the growing importance of data-driven decision-making across industries, this club was born out of a desire to equip students with the essential skills and insights needed to excel in the evolving landscape of business analytics.
At its core, the club is driven by a mission to provide access to analytics education and to empower students to shape the future of analytics education at Foster. By providing a platform for students to voice their perspectives and insights, the club aims to influence how analytics is taught and approached within the MBA program, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for the demands of the modern business world.
The club's value proposition rests on four sturdy pillars:
Recruitment Preparedness: Recognizing the crucial role of data skills in today's job market, the club focuses on arming MBAs with the precise competencies needed to thrive in diverse roles and industries. From understanding key performance indicators to navigating the complexities of data bias and noise, students are equipped with the tools to excel in data-driven environments.
Academic and Skills Planning: Keeping up with the rapidly evolving landscape of data and analytics, the club serves as a compass for students, guiding them through elective choices, club offerings, and community events geared towards skill-building in this domain. Through strategic partnerships with the MBA program, the club ensures that the curriculum remains finely attuned to the demands of the data-driven future.
Networking: In recognition of the invaluable role of professional networks in career advancement, the club facilitates connections with industry professionals who are leveraging analytics across various sectors. By fostering relationships with Foster and UW alumni entrenched in analytics roles, students gain access to a wealth of insights and opportunities.
Resources: Recognizing the importance of self-directed learning in mastering analytics, the club provides students with a curated repository of resources ranging from videos and open-source tools to guides and industry webinars. This treasure of knowledge empowers students to chart their own learning journey and stay ahead of the curve in the dynamic field of analytics.
Through its unwavering commitment to fostering a data-driven mindset and nurturing a vibrant community of analytics enthusiasts, the Data & Analytics Club for Foster MBAs stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment within the MBA landscape. By championing the principles of collaboration, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, the club paves the way for a future where every Foster MBA is not just proficient but truly transformative in the realm of analytics.
Kiran Vineeth Ravulapalli
Co-President
Full-time Class of 2025
For the last 5+ years, Kiran worked as a Product Owner at NCR, a leading digital solution provider for the retail, restaurant and digital banking industries, supporting clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. In this role, Kiran’s focus was on driving product development, project planning, and spearheading modernization initiatives aimed at enhancing client value. Kiran likes spending his time volunteering for social causes, playing basketball and watching anime.
Former Role: Product Owner at NCR Corp
MBA Internship: Program Manager at PayPal
Saadhika Dua
Co-President
Full-time Class of 2025
With a career spanning 5 years, Saadhika led development teams to ideate and develop software products across different verticals at SAP. She is looking to pivot into Product Management post MBA, with making data driven decisions as her north star.
Former Role: Product Development Lead, SAP Labs
Post MBA goal: Product Management in Tech
Piyush Narang
VP of Alumni Relations
Full-time Class of 2025
Piyush is from India and has 7 years of experience at Oracle Life Sciences. He led the development of a critical Clinical Trials Management application during COVID-19, which played a key role in vaccine development. Outside of work, he is a sports enthusiast and an avid marathoner. Piyush is deeply interested in Global Geopolitics and International Relations. He enjoys running while listening to podcasts on these topics.
Former Role: Product Development Lead, Oracle Life Sciences
MBA Internship: BT Consultant at ZS
Phitchaya Phansopha
VP of Communications
Full-time Class of 2025
For the past several years, previously at Kasikornbank, my technical expertise in environmental sustainability is complemented by substantial experience in product management and business analytics, including a significant project where I integrated Oracle's Financial Data Foundation application into our database, enhancing financial reporting and decision-making. My key competencies include environmental management, ESG reporting, energy and waste management, decarbonization strategies, and data infrastructure. Outside of my professional endeavors, I am passionate about building sustainable ecosystems using data-driven strategies. I enjoy connecting with like-minded professionals who are committed to sustainability and data excellence.
Former Role: Data Product Specialist at Kasikornbank
Ian O’Connor
VP of Alumni Relations
Full-time Class of 2025
Former Role: U.S. Army Engineer Officer
Post MBA goal: Product or Program Management
Ian has experience in managing cross-functional teams through construction projects, logistics, maintenance, and Basic Training planning and operations. He is passionate about travel, fitness, and real estate technology and aims to pivot to a product or program management role in this space. In his free time, he enjoys homebrewing as well as gravel cycling.
Apeksha Gupta
VP. Evening Program
Evening MBA class of 2026
Present Role: Biostatistician III at Seattle Childrens Hospital
Apeksha Gupta has been serving as a biostatistician for over 6+ years. She is currently working as a Biostatistician III at Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH). Her expertise includes data management, statistical analysis, and programming, providing high-quality research support to investigators. Additionally, she has been involved in data governance and quality assurance for electronic health record (EHR) data and has served as a project manager for submitting EHR data to a consortium. Apeksha is passionate about staying in the healthcare industry and working towards the betterment of the community by contributing to high-quality research and proactively reviewing and recommending quality improvements in the organization for better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. In her free time, Apeksha enjoys reading books, doing embroidery/coloring, and spending time in nature.
Contact Us
Questions about the Data and Analytics Club or want to suggest an event? Contact us at kiran96@uw.edu and saadhika@uw.edu.