Welcome to the Global Business Association!
Follow us on Instagram @gba.foster to get event updates! Whether you are a GBA member or a person who is internationally-minded, take the next step to being a world citizen.
The Global Business Association (GBA) is a student-led organization that falls under the MBA Association at the Michael G. Foster School of Business. As the only MBA student club that focuses exclusively on global business, the GBA seeks to enhance Foster MBA candidates’ understanding of cross-border and cross-cultural business issues that permeate the modern business environment. Through a variety of networking and guest speaker events, GBA members have the unique opportunity to interact with prominent international business leaders and expand their networks locally in Seattle and globally across the world.
The Global Business Association enhances the Foster MBA community’s collective understanding of global perspectives, global business and global cultures. We empower the community by providing opportunities to support students with global backgrounds in traversing the US job market, by supporting our program’s cultural diversity through celebrations and awareness activities and enhancing students’ knowledge and awareness of global business.
Felipe Reyna
Co-President Global Business Association
Full-time Class of 2025
Felipe, a native Texan, honed his technical skills at the University of Texas at Austin, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic journey led him into the industrial automation sector, where he developed a robust understanding of technical systems and processes. Now, aiming to broaden his professional horizon, Felipe is pursuing an MBA to transition into Product Management within the tech industry. This shift is motivated by his desire to leverage his engineering background in a role that blends technical expertise with business strategy. Outside of his professional endeavors, Felipe enjoys socializing and golfing, often enjoying the company of friends on the greens during nice weather weekends.
Paula Andrea Gómez
Co-President Global Business Association
Full-time Class of 2025
Paula, a Colombian native, built a strong foundation in financial advisory and forensic consulting at Deloitte’s Financial Advisory Services. During her tenure as a Senior Consultant, she led forensic engagements, conducted comprehensive fraud and corruption risk reviews, and played a pivotal role in designing and implementing response plans for multinational companies. Her involvement in high-profile investigations and the successful implementation of compliance programs highlight her expertise and dedication to strategic problem-solving in a global context. Now, as she pursues her MBA, Paula is preparing to transition into deals / M&A consulting, where she aims to leverage her finance and advisory experience to help clients navigate complex transactions, integrations and separations. Outside of her professional pursuits, Paula enjoys reading, nature walks, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Reed Hawkins
Board Member Global Business Association
Full-time Class of 2025
Reed Hawkins, originally from California and now a Seattleite, earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. His career at Boeing began as a Production Engineer for the 777X Composite Wing Center, where he led projects that significantly improved manufacturing efficiency for the company’s newest flagship widebody aircraft. Later, as an Aerodynamic Performance and Sales Support Engineer, Reed provided critical technical support for multi-billion-dollar sales campaigns in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. Now pursuing an MBA to deepen his strategic expertise, Reed aims to transition into corporate strategy and planning roles, blending his technical background with business acumen. Outside of work, Reed is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, wine tasting, and traveling.
Aysha Mushtaq
Board Member Global Business Association
Full-time Class of 2025
Aysha Mushtaq, born in the US to Pakistani parents, has called four countries home, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. She completed her undergraduate studies in Dubai, where she began her career as a Social Media Manager at a media agency. Aysha's career has since spanned diverse sectors, with notable roles in sales and marketing. Most recently, she worked as a Sales Specialist at Apple Inc., where she succeeded in delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving sales growth. Now pursuing her MBA, Aysha aims to transition into tech product marketing roles, blending her experience with strategic business insights. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, baking, and traveling.
Wasiur Rahman
Board Member Global Business Association
Full-time Class of 2025
Wasiur Rahman, a Bangladeshi native, did his undergrad in business studies and had been working in the leading telecom company in Bangladesh prior to joining the MBA program. He began his career as a management trainee, worked on various aspects of marketing and eventually became a marketing leader, showing great aptitude for both creative communications and marketing strategy. Through this MBA, Wasiur wants to add functional skills in tech product management and advanced marketing technology to his previous marketing experience and become a well-rounded tech marketing leader. He is also a keen soccer fan and spends his free time either playing outside or playing video games with friends.
We work closely with several partners to bring you the events you want.
Our few partners include:
• Career Management
• The Foster School of Business – Global Business Center
• The Global Business Advisory Board
• CIBER Advisory Board
• The World Affairs Council
• Young Professionals International Network
Events planned:
Global leadership panel: Listen from US industry experts on their experience with international projects/work.
Cultural Celebrations: Diwali, Lunar New Year, Dia de los Muertos, Holi, Latin American Carnival
"Doing Business in" series: Learn from industry professionals who have had experience leading global teams or working internationally
International Movie Night: Enjoy a foreign movie and understand cultural nuances
International Food Festival: potluck style featuring food from different countries
Spanish conversation group: sessions to learn and practice Spanish