Star Students
Bauer College Graduate Students Honored for Outstanding Impact
The C. T. Bauer College of Business is recognizing 17 students from MBA and MS graduate business programs this spring for academic excellence and community impact.
Each semester, the college’s Office of Graduate & Professional Programs celebrate candidates from the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA and Master of Science (MS) programs by honoring them as outstanding students.
Graduating in the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony, these students have exemplified academic excellence and community impact throughout their time in their respective programs.
Dhruvisha Shah
Outstanding MBA Student
“One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been creating spaces that bring people together through professional development, shared learning and community. Along the way, I have learned how powerful it can be when people feel supported, encouraged, and connected.”
Shah came to Bauer to pivot from corporate law into people strategy. What began as a career shift became a deeper commitment to building spaces where people could feel seen, supported and be able to grow. Guided by her belief in continuous learning and reinvention, she approached Bauer as someone who wanted to contribute and build.
She founded and led the Indian Business Students Association that created a platform focused on professional development — connecting students with industry professionals and building a strong sense of community. She was also a member of the team that led Bauer to its first Big XII MBA Case Competition win, marking an important milestone for the college. Along the way, she led sessions for undergraduate honors students on the use of artificial intelligence in business, supported curriculum development as an instructional assistant and engaged with the community as a Graduate Student Ambassador.
Beyond her roles, she is a wife, a daughter and a sister, identities that ground her and shape how she leads with empathy and intention. Deeply grateful to the Bauer community and her family, Shah looks ahead with confidence as she builds a career that is focused on helping organizations grow through their people.
Carlos Cisneros
Outstanding Executive MBA Student
“Thank you to my family, my Executive MBA cohort, University of Houston and DWD.”
Cisneros works as a Service Manager for DWD International, LLC, an HVAC manufacturing company in Houston that supports the city’s oil and gas industry. In this role, he leads teams that are responsible for testing, troubleshooting, repairs and delivering technical solutions to customers across both domestic and international markets.
With prior leadership experience, his current position with DWD represents the most rewarding chapter of his professional career since his military service. Cisneros served in the U.S. Navy for twenty years and retired at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his naval career, he served aboard minesweepers and frigates, holding key leadership roles including Division Leader, Instructor, Main Propulsion Assistant and Senior Enlisted Leader.
Zonnie Ilonze
Outstanding Executive MBA Student
Ilonze has a background in petroleum engineering, operations management and entrepreneurship, a combination that shapes how she thinks and how she leads. She owns a Scooter’s Coffee franchise and serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Petrokinetics, where she leads strategy, operations and organizational growth. She began her professional journey with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, building a strong technical foundation before transitioning into leadership roles that allowed her to combine analytical thinking with operational execution.
Completing the Executive MBA program was a meaningful milestone that gave her practical tools, a broader perspective, and a strong cohort of peers. This experience strengthened her leadership approach and sharpened her long-term vision. Ilonze’s work reflects clarity, discipline and a steady commitment to growth. She leads with purpose and builds with care.
Valerie Routzong
Outstanding MS Business Analytics Student
“So grateful for my family, friends, classmates and the amazing faculty at Bauer who have pushed me to grow in ways I could have never imagined. I can’t wait for graduation and everything that comes next.”
A Coog at heart, Routzong grew up attending University of Houston sporting events alongside her parents — both UH alumni — and always knew she wanted to continue her education here, where she could build on her foundation and grow technically.
At Bauer, she has expanded her skill set in areas including machine learning, language learning models and marketing analytics. She is also an active member of the Bauer MBA Society. Professionally, Routzong has cultivated experience across the sports and healthcare industries, having interned with the UH Athletics Department and currently serving as a Marketing Intern at LivaNova.
She is passionate about bridging the creative and analytical sides of marketing, from campaign planning and execution to trend identification and data-driven recommendations. As an avid volunteer, she believes in giving back to the communities that have shaped her. Upon graduation, Routzong looks forward to pursuing a role that blends her love of marketing strategy with her growing expertise in analytics, with the goal of driving meaningful, insight-led impact.
Aditya Boghara
Outstanding MS Management Information Systems Student
Boghara grew up with a passion for technology, which led him to complete his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University. He then decided to take his education further by pursuing his master's in management information systems at Bauer.
One of the highlights of his time here has been working as an instructional associate for Associate Dean of Student Affairs Richard Scamell. Through this experience, he was able to support students and work closely with faculty. Enrolling at Bauer was one of the best decisions he could have made, Boghara said.
Throughout his journey, he has grown both professionally and personally. He is excited for what is ahead after graduation, and thankful to everyone who has supported him throughout his time in the program.
Sejal Chenna
Outstanding MS Supply Chain Management Student
“This journey has been about more than academics. It’s been about showing up consistently, stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to think beyond.”
Chenna brings prior experience in operations, strategic planning, customer success and quality assurance to her education at Bauer. Her work has focused on process improvement and delivering measurable business impacts.
During her graduate studies, she served as an instructional assistant. In this role, she supported faculty and executive students across multiple programs. She contributed to enhancing program operations through data-driven solutions. Her work includes developing Power BI dashboards and improving communication processes.
She also completed a logistics and operations internship with Student Housing and Residential Life at the University of Houston. There, she supported event coordination and operational planning. She is deeply passionate about supply chain strategy, operations and analytics.
As a first-generation graduate student in her family, she takes pride in this milestone. She dedicates this recognition to her late grandfather, and to her parents and maternal grandfather for their unwavering support and belief in her.
Chandler Williams
Outstanding MS Entrepreneurship Student
Williams is a communications professional based in Houston who supports the Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Originally from Louisiana, she developed a passion for leadership early and carried that with her to Texas Christian University, where she earned her undergraduate degree before building her career in communications.
In her current role, Williams leads communication initiatives that reach more than 2,000 faculty and staff, focusing on employee engagement, storytelling and strategic alignment across a large, complex organization.
Alongside her professional job, she has applied what she has learned in her master’s program in real time, most notably through her leadership with the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana Young Leaders Board. As a founding member, and later President and Vice President, she helped build the organization from the ground up by developing its structure, strengthening its brand and creating sustainable processes for membership, fundraising and events.
Williams is known for her ability to bring people together, create momentum and turn ideas into action. She is proud to soon call herself an alumna of this program and has a long-term goal of building her own company.
Rebecca Tabor
Outstanding MS Marketing Student
“Thank you to the incredible faculty, mentors, and peers who made this journey so meaningful. I am excited to carry this forward into the next chapter!”
Tabor always asked "Why?" growing up and then evolved into the strategic leader who figures out the answer. At Bauer, she found a university that can translate that lifelong curiosity into her own work.
Her professional engine is fueled by three core motivators: an insatiable thirst for learning, a deep respect for knowledge and a relentless commitment to growth. When she isn't auditing site health with Screaming Frog or tracking "Key Events" in GA4, she is likely spending time with her dog and volunteering at her church. Her world is further colored by a deep appreciation for Superman who inspires her to lead with a strong, kind heart.
She is currently seeking to bring new, high-energy to the field, where big questions are welcome, and challenges are fun summits to conquer. Her ultimate goal remains simple: solve the next big ‘Why,’ continue growing as a marketing leader and make a meaningful impact in the industry."
Ruqaiya Teedee
Outstanding MS Marketing Student
Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Teedee began her marketing career working with a Dubai-based agency before moving to the United States, an experience that shaped her curiosity for how brands and people connect across cultures.
She is drawn to marketing because it sits at the intersection of psychology, creativity and strategy. She finds joy in understanding what motivates decision making. Before Bauer, she spent about four years in B2B marketing. Most recently, she helped international consumer brands navigate the U.S. market, an experience that sparked her interest in consumer goods and brand building.
Her time at Bauer has been a meaningful chapter of growth, filled with friendships, mentors and moments that pushed her to think bigger about the kind of marketer she wants to become. Outside of school and work, Teedee is an avid skincare enthusiast with a soft spot for Korean beauty. She loves creative and interactive digital content, which often doubles as inspiration for her own marketing thinking.
She is a believer in lifelong learning, good coffee and the quiet satisfaction of crossing things off a to-do list. As she steps into the next chapter of her career, she hopes to build campaigns that feel honest, human and memorable.
Gustavo Carpio
Outstanding MS Sales Leadership Student
“To my cohort: you challenged and inspired me with every project and discussion. I’m better for sharing this journey with you.”
Carpio is a global sales and commercial leader with more than 15 years of experience driving growth at the intersection of energy and technology. He has led strategies for digital and AI-driven solutions at Halliburton, delivering commercial impact across some of the world's most complex operating environments.
Carpio is recognized for his ability to unify sales, product and operations around a shared vision of driving growth and deepening customer value. His leadership style blends analytical rigor with a people-first sensibility that resonates across cultures and geographies, having led efforts across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
Carpio has channeled that same cross-functional curiosity into his academic work, with a focus on communication, organizational behavior and championing a vision of commercial excellence where technology amplifies — never replaces — human judgment. He is known for his curiosity, authenticity and ability to translate complex ideas into strategies that teams can execute. Outside of work, he is a committed mentor to emerging leaders and an active seeker of opportunities where technology, talent and impact converge.
Sarah Bunjaku
Outstanding MS Finance Student
Bunjaku began her career in commodities operations, specifically in natural gas, power and renewables. In this role, she supported commercial decisions by modeling the real option qualities of physical assets, such as transport and storage. She currently works as a natural gas scheduler, building on her experience to optimize operational efficiency and flow.
At Bauer, she focused on energy electives, particularly related to risk management, to develop expertise in using financial derivatives to hedge physical exposures. She has a strong interest in energy markets, and after graduation, she plans to continue her work in natural gas to deepen her knowledge of its market dynamics.
Long-term, she wants to leverage this experience in renewable markets to contribute to the global energy transition.
Smit Patel
Outstanding MS Global Energy Leadership Student
At Bauer, Patel has built a strong foundation in electricity and natural gas markets through projects related to demand forecasting, analyzing load growth and market dynamics. He has also gained exposure to energy trading systems and participated in an energy trading case competition, where he developed trading strategies by evaluating market conditions, logistics and transportation costs in a fast-paced team environment.
Beyond academics, Patel serves as a Bauer Graduate Ambassador and has held leadership roles in student organizations. He is also actively involved in the Commodities Trading Club and UH Energy Club, further strengthening his understanding of market behavior and industry trends.
Patel is particularly interested in energy trading, market analytics and commercial strategy, with the goal of contributing to data-driven decision-making in evolving energy markets.
Scott Dailey
Outstanding MS Real Estate Student
Dailey an architect with more than a decade of experience leading multifamily, civic and institutional projects across Texas and the United States. He currently serves as Project Architect Senior Associate at Ziegler Cooper, where he leads design and documentation efforts for large-scale residential developments, including a 256-unit multifamily project in Colorado.
His combined background in architecture and real estate gives him a rare ability to bridge design excellence with financial feasibility and development strategy. Prior to Ziegler Cooper, he held project leadership roles at Element Architects and VLK Architects, managing projects ranging from multifamily communities to public-sector facilities.
Dailey has contributed to award-recognized developments and has extensive experience in construction administration, project coordination and financial modeling. He is also active in the industry through Urban Land Institute, American Institute of Architects and community service organizations in Houston.
Aryan “A.J.” Toprani
Outstanding MS Global Business Leadership Student
“Being recognized by faculty members I deeply respect is both an honor and a motivation to continue striving for excellence.”
Throughout Toprani’s graduate studies, he’s focused on developing a strong foundation in strategic thinking, leadership and global business practices. His academic journey has been driven by a commitment to excellence, intellectual curiosity and a desire to apply classroom insights to real-world challenges.
Toprani has actively contributed to team-based projects, bringing a collaborative mindset and a results-oriented approach to problem-solving. His experiences have strengthened his ability to lead diverse teams, communicate effectively and navigate complex organizational dynamics. He takes pride in consistently delivering high-quality work while supporting his peers and fostering a positive learning environment.
In addition to his academic efforts, Toprani has sought opportunities to grow as a leader by engaging in discussions around leadership theory, ethics and organizational behavior. These experiences have shaped his perspective on what it means to lead with integrity and impact. He is particularly interested in roles that allow him to drive innovation, improve organizational performance and create meaningful value on a global scale.
As he moves forward in his career, he hopes to remain committed to continuous learning and making a positive contribution in the field of global business leadership.
Milton Ramos
Outstanding MS Human Resource Leadership Student
“I’m proud of this milestone and everything it represents. I’m grateful for the faculty, mentors, and peers who challenged me throughout this journey and helped shape the way I think and lead.”
Ramos discovered his passion for HR while working in high-stress, fast-paced environments, where he saw firsthand the importance of taking care of people and creating structure in challenging situations. That experience drove him to return to school to deepen his expertise and become a stronger resource for both employees and leadership.
Ramos has supported large workforces by advising employee relations, building effective organizational resources and developing workforce strategies. He is known for being a steady, trusted partner who approaches HR with both empathy and accountability. As a bilingual professional, he values connection, clear communication and inclusive workplaces. Ramos is committed to using his knowledge and experience to better serve others and make a meaningful impact in every organization he supports.
Tran Loc
Outstanding MS Accountancy Student
Loc’s path to get to this point is what some might call untraditional. He initially dropped out of college in 2017 due to financial reasons, and he carried the weight of that unfinished chapter with him for many years. He knew that he could have done things differently, so he made a promise to himself that he would make a change.
He spent the next six years working and saving every dollar he could with one goal in mind: to put himself through school. He did his research, weighed his options and decided that becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) was the most practical path for him. In 2023, he stopped working and enrolled at Bauer.
He bet on himself, and it paid off. He completed the MSACCY program with a 4.0 GPA and has been honored as the Outstanding MS Accountancy Student for Spring 2026. On hard days, when self-doubt creeps in, this will be one of the moments he looks back on to remind himself: "I can do this."
During his time at Bauer, he felt supported by the faculty and the friends he made through student organizations he was involved in. Those connections opened doors and led to internships at Stewart Title, KPMG, Waste Management and Voss Capital, each one sharpening the skills and confidence he’ll carry into his career.
Upon graduation, he will join KPMG full-time in their audit practice and continue working toward his CPA license.
Monique McCullough
Outstanding MS Management & Leadership Student
McCullough returned to school during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with plans to pursue a career in marketing. However, throughout her academic journey, she discovered that leadership and organizational development were more aligned with her passions and strengths. Her experiences throughout her time in the program have helped shape her perspective on leadership, resilience and personal growth.
Alongside her education, she has built an extensive background in financial services, working for credit unions in roles ranging from a bank teller to mortgage loan processor. These experiences strengthened her passion for helping others, and deepened her interest in leadership and team development.
Being selected as the outstanding student in her program is an honor that she believes reflects the hard work, perseverance and growth of her educational journey. As she begin this next chapter, she looks forward to continuing to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact wherever her career path leads.
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