GOLD Alumni Council

Max Chan, ’20, earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication and Political Science along with a minor in Dance. His four years on campus included serving as a First-Year Interest Group (FIG) Leader and Dawg Daze Leader with First Year Programs (FYP), earning the Husky Leadership Initiative Certificate and connecting his passions with his coursework. He is driven to positively impact the UW and local community, giving back to the people who supported him throughout his journey. His experience within the Dawg Pack and as a student marketing intern and equipment manager for the Husky Football program were integral to his current role as E-Commerce Manager with the UW Athletic Department, where he engages thousands of fans while supporting student-athletes. When he is not at Husky or other Seattle sporting events, Max is usually cooking new recipes, reading a new book, playing rec sports and finding new snacks at Costco.

Why I serve: Since stepping on campus as a freshman, UW has inspired me to make the most of my opportunities and encourage others to do the same. I aim to reciprocate and further enhance the strong sense of community created by my Husky family, including students, faculty, staff and more. Now that I have the privilege of serving within the Athletic Department and creating memories for guests at our sporting events, I am even prouder to continue growing in the place I call home. From long-time alumni to families with next generations of Huskies to current students who will be future leaders, there are so many individuals for whom I am proud to make a positive impact. Go Dawgs!

Muhui Chen, ’20, a proud alumna of the University of Washington, has charted a dynamic career path marked by continuous learning and growth. She holds a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management from the Foster School of Business. Post-graduation, Muhui embarked on her career as a supply chain analyst, where she discovered her passion for data analytics. This interest led her to a position at Chewy in Bellevue, and she has recently advanced to the role of Senior Data Scientist at Walmart, contributing significantly to their transportation strategy team. Additionally, Muhui holds an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College, which paved the way for her initial role as a Chemist Associate at Estée Lauder Companies. Outside of her professional life, she is an avid ice hockey player, participating in multiple leagues and embracing the outdoor activities offered by the Evergreen State.

Why I serve: My diverse career journey, spanning chemistry, supply chain management, and data science, reflects the transformative power of evolving interests and adaptive learning. I understand the challenges and rewards of navigating career transitions, and I am keen to share these insights with fellow alumni and students. Benefiting immensely from the University of Washington’s network, I am now eager to give back, helping others discover and leverage the myriad opportunities available through our university and its vibrant community. As an ambassador, my goal is to inspire and guide others in their professional and personal growth within this dynamic.

Salese Clark, ’23, is the 2023 Chancellor Medalist of the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) who graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration focusing on Marketing Management. Salese’s tenacity in her studies, while dedicating over 400 hours to volunteering in the diverse Tacoma community, has earned her the “BSU Dream” and “Gift of Service” awards. Salese, a Milgard School of Business scholar, proved her contributions to the development and success of the UWT campus, community service and peer support. Salese also mentored and helped develop “Lead Your Way” for Pierce County high school women interested in women’s leadership to become professionals. Lastly, Salese pursued studies abroad in Alicante, Spain to expand her horizons in diversity, equity, inclusion, and learning Spanish culture and language. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys hiking, traveling, meeting new people, and volunteering as a Youth Leader in her free time.

Why I serve: I’m passionate about building and enriching diverse connections with anyone including students and alumni. As a recent UWT alum, I want others to feel included, heard, seen and welcomed. UW gave me confidence in who I am now, therefore I want to give back to all three campuses and make a positive difference by sharing professional knowledge, resources and mentorship. We are here in the community to come together no matter where you come from. Don’t allow your past to pull you back. Keep moving forward. You belong here!

Anders Dowell, ’23, is a versatile professional with expertise in management, data analysis and event directing. Utilizing his MBA in Leadership from the University of Washington Bothell and a BA in Geography & Geographic Information Systems from Western Washington University, Anders bridges academic knowledge with hands-on experience. His commitment to innovation and data-driven solutions consistently delivers impactful outcomes, making him a unique, invaluable asset across diverse industries and projects.

His roles span program management, hospitality, marketing, data science and technology. During his time with the University of Washington Bothell MBA Association, Anders orchestrated the 2022 and 2023 Pacific Northwest MBA Conferences, building upon its commitment and legacy of developing business students and professionals in the region.

Exploring diverse hobbies like biking, traveling, and creative pursuits fuels his innovative approach. These activities instill balance, foster creativity and refine problem-solving skills, enriching his professional endeavors with fresh perspectives and a well-rounded outlook.

Linda Koa, ’98, ’16, considers herself a “double Dawg” with two degrees from the University of Washington: a BA in Political Science and an EMBA with the Foster School of Business. She has over 20 years of work experience including time spent as an executive. She credits her career success to the quality of education she received at the UW and the UW’s network. She is currently a management consultant, helping startups and businesses with their business development strategies.

Why I serve: Linda has seen first-hand how the UW’s network can bolster careers. She hopes to connect UW alums, especially from diverse and underserved communities, and help strengthen their personal networks to encourage an inclusive environment that provides professional networking opportunities for alumni from all backgrounds.

Nidhi Kumar, ’21, earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science—Pre-Law and Criminal Justice at Michigan State University and her Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) at the University of Washington School of Law. During her time at UW Law, she served as a Graduate Student Representative across three different boards: the Women’s Law Caucus (WLC), the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), and the Student Bar Association (SBA), earning her the M.J. Leadership Award upon graduation. Currently, Nidhi serves on the Seconded Amazon Legal Team at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, LLP, continuously building and exploring her passion for the law. Outside of work, Nidhi enjoys playing and watching basketball (Bring Back Our Sonics!) and volunteering with the Washington Innocence Project.

Why I serve: The UWAA stands to provide alumni of the University of Washington, across all programs, backgrounds and experiences, with one unified feeling: community. After serving as a representative of the UW Law Community, I have an elevated admiration for those meaningful connections to my pack and am excited to implement the same passion for outreach, acceptance, access, and community as I did in my prior committee roles as a representative in a similar, but broader capacity.

Erica Lane, ’21, is a dedicated advocate for social justice and community engagement. Having earned her degree in Sociology at the University of Washington, Erica’s passion for global perspectives led her to participate in the university’s inaugural study-abroad trip to Ghana. Committed to bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact, she has volunteered for various programs affiliated with her UW classes, leveraging her education to contribute meaningfully to community initiatives. Erica brings the energy and a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on experience to her endeavors, embodying a commitment to fostering positive change. Erica currently works for Leadership Tomorrow, channeling her commitment to positive change into impactful work in the Seattle community.

Outside of work, Erica enjoys exploring the latest restaurants in Seattle, volunteering with different organizations, playing with dogs, traveling, or being active in the great outdoors.

Why I serve: I serve on the UW GOLD Council because of my relentless deep-seated passion for community engagement. The council provides a platform where I can actively contribute to shaping the University of Washington’s impact on the community, aligning my commitment to fostering meaningful connections and making a positive difference in the broader community through collaborative initiatives and strategic planning.

Queenie Liu, ’23, is a proud Husky alum who earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics, with a minor in Data Science. During her time at UW, she served as the club president at the UW Actuarial Club and earned the 2021-2022 Bernbaum Family Endowed Scholarship. Now an analyst at Oliver Wyman, she applies her passion and expertise in actuarial science within the insurance and finance industry. Outside of work, Queenie enjoys traveling, baking/cooking and painting.

Why I serve: The decision to join the GOLD Council comes from a heartfelt gratitude and a strong bond with the UW. My years at the UW were not just educational; they were transformative, guiding me towards a path of community involvement and continuous learning. Joining the GOLD Council is an opportunity for me to give back, to offer the same support and chances that were pivotal during my own university days. In this role, I am dedicated to enriching the UW experience for everyone, to ensure they too enjoy a nurturing and dynamic community, just as I did.

Jacob Morrison, ’17, ’22, is a predoctoral researcher at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, where he works on open problems in machine learning and natural language processing. He earned his B.S. in Computer Science and worked as a software engineer before returning to the UW for his M.S. in Computational Linguistics, during which time he taught and did research in natural language processing, and interned at Twitter and X, the moonshot factory. Outside of work, he spends a lot of his time watching movies, attempting to get better at running, and volunteering in local civic and political organizations.

Why I serve: I was a first generation college student, and the relationships I made at the UW are some of the most important in my life, both personally and professionally. I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunities I did and make the connections I made while at the UW, and I want to make sure other students and alumni have the same chance to succeed.

Tyler Pichette, ’17, ’21, is a proud “double Dawg,” holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Economy and a Master of Business Administration. During his time at the University of Washington, Tyler was involved in a variety of student organizations and the Associated Students of the University of Washington as the Assistant Director of the Office of Government Relations where he led ASUW advocacy efforts at the local level related to Seattle’s Mandatory Housing Affordability program and Sound Transit 3. As a student, he was awarded the Daniel S. Lev award for Outstanding Thesis in Political Science in 2017. Since his time at the UW, Tyler has remained active in public policy at the local level. Currently, he’s a consultant at Pacific Public Affairs. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff for a King County Councilmember.

Why I serve: I look back on my time as a student with a sense of pride and a deep appreciation for the University of Washington and the broader community that I was a part of. As a proud alum, I appreciate the opportunity to give back to that community and help ensure fellow Huskies have the opportunity to engage with the University of Washington and stay involved in ways that are meaningful to them. Go Dawgs!

VeenaSravani Pillalamarri, ’18, ’21, is a double Husky who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration at UW Seattle. As an undergraduate student, she served as a Peer Advisor at the UAA and President of a health program organization on campus. She also enjoyed volunteering and was a student educator at multiple schools through the UW Pipeline Project. During her Master’s degree, Veena served as a Student Ambassador representing the MHA program and as Vice President of the MHA Student Association. Currently, Veena is a strategist at Premera Blue Cross, exploring the healthcare industry and working towards her passion for improving access to healthcare resources. Outside of work, Veena enjoys reading, baking new desserts, and traveling as much as possible.

Why I serve: The UW community is incredibly supportive and rich with opportunities for student growth. Having taken on leadership roles during my degrees, I value the opportunity presented through the GOLD council to build on my passion to continuously give back to an enriching community. I am looking forward to building strong connections and engaging with other GOLD members to better serve our Alumni network.

Nia Prabhu, ’21, is a proud Husky who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the UW Bothell campus. Currently, Nia is on her journey of preparing for medical school and enjoys her work as a medical scribe. While at the UW, Nia served as a resident advisor and community assistant. Nia also enjoyed participating in student leadership and held many roles as a student leader, including founding and leading the Pre-Med Club at UW Bothell, serving as the president of the Residential Housing Association, and organizing events as the events coordinator of Biology Club. In her free time, Nia enjoys volunteering with her hospice patients, traveling, and exploring cafes and desserts.

Why I serve: Being a part of the very welcoming and supportive community of the UW helped me grow more confident in myself and prepared me to achieve my goals post-grad. It was a rewarding experience to give back to my community by serving as a mentor to my first-year residents as their RA. Building strong connections and sharing positive experiences with my peers has really shown me the importance of a supportive and engaging campus community, and this is a connection that I would like to foster and cherish among my fellow GOLD alumni.

Aaron Thomas Valenta, ’23, earned his MBA from the Foster School of Business. During his studies at Foster, Aaron was president of the Finance Society and musical director of a student band. He currently works as a finance manager with AWS and a pro bono consultant for Armenian businesses through reArmenia. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Aaron received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with an emphasis in biological sciences and a minor in film study, from the University of California, Davis. In his free time, you can find Aaron supporting all manner of sports teams, crafting something exciting in the kitchen, or taking his four-legged best-friend, Iggy, on a long walk up and down the trails of the Pacific Northwest.

Why I serve: In my short time as a UW alumnus, I have been blessed with opportunities to meet truly incredible and interesting UW alumni. I know that the strength of this community can only improve with further engagement from our newest graduates. I learned the power of connecting with alumni during my undergraduate studies and appreciate that the world-class Husky network we have in Seattle (and abroad) can support, advise, and fulfill generations of Huskies. I want to be intimately involved in securing exciting opportunities for the next wave of alumni and sustain these connections.

What you could accomplish as a GOLD Council member:

• Strengthen the voice of GOLDs! Support the UWAA in ensuring that our GOLD events and programs are aligned with the GOLD communities’ values and interests.
• Grow the alumni community! Encourage your networks to attend UWAA events and programs and become UWAA members.
• Run with the pack! Steward a diverse Husky alumni community that welcomes grads from all walks of life.

Who is eligible? What are the requirements of the Council?

Eligibility

• Have an active membership with the UW Alumni Association by the start of GOLD Council term.
• Have received a degree or credential from the UW within the last ten years at the time of application.

Requirements

• Attend quarterly GOLD Council meetings (evenings, four times per year).
• Attend annual GOLD Council retreat (once per year).
• Promote and attend three to four UWAA-sponsored events (per year).
• Sit on council working groups, as needed (may require additional meetings).

What are the terms of service?

GOLD Council members serve for a term of two years.

What can I expect from this experience?

Members of the GOLD Council will be able to get to know and work alongside other actively engaged alumni and community leaders who are passionate about UW, the Alumni Association, and contributing to a thriving Husky community. GOLD Council members will have the opportunity to meet with UW Alumni Association staff and campus leadership to gain a better understanding of current programs and initiatives, institutional goals, and how the work of the Council fits within these frameworks.

What will my impact be on the GOLD Council?

The GOLD Council plays a vital role in increasing awareness of UWAA programs and initiatives amongst the recent graduate population. This impact can be felt in-person where Council increase participation of the GOLD population at UWAA events; virtually as Council members activate their network to promote upcoming programs and UWAA membership; and continually, as Council members enhance the GOLD brand identity. The GOLD Council plays a vital role in outreaching to members of the GOLD population who may be less active with the UWAA and fosters a Husky community that welcomes all members.

What are the selection process and criteria?

The selection process will include an online application and an individual interview for those who move forward in the selection process. The GOLD Council reflects the diversity of the GOLD population, including UW campuses, schools/colleges, identities, and communities. We are seeking new members with the energy, skills, and passion to advance the GOLD Council’s goals.

GOLD Council History

The GOLD Council launched its inaugural group in 2017. Since then, the Council has created and refined its goals and internal structures, created a GOLD presence at UWAA marquee events, and promoted GOLD-specific events and programs to recent graduates.

How can I get additional information?

Please contact the Alumni & Student Programs team at asengage@uw.edu for more information.