autumn 2015 purple cohort

AUTUMN 2015 PURPLE COHORT

VICTORIA ATWOOD

[email protected] Bachelor of Business Administration, Pacific Lutheran University

Visitor Services, LeMay Family Collection at Marymount

I've lived my whole life in Washington state, and spent the last 10 years right here in Pierce County. I'm looking forward to learning as much as possible and getting my MBA here at UW Tacoma.

When I'm not in class or working, I like to spend my time reading or playing with my cats. I love to travel, both in the US and abroad; I especially love to try new foods from each place I go. I also love watching football and baseball (Seahawks & Mariners!) and cheering on my teams (Seahawks & Mariners!) with my friends and family.

EMEL BOSH

[email protected]

BA, The Faculty of Education, Mersin University, Turkey

MA, Sociology, Mersin University, Turkey

I worked as an academic in The Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Turkey for 8 years, while running my own business in the coffee industry at the same time. I served in the social services field, helping underrepresented populations from all around the world. With my masters in sociology, I continued to widen my understanding of how small differences impact people’s lives. I’m currently working on a project for a unique coffee shop, which is planned for Pike

Place Market. This shop will focus on rare and exotic, yet largely undiscovered, coffee and literary cultures and prac-tices from around the world, and hopes to capitalize on Seattle’s diversity, liberalism, and strong love of coffee.

I am married to the greatest man of the world, Denver, who stole my heart and convinced me to settle in Seattle when I was a visiting scholar at UW. I am also a mom of the most loving, pink-haired, 8-year old girl, Duru, who wants to be a veterinarian and who does voluntary work with animals and homeless people. I am also the mom of the most affectionate doggie in the universe, our one-year-old German Shepard, Max. When I find time, I like mountain biking, hiking, paragliding, and art exhibitions.


JASON CLAPP [email protected] B.A. Accounting & B.A. Business Administration – Finance, Dordt College, IA Certified Public Accountant Audit Manager, Johnson Stone & Pagano

I grew up in the greater Seattle area and have been a practicing CPA for approximately 12 years with a specialty in providing audit services to privately-held commercial entities and not-for-profits. I've always enjoyed the role the audit profession plays in the client's financing/capital raising process and in helping them improve reporting quality and controls.

I believe an MBA degree from the UW will assist in my ever expanding/broadening responsibilities as a leader in our audit practice and in the "business" of the firm as a whole. It will also help me better understand the business matters that my client's face – in all business disciplines – not just accounting and controls.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and also enjoy working on house or yard projects which is a refreshing way to get away from the computer!

TARA CULLER

[email protected]

BA Business Administration, Eastern Washington University

Operations - ACH Technician, Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union

I grew up camping, hunting, fishing, and enjoying small town life in eastern Washington. After earning my BA in Business Administration from EWU, I moved to Texas, then Virginia, and finally found my way back to Washington. I have been working for Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union for the last five years, specializing in ACH rules and compliance. I am eager to begin the MBA program and advance my career in the credit union industry!

My husband Chris and I are active members of Kikaha O Ke Kai, a Hawaiian outrigger canoe club in Tacoma. We spend our summers (and some of the winter!) competing in races from Canada to Portland, and of course Hawaii! We love our Seattle sports teams. We particularly love cheering on the Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders every chance we get! We are also very lucky to have a spunky and sweet bull terrier dog, Louie.

I look forward to meeting everyone!


BRANDT LYSE

[email protected] BA in Economic Sciences, Washington State University Accountant, DaVita

Ever since graduating from Washington State University in 2009, I have worked as an accountant in many different industries gaining valuable experience/skills. Currently, I work as an accountant on the revenue valuation team at DaVita located in Federal Way.

On a personal level, I have lived in the Puget Sound region for all of my life. I live in Gig Harbor with my wife of three years. We enjoy getting outside and partaking in many adventures including hiking, fishing, weekend getaways, trying new restaurants, playing with our 5 year old niece, cheering on the local sports teams, relaxing on the couch, gardening, and much more.

I am excited to begin this fun two year journey with everyone!

MICHAEL MCDONALD

[email protected]

BAS Radiation and Image Management, Bellevue College AAS Invasive Cardiology, Spokane Community College Cardiovascular Technologist, Franciscan Health Systems

I have lived in Tacoma, WA for most of my life and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I am friends with many of the kids I grew up with and besides being with my family, can’t think of anything I like better than hanging out with my friends. In my spare time I love to fish and work on my house. My girlfriend Jamie and I are always trying to get away for a weekend and always enjoy a spontaneous summertime trip.

The economic crash in 2008 provided me an opportunity to go back to school. I earned a degree in Invasive Cardiology and passed a board exam that allowed me to work as a Cardiovascular Technologist. The educational pathway to this job is very similar to that of a Registered Nurse. A Cardiovascular Technologist works on patients that have heart problems, specifically coronary artery disease and electrical conductivity problems in the heart. Implanting coronary stents and pacemakers with cardiologists occupies most of my workday. I am hoping an MBA at UWT will allow me to access new opportunities in the medical field.

I am looking forward to the upcoming challenge of the Milgard program and look forward to meeting new classmates and exploring the UWT campus.


GEORGE MOLL

[email protected] BS in German w/ FOS in Environmental Engineering, United States Military Academy

Master in Cybersecurity and Leadership, University of Washington Tacoma

IBM Security Consultant

Born and raised in Germany, luckily spent the majority of my Military service in Germany and recently transitioned out of the Army. I met my wife, Adina, while stationed at Ramstein Air Base and recently married in December of 2014!

We enjoy delicious coffee, wine, traveling, and spending time with friends.

I also play soccer for UWT in my free time, if you are interested, please let me know!

JASON OLSON

[email protected] BS Business Administration & Finance, University of Phoenix

Senior Program Controls Manager, Port of Seattle

I have worked for the Port of Seattle for 15 years working my way up the organization.

Currently, I lead the project controls efforts for the capital program at Sea-Tac Airport.

This includes estimating, forecasting, scheduling, and budgeting. I am excited to be

learning new skills through attending UWT and earning my MBA.

I have lived in the Seattle/Tacoma area my entire life. I am married with two kids, ages 12

& 9. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family, hiking, snowshoeing, and general

physical activities. I am also a volunteer soccer coach.


SUE PETERSOHN

[email protected]

BS Nursing, Pacific Lutheran University

Registered Nurse

Hospice Intake Coordinator, Multicare

I have been working for 30 years in the nursing field while being married and raising three children. I have been married to my husband Roger for 25 years. Our daughter Carly is 22 years old, has autism and graduated high school from the Tacoma School of the Arts next door to UW-T. Our 20 year old son Kyle graduated high school from the Tacoma Science and Math Institute and is currently attending TCC. Our youngest son Troy is 18 and a senior at Lincoln High School, and is being recruited as a wide receiver for college football.

I love life and love people. I love to be active and I play a lot of slow pitch softball and throw the football with my son to keep his hands fresh! I love anything NFL. Kona Hawaii is my favorite travel destination with

a lot of scuba diving and searching for eels and glimpses of Tiger Sharks with my husband and our sons.

I am looking forward to what the UWT MBA program can teach me and how it can help me to meet my future goals. I want the communication skills, the financial skills, and the strategic thinking that will help me be a better manager and professional within the healthcare field, or outside in the business world.

I want to courageously lead people. I want to ignite an enthusiasm for excellence within organizations. I want to respect and be respected. I want my integrity and stewardship to be an example to others around me of excellence and of rejecting passivity. I want to collaborate with a kindness that drives organizations to greatness and success.

Excited to meet everyone!!

DEAN PHILLIPS

[email protected] BS Criminal Justice Administration, University of Phoenix

Owner, Property Time LLC

I have taken a more round about introduction into the world of business. I grew up working in skilled

labor trades; bounced around in tile, cabinetry, and general carpentry. After that it was 4 years in the

military as an Infantryman. During this time I became a homeowner, and really began to grasp an

understanding of real estate and managing properties. Upon completion of my military service, I

ended up working overseas, this time on the civilian side. This work overseas afforded me the

opportunity to pick up another property, which piqued my interest in property acquisition, real estate holdings, and the wholesal-

ing of land parcels. With the bulk of my experience concentrated on law enforcement and security, my business acumen has been

developed predominantly as a special interest. In 2014 I started my own property maintenance business called Property Time LLC.

My company is still in its infancy, and I hope to develop a skill set that allows me to be successful in my current business venture

along with future endeavors. I currently earn a living wage working as a corrections counselor for the County of Kitsap. I would like

to leave the security industry behind and am looking forward to opening some doors in the world of business.

Outside of my professional life, I seem to pick up one interest after another. I am first and foremost a father of a beautiful 10 year old daughter. We have a great relationship, and I couldn’t ask for a better kid. Then in the hours that fill in the gaps, I am a jiu jitsu practitioner and amateur MMA fighter who will have to put that on hold during this program. I also coach my daughter’s cross-country coach team and am an all-around active person always available for a pick-up game in this that and the other. I am excited to meet all of you, and I can assure you that though my face and demeanor have been weathered with age…I am approachable.


MARLENE REYES

[email protected]

BA Business Administration & Management Information Systems, Western Washington University

Central Regional Dental Manager, Sea Mar Community Health Centers

Since graduating from Western, I started my career in the non-profit health industry. I have taken on several roles at Sea Mar CHC which has helped me develop my skills. I currently oversee three dental clinics in King County, and will have two more by the end of this year! Even though it can be challenging, at the end of the day I enjoy what I do since it positively impacts the members of our community.

My go-to activities to relax and enjoy life include hiking, snowboarding, watching movies, playing with my toy poodle and spending time with my family and friends.

NATE ROOT

[email protected]

B.S. Forestry, Northern Arizona University

Registered Professional Forester #2758, State of California

Log Procurement Manager, Murphy Company

I started my career in 1999 near my hometown in Northern California, and transferred to Washington in 2005. I spent 5 years working on a tree farm focusing mainly on standing timber inventory, silviculture, and reforestation. I currently purchase timber and logs for a veneer facility in Elma, and market non-veneer logs to higher and better use consumers. Going forward, I hope to grow Murphy Company’s resource department while earning an MBA. I spend all my spare time with my wife, 7 year old son, and 3 year old daughter. We enjoy all outdoor activities, and watching a movie on Friday nights.

GAIUS SANOY [email protected] B.S. Civil Engineering, University of Washington Assistant Project Engineer, Washington State Department of Transportation

My first name is pronounced “ga-use”. The name is Roman but I was originally from Manila, Philippines. I spent most of my life in the Seattle area and now live in the small community of Edgewood with my wife and three children. I’m looking forward to starting the MBA program and applying what I learn.


CARMIN SAWYER

[email protected]

BA Business Administration, University of Washington Tacoma

Hola fellow Dawgs!! My most prideful accolade… our family. My husband and I have 6

children, from 18 and a freshman in college to 18 months working on ABCs. Our crew also

includes a 15 year old sophomore in high school and three 10 year old 5th graders. Chasing 6

children can be challenging so instead of trying to find jobs that work around our kids’

schedules, my husband and I create our own work schedules by each running our own business. We are an extremely busy family as

our activities include basketball, football, baseball, cheer, swimming, dance, karate, horseback riding, dirt bike riding, camping,

fishing, driver’s ed, art club, and many more. Best part is each one of them, especially my husband, is supportive of my educational

goals and willing to help out when Mom is at school. I am looking forward to the experience ahead, as I expect it will be both

challenging and rewarding.

VICKIE SHEEHAN

[email protected]

BA Business Administration – Eastern Washington University

Assistant Director of Communications for Finance & Facilities – University of Washington For the last 25 years, I have worked in a variety of marketing and communications roles in both the public and private sector. In that time, the most satisfying and formative job opportunities I have held have been with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and now in higher education at the UW.

Working in higher education prods you to think about your own educational experience and so that is why I have decided to pursue my MBA. Living in Edgewood and commuting daily to Seattle by bus (for three hours a day) will give me plenty of time to read and study!

Personally, I enjoy horseback riding, scrapbooking, and anything outdoors. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with new people, and learning new things during this journey!

JEDIDIAH TAN

[email protected] BS Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Military Institute

Office, Federal Way Police Department

Jed Tan is a police officer for the city of Federal Way. He works patrol and is also a member of a multijurisdiction SWAT team. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

autumn 2015 purple cohort

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