Behind the Scenes at Metro EDGE’s Executive Insight: Connecting Young Professionals with Sacramento Leaders

Our UC Davis MBA experience as community leaders

Blog
July 29, 2024
Marisol Ibarra MBA 26

Marisol Ibarra sitting at an event table — Sacramento Part-Time MBA student Marisol Ibarra (left) joined Metro EDGE's empowerment committee to host Metro EDGE’s Executive Insight event, which the Graduate School of Management is a sponsor.

When I decided to pursue an MBA, I wanted more than just a degree.

As a first-generation professional working in policy and running a small business in the greater Sacramento region, I sought a transformative experience. The UC Davis Sacramento MBA program offered just that, with its strong reputation and opportunities through partnerships like Metro EDGE.

A program under the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation, Metro EDGE brings together Sacramento’s under 40 professionals to strengthen community connections and improve professional development opportunities.

Since starting last fall, my MBA journey has been filled with growth and new connections. One memorable project was creating a marketing plan for local restaurants in Professor Oliver Rubel's Marketing Management course.

a group of speakers at the Metro EDGE: Executive Insight event — Sacramento-area executives who hosted roundtable discussions at Executive Insight: (left to right) Anne Descalzo, co-founder, Clutch; Kenneth Johnson, CEO, KJ2 Productions; Shirley Kwan Smith, principal, SKS Consulting and vice president of enterprise communications, Golden 1 Credit Union; Ernesto Delgado, restaurateur; Karen Carmazzi, owner, Carmazzi Caramel Corn; Chief Kathy Lester, Sacramento Police Department; Amber Lovett, chief resource development and marketing director, United Way, Paul Carmazzi, owner, Carmazzi Caramel Corn; Lisa Wrightsman, managing director, Sacramento Chapter, Street Soccer USA; Maren Conrad, CEO, The Jaquelyn; and Lydia Ramirez, senior vice president, chief operating officer, and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, Five Star Bank.

This wasn't just an academic exercise—it involved real-world execution and engagement with Sacramento’s business leaders. The experience was both rewarding and empowering.

A significant turning point came when my MBA classmate Ryan Advincula, co-chair of Metro EDGE's empowerment committee, invited me to join the committee.

Together, we embraced leadership roles, organizing events that provided exclusive access to influential local leaders. Our committee’s premier event was Executive Insight. Attendees joined roundtables with executives and C-suite professionals who shared their journeys, offered advice, and answered questions.

Inside Executive Insight

The 2024 Executive Insight program was an overwhelming successful networking and learning opportunity.

This event allowed young professionals to break bread with local leaders, including Ernesto Delgado, the owner of several local restaurants. Hearing Ernesto's journey and vision for Sacramento’s future was incredibly motivating.

Another highlight was meeting Anne Descalzo, co-founder of Clutch, an award-winning, women-owned business. Anne’s journey from a Metro EDGE participant to a successful entrepreneur was inspiring. Her story of growth and community impact deeply resonated with me.

I also heard from Maren Conrad, CEO of The Jacquelyn, a social club in Sacramento. Maren's vision of creating spaces for creativity and connection was truly inspiring, and her work as an artist and community builder has significantly impacted the city.

The strong network at UC Davis is incredible, and its partnership with Metro EDGE motivates me to step outside my comfort zone to seize opportunities and take initiative. The program encourages this proactive approach, making every experience more impactful.

The UC Davis MBA program has been pivotal in shaping my professional and personal growth. The rigorous curriculum and supportive community have prepared me for the future I envision.

Next Up for EDGE: Emerge Summit

One of the upcoming Metro EDGE events that Ryan and I will be collaborating again on is EDGE’s annual Emerge Summit on September 5, an all-day event with keynote speakers, breakout sessions at venues across midtown Sacramento, and tailored networking.

The UC Davis Graduate School of Management is proud to again be a lead sponsor for this year's Emerge event to be held at the The Sofia Home of B Street. Several of the School’s faculty, alumni, and students will lead sessions that were selected by the EDGE organizing committee: Lecturer Vanessa Errecarte, Professor Steven Garcia, and recent Sacramento MBA alumna Leticia Garay will host breakout sessions throughout the day. Sacramento MBA students Ryan Advincula and Julissa De Gonzalez will also present.

As Ryan and I look forward to the rest of our MBA journey, we are excited about the endless opportunities ahead. The Sacramento MBA program has broadened our professional horizons and enriched our personal growth in ways we never imagined.

Marisol Ibarra standing next to a sun graphic

Marisol Ibarra hosts "Here Comes The Sun," a podcast about the experiences and challenges faced by first-generation professionals, offering practical advice on navigating the post-college world.

In this episode, Ibarra announces her acceptance into the Sacramento Part-Time MBA program, explaining her decision to pursue an MBA and how it aligns with her career goals.