Ambassadors represent interests of full-time MBA students
Three MBA students advocate, coordinate events for classmates
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business full-time MBA class of 2024 elected three students to serve as program ambassadors to represent their interests and serve as a conduit between the cohort and the graduate programs office (GPO).
Vidita Kanniks, CCM ’18, Prathik Shivanna and Ming Waih Wong Burgess, A&S ’22, were selected by their peers to represent the diverse experiences and interests of the cohort.
“The three of us communicate both in person and over text whenever necessary to organize events and address larger concerns or questions within the cohort,” Kanniks said. “We also carry a responsibility to share experiences with administrators on behalf of the cohort, so we often plan out surveys on various topics like overall satisfaction, event ideas, etc., to best represent our peers.”
The ambassadors have scheduled events throughout the academic year to cultivate cohesion within the cohort and provide networking opportunities. An upcoming holiday party will encourage cohort members to mingle with GPO faculty and staff. In the spring, a professional development and networking get-together will feature guest speakers discussing a range of business topics.
Learn more about the ambassadors for Lindner’s full-time MBA class of 2024:
Vidita Kanniks
Vidita Kanniks. Photo provided.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Cincinnati. My parents were both UC graduate students.
Undergraduate school and major(s)
University of Cincinnati, bachelor’s in musicology and vocal performance, French minor. McGill University (Montreal), master’s in historical music performance.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at Lindner?
I started exploring the idea of a career shift during the pandemic. While I will always be a musician, I realized that there were so many intriguing opportunities to explore in the business world. I'm specifically interested in marketing, but I felt the MBA would be a versatile and holistic addition to my professional development overall as I continue to work through this change in path.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I've always considered myself a giver. I like to bring people together, be generous with my energy and make sure everyone within my community feels safe, seen and happy. Regardless of the ambassador program, I probably would've been doing things anyway like initiating group events, wellness check-ins and just speaking up on behalf of students’ issues or concerns. It's nice that this position is outlined for us, formally! It feels like a very natural role for me, and I'm proud to be an ambassador.
Prathik Shivanna
Prathik Shivanna
Where are you from?
I am originally from Columbus, Ohio. However, during my third-grade year, my family and I relocated to Hyderabad, India.
Undergraduate school and major(s)
Ohio State University, bachelor’s in communication technology with a specialization in human-computer interaction and computer science.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at Lindner?
I decided to pursue an MBA at Lindner for various reasons. Firstly, the Lindner MBA program has a stellar reputation for fostering a collaborative and innovative learning environment, which I believe will equip me with practical skills that are crucial in today’s world. Additionally, Lindner has a strong network of alumni and industry connections that I see as vital to my growth as a business professional.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
Becoming an ambassador allows me to share my own journey and highlight the transformative experiences that the MBA program offers. I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. As an ambassador, I can actively contribute to creating an inclusive environment within the MBA program, ensuring that a diverse range of perspectives are valued and celebrated.
On pursuing a Lindner MBA: Being in a city like Cincinnati provides us with a unique opportunity for networking, internships, co-ops and potential job placements. The diverse and inclusive community at Lindner is another aspect that resonated with me. Lindner stands out to me as a place where I can not only acquire a world-class education but also build lasting connections and develop the skills needed to excel in my career.
On wanting to be an ambassador: I also love helping others discover and navigate the benefits of the program. I can serve as a resource for current and prospective students and offer guidance based on my own experiences. As an ambassador, I see an opportunity to provide valuable feedback from a student's perspective that can aid in refining and enhancing the program, benefiting both current and future students.
Ming Waih Wong Burgess
Ming Waih Wong Burgess
Where are you from?
I am from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.
Undergraduate school and major(s)
University of Cincinnati, bachelor’s in anthropology and communication.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at Lindner?
The Lindner MBA was an easy decision. I wanted to pursue higher education while staying local to Cincinnati, where my family business resides. I’m excited to learn more about the business world and, ultimately, bring that knowledge back to enrich the city of Cincinnati. My decision was influenced by my family's rich entrepreneurial history. Our local gem, Oriental Wok restaurant, was founded by my grandparents almost 50 years ago. Here, I learned the art of hospitality and acquired valuable insights into the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I applied because I have a sincere desire to actively engage with and amplify the voices within our cohort. Building meaningful connections is most important to me, and I hope to foster a sense of camaraderie among our cohort members. While I’m eager to use this opportunity to listen and learn, I’m most excited to plan engaging and enjoyable events! I'm looking forward to hosting the cohort at my family's restaurant in December, where we will be enjoying a holiday dinner.
On pursuing a Lindner MBA: The Lindner MBA perfectly aligned with the qualities that shaped my journey. As the oldest grandchild, I feel a responsibility to shape the future of our family business, and the program's focus on informed decision-making and succession planning is exactly what I need. Additionally, the program's commitment to diversity provides the opportunity to collaborate with a unique student cohort. I am looking forward to the study abroad experience in Chile next semester to gain insights into crisis management and strengthen my friendships!
On wanting to be an ambassador: My past leadership roles as an undergraduate student included serving as president of the UC PandaCATs Chinese student organization, being an ambassador for the Darwin T. Turner Scholars program and participating in student government. These roles, coupled with my current position in our family business, lend themselves well to the ambassador program.
Featured image at top: Members of Lindner's full-time MBA class of 2024. Photo does not include all cohort members. All photos by Suzanne Buzek unless noted otherwise.
Full-time MBA candidates: Apply by Jan. 31
The priority deadline to apply to join Lindner’s 2024-25 full-time MBA cohort is Jan. 31. Those who apply by Jan. 31 receive first consideration for funding, an earlier admissions decision and have extra time to secure housing. For international students, applying by Jan. 31 allows for additional time to secure a visa.
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