{"id":28590,"date":"2024-07-30T13:13:53","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T20:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/business\/?p=28590"},"modified":"2024-09-26T11:40:35","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T18:40:35","slug":"yenlik-mukhanova-a-journey-of-growth-and-leadership-with-uw-bothells-mba-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/business\/news\/2024\/07\/30\/yenlik-mukhanova-a-journey-of-growth-and-leadership-with-uw-bothells-mba-program","title":{"rendered":"Yenlik\u00a0Mukhanova\u00a0\u2013 A Journey of Growth and Leadership with UW Bothell’s MBA Program\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yenlik\u202fMukhanova, a 2024 MBA graduate from the University of Washington Bothell, exemplifies the transformative power of education and ambition. Born and raised in Almaty, Kazakhstan,\u202fYenlik\u202fmoved to the United States driven by a desire for education and professional development. Initially trained in chemistry and biology, she transitioned into the dynamic field of product management for the software developed industry and mobile applications, where she has led significant projects for renowned companies such as Alaska Airlines and Best Buy.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her decision to pursue an MBA at UW Bothell marked a crucial turning point in her career. After evaluating several programs, Yenlik chose UW Bothell for its unique offerings. The small class sizes, affordable tuition, and in-person learning environment provided the perfect blend of personalized education and community engagement. Yenlik shared that she valued the opportunity to engage directly with professors and classmates, which fostered a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Global Business study tour in Helsinki Finland; visting Ioncell and Chemarts. (Left: Professor: Kristiina Hiukka, classmates: Stephanie Bazalar, and Amrutha Yenimireddy and Yenlik)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Discussion with Roleff Krakstrom, CEO, Finland\u2019s famous Moomin characters from the series of novels, short stories, picture books, and a comic strip by Finnish\u202fwriter and illustrator Tove Jansson, originally published in Swedish by Schildts in Finland.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Cohort B\u2019s monthly meet ups at our local Italian restaurants in Kirkland, WA. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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One of the most enriching aspects of her MBA experience was her involvement with the UW Bothell MBA Association, a vibrant community of business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and MBA students. Yenlik joined the MBAA as a People’s Officer, where she quickly embraced the opportunity to build relationships and contribute to the community. Her dedication and leadership qualities soon led her to the role of Chief Executive Officer in the association. In this capacity, she spearheaded the organization of the MBAA conference in 2024. Yenlik shared, “I had an opportunity to build a team from scratch, to plan, organize, create a roadmap, strategy, structure, and execute the conference for 2024. And we all did it within six weeks. So that was the most challenging and rewarding accomplishment that I’ve done in this two-year program.”   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"The faculty played a crucial role in my success as a student. At first, I was afraid, thinking, 'Oh my God, it's been many years since I've been to school. I didn't think I could even pass the classes.' But not only did I pass, I also excelled by staying disciplined, diligent, and committed to my work, while also being vulnerable and asking questions. Some of the faculty became my mentors and lifelong friends. I will never forget the help and support they provided.\"<\/pre>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Beyond her contributions to the MBAA, Yenlik’s academic journey was marked by significant professional achievements. The skills and insights gained from the program enabled her to make impactful business decisions, ultimately generating millions of dollars in revenue in her role at the time. In addition, she “was able to negotiate salaries, bonuses, and stock options confidently,” she shares, highlighting a crucial skill she developed during the program.  \u201cI didn\u2019t have any business education background, so when someone mentioned stocks or shares before, I would think, \u2018Oh my God, this is like rocket science for me. I don\u2019t know what they\u2019re talking about. I\u2019m just going to say yes to everything.\u2019 But now, thanks to Professor Andrea Anthony, who taught us a lot about stocks, their value, and how to invest, I understand it much better. I believe these are some of the valuable benefits I\u2019ve gained from being in the program and in my job.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The supportive faculty and the program\u2019s comprehensive curriculum equipped her with a broader perspective on problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.\u202fYenlik\u202fexplained, she has\u202f\u201cmore confidence of creating a team, building, and making sure that we\u2019re focusing on one goal, because goals are always critical in every endeavor. \u201d\u202fThe MBA program also played a pivotal role in\u202fYenlik\u2019s\u202fpersonal development. It helped her grow as a parent, partner, and friend, fostering soft skills that extended beyond the corporate realm.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The global study tour to Finland, a memorable highlight of Yenlik\u2019s MBA journey, provided a unique opportunity to engage with international business leaders and gain insights into different markets and cultures. Yenlik\u202fwholeheartedly recommends this experience to all students, emphasizing the lasting memories and invaluable learning it offers. \u201cIt was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,\u201d she\u202frecalls fondly.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Zoe Zhang our MBAA Chief Operating Officer and a dear friend, preparing for the Conference <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Graduation dinner celebration- Yenlik, Zoe Zhang, Stephanie Bazalar. We became life-long friends, who we continuously plan and organize pot-lucks at our houses.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead, Yenlik’s post-graduation plans are as ambitious as her MBA journey. With her newly earned degree, she intends to explore leadership and consulting roles that allow her to apply her comprehensive skill set. In addition to her professional aspirations, she plans to focus on her passion for aromatherapy and perfume-making, leveraging the business knowledge gained from her MBA to scale her small business. Yenlik’s vision includes balancing her career with her love for family, spread across three continents, and her desire to travel and stay connected with them.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The talented and dedicated Executive MBA Team at the MBA Conference 2024: Harvey Bendana (CTO), Chetna Mahajan (CFO), Yenlik Mukhanova (CEO), Stephanie Bazalar (CMO), Zoe Zhang (COO), and Nick Thompson (CPO).<\/em>  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
In summary, Yenlik Mukhanova’s experience at UW Bothell’s MBA program is a testament to the program’s transformative power. It has not only equipped her with the tools and confidence to excel in the corporate world but also enriched her personal life. Her involvement in the MBAA, the invaluable connections she made, and the applicable education she received have all contributed to her growth as a leader and individual.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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