Student Ambassadors

Vedant Baniwal

External Relation Director

GFMC brings together individuals who have an interest in finance to create a powerful network and support system. Since becoming a member, I have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties faced by international students and have benefited much from the support of the GFMC team, who welcomed me into the UTD family. This inspired me to run for office and take the committee chair position so I could work with finance experts and aid students in developing practical skills and achieving their career aspirations. The GFMC has given me confidence in my capacity to use the resources at UTD. I am delighted to share my ideas and lessons learned while working at EY and Deloitte. As the Committee Chair, I am committed to promoting a culture of finance, bridging the knowledge and experience gap between academia and industry, and creating a helpful network. I’m dedicated to offering everyone the best support I can while they’re a part of the university’s finance community and happy to help fellow students with my five years of prior corporate finance experience.

Isha Bhave

General Secretary

GFMC is a student organization dedicated to uniting and assisting finance students at UTD through initiatives such as coffee chats, networking events with industry professionals and alumni, and offering mentorship programs. The organization provides a platform for students to connect with like-minded peers, make friends, build professional networks, and kickstart their journeys at UTD. Having been a member of GFMC since my initial semester, I recall the challenges faced as an international student—questions about course structures, classes, navigating the internship landscape, and adapting to life in a new country. Fortunately, GFMC leaders played a pivotal role in guiding me through these uncertainties.

Our organization is a collective of mentors ready to offer support whenever needed. As the General Secretary of GFMC, I am committed to providing support to students in both their academic pursuits and professional endeavors. I aim to offer the best guidance to everyone in every way possible. I am eager to share my learnings and experiences accumulated over 2 years of professional experience in law and finance, coupled with 1 year of academic experience here at UTD.Whether you’re a new student finding your way or a current student, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. I am more than happy to share insights, provide assistant, and contribute to your growth during your time at UTD.

Pashmeena Kothari

Committee Chair

I am delighted to introduce myself as an officer of the Graduate Finance Management Council (GFMC) team. As someone who values the power of networking and knowledge sharing, I have been an active member of GFMC since my first semester at UT Dallas. Like many international students, my journey here was initially filled with questions and uncertainties about the path ahead. GFMC played a pivotal role in helping me navigate this transition by providing unwavering support and welcoming me into the UTD family. Inspired by the positive impact I experienced, I eagerly sought to contribute back to this vibrant community by taking up the role of Committee Chair within GFMC. In my capacity as a Committee Chair, I am excited to lead efforts in planning informative events and workshops to provide fellow students with practical skills and knowledge, empowering them to excel in their finance careers. Our goal is to ensure that every GFMC event is not just worth attending but also enriching. I hold a Master’s degree in Advanced Accountancy and alongside pursued Chartered Accountancy (CA) which is equivalent to U.S.A CPA. My educational background has been complemented by over 5 years of professional experience in Corporate Finance, Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation at a renowned firm in India, further enhancing my expertise in the field. I am passionately committed to cultivating a finance-centric atmosphere, facilitating the connection between the academic sphere and the dynamic world of industry, and nurturing a welcoming and encouraging network within the university’s finance community. I wholeheartedly invite you to reach out to me if you need any guidance in your academic or professional journey. Together, we can make the most of your experience within GFMC and the finance community at UT Dallas

Ajay Gurram

Treasurer & Marketing Manager

GFMC stands as an admirable student organization committed to providing steadfast support to the finance student population at UTD. As a qualified Chartered Accountant returning to school as an international student after three years of professional experience, I faced a significant hurdle. However, the exceptional efforts of the GFMC officers greatly eased this process. The team, along with the program director, provided impeccable guidance and mentorship, enabling me to quickly familiarize myself with program requirements, various campus resources, the internship application process, and alumni networks.

GFMC serves as an inclusive platform that allows students to acquire new knowledge, enhance their skills, and foster a genuine sense of community in the financial industry. Drawing from my personal experiences overcoming similar challenges, I am confident in my ability to support and mentor others, just as my senior GFMC members did for me. In my roles as Treasurer and Marketing Manager of GFMC, I am dedicated and excited to share my knowledge and experiences with current and prospective students pursuing an MS in finance degree at UTD. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any assistance navigating the finance community during your university journey.

Varsha B R

Vice President & Deal Desk Officer

GFMC student organization is more resourceful for incoming and current students in the Finance field. With over five years of experience in the banking industry and as an international student, the transition to academic life and a new environment is always overwhelming. Being part of this organization has eased this transition through Coffee Chat sessions and connecting with peers. Also, GFMC has helped me focus on my strengths, overcome weaknesses, connect with industry professionals, and analyze my career path through Financial Advisory Board sessions, Alumni sessions, and Case competitions. Holistically, GFMC has shaped me to be a better version of myself. As a Deal Desk Officer, I aim to share my views, work with students, and engage them in sharing their insights on recent financial happenings. I also aim to guide and support their journey to becoming industry professionals.

Varun Rakesh Sharma

Vice President & Event Manager

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Vice President of GFMC. I embarked on my GFMC journey as a committed member during my initial semester at UT Dallas, echoing the common experience of international students who often find themselves wrestling with a multitude of questions and uncertainties regarding their academic and career trajectory. The invaluable guidance and assistance I received from fellow GFMC team members significantly contributed to smoothing my transition and wholeheartedly embracing me as part of the UTD community. In my capacity as Vice President, I am excited about my role in organizing educational events and workshops, partnering with finance experts to assist students in gaining practical expertise and achieving their career objectives. Leveraging my six years of professional background in Corporate Banking, Corporate Finance, Auditing, and Taxation, I eagerly anticipate sharing valuable perspectives and experiences with aspiring finance professionals. I firmly believe I can contribute significantly to the success of incoming and current students, extending the knowledge I’ve gained from my extensive work experience. My dedication to serving the finance community aligns with GFMC’s mission of fostering growth, knowledge-sharing, and value creation. Feel free to connect with me for any assistance or to explore how GFMC can support you in your journey at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Sanjana Yegateela

President

I am honored to serve as the President of GFMC. Having been a member of GFMC for more than a year, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact this organization has on graduate finance students. The people we encounter in our lives have a profound impact on our own choices, and I am grateful for the guidance I received from GFMC members during my own journey. Now, it is my turn to pay it forward to the upcoming students. I have encountered countless students who arrive with a multitude of questions about their career paths. I understand that the right path differs for each individual, and I am committed to being a part of their journey. By offering guidance, sharing experiences, and helping them explore their interests and skills, I strive to empower them to discover their true calling.

Moreover, I strongly believe in the power of giving back to society. It is not enough to solely focus on personal achievements; we must uplift those around us as well. I am excited to continue serving GFMC and its members, offering unwavering support, guidance, and a listening ear. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of graduate finance students and inspire them to reach their full potential.”

Sadbhav Aryal , Class of 2023

Hi, my name is Sadbhav, and I am a second-semester Energy Management Student at Jindal School of Management. Dallas is my second home, and I love UTD for its vibrant environment, endless career-oriented academic opportunities, comprehensive curriculum, and beautiful campus. I have several years of working experience in energy & project management, and I joined UTD with an expectation to strengthen my abilities and fill the gap of skill shortage in energy industries.

Sanyukta Suryavanshi , Class of 2024

I am a civil engineer from V.J.T.I, Mumbai. I worked for 3 years as and engineer and later pursued my masters in Offshore Structures from NIT Calicut, Kerala. With around 6 years of experience in oil field service and equipment industry, I came to UT Dallas to study Energy Management as it offers me courses in general management and energy business. Professors at UTD are industry experts and impart the understanding in the three sectors of energy business with real world example. Through this course I aspire to work in the area of energy transition by formulating business strategy, guiding in mergers and acquisitions and public policy.

Lama Hamze , Class of 2023

I am in my first semester pursuing a master’s degree in Energy Management at UTD that would combine both my passion to learn more about the solutions and policies needed to resolve these kinds of conflicts and my experience in business.

Marcelo Medeiros de Campos, Class of 2023

Marcelo Campos is an Oil and Gas Industry Executive with 20+ years of experience in Management, Corporate Strategy, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. Marcelo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and is currently pursuing both an MBA and M.Sc. in Business focused on Energy Management at The University of Texas.

Lisa Jaggat

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in finance and economics and her Master of Science in management science from the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas. For over eight years, she worked in the finance industry in both her native land, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in Irving, Texas.

Joshua Parr

Looking to expand his career opportunities, Joshua decided to study energy because it lies at the intersection of private enterprise and public policy. He selected the Energy Management program at UTD because its instructors have significant industry experience and because it offers practical, real-world course materials, such as authentic energy contracts.