Meet Our CIMBA 2024-2025 MBA Class
We are excited to introduce you to our 2024-2025 CIMBA MBA class, a diverse group of individuals united by their ambition and passion for growth. Each member brings unique experiences and aspirations, ready to embark on an enriching journey that will foster collaboration, learning, and lasting connections.
Matt Aschenbrener grew up just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. He holds a Bachelor’s in Math from South Dakota State, an MPA from South Dakota, and an EdD from Kansas. With 30 years of experience in higher education, including 15 years in senior enrollment roles at three different universities, Matt is now eager to leverage his CIMBA experience to transition into a new field or start his own business.
Emily Furlow is from Fayetteville, Arkansas, and graduated in 2023 with a BA in Psychology and minors in Biology and Medical Humanities. She first attended CIMBA as an undergraduate in the summer of 2021, an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective. Now, as she embarks on her MBA journey, Emily is excited to continue her personal and academic growth while exploring the rich culture of Italy and Europe.
Nico Cardenas is originally from Iowa City, Iowa, but has spent most of his life in the Seattle area. He holds an Associate’s degree in Business and a Bachelor’s in Communications with a minor in Ethics from the University of Washington. A fun fact about Nico is that he has traveled to 25 countries and plans to visit many more! His initial experience at CIMBA was both challenging and humbling, revealing the program’s focus on understanding our true potential. Nico hopes to integrate his background in communications and ethics into the fast-paced business world, aiming to break negative stigmas surrounding the industry while discovering his own potential.
Agata Mrozik is originally from Warsaw, Poland, but has lived in Minot, North Dakota, since she was 10. With a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Agata hopes to open her own art studio one day, where she can teach arts and crafts and sell her work. Excited to learn the Italian language and culture, she looks forward to making lifelong friendships during her time at CIMBA.
Albina Krashi comes from Albania but has spent most of her life in Italy. With a Bachelor’s degree in Korean language and the ability to speak five languages, she is passionate about gaining a deeper understanding of herself and developing stronger interpersonal skills to thrive in today’s constantly changing world.
Carlos Perez is originally from Venezuela but grew up in Miami, Florida. He studied Marketing and Business Law at Indiana University, where he developed a keen interest in navigating the complexities of the business world. In addition to his academic pursuits, Carlos is a talented musician who can play five instruments. Through his time at CIMBA, he hopes to reconnect with his Italian heritage while gaining the knowledge and insights necessary to become a better global citizen and an impactful leader in an increasingly diverse business landscape.
Evelyn Sechrist hails from San Diego, California, and holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from Chapman University. A lifelong swimmer and lifeguard, Evelyn has always been passionate about the water. When she’s not on campus, you can find her at the pool! During her time at CIMBA, Evelyn hopes to immerse herself in European culture, cultivate interpersonal relationships, and focus on her personal development and confidence.
Marianne Norman brings a wealth of experience, having lived in 13 cities across six states and five countries. With a Bachelor’s in Education from Cal State Monterey Bay and a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership from West Virginia University, Marianne has worked in higher education for the past 15 years. She is excited about the CIMBA program, believing it will deepen her self-awareness, enrich her sense of purpose, and help her make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Marlenne Ambriz-Leal is from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and earned her undergraduate degree in International Business and Spanish from the University of Tulsa. Inspired by her previous trip to Italy at 18, where she toured the country with her high school orchestra, Marlenne looks forward to returning and immersing herself in Italian culture while gaining valuable experience through the CIMBA MBA program.
Sydney Hearn is from Independence, Iowa, and graduated in May 2024 from the University of Iowa with a degree in Finance and Accounting, focusing on International Business. After having attended CIMBA as an undergraduate, she is eager to return for her MBA, eager to deepen her understanding of global business practices and create connections that will help her achieve her dream of working abroad.
Debbie Aschenbrener was born in Mississippi and raised in Wisconsin, where she lived for about 20 years. She earned her degree in Information Systems from Carthage College and has spent the past six years as a project manager. Debbie is a passionate skydiver, having completed 236 jumps and even holding three state records. After stepping back from skydiving in 2017 to explore travel and hiking, she is now considering her next career steps—whether to pursue a leadership role in project management or to embark on a completely new direction. She believes the CIMBA program will provide her with the insights and skills needed to make her next move.
Clara Ventimiglia, who grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Pontificia Catholic University of Argentina. With over four years of experience as a corporate attorney, Clara is passionate about music, sports, and learning new languages. She aims to gain business management and interpersonal skills to become an inspirational leader and entrepreneur within the global business community.
Together, this diverse group embodies the spirit of CIMBA, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their unique stories and shared experiences will undoubtedly create a rich learning environment, supporting one another as they embark on this transformative journey!
