The Graduate Business Student Association (GBSA) executive board comprises graduate students who are dedicated to providing their peers engaging opportunities to improve leadership skills and create a sense of community among all graduate students.
We're putting a face to the names of the individuals who make up the 2032-24 GBSA board. In their own words, learn about their diverse backgrounds and the exciting opportunities they hope to bring to Weatherhead School of Management students this year and beyond.
Caroline Jochum
GBSA president
Area of study: MBA/JD dual-degree program
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I love event planning, so I am most looking forward to working with Weatherhead and GBSA to plan and host many fun social events in the coming year, like the Weatherheadless Ball in October and Casino Night in the spring!
What do you hope to accomplish as president of the GBSA?
As GBSA president, I hope to connect students and increase collaboration among all the graduate business programs here at Weatherhead. I want Weatherhead to be the best it can be, and we can only accomplish that together.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland?
I love to hike and explore all the parks in and around Cleveland. Then for a little snack after I enjoy trying to find the best pizza Cleveland offers.
How can someone get involved in GBSA?
All students are encouraged to come and connect with us at the many GBSA-hosted events and to chat with us in our GBSA office located in PBL 122. Also, interested students should apply to be one of our GBSA graduate student council reps once applications are released in a few weeks, so be on the lookout for more information!
Pranita Anil Chaudhari
GBSA executive vice president
Area of study: MBA
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I'm really excited about digging deeper into core finance subjects to gain a more profound knowledge. Also, I can't wait to set up some cool events for my fellow students at Weatherhead.
What do you hope to accomplish as executive vice president for the GBSA?
Taking on the role of executive vice president of GBSA, I'm all about making things better for us, the students. I've noticed that there's a bit of a gap between students in different programs at Weatherhead, and I genuinely want to fix that. My plan is to create opportunities for students across programs to connect and collaborate.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland?
Whenever I'm in Cleveland, my favorite thing to do is catch the sunset from different spots. The Lakewood Park Lookout Point has got to be my top pick so far. There's something magical about watching the sunset paint the sky with colors, and that spot just does it for me.
Prmeeti Verma
GBSA vice president of marketing
Area of study: MBA
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I'm excited to keep building connections with my fellow MBA students and professors. The friendships and networks I've formed so far have been amazing and I'm looking forward to taking them even further. This year provides an opportunity to engage myself in advanced group projects, networking events and workshops. All in all, this year is like the grand finale of my MBA journey. I'm ready to soak up all the learning, make lasting memories and set myself up for an exciting career ahead!
What do you hope to accomplish as vice president of marketing for the GBSA?
As the VP of marketing, I'm ready to enhance our initiatives and create a positive impact on campus. I look forward to working with my team to organize engaging events that add value to students. This role also gives me the chance to refine my leadership and organizational skills, helping me set the stage for future leadership positions.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland?
I love going on food escapades with my friends––exploring new restaurants and creating wonderful memories together.
Ling Ding
GBSA vice president of finance
Area of study: MBA/Master of Finance dual-degree program
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am committed to leveraging avenues for holistic growth, enhancing both my professional and personal capacities by acquiring knowledge from esteemed professors, cultivating collaborative relationships with my peers and networking with industry professionals. Meanwhile, I am eager to contribute to the expansion and inclusivity of my fellow students, fostering a diverse and supportive community.
What do you hope to accomplish as vice president of finance for the GBSA?
I will oversee the budgets of Weatherhead club allocations and provide essential support for effective club operations. My aim is to help enhance networking opportunities and create a vibrant student community through prudent financial management and an inclusive approach. Additionally, I will provide transparent budget reporting, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed about our financial health.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland?
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family in national parks and metro parks in the Cleveland area. I love breathing in the fresh air and being surrounded by natural greenery.
Erin Soldatis
GBSA vice president of operations
Area of study: MBA
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I am looking forward to continued collaboration with my peers and professors and hopefully making a positive impact on our community through my involvement in the Fowler Center and my role in GBSA.
What do you hope to accomplish as vice president of operations for the GBSA?
I hope to help foster a community that is involved, engaged and challenges each other to always put our best foot forward as an institution. We have a lot of great clubs with amazing talent and showcasing that as part of our academic program is what will continue to make it a top choice for future leaders and innovators.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland?
I love supporting local businesses whenever possible and Cleveland has so many amazing small businesses, creators and growers to check out, many of whom give back to our own community. My perfect day in Cleveland would include taking the dog to a local farmers/artist market and stopping for a much deserved drink at a favorite local spot.
Wahaj Kamran
GBSA vice president of social & cultural activities
Area of study: MBA
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
Making new connections, friends, and just exploring new career opportunities along with focussing on new technical skill development.
What do you hope to accomplish as vice president of social & cultural activities for the GBSA?
I really want to focus on cross-cultural engagement and getting different perspectives together for a more united student body.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland?
Trying out new restaurants!
Maxwell Ganzhorn
GBSA vice president of academic affairs
Area of study: MBA/Master of Finance dual-degree program
What are you looking forward to this academic year?
I look forward to starting my internship with the investment bank Copper Run and to meeting the incoming graduate students.
What do you hope to accomplish as vice president of academic affairs for the GBSA?
As the VP of academic affairs, I will continue to provide student input on curriculum design to ensure our curriculum is up-to-date with industry trends, while also striving to facilitate professional development opportunities for Weatherhead students. Chiefly, I will serve as a bridge between our academic leadership and student body.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland?
My favorite activity in Cleveland is to walk around Edgewater Park and take in the views of Lake Erie.