After four meaningful years with Church Brothers, Angelic Meza is closing this chapter with deep gratitude. From starting as an intern and working her way up, the journey has been both rewarding and full of growth. Angelic reflects on the experiences gained and the incredible team she had the opportunity to work with, calling it a time filled with great memories and lasting impact.

A Journey of Determination and Purpose

Born on Cedros Island, located in the Pacific Ocean, off the western coast of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Laura is a proud mother of two and grandmother of two. She came to the United States at age 40, determined to build a better life for her family. Just two years later, she made a bold decision—to go back to school. “I wanted to be an example for my children,” she shared. “I wanted them to see that it’s never too late to learn, to grow, or to follow your dreams.”

Her path led her from Hartnell Community College to CSUMB, where she earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Financial accessibility, proximity to Salinas, and CSUMB’s strong reputation drew her in, but what she found was something even more valuable: opportunity, belonging, and community.

“As an immigrant woman returning to school later in life, I wanted a university that would not only challenge me academically but also support me personally,” Laura said. “CSUMB provided a welcoming environment where I felt seen, valued, and inspired to pursue my goals.”

Building KAFENS Café de Olla — More Than Coffee

Today, Laura leads KAFENS Café de Olla, a company that blends tradition, purpose, and social impact. Inspired by her Mexican roots, KAFENS offers organic coffee infused with real Ceylon cinnamon and unprocessed piloncillo, capturing the essence of authentic café de olla.

But KAFENS is more than a coffee brand—it’s a movement. “At KAFENS, our mission is rooted in tradition, dignity, and making a positive impact,” Laura explained. “We proudly support pregnant women in agricultural communities by creating economic opportunities through the art of coffee.”

Laura makes good on her commitment by donating 10% of KAFENS’ proceeds to support maternal wellness and community programs for farmworkers, turning every bag of coffee into a source of empowerment and hope.

Academic Excellence and Community Leadership

At CSUMB, Laura was deeply involved in the Accounting Society, the Spanish Club, and the Diamond Key Program. Despite working more than 40 hours a week while earning her degree, she excelled academically and received the 2021 Service Learning Award for her outstanding contributions to the community.

Her service at Dorothy’s Kitchen taught her the value of compassion and leadership—lessons that inspired her to integrate social responsibility into her business model.

“The College of Business helped me see that business is not just about profit—it’s about people,” she said. “It taught me how to use business as a tool for positive change.”

Gratitude and Lifelong Impact

Laura credits many of her professors for shaping her success, including Jennifer Kuan, Maj-Britt Kimm, Amado Mabul, Mary Ann Majadillas, Shwadhin Sharma, and Chi-Chun Chou. She also expressed gratitude to Susan Harker (Diamond Key) and Jennifer Sarhadi (Academic Counselor) for their mentorship and encouragement.

“My experience at CSUMB’s College of Business was transformative and full of meaningful connections,” Laura said. “Every class and every professor helped me become a stronger leader and a purpose-driven entrepreneur.”

More Than Coffee — Es Tradición.

Through her leadership and vision, Laura Salgado continues to show that it’s never too late to dream big, give back, and build a better future—one cup of coffee at a time.

From the Bay to the Boardroom

Between classes at CSUMB, Garret Sutherland could often be found gliding across Monterey Bay, leading kayak tours and fishing trips as part of his off-campus job. Fast-forward a decade, and Sutherland now finds himself back on campus each year—this time in a suit, shaking hands with students at the Accounting Networking Event he once attended as a nervous transfer.

Today, he’s a partner at Van Ruler & Company, a growing CPA firm on the Central Coast, where he leads audits, manages client relationships, and mentors new accountants. The view may have changed from the ocean to the office—but the lessons that got him here started at CSUMB.

A Winding Path to the Coast

Sutherland grew up in Sacramento and studied at a community college right after high school. “I had that new sense of freedom,” he said with a laugh, “and I didn’t do too well.”

After two years living on the Oregon coast, working as a server and enjoying ocean life, he decided it was time to return to school. He enrolled at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA, took his studies seriously, and soon began searching for a university where he could stay near the ocean while pursuing accounting.

In 2014, he transferred to CSUMB’s College of Business and found the environment he had been looking for: small classes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community.

Discovering a Passion for Accounting

Sutherland’s interest in accounting started early, helping his mom with spreadsheets as a kid. “It’s kind of like building a puzzle,” he said. “If I had to be in an office, accounting felt like a good fit.”

At CSUMB, that early spark turned into a professional calling—especially after his first tax course with Professor Froshman.

“[Professor Froshman] brought real-world experience into the classroom,” Sutherland said. “He even offered an honors option where we solved real problems after class. That’s where I really learned how to study—and that hard work paid off.”

Public speaking assignments, team projects, and friendly competition with classmates became turning points.

Pull Quote: “I used to hate presentations,” he admitted. “But at CSUMB, they made you do it—and it built the confidence I use every day as a professional.”

A Last-Minute Decision That Changed Everything

As graduation neared, Sutherland almost skipped CSUMB’s Annual Accounting Networking Event, where firms from across the region recruit students. “I didn’t even have a resume,” he said. “That morning, I went to Starbucks, wrote one up, and decided to go.”

That spontaneous decision led to multiple offers and a job with Ryan & McDonald, a Salinas-based CPA firm. Over the next several years, Sutherland’s firm merged with Moss Adams and later Baker Tilly, giving him experience with larger organizations and complex audits.

In 2022, he joined Van Ruler & Company on a partnership track—and by December 2024, he officially became a partner.

Pull Quote: “We were audited pretty hard—and came out perfect. We’re now an audit and tax firm.”

Paying It Forward

Sutherland stays closely connected to CSUMB as a regular participant in accounting networking events and as part of the Friends of Froshman alumni community. He’s noticed a significant shift in students’ professionalism and preparedness since his own graduation in 2015.

Pull Quote: “Every year, I see the growth,” he said. “Students show up more polished, more confident, and more career-ready. You can tell the programs—like Diamond Key and the Career Access Initiative—are really making a difference.”

Through Friends of Froshman, alumni also help fund outreach to local high schools and community colleges. “The outreach is working,” he said. “You can see the increase in students entering the accounting program.”

Mentorship and Momentum

Sutherland credits much of his career growth to mentorship—especially from Professor Froshman, who remains a trusted guide. “Anytime I have a big decision, he’s right there with his best advice,” Sutherland said.

He also values the community of fellow alumni and faculty who continue to stay connected and support the next generation. “It’s amazing how CSUMB fosters that ongoing sense of family,” he said. “It’s not just about getting a degree—it’s about being part of something that continues to grow.”

Words of Advice

For today’s students, Sutherland offers simple, hard-earned wisdom:

“Say yes to opportunities, even when you feel unprepared. Go to the networking event. Join the group project. Speak up in class. That’s where you build the confidence you’ll need later.”

And one more reminder, he adds with a grin: “Hard work really does pay off.”

Dr. Rachel Malamed, a graduate of CSUMB’s Online MBA program, earned first place in the 2025 Social Impact Competition held on December 4, 2025, for her innovative business concept, Pet Psychiatry Hub, an initiative that aims to expand access to credible behavioral health resources for pets and their owners. The competition is part of the annual International Responsible Business and Societal Impact Symposium co-hosted by the iiED and the College of Business at CSUMB, and the Sinyi Research Center for Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility at National Cheng-Chi University in Taiwan. 

Malamed graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in Canada in 2005 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). After an internship at a top-rated multidisciplinary veterinary hospital in Los Angeles, she was accepted into a three-year residency in clinical behavioral medicine at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. A board-certified veterinary behaviorist, she now owns a private veterinary practice in Los Angeles that focuses exclusively on behavioral medicine for dogs and cats.

Through her clinical work, she has witnessed how behavioral challenges such as anxiety and aggression can place significant strain on families and, in many cases, lead to pet relinquishment or euthanasia. These experiences formed the foundation of the idea that ultimately impressed judges and secured her top placement in the competition.

“I wanted the experience of presenting my business pitch to a panel of experts and receiving meaningful feedback,” Malamed said. “The Social Impact Competition was a great opportunity to see how my idea would be received and to learn from others.”

Pet Psychiatry Hub was developed in response to a growing demand for specialized behavioral care that far exceeds the number of available experts. Malamed’s winning concept focuses on delivering expert-led, accessible education directly to pet owners through an online platform. The initiative is designed to provide veterinary psychiatry and behavior courses led by qualified professionals, along with downloadable tools, educational resources, live webinars and Q&A opportunities. By providing reliable information in a centralized and accessible format, the platform, currently in pre-launch development, aims to help pet owners make informed decisions and better support their pets’ emotional well-being.

Judges recognized Pet Psychiatry Hub for its strong social impact focus, scalability, and clear mission to keep pets in their homes by addressing behavioral challenges before they escalate. Malamed emphasized that her primary goal is to help more families than traditional one-on-one care alone would allow.

“Behavior problems are a leading cause of euthanasia and relinquishment for dogs and cats,” she explained. “This project is about expanding access to expert guidance and improving animal welfare on a broader scale.”

In addition to winning first place, Malamed described the competition experience as valuable. She appreciated the opportunity to engage with students, hear a wide range of socially driven business ideas, and receive feedback from faculty members and professionals with diverse business backgrounds.

Faculty support also played an essential role in her success. Malamed credits the program's professors with offering guidance and insight throughout the process, helping her refine her pitch and strengthen the business framework behind her idea.

While developing Pet Psychiatry Hub, Malamed encountered challenges common to many entrepreneurs, particularly in areas outside her clinical expertise. Navigating content production, technology, and collaboration required her to rely on partnerships with professionals skilled in those areas, an experience she views as essential to building a sustainable and impactful venture.

Malamed completed CSUMB's Online MBA program in December 2024. Reflecting on her journey and competition win, she encourages new business students to pursue ideas they genuinely care about.

“Choose a project you’re passionate about,” she said. “That passion is what keeps you motivated and grounded when building something meaningful.”

By earning first place in the Social Impact Competition, Malamed demonstrated how interdisciplinary expertise and mission-driven entrepreneurship can create solutions with real-world impact. Her success highlights the role of business education in advancing innovative ideas that benefit communities, both human and animal alike. Read more about Rachel in her bio on her website.

Krista Bailey Sherman, a 2020 graduate of California State University, Monterey Bay earned her Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Hospitality Management with a minor in Environmental Studies. Since graduating, she has built an impressive career in destination marketing and client services, demonstrating the leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking cultivated through her business education.

Krista began her professional journey as a Sustainable Food Intern with A’viands from 2018 to 2020 and gained early event operations experience at Folktale Winery. When the pandemic disrupted the hospitality industry, she navigated the uncertainty with resilience and quickly pivoted into new opportunities.

She joined See Monterey, the destination marketing organization for Monterey County, as a Destination Specialist and advanced to Member Relations Coordinator before being promoted to Client Services Manager. In her current role, Krista leads a team of three professionals who coordinate comprehensive destination services for incoming group clients, including lodging, dining, transportation, local activities, and site visits. She also supports the Business Development team with travel logistics, tradeshow strategy, and out of market activations.

Colleagues describe Krista as the operational backbone of the organization, consistently exceeding expectations through her organization, professionalism, and collaborative leadership. She is known for anticipating client and team needs, keeping complex initiatives on track, and mentoring emerging professionals within her department.

In addition to her professional achievements, Krista remains actively engaged with her alma mater. She partners with the Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management program to create hands-on learning opportunities for students through a Student Volunteer Program that supports local event operations. She also participates in CSUMB’s Annual Hospitality & Tourism Career Fair each fall, helping connect students with career pathways in destination marketing and the visitor economy.

Krista’s career trajectory reflects the strength of a College of Business education in preparing graduates to lead in dynamic industries. Through her work at See Monterey and her continued investment in student success, she exemplifies the impact of CSUMB alumni in driving economic vitality and professional excellence across the region.

For Fabian Cruz-Ruiz ('24), success has been built on a foundation of opportunity, mentorship, and experiential learning at the CSUMB College of Business.

After earning his bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2024, Cruz-Ruiz went on to complete a master's degree in Business Analytics at the University of California, Irvine. He now serves as a fiscal assistant with the Superior Court of Monterey and plans to pursue a law degree with the goal of practicing corporate law.

As a first-generation college student from Salinas, Cruz-Ruiz credits the College of Business and the broader campus community with helping him develop the confidence, skills, and professional experiences that prepared him for graduate school and his career.

"My undergraduate education really prepared me for graduate education," Cruz-Ruiz said. "They introduced us to the capstone concept, and I realized I had already done this."

Throughout his time at CSUMB, Cruz-Ruiz benefited from scholarships, faculty mentorship, and high-impact learning opportunities that allowed him to focus on his academic and professional goals. Financial support, including the John Kobata Accounting Scholarship and the Women's Leadership Council Scholarship, reduced financial barriers and enabled him to pursue experiences beyond the classroom.

"It really helped me," he said. "It's kind of like I had the engine—I just needed the fuel for it."

Those opportunities included internships with Deloitte, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Panetta Congressional Internship Program in Washington, D.C., as well as a study abroad experience in Amsterdam. He also participated in the Summer Institute for Emerging Managers and Leaders, a highly competitive University of California program that introduced students to graduate business education and ultimately provided him with a full year of tuition support for graduate school.

Cruz-Ruiz also credits campus support programs, including the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and TRIO, with helping him navigate college life and connect with valuable campus resources.

"Because I knew how to do that early on, it really helped me to excel," he said. "It gave me a strong foundation and showed me what I was capable of."

His journey reflects the College of Business's commitment to preparing career-ready graduates through academic excellence, experiential learning, faculty mentorship, and meaningful industry engagement. By combining classroom learning with internships, scholarships, global experiences, and personalized support, the College empowers students to pursue advanced education, launch successful careers, and become leaders in their professions.

"I hope it shows other first-generation students that, with the right support, they can achieve the same," Cruz-Ruiz said.