About FIRE

History

The Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate (FIRE) Club at Washington State University has been a long-standing organization within the Carson College of Business, supporting students interested in pursuing careers in finance, insurance, and real estate. Over the years, the club has experienced periods of growth and transition, yet its dedication to student engagement, professional development, and real-world learning has remained constant. FIRE Club has always found success when guided by a strong leadership team that encourages collaboration and drives meaningful opportunities for its members.

In its earlier years, the club focused on hosting in-person and virtual events such as employer panels, guest speakers, and internship information sessions. These programs provided students with valuable exposure to industry professionals and helped them explore potential career paths. As FIRE Club has evolved, its purpose has expanded to reflect a broader mission of connecting students with professionals, opportunities, and practical experience. Through networking events, educational workshops, and hands-on projects, the club helps members strengthen their industry knowledge and prepare for success beyond the classroom.

FIRE Club is built around three core pillars: networking opportunities, industry knowledge, and professional development. The club strives to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world by fostering connections with industry leaders and creating a supportive community of motivated students. Signature events such as stock market competitions, industry tours, and expert speaker sessions have become key components of the club’s success and have significantly contributed to the growth of its members.

Currently, FIRE Club is working to build a closer partnership with the WSU Finance Department to align our efforts in hosting joint events and providing career readiness opportunities. Our goal is to ensure that every FIRE Club member graduates from the Carson College of Business fully equipped to compete in highly competitive fields such as finance, insurance, and real estate. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Michael McNamara and a dedicated seven-member leadership team, the club has grown from 50 active members in 2024 to over 250 members in 2026. This remarkable growth reflects our continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in student development.

2024 - 2025
Jordan Jamison, John Crowley, Meghan Sanchez

2025 - 2026
Meghan Sanchez, Kingsley Udo, Howard Lan,
John Crowley, Jordan Jamison, Megha Keezhanjil

2026 - 2027
Timofey Chumak, Erick Rebelukag, Megha Keezhanjil, Howard Lan, Gabe Khazaal, Kingsley Udo, Dylan Neal

Our Achievements

FIRE Club has been recognized by the Carson College of Business for its exceptional impact, growth, and leadership within the student community. Each year, faculty and fellow organizations vote to honor clubs that demonstrate outstanding performance, engagement, and contribution to the college. These awards reflect FIRE Club’s dedication to excellence, collaboration, and professional development.

Emerging Club

2024 - 2025

This award recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated significant revitalization, growth, and a renewed presence on campus, this year. This award reflects FIRE Club's commitment to rebuilding its foundation, strengthening its leadership, and creating meaningful experiences for its members through professional events, networking opportunities, and valuable hands-on learning.

Outstanding Club

2024 - 2025

This is awarded to the club that demonstrates excellence in leadership, member engagement, event execution, and overall contribution to the college community. Receiving this award highlights FIRE Club’s dedication to providing professional development opportunities , fostering collaboration among members, and maintaining a strong relationship with faculty and industry partners.

Advisor of the Year

2024 - 2025

Dr. Michael McNamara, FIRE Club's dedicated faculty advisor, received the Advisor of the Year award for his outstanding commitment and leadership during the 2024–2025 academic year. He has been invaluable to FIRE Club, from sharing professional connections to helping plan events and providing snacks for meetings. His mentorship and guidance have left a lasting mark on the club's growth.

Meet Our Team

The FIRE Club is guided by a team of seven dedicated student leaders, including the President, Vice President, Junior Vice President, Treasurer, Junior Treasurer, Director of Engagement and Director of Communications. This structure is designed to ensure continuity within the organization and to develop emerging leaders through mentorship and collaboration. Together, the leadership team works to create meaningful opportunities for members, strengthen connections with the finance, insurance, and real estate industries, and uphold the club’s mission of preparing students for professional success.

Howard Lan

President

I am majoring in Finance and Economics and hope to pursue a career in investment banking. Through FIRE, I want to create opportunities for students to connect, learn, and grow while building a supportive community. FIRE has been a rewarding part of my time in college, and I'm excited to grow the chapter and help build connections that support their goals.

Megha Keezhanjil

Vice President

I’m majoring in Finance and MIS with a minor in Computer Science. I’m interested in pursuing a career in fintech where I can combine my interests in technology and finance. Through FIRE, I hope to bring students together, create a welcoming space to learn more about their field, and build a strong network that supports everyone’s academic and professional goals.

Gabriel Khazaal

Junior Vice President

I'm majoring in Finance, with career interests in wealth management, real estate, and anywhere in between. Through FIRE, I'm excited to help strengthen relationships between our student community and industry professionals, creating opportunities for students to network, learn from professionals, and build connections that can help shape their careers.

Kingsley Udo

Treasurer

I am thrilled to be returning to the FIRE Club as Treasurer. I'm excited to build on last year's successes and help make our organization a true highlight of the Carson College of Business. I'll be heading into my final senior year as a finance major with continued interests in risk and wealth management, and I look forward to contributing to another strong year.

Dylan Neal

Junior Treasurer

I am majoring in Finance and Accounting, with a strong interest in pursuing a career in investment banking. Through FIRE, I am eager to build a strong community of students who are not only interested in their majors but very passionate about their career goals, and help them gain access to the resources and support needed to reach their own full potentials.

Timofey Chumak

Director of Engagement

I'm pursuing bachelor's degrees in Finance and Economic Sciences with a specialization in Financial Markets. My long-term goal is to become a fund manager, while earning credentials such as the CFA, CFP, CAIA, and Series 65. Through FIRE, I hope to build lasting connections, strengthen my skills, and deepen my understanding of the entire investment industry.

Erick Rebelukag

Director of Communications

Hello! I'm a finance major with a minor in music production at WSU, with a keen interest in wealth management. Helping clients navigate complex financial decisions and build long-term security is what I value most in finance. Through my role on FIRE Club's executive team, I hope to help students bridge the gap between academics and real-world industry experience.

Our Supporters

FIRE Club is proud to be supported by a network of professionals, alumni, and industry partners who contribute to our growth and success. Their guidance, mentorship, and collaboration help our members expand their industry knowledge, strengthen their professional development, and build meaningful connections beyond the classroom. Through their continued support, our club is able to provide valuable experiences that prepare students to excel in the fields of finance, insurance, and real estate.