2026 Undergraduate Hood Recipient and Honorees

Elizaveta Kucherova – Marketing – Hood Recipient 

Elizaveta (Liza) Kucherova was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. From a young age, she was fascinated by marketing and the way strategy and ideas shape the world. At 13 years old, she began thinking about studying marketing in the United States. While the goal felt distant at first, she started actively pursuing it during her senior year of high school. Within just three months, Liza navigated an intense application process—traveling to multiple countries for language exams, completing COVID-19 vaccination requirements, and attending visa interviews. Despite many sleepless nights, her persistence paid off when she received both her university acceptance and visa approval. 

Liza’s move to San Francisco marked an exciting but challenging new chapter. She arrived in a new country and culture without knowing anyone and was separated from her family by a 10-hour time difference. Determined to adapt, Liza embraced a key mindset: opportunities must be actively pursued. She began working at the Student Housing Office, supporting over 4,000 students. There, she developed strong communication skills and learned to navigate high-pressure environments. With guidance from mentors in the LFCoB Career Services and Professional Development Center and the Leadership
EDGE program, she discovered leadership opportunities and ways to make a meaningful impact on campus. Liza found her community in the Marketing Association (a student organization), where she later became President. She organized networking events connecting students with industry professionals and focused on helping peers explore career paths and gain practical experience. She also contributed as a Student Ambassador with the Lam-Larsen Student Engagement Initiative and served as the Leadership EDGE Marketing Liaison, managing communications for student initiatives.

Liza's dedication led to a role as a Digital Marketing Assistant for the Lam Family College of Business's Marketing Office. In this position, she helped increase visibility for college programs through various campaigns such as enrollment marketing video initiatives and Gator Giving Day. As Marketing
Coordinator for TEDxSF State, she played a key role in generating over 800 registrations to the event. These experiences helped Liza secure a competitive internship at Applied Materials, where she was selected out of 115 interns to present directly to the company’s CEO—an especially meaningful milestone as an international student representing SFSU.

Currently, alongside completing her degree, Liza works as a Go-to-Market Intern at NexDiscovery, an AI startup, where she contributes to messaging and growth strategy. Her journey has been far from easy, but every challenge has shaped her into someone who believes that anything is possible with hard work, curiosity, resilience, and the courage to take risks.

Shalisa Ja'Nell Bridget – Labor and Employment Studies 

A first-generation college student who grew up in a working-class community of color, Shalisa Ja'Nell Bridget represents the ineffable qualities of SFSU students – she is remarkably resilient; she has overcome formidable obstacles while earning her degree; and she is committed to uplifting vulnerable members of the Bay Area community. Shalisa grew up in a multi-generational matrifocal family in Mobile, Alabama. As a child, she endured challenges that would have prevented many from finishing their education. At age 14, her family experienced a traumatic capital murder case, which upended her childhood and required her to become independent at a young age, thus denying her a traditional school-to-college journey. Shalisa moved to California as an adult and attended community college in Southern California before transferring to SFSU.

At SFSU, Shalisa has experienced extended periods of housing and food insecurity and overcome serious depression — challenges which would have derailed many students. Not only did she complete her SFSU degree, but she received several scholarships, distinctions, and honors along the way. In 2024, she received both the Middle-Class Scholarship for low-income students in need and the Crankstart Reentry Scholarship, which assists non-traditional, low-income, and underserved reentry students. In 2025, Shalisa received the Labor Studies Ernest C. Dillard Scholarship and was admitted into the nationally competitive UC Berkeley union summer internship program. In addition, Shalisa has made the LFCoB Dean's List during every semester she has attended SFSU.

Despite facing challenges caused by violence, trauma, and precarity, Shalisa has volunteered with Bay Area community organizations that address homelessness, joblessness, and food insecurity — issues she has experienced firsthand. Moreover, while working at Oakland Coliseum Concessions, Shalisa has consistently encouraged coworkers to apply to attend SFSU. After graduation, she intends to work to expand educational and economic opportunities for Bay Area residents facing insecurity, especially those from Black and other underrepresented communities.

Shalisa has overcome life-challenging struggles yet has performed outstandingly; she has served underprivileged and underrepresented populations; she recruits for SFSU; and post-graduation, she wants to expand opportunities for all Bay Area residents. Shalisa's life could have taken a different, and worse, direction. But her strength and resilience, together with the support and mentorship she received at SFSU, have put her life on a positive track. For some, higher education, and life, come easy, but Shalisa is an outstanding role model for those who must overcome formidable obstacles to succeed.

Maria Fernanda Coreas Ayala – International Business 

Maria Fernanda Coreas Ayala completed a double major in Business Management and International Business at SFSU, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She distinguished herself through her consistency, discipline, and curiosity about how businesses operate on both local and global scales. Her academic interests focused on understanding not only what drives business decisions, but also the economic and strategic reasoning behind them, particularly within global markets.

Born in El Salvador and having immigrated to the United States in 2008, Fernanda's experiences across two different social and economic environments shaped her perspective and sparked her interest in the global economy. She brings a strong understanding of cultural differences and approaches business challenges with an international and analytical mindset.

Fernanda prioritized professional experience through internships in corporate accounting and human resources in San Francisco. While maintaining a full academic workload, she committed herself to a human resources intern role where she supported HR operations, contributed to employee processes, and gained hands-on experience in a corporate environment. Through this experience, she developed a deeper understanding of how organizations function and strengthened her ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world business challenges. She graduates in 2026 with two years of corporate experience,  building a strong foundation in navigating corporate environments, communicating with clarity, and approaching challenges with structure and purpose.

Following graduation, Fernanda accepted a full-time role as an HR generalist, where she continues to grow her expertise in human resources. She plans to leverage her background in both HR and international business to pursue global and strategic opportunities, with the goal of bridging people operations and global business strategy in an ever-evolving business environment.

Jason Huang – Accounting

Jason Huang made a lasting impact on the SFSU accounting community through his academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service. As an accounting major, Jason balanced a rigorous academic schedule while working approximately 15 hours per week in a part-time role. Despite these commitments, he maintained strong academic performance and demonstrated exceptional engagement in the classroom. In the Auditing course, Jason collaborated on a comprehensive simulated audit engagement examining a firm's financial statements. By identifying complex financial reporting errors, he applied key principles of professional skepticism, sound judgment, and technical proficiency in accounting frameworks and reporting.

Jason's dedication to community engagement was especially evident through his leadership in the campus Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Over the past two years, he served as both a Site Manager and Quality Reviewer, helping oversee clinic operations and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of tax returns prepared for community members seeking free tax assistance. His leadership and attention to detail made him a trusted mentor to student volunteers while strengthening the program's mission of serving diverse communities.

Jason also significantly advanced student engagement and professional development as Co-President of the SFSU Ascend chapter. During his tenure, he revitalized the organization by rebuilding digital archives, expanding outreach, and helping to drive a remarkable 900% membership increase. He organized or co-hosted 17 professional development events — including the LFCoB Accounting Pre-Career Fair, CPA preparation seminars, and firm office visits — partnering with firms such as PwC, EY, KPMG, BDO, RSM, Moss Adams, Grant Thornton, Baker Tilly, BPM, Aprio, and CLA. In addition, Jason served as a Becker Campus Ambassador and led Ascend's March 2026 Gator Giving Day fundraising campaign to support future student programming.

After graduation, Jason plans to pursue the CPA license, beginning with the FAR section in summer 2026, and later, he will continue his studies in the Master of Science in Accountancy program. His blend of academic achievement, leadership, and community impact makes him a highly deserving Accounting Department Honoree and a strong representative of the SFSU graduating class.

Nour Kalbuneh – Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management

Nour Kalbuneh is recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to building inclusive communities. Originally from Jordan and Lebanon, Nour’s multicultural background has played a significant role in shaping her perspective and passion for hospitality. Moving from Jordan to the United States was a defining experience in Nour’s life. Adjusting to a new culture and academic system came with challenges, but it also built her resilience and independence. These experiences have directly influenced her passion for hospitality, where she hopes to create spaces that make people feel welcomed, valued, and understood. 

Nour has distinguished herself academically in the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management major through her strong work ethic, curiosity, and ability to connect theory to real-world experiences. Her coursework often reflects her interest in cultural diversity within hospitality, and she consistently strives to understand how meaningful guest experiences can be created across different backgrounds and environments.

Outside the classroom, Nour has been deeply involved on campus. She has served as a Resident Assistant for three years, where she has supported students’ well-being, built inclusive communities, and organized programs focused on mental health, sustainability, and social engagement. In addition, her work with the Title IX Office has allowed her to contribute to creating a safer and more supportive campus environment, further strengthening her leadership, empathy, and advocacy skills.

After graduation, Nour plans to pursue a career in hospitality management with a focus on guest experience and community-centered service. She aspires to work in diverse, international settings where she can combine her cultural background, leadership experience, and academic knowledge to create impactful and inclusive hospitality environments.

Lisa Ann Lujan – General Business

Originally from Los Angeles, Lisa relocated to the Bay Area years ago, where she developed a deep appreciation for its natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and scenic landscapes. Following an exceptional 38-year career with a major airline, she brings a wealth of award-winning experience shaped by the rhythm of travel, the discipline of aviation, and a passion for connecting people and places. Throughout her career, Lisa cultivated extensive expertise in operations, budgeting, customer experience, flight operations, project management, and union contract negotiations. Having worked at both Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, she developed a strong command of complex, large-scale environments and a proven ability to deliver efficient, customer-focused operations at the highest level. Her leadership was instrumental in navigating operational challenges, fostering collaboration across teams, and ensuring consistent excellence under high pressure.

Beyond her operational expertise, Lisa is known for her dedication and integrity, viewing travel not only as a way to connect with people and cultures but also as an opportunity to advocate for others. She has consistently stepped forward to support those who felt unheard, using her leadership to amplify their voices and champion fairness, inclusion, and opportunity. As a proud graduate of San Francisco State University, she sees her educational journey as both a milestone and a foundation for continued growth. Earning her business degree reflects her resilience and lifelong commitment to learning.

As she begins a new chapter, Lisa is recognized for her inspirational leadership and ability to bring out the best in others, consistently turning challenges into opportunities. With decades of experience and a renewed academic foundation, she is well positioned to embark on a second career, where her strategic vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence will continue to make a meaningful impact.

Jacob Martin – Finance  

Jacob Martin is a Bay Area native who has always been drawn to understanding how things work. Early on, it was the financial world that captured his attention most, which brought him to San Francisco State University, where he set out to turn that curiosity into something he could put to work.

As President of the Financial Analysis and Management Education Club (FAME, a student organization), Jacob channeled that passion into building a community, expanding programming, growing the club's presence on campus, and creating spaces where students could develop real financial literacy. Beyond FAME, he has served in financial leadership roles across Delta Sigma Pi and the PCMA Foundation, at both of their SFSU chapters, while quietly supporting student organizations across departments with budgeting and planning so they could focus on what they do best. Throughout, he cultivated relationships across all levels of the college, from peers to faculty, building the kind of network that turns individual effort into lasting institutional impact.

Jacob has had the opportunity to explore finance across a range of settings, from public sector work in transit finance to investment analysis in the venture capital space, gaining a broad perspective on how capital moves and decisions get made. Through the SFSU Student Sustainable Investment Fund, he applied that lens to sustainable investing. As a Fintech Fellow, he has engaged with leaders at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and traveled to Sao Paulo for a fintech immersion, gaining firsthand exposure to one of the world's most dynamic financial ecosystems.

While still completing his degree, Jacob also built a consulting practice at the intersection of finance and technology, providing technology advisory services to venture capital firms and broader finance and technology support to small and mid-sized businesses navigating growth in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a belief that breadth builds depth, he leaves SFSU not at a finish line, but at the beginning of what's next.

Charlize Mae Militante – Economics

Born in the Philippines and raised in the Bay Area since she was one year old, Charlize Mae Militante is proud to call this community home. Continuing a family legacy, she followed in her father’s footsteps by attending San Francisco State University. Her academic journey was further influenced by a family friend whose experience in marketing inspired her to join the Lam Family College of Business.

Charlize began her studies as a marketing major but soon developed a strong interest in economics, drawn to its integration of mathematical analysis, decision-making, and the study of human behavior. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Marketing, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.97 GPA. She particularly values the discipline’s balance of analytical rigor and creative problem-solving.

Upon entering college, Charlize was more reserved and initially found it challenging to step outside of her comfort zone. However, the opportunities she encountered at San Francisco State University played a pivotal role in her personal development, allowing her to build confidence in both herself and her academic abilities. Throughout her time at the University, she demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, guided by determination and perseverance, and embraced a mindset centered on initiative and curiosity.

Beyond the classroom, Charlize cultivated a sense of community through her involvement in the Pilipinx American Collegiate Endeavor (PACE), where she strengthened her connection to her Filipino heritage while building meaningful relationships with peers. In her final semesters, Charlize became involved with Providing Opportunity for Women (POW, a student organization), serving as a creative designer. She found it especially meaningful to contribute to an organization dedicated to empowering women in business, particularly within a field that remains largely male-dominated. In this role, she collaborated with fellow students to develop programs and events that support others in discovering their place within the business community, while also fostering lasting professional connections.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her professional journey, Charlize remains passionate about community engagement and creative thinking in business. She is deeply grateful for the foundation she has built at SFSU and is honored to represent the Economics major for the Class of 2026.

Peter Nguyen – Business Analytics

Peter Nguyen double-majored in Business Analytics and Accounting at SFSU. As a first-generation college student, his journey was shaped by resilience, discipline, and the support of the people around him. Throughout his time at San Francisco State, he felt fortunate to learn from incredible professors, mentors, classmates, and his family, all of whom encouraged him to keep moving forward and to grow both personally and professionally.

Peter chose Business Analytics because of its focus on decision-making and the way it uses technology and data to solve real problems. Through his coursework, he gained a deeper understanding of how data can help organizations make informed decisions.

One of the experiences he is most proud of has been serving with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program as a Site Coordinator. In this role, Peter supported fellow volunteers in developing their skills while helping lead VITA program efforts during the 2026 tax season. Together, the volunteers and faculty assisted over 800 taxpayers with their tax filings. This experience strengthened his analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills while showing him how data-driven problem-solving can improve efficiency and serve the community.

Being recognized as the Business Analytics Honoree reflects not only his hard work, but also the encouragement and guidance he received from family, faculty, mentors, and classmates. Peter is deeply grateful for their belief in him and for the community that has helped shape his path.

After graduation, Peter will begin studying for the CPA exam and hopes to apply analytics in accounting, support smarter decision-making and continue giving back to his community. He also hopes to carry forward the values of leadership, service, and perseverance in everything he does in the future.

Emma Paquette – Management

Emma Paquette's academic and professional trajectory at San Francisco State University reflects a deliberate integration of management theory, hands-on leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the human-centered aspects of business. Arriving at SF State, Emma embraced the opportunity to build her own community and develop the skills to navigate university life independently. This experience strengthened her ability to create inclusive spaces and reinforced her conviction that effective people management lies at the heart of organizational success.

A Business Management major, Emma's academic excellence is grounded in her understanding of Human Resources as the critical intersection of business operations and psychology, a perspective shaped by strong business leaders in her family. This lens has guided her pursuit of opportunities that bridge theoretical frameworks with tangible organizational practice.

Emma's ability to translate academic concepts into applied settings is demonstrated through two HR internships — one with the California State University Chancellor's Office and another with Hosa Technology — where she engaged directly with real-world business challenges. Complementing these experiences, she has maintained continuous employment throughout her undergraduate career and currently serves as an HR Assistant for a nonprofit organization.

Emma's leadership within the Lam Family College of Business underscores her standing as an accomplished student leader. As President of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) SFSU Chapter, Emma has led effective teams, managed the club's financial health, and cultivated student engagement through events designed to connect members with the professional HR landscape. Among her contributions, she bridged connections between the SF State, San Jose State, and Golden Gate University SHRM Chapters, expanding professional networks and fostering collaboration across institutions. Emma also served as Vice President of Providing Opportunity for Women (POW, a student organization), an External Delegate for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and as a Student Ambassador for the LFCoB.

Additionally, Emma established the biannual Boba & Business Mixer, now in its fourth installment. Originally conceived as a forum for connecting business majors, the event has since become a signature tradition within the LFCoB for its role in fostering a professional community.

Upon graduation, Emma intends to pursue a career in Human Resources where she can translate academic foundations into strategic business solutions. With a proven record of leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a genuine commitment to empowering others, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to the future of people-focused business practice.

Laiba Sajjad – Information Systems

Seven years ago, Laiba Sajjad moved to the United States and began a completely new chapter of her life. Adjusting to a new environment was not easy. Still, she stayed committed to her goals, managing full-time school alongside part-time work while figuring things out on her own. Through this, Laiba built resilience, independence, and persistence.

Laiba majored in Information Systems and Accounting at San Francisco State University, where she maintained a strong academic record. What drew her to Information Systems was her curiosity about how technology works behind the scenes and how data can be used to make smarter decisions. At the same time, as a double major in Accounting, she developed a strong understanding of the financial side of business, which helped her see how systems and data directly impact real-world decisions. Together, these interests have shaped her passion for using technology to improve financial insight and create more efficient business processes.

Her time at SFSU has meant a lot to her, both academically and personally. The support and encouragement from her professors, along with the sense of community on campus, helped her build confidence in herself and believe that she is capable of achieving more than she once thought. In Spring 2026, she was awarded the CIO Scholarship by the Information Systems Department, a moment that reminded her how far she had come and motivated her to keep pushing forward.

There was a time when she doubted herself and felt like others learned faster, but she held on to the belief that hard work and persistence would carry her through. Being recognized as the Information Systems Honoree felt surreal and deeply meaningful to her, as it reflected not just her achievements, but how much she had grown. Looking back, she is proud of how far she has come. She hopes to continue growing and plans to build a career that combines her interests in business and technology, while making a positive impact along the way.

Kyi Sin Thant – Decision Sciences

Having immigrated twice in her life, Kyi Sin Thant grew up in Myanmar, Singapore, and the United States. In June 2023, she arrived in California, starting over in an unfamiliar environment. After taking a gap year to establish stability — during which she earned her California Real Estate license — she embraced the challenge of restarting her academic journey. This transition taught her resilience and adaptability, transforming uncertainty into opportunity and deepening her commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and uplifting fellow immigrants.

Kyi stood out academically for her determination and efficiency. She accelerated her graduation timeline by a full year, completing a double concentration in Decision Sciences and Finance through strategic course sequencing and carrying six classes across Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 — all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Her participation in the Wood Supply Game Competition (WSGC 2026) further exemplified her ability to apply optimization and data-driven decision-making to real-world supply chain challenges.

Currently working as a licensed Realtor in San Jose, Kyi directly applies the spreadsheet modeling, investment analysis, and financial forecasting skills she developed in her Decision Sciences coursework to advise clients on data-driven real estate decisions. She has also worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, analyzing behavioral data for non-verbal children with mild autism to inform treatment progress. She is a member of the SFSU President's Leadership Fellows Program (PLFP) and has participated in fundraisers organized by One Myanmar Community (OMC) to support the Burmese community — a cause close to her own immigrant experience.

Kyi is graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Decision Sciences and Finance. This fall, she will pursue her Master of Science in Business Analytics, with plans to become a strategic analytics consultant dedicated to creating systemic change through data.