Free tacos, meaningful mentorship, and professional connections—what’s not to love?
This past February CBA’s Mentorship Excellence Program hosted Let’s Taco ’Bout Business, a networking event that connected nearly 200 business students with successful alumni from various industries.
“Looking back to Fall 2024, we envisioned a mentoring program that truly engaged our students,” recalls CBA Mentorship Director Clark Rucker (’83, engineering; ’23, doctorate in science). “And from that vision, the idea for a food truck networking event was born. If you bring food, they will come—and sure enough, they did. The energy, enthusiasm, and turnout exceeded expectations.”
“For commuter students, having an event like this during U-Hour, on campus, in such a casual, accessible setting with lunch provided, made it so much easier and less intimidating to connect with alumni,” said Paulson Cheng (’24, marketing).
A Look at This Year’s Mentors
Alumni who participated in Let’s Taco ’Bout Business brought experience from a wide range of industries, including technology, law, business development, and human resources. Some of the professionals who volunteered their time included:
- Anas Chaudry, Vice President, Quality Digital Transformation, Edwards Life sciences Edwards Life sciences
- Arnold Rios (’24, MBA), Regional Director, Dollar General
- Chuck McDaniels (’85, computer information systems), Sr Manager, Technical Project Manager, Company 3/ Method Studios
- Dan Bejmuk (’01, computer information systems), CEO & Co-Founder, Dreambox
- Jessica Foronda (’23, computer information systems), IT Support Specialist, Ware Malcomb
- Josh Hernandez (’21, technology and operations management), Vice President of Business Development, Unishippers
- Michael Crawford (’17, finance, real estate and law), Incoming Real Estate Lawyer, Willkie, Far, Gallagher LLP
- Natalie Brizuela-MacLean (’15, finance, real estate and law), Principal Manager, Contracts and Grants, Universities Space Research Association
- Nolan Mariano (’08, management and human resources), Director, Human Resources, The Oncology Institute
- Omar Nuno (’21, finance, real estate and law), Contracts Manager, Specialist, Legal Contracts, Aerojet Rocketdyne
- Shari Benson (’93, management and human resources) Chief Human Resources Officer, Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises
- Yvette Ortiz (’18, management and human resources; ’22 MBA) Talent Acquisition Supervisor, Pacific Market Rentokil Terminix
Their insights helped students gain valuable industry knowledge and firsthand career advice—while enjoying some of the best tacos on campus, thanks to local favorite Tacos ChicanX.
What’s Next?
With a successful Let’s Taco ’Bout Business event in the books, students and alumni alike are already looking forward to the next one.
“The College of Business Administration is on the right track when it comes to student engagement,” said Rucker. “I am excited to watch this program continue to grow and develop.”
For business students who missed out this time, be sure to stay connected with the CBA Mentorship Excellence Program for future opportunities to network, learn, and, of course, enjoy great food. Current students, recent grads and lifetime Cal Poly Pomona community members can also connect with each other .