Presenting the 2018 Business Week Award Winners

To cap off Business Week 2018, “of the year” award winners were announced at a special ceremony at the Courtyard Marriot on April 12. These individuals represent the high quality of talent at the Carlson School.

Paola Mita, Freshman of the Year

Paola Mita has gotten incredibly involved in a variety of student organizations, including Net Impact, Business Board and Women in Business. She is a part of professional fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and sorority Chi Omega. Outside of her schoolwork and student involvement, Paola enjoys hanging out with her mom, brother, friends, and dog. She likes to workout and attend fitness classes at the Recreation and Wellness Center. In the future, she hopes to work in the financial industry and make a positive impact in her community.

Ife Ekunsanmi, Sophomore of the Year

Ife Ekunsanmi is passionate about others and is driven for working towards continuous improvement, which she manifests through her studies in Marketing and Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Ife develops her drive for helping others through participating in Women in Business, interacting with other students and staff members, volunteering, and serving in roles as a Carlson Crew Leader and a Carlson Student Ambassador. Beyond Carlson, Ife works at the University Recreation and Wellness Center and is currently preparing for her summer role as a Convenience & Foodservice Business Management Associate Intern at General Mills.

Maddie Schwartz, Junior of the Year

Maddie Schwartz is majoring in Marketing and minoring in Leadership. She is a Minnesota native, third-generation gopher, and llama enthusiast. She believes in the power of authentic relationships across culture and context, decreasing mental health stigmas, and creating inclusive work environments. Maddie strives to fuel those passions by spending time and energy on organizations like Business Board, the Minnesota Student Association, Leadershape, the Leadership Minor, Admission Ambassadors, and serves as a research assistant and undergraduate representative for the Provost’s Mental Health Committee. Maddie hopes to work full-time as a consultant and become a Gallup-certified strengths coach. In the meantime, she’ll be joining Baker Tilly this summer in the Chicago area.

Indu Damodar, Senior of the Year

Indu Damodar is majoring in MIS with a minor in Finance. She says, “all the incredible friends and mentors I’ve met through various academic/leadership experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. I’m beyond grateful for the support and resources I’ve been blessed with. I truly can’t imagine spending the last 4 years anywhere else!” Indu has been dedicated to serving the Carlson community by holding a variety of roles in Net Impact, Women in Business, Business Board, and participated in an MIS Case competition in Vancouver. In addition, she has served as a Carlson Crew Leader, Carlson Ambassador, and Women Mean Business Team Lead.

Simran Mishra, Student of the Year

Simran Mishra is a junior majoring in Finance and minoring in Math, Business Analytics, and Global Studies. She is champion for change in the University of Minnesota and in Carlson. Simran has been involved in Net Impact, the Carlson Consulting Enterprise, and various roles in the Minnesota Student Association, most notably as President for the 2018-2019 academic year. She enjoys reading short stories, practicing yoga, and cooking in her free time.

Amy Simon, Foundational Core Faculty of the Year

Amy Simon has been a faculty member in the Department of Work and Organizations. As an instructor for Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations 3021, she has the opportunity to interact with a large number of undergraduate students.

In addition to teaching, Amy is passionate about promoting women’s rights, especially in the workplace. She serves as a member on the University of Minnesota Women’s Faculty Cabinet, where she has the opportunity to fight for these rights. Amy also serves as the advisor for the Student Society for Human Resource Management and is a member on the Undergraduate Core Council.

Helen Moser, Upper Division Faculty of the Year

Helen Moser is passionate about the world of finance. She found this passion during her time in the US Army, and then went on to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees in Finance. She worked her way up the ladder to CFO, before dedicating to teaching full-time in 2004. Helen’s passion for finance, real estate, and investing drives her energy and dedication in class each day.

Chad Ellsworth, Staff of the Year

Chad Ellsworth is dedicated to helping students develop their strengths as a Career Coach in the Undergraduate Business Career Center. He is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who is passionate about helping students and professionals combine their strengths and passions in fulfilling manners to implement into their lives. Chad is an incredible resource for students who are looking for help deciding majors and developing professional skills for use in the workplace. In addition, he coordinates Carlson’s Undergraduate Mentorship Program that pairs students with professionals in the field to foster lasting mentor relationships.