After more than 30 years in uniform and government service, Nelson Calimlim is embracing a new mission: joining a community of peers as a member of EMBA Cohort 24. A retired Air Force veteran, Nelson spent his career leading teams across operations, cybersecurity, human resources development, and information technology. 

The experience, he says, earned a reputation as a forward-thinking problem solver and a steady presence in complex, high-stakes environments. Now, as he begins this next chapter, Nelson is eager to translate the lessons of military service and leadership into the world of business. 

“The UNLV EMBA program thrives on diversity, bringing together students from various backgrounds to enrich the learning experience,” he says. “I am eager to gain valuable insights into leadership and practical business strategies from my cohort, as I believe that iron sharpens iron.”

Nelson’s decision to choose UNLV felt like a natural fit. 

“Why not? UNLV is the premier school in Nevada!” he says. “It represents the local community and serves as a hub where Las Vegas leaders are nurtured, developed, and thrive.

“The university is also renowned for its support of veterans.”

Nelson joins Cohort 24 with two master’s degrees under his belt: a degree in operations management from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a Master of Science in Military Operational Art and Science that he earned while stationed at Alabama’s Maxwell Air Force Base.

Nelson’s desire to inspire extends beyond the classroom, and he knows that others will be watching his success in the program. 

“I aspire to inspire young people everywhere, especially in Las Vegas and my hometown of Waipahu, Hawaii,” he says. “Coming from humble beginnings, I want to show that success is achievable for anyone willing to work hard for it.

“I also aim to motivate veterans transitioning to civilian life to discover their new purpose -- their ‘why’ -- and pursue it with determination and passion.”

Jared Christensen brings more than 15 years of experience in human resources leadership and a deep familiarity with UNLV to EMBA Cohort 24. Currently, he serves as the University’s Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Executive Director of HR Business Partners, leading multiple HR units and advising senior leadership on complex matters and policy. In addition to his campus role, he represents UNLV on the NSHE Human Resources Advisory Council and the University Policy Committee, helping shape HR governance across the Nevada higher education system.

“I view myself as a well-rounded “jack of all trades” with a variety of personal and professional interests, which have given me the versatility to connect with and others in a variety of circumstances,” Jared says. “While my HR background has given me meaningful experience in people operations and policy, I am eager to expand my expertise in finance, operations, and business strategy. 

“I believe what I learn in this program will help me make a more meaningful impact in my current career as an HR professional”

Though he considers himself a “Utah boy” at heart, Jared has lived and worked around the world. As a child, he spent three years each in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Mexico City. After graduating high school, he dedicated two years to a church mission in Madrid, Spain. He says his travels and experiences “have given me the versatility to connect with others in a variety of circumstances.”

That should serve Jared well in Cohort 24, which will expose him to viewpoints from across the business spectrum. At the same time, he’ll be able to offer invaluable perspective from his international travels, as well as his knowledge of the University.

“Since starting my employment at UNLV in July 2021, I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the positive impact our programs can have on the lives of our students,” Jared says. “I appreciate the structure of the EMBA program and I feel like UNLV was a natural fit for me.”

Above all, he hopes his lifelong learning journey will inspire his children.

“I would like to show my kids that you are never too old to achieve your educational goals,” Jared says. “I have always tried to teach them the value of education, and I think completing my EMBA would be a good example to them.”

With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of gaming, entertainment, and technology, Brian Chui brings the perspective of a seasoned marketing and communications leader to EMBA Cohort 24. His career has spanned industries from alternative energy and healthcare to tech and gaming – where he’s led global storytelling efforts that drive brand relevance and business impact. As Communications Lead at Los Angeles-based Riot Games, Brian plays a key role in shaping the company’s global storytelling across its portfolio of products, innovations, and strategic priorities.

“As my role expands, I’ve realized the importance of strengthening my business and financial foundation,” Brian says. “I’m motivated to become a more well-rounded business leader - someone who can lead narrative strategy and brand positioning, while also influencing high-level decisions across marketing, innovation, and company-wide transformation.”

Brian was drawn to the EMBA for its emphasis on experiential learning and real-world impact, as well as the opportunity to connect more deeply with Southern Nevada’s academic and business communities.

“Personally, this program is a commitment to lifelong learning and leadership through action,” he says. “I want to model the value of self-investment, discipline, and curiosity - not just for the next generation of leaders in my life, but as part of a deeper commitment to realizing my full potential as a thoughtful, values-driven leader.”

He’s also eager to learn from the experienced leaders in Cohort 24, aiming to expand his skillset in organizational leadership, financial decision-making, and entrepreneurship.

“I’m driven by the opportunity to shape high-impact narratives that inspire new perspectives and move people to action,” he says.

By the age of 12, Riki Denning had already earned a reputation as a self-starter and lifelong learner with a passion for the startup world. With key roles at a dozen startups and small businesses, gaining hands-on experience in everything from developing SOPs and running Meta ad campaigns to producing podcasts and designing websites, Riki was more than ready to tackle the challenge of the EMBA.

“It felt as though the stars aligned the day I began considering the [degree],” she says. “Everything fell into place so quickly that I was empowered to move full steam ahead and go for it.

“While I have academic experience and hands-on business experience, I haven’t previously had the opportunity to study business in an academic setting and I’m excited to have this chance now.”

As it is for many EMBA students, the flexibility of the program will make it easier for Riki to succeed. She already juggles three major projects: managing a warehouse and team for the launch of HotelSoap.com, developing a cybersecurity course series and social media for 3rd Stone Networks, and producing a weekly business podcast.

The EMBA is the next step in a rapid period of personal and professional growth, and Riki is looking forward to the marketing and financial accounting courses to help strengthen her skillset and give her the confidence to climb even higher.

“I love learning, and the knowledge gained from this program will change the course of my career,” she says.

Riki is also eager to learn from her classmates, and hopes that she will be able to find mentorship and lasting professional partnerships within Cohort 24.

Thomas Fairchild has played a key role in the growth of Las Vegas’ entertainment industry. As a Project Manager for live experience brand TAIT, he’s had a hand in everything from touring arena shows and Las Vegas residencies to complex theater upgrades and architectural installations.

Now, the UNLV graduate – Thomas earned his bachelor’s in Entertainment Engineering and Design in 2019 -- is expanding his business acumen as a member of EMBA Cohort 24.

“Moving back to Las Vegas, I had the choice to either live here or establish myself here; I chose the latter,” he says. “Getting not just a broader view of business operations but immersing myself in a cohort of like-minded people in the area really spoke to me.

“I looked at other EMBA programs, but ultimately it is about the people. UNLV has a fantastic program and I want to share that with other people in the city I chose to live in.”

Thomas’s path into live entertainment began in an unconventional way. Before working behind the scenes, he honed his leadership skills and decision-making abilities as a yacht captain. He later shifted his focus to live entertainment, starting as an underwater stage technician in Macau, SAR China, and then went on to work with musicals and arena shows as a stage manager, carpenter, and backstage coordinator.

“I lived abroad all over the world for 12 years of my life, and I have travelled to over 50 countries,” he says. “Las Vegas is the first place I have ever moved back to instead of moving onwards to the next thing.

“Meeting the amazing people of my cohort has only made me more confident in my decision to make Las Vegas my home.”

Being successful in business, Thomas explains, often boils down to skills and relationships. The EMBA, he adds, affords the opportunity to become better in both areas.

“I never want to stop learning and growing and I love the idea of pursuing that with other like-minded individuals,” he says. “By being one member of a very diverse team, I cannot wait to learn as many lessons as possible from everyone else.”

A self-described “natural-born leader” involved in everything from her local church to community mentorships and corporate synergy, Tiffany Givens brings more than 20 years of experience at one of Southern Nevada’s most important telecommunications companies to Cohort 24.

“My [Cox Communications] career has included roles in program management, process improvement, and organizational strategy, all with a strong emphasis on maximizing efficiencies and cross-functional collaboration,” Tiffany says. “I’ve successfully implemented enterprise-wide programs, reduced costs through process optimization, and recently expanded my leadership experience as a Director in Environmental, Health and Safety.”

The EMBA, she adds, will help her understand the psychology behind how people and groups behave within an organization, and she’s eager to learn more about shaping company culture and navigating leadership challenges that will arise as she further climbs the corporate ladder.

Tiffany already holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UNLV. A graduate degree, she says, has been a longtime aspiration.

She previously put off going back to school because the timing wasn’t right, but then changed her thinking and is now asking herself, “Why can’t I?” The EMBA’s emphasis on key business areas like strategy, finance, and organizational leadership will help her grow both personally and professionally, and she sees the experience as an opportunity to motivate future generations, including her children and grandchildren.

“As a proud alum, returning to UNLV feels like a natural, full-circle moment,” Tiffany says. “This is a challenge I am eager to take on as a role model for my children and community, showing them the importance of dedication to self-development and hard work.”

Hank von Hellion has built a career defined by creativity, community impact, and a passion for the arts. His recent move from Massachusetts to Las Vegas, and his pursuit of the EMBA, marks a new chapter both personally and professionally.

“[I am] building a community for myself in Las Vegas,” Hank says. “I want to be more deeply connected and involved in the city.

“I am also committed to building something new here as a business.”

An accomplished artist, Hank has shown his work across the country and in parts of Europe, including exhibitions in galleries and a number of museums. His commitment to expanding access to the arts led him to cofound an annual international street art festival that brought together 20 to 30 international artists, along with community workshops and creative opportunities for local youth. Beyond his work as an artist, Hank runs a creative consulting and fabrication business that helps clients integrate creative expression into their missions, develop commissions, and produce public artworks in collaboration with world-class artists.

His contributions have been recognized widely. Hank has served on numerous nonprofit boards and art councils and has been honored with two separate Keys to the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, as well as the Game Changer Award from the Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

With an educational background in the arts and in program development and evaluation, Hank has focused his professional path on arts-based nonprofit organizations and startups. He has always wanted his work to revolve around creative ideas that help local economies grow, and says a graduate education will help him reach his goals.

The EMBA, he explains, was appealing because it will a) strengthen his ties to the local business community, and b) introduce him to a diverse group of students with a perspective that he can’t find anywhere else.

“Getting to know my cohort of folks from different industries and backgrounds and gaining insight into the workings of the business community are all things I’m looking forward to experiencing,” Hank says.

“I hope to learn more about creating a startup business outside of the non-profit sector that I’m familiar with.

“I believe the cohort represents such a concentration of experience that one would be silly not to try to absorb as much of that knowledge as possible.”

Born and raised in Las Vegas and a 2006 UNLV graduate, Karim Hussain brings a lifelong perspective of Southern Nevada’s business community to Cohort 24. The Director of Development for the university’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Karim had already been eyeing a graduate education when a former EMBA graduate urged him to consider the program.

“We were chatting about how I wanted to eventually get my MBA and she told me about how great her experience in the EMBA program was,” he recalls. “So I had my eye on it since then. After leaving the private sector and joining the development team at the UNLV foundation, I decided it was the right time to jump in headfirst and start the program.”

Karim’s entry point into business actually came through a childhood passion for racing cars. That led to an interest in the hospitality, automotive, and aviation sectors. Prior to joining UNLV, he served on the board of directors for both the Las Vegas Hospitality Association and Speedway Children’s Charity with the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“Professionally, [the EMBA] will help me build upon things I feel I excel at already and help me address some of my weaknesses to make me a better-rounded professional,” he says. “Personally, I’m excited to become a UNLV Grad School alumni and be part of a cohort that has some awesome people and build relationships that will continue past this program.”

For Karim, the cohort experience is about building lasting relationships and learning how they can support one another throughout their careers. The EMBA is also deeply personal, as he sees it as a tribute to his parents. After immigrating to the United States from Pakistan, his mother and late father hoped to give their children opportunities they themselves never had. Now, with both Karim and his brother holding graduate degrees, he sees this achievement as a reflection of their sacrifices and a way to give back to Southern Nevada.

“Being born and raised in Vegas, UNLV has always had a special place in my heart,” he says. “I grew up watching the Runnin Rebels dominate the basketball court and started my undergrad here.

“I knew it was where I would go to get my graduate degree as it’s part of my local community, and that is something that has always been important to me.”

Csilla Kittlinger is a model for lifelong learning. Born and raised in Hungary, she was accepted at age 10 into an experimental high school program that emphasized language fluency and academic rigor. Later in college, she completed internships in Ireland and the United States, including an 18-month management training program at the Indianapolis Marriott. All of this laid the foundation for her future career in the Las Vegas hospitality industry, where she currently serves as National Sales Manager for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and put her on a path toward the EMBA and Cohort 24.

“An Executive MBA commands respect and credibility in business settings because it represents more than an advanced degree,” Csilla says. “It holds exceptional value and a critical advantage for hospitality professionals, particularly those in meetings and events, because it reflects a mastery of both operational and strategic thinking.”

Csilla’s career has spanned multiple areas of hospitality, from food and beverage operations to catering, conference services, and convention sales. In her current role, she has been named to the MGM Resorts President’s Club in 2024 for outstanding sales performance and has contributed to the company’s departmental training and mentorship programs.

The EMBA program, she explains, will allow her to build on that experience while expanding her professional network in a Cohort that includes leaders from the gaming, academic, finance, government, and healthcare sectors, among others.

“The collective experience of my cohort, and the practical application of theory to real-world challenges, will be the most pivotal aspect of the program for me,” Csilla says. “I look forward to all the upcoming team projects as they are meant to simulate an experience at the workplace where people with different backgrounds and skill sets must work together.”

While the EMBA is a personal milestone, Csilla is also hoping to honor the legacy of her great-grandmother.

“[My great-grandmother] lived through two World Wars in a small village in Hungary without running water or electricity in the house,” Csilla says. “[She] would sure be proud of me.”

“When I graduated from high school in the early 2000s, college was not presented as much as it is today,” Maria Lopez recalls.

A Senior Budget Analyst at College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Maria Lopez’s academic journey has been one of determination, growth, and perseverance. After moving to Las Vegas, she started taking courses at CSN and earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. The experience made her hungry for more education, with multiple factors motivating her to join UNLV’s EMBA program.

“The structure allows me to pursue my master’s degree efficiently while continuing to work full-time,” she says. “Professionally, the EMBA will be significantly meaningful to my career growth, because it will complement my experience and boost my professional credibility and salary.”

Maria is hoping to broaden her base of “transferable” skills – communication, project management, among others; as well as necessary soft skills, including conflict resolution and “learning from feedback.”

She’s also particularly enthusiastic about the financial side of the curriculum. With a strong interest in understanding how businesses manage their bottom line, evaluate profits, and assess long-term sustainability, Maria wants to gain practical insight into the financial decision-making that drives organizational success.

Maria is already making an impact as a role model, both at work and at home. Personally, she adds, the EMBA will be meaningful because it will help open doors for others.

“I am happy to share that I have already inspired some of my co-workers that felt limited by their entry-level education,” she says. “And my kids are inspired to start a dual enrollment program while in high school.

“Additionally, I am a mentor for CSN’s Nevada Promise Scholarship program, and pursuing my EMBA has inspired the group of mentees I currently have.”

Van Phung has spent the last decade building a career that spans the investment banking, corporate finance, and business development sectors, building a foundation of skills and knowledge that he puts to work as a Business Development Consultant for Caesars Sportsbook and Casino.

Van is no stranger to executive education programs like the EMBA. In addition to earning a degree in finance from the University of Houston, he completed his certificate in business excellence in 2024 as part of the Venture Capital Private Equity program at Columbia Business School.

In Las Vegas, Van has had the opportunity to take his work to the next level in the city’s biggest industry. He has led commercial negotiations, secured market access across more than 20 North American jurisdictions, and helped drive more than $1.3 billion in incremental revenue for the business.

Van says one of his proudest achievements was structuring the partnership that opened the first retail sportsbook inside a professional sports venue in the U.S. at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. That set a precedent for future partnerships that he’s since replicated in other cities.

“I’m at a point where I want to combine everything I’ve learned, from deal execution to strategic growth and now investing, to make a broader impact, especially here in Las Vegas,” Van says. “[The EMBA] offers a structured environment where I can build on what I already know while filling in the gaps.

“What drew me here is not just the curriculum, but also the access to the experienced faculty, the diverse peer group, and the hand-on learning and resources I wouldn’t have exposure to otherwise.”

Professionally, Van sees the EMBA as a chance to broaden his strategic thinking and leadership skills for his current and future roles. Personally, he looks forward to reconnecting with the curiosity and purpose that fueled his early career, while learning from a cohort of peers across a number of fields.

Julie Pressnell is a seasoned financial services professional and a UNLV graduate with more than a decade of experience and a career journey that has spanned continents. Julie’s path began in hospitality as an Assistant Hotel Manager at Four Seasons, followed by roles in retail management, insurance, and human resources – both in the U.S. and U.K. Along the way, she earned certifications as a coach, a Life and Health Insurance and SEC/FINRA licensed advisor, and most recently as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

“My MBA has been a years-long pursuit,” Julie says. “I wanted to do it after graduation however I figured I should get out in the world and work and get some experience under my belt since I took a little longer to finish my bachelors [degree].”

Having already earned her degree in business administration, Julie feels right at home returning to UNLV. The EMBA, she says, is a chance to reinvest in herself and rediscover the entrepreneurial spark that’s been with her all along. She also looks forward to reconnecting with the Las Vegas community and learning from a diverse cohort, admitting that she’s lived in a “bubble” recently and wants to grow personally and professionally.

“I’m excited to be back with ‘my people,’” she says. “The folks of Las Vegas that have such dynamic backgrounds and experiences.”

Courses in Leadership and Team Effectiveness, Negotiations and Conflict Resolution, and International Business are among the ones she’s most excited for, and she hopes the EMBA will give her the knowledge and skills to advance her career beyond America’s borders.

“I’ve always wanted to work in the international business space, so I’m super excited for this part of the curriculum,” she says.

Julie is also hoping her EMBA journey will inspire her children.

“As a first-generation college grad it’s tough to see them not value it as I do,” she says. “Hopefully, as they get older, they will understand what it took to go back to school at my age and see the benefits of the experiences, the people, and the degree.”

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a focus in Healthcare Administration, Nikkie Preston has built a career that blends strategic insight with deep community connection and a passion for improving people’s lives. She began working in hospice care in 2014, starting as a Volunteer Coordinator at Infinity Hospice Care, and today she serves as Associate Director of Development at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, where she works to support future physicians and retain top medical talent in Southern Nevada.

Now, she is taking her love of learning and people to the next level as a member of Cohort 24.

“What motivated me to pursue the EMBA? Honestly, it’s been a journey rooted in faith, resilience, and a desire to serve at a higher level,” Nikkie says. “This program isn’t just about the next step in my career. It’s about being the kind of leader our future needs.

“I’m here for the long game: to build systems that are more inclusive, sustainable, and visionary.”

Nikkie enters the program having already made an impact far beyond Las Vegas. Nationally, she was selected by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) as a My Hospice Action Network State Ambassador. Locally, she serves as President-Elect and IDEA Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Las Vegas Chapter, President of DOVIA of Southern Nevada, and has served on the UNLV College of Liberal Arts Industry Leader Advisory Council and the Kline Veterans Fund Board. Her dedication was recently recognized by Vegas Inc, which named her one of the 2024 Women Inspiring Nevada.

“I carry a whole village with me into this EMBA—past, present, and future,” she says.

For Nikkie, choosing UNLV represents a personal milestone, and she sees the EMBA as both a professional game-changer and a personal triumph.

“UNLV has always felt like unfinished business in the best way, a dream that waited patiently for the right season,” she says. “This isn’t just about a degree. It’s about legacy, impact, and walking in the purpose God called me to—with confidence, clarity, and community behind me.”

A 24-year veteran of the insurance industry and an adjunct professor at UNLV, Robin Rider is among the most accomplished executives in EMBA Cohort 24. Her career spans leadership roles at Alera Group, Lockton, Willis Towers Watson, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, and her family’s firm, Rider Risk Specialists, where she got her start. She also holds CPCU and ARM designations and is an active industry leader, serving on multiple boards and as President of Alera Group’s Women’s Steering Committee.

Now she is taking the next step in her personal and professional journey. Like many members of the Cohort, Robin says it was an easy decision.

“UNLV holds a special place in my life,” Robin says. “I teach in the Kerestesi Center for Insurance & Risk Management and have a strong family connection. My husband is a past student and my stepson graduated in 2024.

“Pursuing an EMBA will equip me with the tools and knowledge needed to take my leadership and impact to the next level.”

She sees the program as a chance to push herself further and model lifelong growth for her family while strengthening her ability to lead strategically and with purpose.

“I’m excited to gain new perspectives and insights from peers across different industries,” she says. “I believe that learning from their real-world experiences will deepen my understanding of the curriculum and broaden my approach to leadership.”

While she broadens her professional network as a member of Cohort 24, Robin is hoping she’ll inspire those closest to her, including her four children, more than 20 nieces and nephews, and the many women she mentors in the insurance industry.

“I’m a working mom committed to balancing my career with being a supportive wife, mother, friend, and mentor,” she says. “I believe deeply in the power of mentorship to shape the next generation of professionals, especially women entering traditionally male-dominated industries.

“I want them to see what’s possible with drive, grit, and continued growth.”

Though she grew up far from Las Vegas, Michigan native Jenny Shin has always said ‘yes’ to new opportunities, even when they take her far from home. A full scholarship student who majored in English and political science at Kenyon College, Jenny first came to Las Vegas through Teach for America.

What began as a two-year teaching commitment has blossomed into a long-term life and career in Southern Nevada. Since moving to Las Vegas, she’s earned a master’s in special education from UNLV and spent 13 years teaching geometry and chemistry, among other subjects, at Green Valley High School. In 2022, she left her teaching role to join the higher education field as a professional development manager role at UNLV’s Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine.

The Executive MBA, Jenny says, is a chance to “stay curious” and build new skills that will expand her impact at the university and beyond.

“A common thread in my career has been following work I care deeply about,” Jenny says. “That approach has brought me far, but I know that building skills in areas like strategy formulation, financial management, and organizational leadership will help me.

“I want to be able to scale good ideas into sustainable programs.”

Jenny is looking forward to offering her professional insight as a member of Cohort 24, while applying the lessons and perspective of her classmates to her career.

“I’m looking forward to gaining skills I can immediately apply to my role and future endeavors,” she says. Personally, I see the program as a way to challenge myself, better understand my own leadership style, and learn from people whose experiences are different from mine.

“Some of the most enriching parts of my life have come from being open to new experiences and perspectives.”

For nearly a decade, Lina Valeckaite has been at the forefront of Downtown Las Vegas’ bustling hospitality and nightlife scene. As Director of Finance for Corner Bar Management, she has proudly overseen the openings of the company’s acclaimed venues – doubling company revenues since joining six years ago – while serving as a financial consultant to multiple local businesses.

A first-generation immigrant with an unwavering work ethic, Lina sees the Executive MBA as both a personal milestone and a catalyst for future goals.

“Pursuing an EMBA has been a goal of mine, and I will be the last member of my immediate family to earn a graduate degree,” she says. “I genuinely love learning and want to keep pushing myself to excel.”

Her close ties to the Las Vegas community made UNLV an easy choice, Lina adds, one that would allow her to expand her local network while setting herself and Corner Bar up for future financial success. The flexibility of the EMBA will allow her to continue with her full-time role while she attends classes, and pairing the degree with her bachelor’s in accounting will enhance her marketability as she considers a future as an entrepreneur.

At the same time, she wants to inspire the next generation of women entering the workforce who, “may feel a career like mine is out of their reach.”

“I am also passionate about making accounting more approachable to people who have been intimidated by this field,” Lina says.