Lee Business School Alumna of the Year: Christina Schlazer

Christina Schlazer’s background brings together science, healthcare, and business. She studied physics, math, and health science as an undergraduate before earning her MBA from UNLV. Her goal was to better understand how technical healthcare tools could translate into real-world business applications. Today, she works in healthcare technology and co-owns a local business, drawing on that mix of experience to explore new opportunities.

What was your reaction to being selected as the 2026 Lee Business School Honoree, and what does this recognition mean to you?

I was genuinely honored to receive this award. I’ve really enjoyed staying involved with UNLV over the years, especially working with students in the Lee Business School and helping them think through their careers and what comes next. Being recognized for something that I already find so meaningful makes the award especially special.

UNLV had a big impact on my own career, so giving back has always been important to me. Whether it’s serving on an advisory board, guest lecturing, or mentoring students, I try to stay involved in ways that are useful. Being recognized by the Lee Business School is a reminder of how much UNLV still means to me and how rewarding it is to help the next generation of Rebels find their way.

You earned a master's in health physics before pursuing an MBA at UNLV. What inspired you to bridge the gap between science and sales leadership? 

Growing up, I always had a deep passion for science, but after completing my health physics degree, I realized that traditional laboratory research wasn't the right fit for my personality. I started searching for career opportunities based on my strengths and interests rather than just a job title, which led me to the life sciences sales industry. I quickly discovered I could combine my scientific background with sales and marketing to help researchers access the tools they needed.

Once I began working in sales, I realized there were gaps in my formal business knowledge that I wanted to fill. I enrolled in a Sales and Negotiations course at the Lee Business School, and I enjoyed the class's practical, collaborative nature so much that I decided to keep taking courses. That initial curiosity grew into completing my full MBA. Years later, I now regularly guest lecture in that exact same Sales and Negotiations class years later.

How did your experience in the Lee Business School reshape your approach to leadership, team collaboration, and problem solving? 

Coming from a strong science background, much of my early academic work was independent. The Lee Business School gave me a very different experience. Group projects and working with people from different backgrounds taught me how much you can accomplish by working as a team. I learned to communicate clearly, lean on other people’s strengths, and step up when I had something to contribute.

That experience still shapes how I work today, both in my management role at Sable Systems  and as a franchise owner. My MBA showed me the value of building genuine relationships and bringing the right people together. I don’t feel like I have to figure everything out on my own anymore. I’ve learned that good teams, good data, and strong relationships can take you much further.

You partnered with fellow UNLV alumni to bring The NOW Massage to Las Vegas. How did your UNLV education shape your entrepreneurial journey?

As my husband and I progressed in our careers, we began looking for opportunities to build something meaningful outside of our day jobs. When the chance arose to partner with long-time friends and fellow UNLV alumni Jacob and Lauren Lanning to bring The NOW Massage to Las Vegas, we jumped at it. The concept is built on the belief that self care is a necessity rather than a luxury, which deeply resonated with our personal values.

Earning my MBA gave me the confidence and practical skills to take on the challenges of owning a business. I gained a better understanding of finances, marketing, and operations, but I also learned the importance of having a strong team around me. Running a business means constantly adapting and learning, and my time at UNLV gave me a solid foundation to do both.

Why has staying connected to UNLV through mentorship and advisory boards remained important throughout your professional career? 

Serving as a mentor has given me the chance to help students think through career decisions and navigate uncertainty. Sometimes, the most important thing I can do is simply listen. I want students to feel supported as they figure out what comes next.

What I enjoy most is that mentoring goes both ways. I learn a lot from the students I work with, especially from the way they see the world and approach new ideas.

I also believe alumni have a responsibility to give back. UNLV gave me a strong foundation and opened doors that shaped my career. Staying involved lets me help current Rebels see the possibilities in front of them and know that their UNLV education can take them in many different directions.