Snapshots

Emmanuel Eliason, Lecturer of Finance

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:24:34 +0000

Emmanuel Eliason, Lecturer of Finance Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 01/27/2026 - 12:24

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Emmanuel Eliason
Title: Lecturer, Finance

As you step into your first semester at Leeds, what excites you about teaching and mentoring students who want to become the next generation of personal financial planners?

I’m excited about the opportunity to help shape, impact and guide students who are pursuing the path to becoming the next generation of financial advisors. It’s a joy and a pleasure to add value to their journey, both personally and professionally.

You pursued extensive education and built your own financial planning consultancy. How do those experiences shape the perspective you bring into the classroom?

Through the grind and persistence of building a Registered Investment Advisory firm from ground zero, I’ve learned the nuts and bolts of the financial services industry and business in general. I bring this practical experience to the classroom to help students integrate excellent academic knowledge with real-life strategies, tools, and tactics that can position them for the outcomes they most desire in their future careers.

Your LinkedIn profile mentions that you married your high school sweetheart and you're a proud father of seven. How has that shaped the way you approach balance—whether with finances, time, or energy?

The joy of joining and living my life with my high school sweetheart and being blessed with seven wonderful children has allowed me to appreciate the need to prioritize my time, resources, and energy so that I can align my values with my actions. I’ve learned that beyond the material things of life, what matters the most are the immaterial things, like unconditional love, family time, and joyful memories.

What’s a skill you use all the time in your work that no one would guess a financial planner needs?

The skill of incorporating my inner strength, still small voice, and the spirit within allows me to be resilient in different circumstances, persevere through adversities, and overcome obstacles as I help my clients and those I serve in various capacities. It's a skill that is hardly taught but nurtured through life experiences.

I’ve come to learn and understand that wealth and well-being are limitless if we’re willing to acknowledge the true source of what we have been given, learn the principles that govern these resources and apply them responsibly, and that there is nothing that can stop us from becoming who we were meant to be.

A devoted lecturer and seasoned financial planner, Emmanuel Eliason blends deep industry experience with a values‑driven outlook to inspire the next generation of financial advisors.

Off

Traditional

White

Patti Martinez (Student Success Coordinator)

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:36:23 +0000

Patti Martinez (Student Success Coordinator) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 01/15/2026 - 10:36

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Patti Martinez
Role: Student Success Coordinator for Leeds Graduate Programs
Hometown: Longmont, Colorado

You’ve been at Leeds for nearly three years as a student success coordinator. What keeps you motivated and excited to come to work every day?
The people. I’m lucky to be surrounded by an incredible network—whether it’s my co-workers (shoutout to Grad Student Services!) or the students. There’s a constant stream of friendly faces, meaningful conversations and fun projects that keep my work dynamic. The people I interact with every day make this role rewarding.

How do you define success—both for the students you support and for yourself personally?
At Leeds, one of the most impactful opportunities we offer is helping students grow their networks, build their personal brands, and learn how to market themselves. It’s incredible to watch them arrive with a dream and graduate with the skills and confidence to bring those ideas to life. In my role, success is seeing students actively engage in the programming and extracurricular opportunities available to them. It’s rewarding to see them fully embrace and enjoy the experience together before they go off to live their lives.

Outside of Leeds, you’ve worked with young students. How has that experience shaped your dream of becoming a speech pathologist?
I've been fortunate to work with students across many stages of life—from early intervention to graduate students—and I have found the student-facing aspects of my roles the most fulfilling. Working with children highlighted the importance of supporting students during critical developmental stages. While I currently help adults prepare for life beyond school, the idea of returning to the elementary level to help young students build foundational communication skills is incredibly meaningful to me. At their core, both roles are about empowerment—helping individuals express themselves, be understood and move forward with confidence.

You became a homeowner last year. What makes you feel most at home?
Becoming a homeowner felt like my biggest ‘Wow, I’m an adult’ moment’ yet. Nothing beats a quiet evening at home. My cat, Meowsie, insists on being involved in all cozy activities, and my partner, Eric, completes the scene by delivering snacks. Cozy, calm, and well-fed—that’s our home.

There’s a constant stream of friendly faces, meaningful conversations and fun projects that keep my work dynamic. The people I interact with every day make this role rewarding.

Patti Martinez brings a welcoming, student‑focused approach to her role as student success coordinator, helping Leeds graduate students feel at home in building community and confidence.

Traditional

White

Keegan Beans (Bus’24, MAcct’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:47:23 +0000

Keegan Beans (Bus’24, MAcct’25) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 12/18/2025 - 15:47

Georgia Horan

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Keegan Beans
Major: Business and Accounting

Leeds completely changed how Keegan Beans thinks about business and the role accounting plays in telling a bigger story. He learned to look beyond the numbers and understand different stakeholders’ perspectives, building business literacy that will stick with him long after his December 2025 graduation.

That growth became clear during a defining college moment: his first CPA exam. What started as an intimidating experience turned into confidence as he realized how well CU had prepared him to analyze and interpret the material. Now, with a position in audit and assurance services at a public accounting firm in Denver and an offer from a Big Four firm, Beans is excited to see where his Leeds’ education will take him next.

What I learned during my undergraduate career is unforgettable, and what I have learned throughout my graduate career has shaped the professional I aspire to become.

From sociology to chemistry, Keegan Beans embraced electives to broaden his perspective, which, along with the business literacy he acquired at Leeds, helped him land a role with a Big 4 firm in Denver.

Traditional

White

Abdulla Al fadhli (Fin’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:32:02 +0000

Abdulla Al fadhli (Fin’25) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 12/04/2025 - 11:32

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Abdulla Al fadhli
Major: Finance
Hometown: Kuwait

As Abdulla Al fadhli prepares to graduate this December, he’s weighing the possibility of pursuing a master’s degree in London. Whatever path he chooses, he’s confident that his time here has given him more than technical expertise—it’s equipped him with the self-assurance to take on any challenge ahead. He shared some thoughts on his experience at Leeds.

The most unexpected way that college changed me was the way I see myself. Coming in, I felt unsure about a lot of things: my major, my direction and even my confidence. Through difficult courses and new experiences, I learned how to trust my choices and believe in what I’m capable of. That shift in self-confidence became one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey.

One random moment I’ll remember forever is the day I walked into the wrong classroom, sat down, unpacked everything, and even nodded along like I understood what was going on. Ten minutes in, the professor said, ‘Welcome to Environmental Science,’ and the girl next to me whispered, ‘Aren’t you in finance?’ I grabbed my stuff so fast, and we both tried not to laugh. For the rest of the semester, every time I saw her, she’d give me that same look like 'Wrong class again?’ It still makes me laugh.

Message to my first-year self (sticky-note size): Trust yourself. You’re stronger than you think.

A moment I realized I was growing into myself happened during my upper-division finance courses. I finally felt like I belonged in the field I chose, and the concepts started to click in a way that made me feel capable and excited about the future. That confidence sparked a shift: I stopped doubting myself and started owning my path.

A shift in self-confidence is one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey. ... I stopped doubting myself and started owning my path.

As he prepares to graduate this December, Abdulla Al fadhli knows his finance degree won't just pay dividends in business expertise—it's built a reserve of confidence he can trust for life.

Traditional

White

Kira Starick (RelEst, Bus’27)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:38:48 +0000

Kira Starick (RelEst, Bus’27) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 11/19/2025 - 12:38

Georgia Horan

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Kira Starick
Majors: Real Estate and International Business
Hometown: Golden, Colorado

To Kira Starick, the perfect college experience means finding the balance between well-being and academic success. She has managed to accomplish that at Leeds. Access to skiing, hiking and outdoor activities—paired with experiential learning, a flexible framework, global experiences and gaining leadership skills—have combined to help her build a positive outlook about pursuing her passions as well as creating opportunities for others.

But the journey hasn't been without challenges. A feeling of imposter syndrome sometimes creeps in—being surrounded by accomplished peers can feel intimidating. Her advice to anyone feeling similar self-doubt is to take direct action and achieve measurable results, no matter how small.

That philosophy has fueled various achievements, from serving as the vice president of the CU Real Estate Club, becoming a Peer2Peer Mentor, and taking First-Year Global Experience trips to Japan and India. She has also worked to bridge the gap between the Women in Business and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) clubs to increase engagement and create a direct pipeline to professional development. Her efforts reflect not only personal growth but also a deep commitment to supporting those around her.

Being able to maintain a sense of optimism is a huge part of who I am. I have found this to be an important skill when navigating harder classes, such as corporate finance, and finding joyful moments in class even when it is challenging.

Kira Starick has found the sweet spot between well-being and academic success at Leeds, finding opportunities for growth, leadership and global experiences.

Traditional

White

John Afdem (MBA’27)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 23:42:50 +0000

John Afdem (MBA’27) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 11/05/2025 - 16:42

Grace Garfoot

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: John Afdem
Major: Master of Business Administration
Hometown: Reno, Nevada

What was your background before coming to Leeds?
Before coming to Leeds, I spent over 12 years on active duty as an armor and reconnaissance officer in the U.S. Army. During that time, I commanded a 100-person paratrooper company and led multinational training exercises across Europe and Africa. I was awarded the Bronze Star for my service in Afghanistan and graduated from Jumpmaster and Ranger School, but what I’m most proud of is helping my soldiers grow into confident leaders themselves.

Why Leeds?
I wanted a place that combined academic rigor with a strong entrepreneurial network. Leeds has provided the ideal environment to apply my leadership experience to new ventures, learn the mechanics of investing, and prepare for a career that connects purpose with impact.

How has it been transitioning back to school?
The transition itself has been both challenging and rewarding—shifting from command structures to classrooms, from mission planning to business modeling—but the underlying principles of leadership and teamwork are the same. Leeds has given me the tools to pair that operational experience with a strategic business lens and to start building a career in venture capital that connects innovation with impact.

How has being a High Growth Venture Fellow impacted you?
Being in the HGV Fellowship is one of the highlights of my time at Leeds. The administrative support we receive from the Deming Center is incredible, and the fellowship cohort is filled with impressive, collaborative and genuinely curious people. Additionally, we help local businesses through our impact projects, solving a real operational and strategic problem for a company, and gaining hands-on experience while giving back to our local community.

What is a long-term personal or professional goal of yours?
My goal is to break into the venture capital landscape in Boulder/Denver. Through the HGV Fellowship, Deming Center Venture Fund and the Venture Capital Investment Competition, I’ve found my place in the Front Range venture and startup community. While I may not come from a traditional VC background, the combination of my operational leadership experience and the exposure from these programs has equipped me to confidently pursue this path. I am motivated by the opportunity to work with founders and investment funds to solve hard problems that have real-world implications.

Since deciding to leave the service, I knew that my time in an MBA program would be full of growth and learning. My experience at Leeds has proved that to be true. I’ve developed a deep understanding of business fundamentals but also a stronger sense of purpose in how I can apply my leadership background to entrepreneurship and venture investment.

John Afdem, a High Growth Venture Fellow, returned to university after 12 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, bringing his leadership skills to the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Leeds.

Traditional

White

Camryn Quartaroli (RelEst, Mktg’26)

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:32:47 +0000

Camryn Quartaroli (RelEst, Mktg’26) Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 10/21/2025 - 15:32

Georgia Horan

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Camryn Quartaroli
Major: Real Estate and Marketing
Hometown: Lake Tahoe, California

Cameron Quartaroli still remembers the moment when she knew ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� was the perfect fit. “I knew Leeds would give me the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors and connect with peers who would both challenge and support my goals,” she said. An avid skier and snowboarder, she knew that the mountains, people and vibrant culture at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� would help her feel at home during her college years.

Her early instincts paid off. Since day one, she has found her place in Leeds and has taken advantage of every opportunity to make her mark. Now she loves sharing those lessons with first-year students. As a Designing Your Leeds Peer Innovation Coach, she offers advice, tips and resources to help them be successful.

Always seeking new challenges, she spent a semester in Spain, immersing herself in a different culture to expand her global perspective. That experience helped her learn how to push herself and embrace new and unfamiliar opportunities.

This year, Quartaroli looks forward to getting her real estate broker’s license, dedicating her Thanksgiving and winter breaks to prepare for the exam. This milestone is a crucial step toward her long-term goal of becoming a commercial real estate broker. She also plans to complete an Undergraduate Real Estate Case Competiton to end her college career with a bang. With the experience she’s gained from the last few years, she’s confident she’s up to the challenge.

This past summer, I completed a brokerage internship in Denver that not only strengthened my knowledge of the industry but also confirmed my passion for real estate and client-facing sales ... I am eager to continue taking advantage of the opportunities Leeds provides and to explore the career paths that await me after graduation.

Camryn Quartaroli isn't taking any shortcuts in her senior year—instead, she's doubling down on studying for herreal estate broker's license, serving as a peer innovation coach and taking advantage of every opportunity that Leeds offers.

Traditional

White

Richard L. Wobbekind (MEcon’79, PhD’84)

Jane Majkiewicz — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 04:52:17 +0000

Richard L. Wobbekind (MEcon’79, PhD’84) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 10/10/2025 - 22:52

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Richard L. Wobbekind
Alumni Award: Wobbekind is the 2025 recipient of the William H. Baughn Award for Faculty.
Brief Bio: Richard L. Wobbekind is associate dean for business and government relations, associate professor of business economics and finance, and faculty director of the Business Research Division (BRD) at Leeds.

What has kept you energized and engaged in your work with Leeds for nearly four decades?
There are really two things: the mission of higher education and the people with whom I’ve worked. All my work—both in and out of the school—is consistent with helping make the world a better place through education. I could not possibly have done this without the support of the great people in the school and in the community.

How do you hope your economic research through the Business Research Division and your teaching have shaped future business leaders?
I hope my teaching has helped our future business leaders see the world through a bigger lens. Business economics is certainly not the only way to view society, but it brings a valuable and critical perspective. The use of economics to build critical thinking skills is the ultimate goal. I view our economic research work in the community in a similar fashion. We are elevating the level of understanding of critical issues to help decision making, often in a difficult environment, where tradeoffs must be made.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your partnerships with business leaders in Colorado that has influenced your work?
The answer to this question is complex, as I have learned many things from the broader business and government community. If I had to boil it down, I would say that regardless of geographic location or political affiliation, we all care about the same thing—creating an economy and society that is better for our state.

To build a better economy and society, you have to build relationships and trust so that the differences don’t get in the way of the common good.

Richard L. Wobbekind is the 2025 recipient of the William H. Baughn Award for Faculty.

Traditional

White

Kate M. Harris (Fin’16)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 22:07:27 +0000

Kate M. Harris (Fin’16) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 10/10/2025 - 16:07

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Kate M. Harris
Alumni Award: Harris is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Young Alumni Achievement Award.
Brief Bio: Kate M. Harris is an attorney currently clerking on the Supreme Court of the United States.

A top graduate of the Leeds School of Business, Kate M. Harris followed her undergraduate degree with law school. She went on to work for a litigation boutique and clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Her writing has appeared in national outlets including The New York Times—one article notably led to her permanent ban from Russia.

While at Leeds, Harris was a Leeds Scholar and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Esteemed Scholar, receiving the President James H. Baker Award. She also earned the Finance Student Investment Fund Award, the Shreve Memorial Scholarship, and was part of the winning team in the 2015 CESR Business Ethics Case Competition.

She graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School, where she was a Kirkland & Ellis Scholar and received both the Ann Watson Barber Outstanding Service Award and the Edward W. Hinton Memorial Cup for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy.

The law school featured her profile in the article "Seven Clerks for Seven Justices," where she shared this advice: “Focus on being present, building intentional relationships, making the most of every opportunity, and taking the next best step forward. ... Learn from those around you so that you can become a better lawyer, leader, and person.”

Kate M. Harris is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Traditional

White

Jeremy May (Acct’92)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:07:38 +0000

Jeremy May (Acct’92) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 10/10/2025 - 15:07

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Jeremy May
Alumni Award: May is the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Service Award.
Brief Bio: Jeremy May is the founder and CEO of Paralel Technologies and is a member of the board of advisors for the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

What inspired your long-standing commitment to supporting Leeds and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� over the years?
The high-quality education I received at CU changed my life by giving me the foundation that opened the doors to follow my career. It brings me joy to play a small part in providing that opportunity for others.

How did your time at Leeds shape your approach to leadership?
Leeds exposed me to many disciplines in business education and allowed me to match my abilities and interests to get my career off the ground in public accounting. While in public accounting, this same exposure to different businesses and industries guided me to the asset management industry. I take the same approach to leadership, aiming to provide experience and support to the people I work with so they can pursue the career that is right for them.

What’s one piece of advice to students and alumni about building a career that follows one's passions and inspires achievement?
Wherever you are on your path, make the most of the opportunity that you have in that present moment. Of course, if you are not in a good situation, be courageous and make a change, but if you are doing good work with people you care about, opportunity will find you.

If you are looking back with regret or to the future with expectations, you will miss the opportunities that are right in front of you.

Jeremy May is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Service Award.

Traditional

White

Snapshots

Emmanuel Eliason, Lecturer of Finance

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Off

Patti Martinez (Student Success Coordinator)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

Keegan Beans (Bus’24, MAcct’25)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

Abdulla Al fadhli (Fin’25)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

Kira Starick (RelEst, Bus’27)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

John Afdem (MBA’27)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

Camryn Quartaroli (RelEst, Mktg’26)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

Richard L. Wobbekind (MEcon’79, PhD’84)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

Kate M. Harris (Fin’16)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles

Jeremy May (Acct’92)

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Related Articles