Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
Growing up in Chengdu, China – a city known for its laid-back culture, spicy food, and giant pandas – I developed an early curiosity about science, analytics, and problem-solving from my grandparents, both university physics professors.
After moving to Toronto in 2015, I completed my undergraduate studies in statistics and social psychology at the University of Toronto before beginning my career at the Bank of Montreal. While working across retail banking and corporate and commercial banking, I completed the Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program at Ivey Business School in 2024. The experience helped me to transition into product management and later into my current role as Manager, Analytics & Modeling at Mastercard.
Today, my work focuses on analytics, product strategy, revenue optimization, and cross-functional collaboration, with an emphasis on turning complex data insights into practical business impact.
What led you to your career and how has it evolved over time?
In short, it was curiosity. I’ve always been curious about people, patterns, and understanding why things work the way they do. That curiosity first led me to study statistics and social psychology at the University of Toronto, where I became fascinated by how data can help drive better decisions and solve complex problems.
At the same time, my career path has not been perfectly linear. Early on, I spent a lot of time figuring out what kind of work excited me the most. I started my career in banking, then gradually transitioned into business analytics, product management, and now analytics and modeling within revenue optimization.
Looking back, each step taught me something different and helped shape the next stage of my journey. Some of the most meaningful growth in my career did not come from having everything planned out, but from staying curious, embracing uncertainty, and being open to evolving along the way.
Who inspired you?
My mom has always been my biggest source of inspiration and motivation. Having her unwavering support has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, explore new opportunities, and always stay true to myself, knowing that I have a strong support system behind me.
Professionally, one of my greatest inspirations has been my mentor, Julie He, an investment professional, whom I met during my last year of university. As a young Asian woman entering the financial services industry, there were times when I questioned whether I truly belonged in certain spaces. Seeing her lead with confidence and succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry showed me what was possible.
Beyond her professional success, her continued support and belief in me have played a tremendous role in helping me build confidence throughout my career. She taught me the importance of resilience, curiosity, and trusting in my own potential.
She continues to inspire me today and reinforces the idea that “representation matters.” As I continue to grow in my own career, I hope to give back in the same way – through mentorship and by helping support and encourage others who may see themselves in my journey.
How did Ivey play a role?
Ivey was a major turning point in my career. It inspired me to transition from traditional banking into the FinTech, payments, and cybersecurity space, while also giving me the confidence and skill set to pivot from business analytics into product strategy. The experience broadened how I thought about innovation, leadership, and the kind of impact I wanted to create in my career.
Why did you choose the MM-A program specifically?
I chose the MM-A program because I was looking for more than just technical training – I wanted to learn how to connect data, business, and people in a meaningful way through real-world problem-solving, and the MM-A was the perfect combination of all three. Coming from a quantitative background, I knew how to work with numbers, but I wanted to become better at translating insights into business decisions, communicating ideas clearly, and thinking more strategically from a leadership perspective.
What stood out to me about the MM-A was how applied and collaborative the program was. The conversations extended far beyond the classroom because everyone brought different experiences, industries, and perspectives to the table. Learning alongside professionals who were already established in their own careers challenged the way I thought and pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.
The program ultimately helped bridge the gap between data and business, which became a defining theme in my career today.
Another one of the most valuable parts of the experience was being able to apply what I learned in real time at work. Balancing full-time work and full-time study was definitely challenging, but it made the learning feel much more real and rewarding.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the work I’ve been able to contribute through collaboration and problem-solving. Whether it was developing pricing strategies, building analytics dashboards, supporting product commercialization and go-to-market strategies, or leading cross-functional initiatives, the most rewarding part has always been seeing the tangible impact of the work and the relationships built along the way.
On a more personal level, I’m proud of building a life independently abroad. Moving away from home at a young age taught me adaptability and how to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Balancing career growth, graduate studies, and personal responsibilities over the years has not always been easy, but it has led me to become someone who is both ambitious and grounded.
More than any single title or achievement, I’m proud of being someone willing to take risks, embrace challenges, and continue growing through every stage of life and career.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Volleyball. Going to the gym. Yoga. Film festivals. Spending time with my cats. Trying new things. Travelling around the world!
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Fun fact: I have hypermobility, so my arms can bend farther backward than most people’s – it’s equal parts impressive and concerning.
Beyond that, people are often surprised by how much of a creative side I have outside of work. I love photography, films, music, and making fabric art, which I used to sell at some of Toronto’s local art markets.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
Every residential week we spent in London! Those were fun weeks packed with classes, learning, assignments, and late nights with classmates – many of whom remain close friends today.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
Trust the process – something Ivey professors often told us at the start of the program, and advice that stayed with me throughout the experience and beyond.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
I’m still closely connected to the Ivey alumni network. One of the nicest surprises after graduation has been seeing how strong and supportive the Ivey community really is.
Through networking and reconnecting with alumni across different industries and countries, I’ve built meaningful relationships that go beyond just career connections.
It’s been a great reminder that some of the most valuable parts of the Ivey experience continue long after graduation.
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