One-Year MBA Class of 2025
Saint Louis University's One-Year MBA program at SLU's Chaifetz School of Business brings together students from across the U.S. and the world to develop the practical, in-demand skills needed to achieve business results.
Maryam Abdullahi
Maryam Abdullahi is pursuing her MBA at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, Saint Louis University, building on a strong foundation in business management and a keen interest in data-driven problem-solving.
She earned her MSc in management from Middlesex University, where her thesis explored strategies for optimizing the operations of small businesses in Nigeria.
Prior to this, her BSc in business management from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University culminated in research dedicated to enhancing employee satisfaction within Nigerian corporations. Maryam's practical experience includes working with Nigerian startups, where she significantly contributed to refining business plans, shaping strategic direction, and streamlining operations.
Edward "Eddie" Barfield II
Eddie was born and raised in Weldon Spring, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2023 with a bachelor's in finance. During his time at Kentucky, he worked extensively with the men's basketball team as a student manager.
Upon graduating from Kentucky, Eddie returned home to Missouri. Wanting to get his feet wet in the business world, he took a job in sales. He soon realized that it was not his calling. Looking for something different, he found SLU's One-Year MBA program. Upon graduation from the program, he would like to pursue a career in banking or financial services.
Krista Carter
My name is Krista Carter, and I am a new student in the One-Year MBA program here at SLU. I also completed my undergraduate degree at SLU, so I am already familiar with the University and its culture.
I grew up in a low-income household as the oldest of four children, and I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to set a positive example for my siblings. From a young age, I knew that college would only be possible if I worked hard enough to earn a scholarship. That motivation carried me through my undergraduate years, and I’m grateful it did because without it, I might not be here in this program today.
I’ve always pushed myself to excel academically, and I plan to continue that same commitment throughout the MBA program. Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in the hospitality industry — something that keeps me engaged, adaptable and challenged. My biggest concern is ending up in a role that feels stagnant, so finding a path where I can grow and evolve is important to me.
While I know this program will be demanding, I’m ready for the challenge and eager to see where it takes me. More than anything, I’m excited to be here and to make the most of this opportunity.
Amina Hadzic
Amina Hadzic, 22, was born and raised in St. Louis. She graduated from Saint Louis University in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in leadership and human resource management and is pursuing an MBA at Saint Louis University.
Growing up, her parents owned a company where she got hands-on experience in the business industry. Watching her parents immigrate to America and build a successful business from the ground up has always inspired her. That’s when her passion for business began. Amina’s hands-on experience has prepared her to succeed in dynamic, collaborative business environments. She was able to develop her skills in employee management, conflict resolution, and coordination of the operating schedule of the team. Over several years, she realized and gained a better understanding of the importance of balancing empathy and precision when improving her team’s productivity, especially when playing the leading role in streamlining these processes.
Her journey as the daughter of Bosnian-American immigrants has been carved by perseverance, adaptability and strong commitment to service. She believes that these qualities, combined with her academic and professional background, prepare her to be an individual who can meaningfully contribute to any organization’s growth, foster inclusive leadership, and drive impactful change in today’s evolving business industry.
Marge Hoffmann
Marge Hoffmann is a proud St. Louis native and a new student at Saint Louis University. After attending Nerinx Hall High School, Marge continued her education at the University of Missouri.
She graduated from Mizzou in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in communications, a minor in women's and gender studies, and a certificate in multicultural studies.
For the last year, Marge has pursued her passion for fine jewelry and other luxury goods by working at National Rarities, the nation's most trusted estate buyers. Following the MBA program, she hopes to either return to the estate-buying industry or pursue her other passion for social justice and help her St. Louis community.
Joe Kaiser
Joe is a recent graduate of Saint Louis University as of May 2025, earning his Bachelor of Science in Sports Business with a minor in business analytics. He completed his degree in just three years with summa cum laude honors.
During his undergraduate time, Joe worked with the Saint Louis University athletic department and interned for a summer with the Gateway Grizzlies. With his strong passion for analytics, Joe decided to pursue this program because of its data analytics focus. After graduation, he aspires to assist a sports team or company in its daily operations using analytics.
Chris Moore
My name is Chris Moore, and I am enrolled in the One-Year MBA program at Saint Louis University. I recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in mathematics, also from SLU.
Although I have not yet completed formal internships, my academic projects and technical coursework have prepared me to tackle systems-level challenges in the aerospace industry.
My long-term goal is to serve as a project manager within the United States Space Force, where I can contribute to national defense efforts and support the development of technologies that advance human presence in space. In my free time, I am an avid NFL fan and enjoy classic sci-fi and fantasy, especially Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings.
Rutendo Magreth Mufudze
Rutendo Magreth Mufudze is an aspiring supply chain professional who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Saint Louis University.
She has a passion for most facets of the supply chain, including procurement, transport and logistics. Rutendo brings two years of hands-on experience in the field. She is known for her ability to work with minimal supervision while efficiently managing her tasks as well as meeting deadlines.
Her dedication, adaptability and eagerness to learn enabled her to thrive in different environments and embrace new challenges with confidence. Rutendo’s dedication to professional growth positions her as a beneficial asset in any supply chain focused organization.
Duc Nguyen
Duc Nguyen is an MBA candidate at Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, focusing on human resources.
Originally from Vietnam, Duc brings international experience in HR operations, employee engagement, and organizational communication through roles held in both Vietnam and the U.S.
Duc is driven by a deep interest in people, what motivates them, how they work together, and how to build more connected, supportive workplace cultures. He values emotional connection and strong team dynamics, and enjoys helping others feel seen, heard and empowered in their roles.
Outside of work, Duc enjoys watching soccer, sharing conversations over coffee, and finding joy in everyday connections with others.
Anna Phillips
Anna Phillips is a motivated and dependable MBA candidate in Saint Louis University’s one-year program at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business.
Originally from Springfield, Missouri, she holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and brings a strong mix of creativity, organization, and analytical thinking to her work. During her time as a marketing assistant at Stange Law Firm, Anna gained hands-on experience in website content optimization, SEO strategy and social media management.
Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and drive to go above and beyond, Anna is especially excited about post-graduation opportunities that combine marketing with analytics, where she can continue making a meaningful impact. As she progresses through the OYMBA program, Anna looks forward to exploring a variety of business disciplines to further expand her career possibilities.
Hashim Qusay
Hashim Qusay is originally from Baghdad, and moved to the United States with his family in 2010.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University, where he double majored in political science and international studies.
With a strong interest in global affairs, Hashim is passionate about pursuing a career in international business.
His long-term goal is to work abroad, preferably in the Middle East, where he can apply his background and skills in a global setting. He chose to pursue an MBA to build on his undergraduate education and to better align with his professional and personal aspirations.
Matthew Sinnott
Matthew Sinnott was born and raised in Washington, Missouri, and later attended Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Following graduation, he spent a year in Chicago working as a medical sales associate for an Arthrex distributor. In that role, Matthew developed and strengthened key skills in critical problem-solving, time management, and professional communication.
Now enrolled in the JD/MBA dual-degree program at Saint Louis University, Matthew is passionate about exploring the intersection of law and business. He is focused on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the commercial landscape and how legal frameworks shape business strategy and operations. Upon graduating and passing the bar exam, Matthew intends to pursue a career that integrates both legal and business functions in the St. Louis area.
Finnegan Stewart
Finnegan Stewart is a serial entrepreneur, operator and investor with a proven track record of value creation. His first venture, a media company, generated over 50 million organic views per month driving revenue for global brands like Snapchat, Ralph Lauren and Amazon.
Most recently, he acquired a struggling engineering firm and served as its chief turnaround officer, where he streamlined operations, expanded into new markets, and improved profitability. Now, Finnegan is focused on partnering with or acquiring exceptional businesses where he can drive meaningful growth and scale their legacy far into the future.
He played collegiate soccer at Lindenwood University, graduated summa cum laude from Maryville University with a B.S. in cybersecurity and is now pursuing a dual JD/MBA at Saint Louis University to deepen his expertise and further his mission of helping great businesses.
Outside of business, Finnegan serves on the Young Professionals' Board for United Cerebral Palsy Heartland and as the chair of the Missouri Athletic Club Apollos, the oldest non-professional choral group west of the Mississippi. Finnegan is the youngest chair in the club’s history.
Mansi Trivedi
Mansi Trivedi is an MBA/MHA candidate with a strong foundation in health sciences and a growing interest in business strategy, operations, and consulting.
Her diverse background spans healthcare finance, compliance, research, and leadership roles, where she has developed skills in analytical thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and results-driven execution.
Although her background is rooted in health care, Mansi remains open to exploring industries beyond the sector, particularly in areas such as revenue-cycle management, operational strategy and consulting. With a blend of technical knowledge, leadership experience, and business acumen, she is well-positioned for dynamic executive paths both within and beyond the health care sector.
Sam Zychinski
Sam Zychinski is a multifaceted entrepreneur, esports competitor, and student at Saint Louis University.
While attending St. Louis University High School, Sam Zychinski founded Gateway Tea, a small company specializing in loose-leaf teas and accessories which he ran throughout both high school and college, striking deals with multiple local establishments.
Outside of his entrepreneurial ventures, Sam Zychinski also competes in esports and has been active in and out of the collegiate scene for the game Omega Strikers, with multiple tournament wins for SLU, across the country. Now he continues his educational career through Saint Louis University's OYMBA program and is looking forward to beginning his professional career.