David Melgoza

University of Washington, Foster School of Business

 “First-gen Chicano, child of immigrants, breaking barriers with resilience, creating paths, and redefining limits!”

Fun fact about yourself: I am a classically trained flutist

Hometown: Monroe, Washington

High School: Monroe High School

Major: Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Law, Societies, & Justice

Minor: Diversity and Music

Favorite Business Course:  International Business

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

• Latine Student Union, President
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies Research Group, Research Leader
• I-200 Research Project, Undergraduate Researcher
• Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Associate Researcher
• Department of Management and Organization, Teacher Assistant
• Lavin Entrepreneurship Program, Cohort Member
• First-Generation Business Leaders, VP of Community Engagement
• Foster School of Business Dean’s Diversity Subcommittee, Subcommittee Member
• La Resistencia NW, Community Educator
• Young Executive of Color, Mentor in Training
• Dean’s List, All Quarters
• Foster School of Business, Freshman Direct admit
• University of Washington 2022 Leadership Award
• University of Washington 2023 Activism Award
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Scholar
• Davis Wright Tremaine, Pre-Law Fellow
• Greater Seattle Business Association, Scholar
• Hovind Global Leader Program, Scholar

Where have you interned during your college career?

• Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Associate Researcher
• Deloitte, Audit & Assurance Intern
• Crowley Law Offices, Legal Intern
• Civil Rights Justice Center, Legal Intern

Where will you be working after graduation? Business law. After graduation, I intend to take a gap year before pursuing law school. During this time, I plan to study for the LSAT and prepare my law school applications while gaining practical experience in business law.

Who is your favorite business professor? My favorite business professor is Christina Fong. She skillfully incorporates ideas of intercultural competency, bias, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) into her course content. Her approach encouraged open dialogue and fostered a sense of inclusivity among students from diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. Christina Fong’s dedication to promoting understanding and collaboration among her students truly made a lasting impact on me.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I gained from studying business is the importance of adaptability and resilience in a constantly evolving environment. Understanding concepts like problem-solving, effective communication, and strategic decision-making has equipped me with valuable tools applicable to various facets of life.

Moreover, studying business has underscored the significance of collaboration and teamwork. Successful businesses thrive on cohesive efforts and collective innovation. Learning to navigate diverse perspectives and work collaboratively towards common goals has been an invaluable lesson that extends beyond business.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? I advise a student looking to major in a business-related field to consider taking classes outside of business, such as classes in the social sciences. Speaking from my own experience, obtaining a double degree in Law, Societies, and Justice greatly enhanced my perspective on the future of business. It allowed me to build empathy and understand the future impacts of business on society, law, and justice.

Studying social sciences alongside business provides a broader understanding of the interconnectedness between economic systems, social structures, and legal frameworks. It fosters critical thinking skills and encourages students to consider business decisions’ ethical, societal, and legal implications.

By diversifying your academic pursuits, you can gain a well-rounded perspective that is invaluable in navigating the complexities of the business world. You become a more effective leader and agent of positive change in your communities and beyond.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? What has surprised me most about majoring in business is the profound transferability of the skills and concepts learned. Holding numerous leadership positions at the University of Washington, I have found that knowledge from courses like organizational behavior, finance, marketing, international business, accounting, and information systems significantly aids my endeavors outside of business.

The versatility of business education lies in its emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and strategic decision-making. Concepts learned in organizational behavior enhance my ability to lead teams, while financial principles assist in managing budgets. Marketing strategies help me mobilize support for projects, and insights from international business enrich interactions with diverse perspectives. The skills acquired in business education empower individuals to excel in leadership roles and make meaningful contributions across diverse fields and endeavors, transcending traditional business environments.

Which academic, extracurricular, or personal achievement are you most proud of? One of my most cherished achievements is spearheading the revival of the Latine Student Union at the University of Washington. Following the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Latine Student Union experienced a halt. However, driven by a shared desire to rebuild our community, a dedicated group of Latine students, including myself, came together to reignite the organization’s mission.

Leading the charge to restart the Latine Student Union was not just about reestablishing a student group; it was about advocating for the needs and voices of our communities both on and off campus. We worked tirelessly to amplify the concerns and demands of Latine students, advocating for expanded resources and support from the University of Washington administration.

At the helm of the Latine Student Union, I assumed responsibilities that extended beyond event coordination. I led and managed a committed team of executive board members, facilitated engagement with university administration, and represented our community at various student government and community gatherings. Through our collective efforts, we implemented initiatives to enhance visibility, foster engagement, and provide crucial support for the Latine student community. From cultural events to guest speaker series and mentorship programs, each initiative empowered and uplifted our community members.

The revival of the Latine Student Union is a testament to the power of collective action and community resilience. It reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where Latine voices are heard, valued, and celebrated. This achievement brought our greater Latine student community together and catalyzed meaningful change on our campus, leaving a lasting impact on future generations of students.

Which classmate do you most admire? The classmate I most admire is Peyton Gomez. Throughout our time at the Foster School of Business, Peyton has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering a more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse environment. In her various leadership roles, particularly as the Vice President of Diversity for the Undergraduate Business Council, Peyton spearheaded initiatives to address systemic challenges and promote equity within our school community.

Working alongside Peyton as VP of Diversity offered me invaluable insights into the complexities and nuances of DEI work. I witnessed firsthand the challenges she navigated and her resilience in advocating for underrepresented voices. Peyton served as more than just a leader; she was a mentor who constantly supported my passions and uplifted my voice.

Peyton’s unwavering dedication to promoting inclusivity and equity has impacted me and our school community. Her leadership exemplifies the transformative power of advocacy and the importance of standing up for what is right. Peyton’s mentorship and support have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I am incredibly grateful for her ongoing guidance and inspiration.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would most want to thank my mother for my success. Her journey, immigrating to this country from Mexico in search of a better life, is a profound source of inspiration for me. Her sacrifices and selflessness have paved the way for my opportunities and achievements.

My mother’s unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity have instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep sense of gratitude. Her sacrifices, often made silently and without complaint, have allowed me to pursue my dreams and attend this great institution. More importantly, her love and support have given me the strength to continue working towards uplifting and supporting our communities.

I am forever grateful to my mother for her boundless love, unwavering support, and countless sacrifices to ensure my success. Her enduring influence is a constant reminder of the power of resilience, perseverance, and unconditional love.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The top two items on my professional bucket list are the following:

1. Working abroad: My passion for experiencing different cultures and perspectives has been deeply enriched through my participation in study abroad programs in India, Brazil, Italy, and Africa. These experiences have exposed me to the transformative potential and what it means to work overseas. Working internationally aligns with my interests and offers invaluable opportunities for professional growth and cross-cultural collaboration. The prospect of immersing myself in diverse work environments, navigating new challenges, and expanding my global network is fascinating and motivating.

2. Starting my own business: As an entrepreneurship major, venturing into business ownership greatly appeals to me. I have always been an entrepreneur, from my first lemonade stand to my small photography business. Building a company from the ground up, navigating market dynamics, and realizing innovative ideas are both challenging and exhilarating.

What makes David Melgoza such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“David Melgoza is the embodiment of the power of diversity, integrating multiple perspectives and experiences to produce work that has strong, positive, social impact. I have never seen a student take such advantage of the undergraduate student experience! David is a Foster business major, who is also majoring in Law, Society, and Justice with double minors in music and diversity. In addition, he is a professionally trained classical flautist, has a thriving business as a photographer, and holds several leadership positions in student organizations at Foster and UW.  Moreover, he produced and hosted an award-winning podcast, Regarding Rhetoric, with a group of UW students who examine public rhetoric around Latin American immigration. He is president of the Latine Student Union at UW, and a former member of the Dean’s Diversity Subcommittee at Foster.

David has been working on a yearlong program sponsored by UW’s University Diversity Officer Rickey Hall that brings together two additional Associate Deans and the UW Attorney General’s office to examine the effects of I-200 on DEI work at the University of Washington. As the sole student research assistant on this project, David is both the intellectual and operational driver of the success of this project. He has worked closely with DEI leads across campus and with the attorney general’s office to create a handbook that helps to provide guidance to leads about the legal risk associated with criteria that are used to determine eligibility into programs designed to support the diversity, inclusion, and equity mission of the University of Washington. Working together with David on this project has allowed me to have a front row seat to his developing legal expertise, his commitment to justice, and his intellectual talent.

This is just one example of how David combines his individual talents and passions with his UW educational experience to help our community and change the world.”

Christina T. Fong
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
Michael G Foster Endowed Professor of Management

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