Each year, The School of Business celebrates a group of outstanding graduate students who have excelled during their time in the program. Nominated by faculty, staff, and Academic Directors, these students have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, professional development, and a strong commitment to leadership and service. Whether advancing in their careers, contributing to their communities, or driving innovation in their fields, these graduates embody the excellence and ambition that define PSU’s graduate programs. Their journeys reflect the purpose, resilience, and impact that define the Class of 2025.
Kari Doherty - Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Can you tell us about yourself?
I grew up in Wisconsin Dells, the waterpark capital of the world. After high school, I traded the Midwest for the redwoods and attended Humboldt State (now Cal Poly Humboldt), where I earned a degree in Religious Studies. Life took me on a winding path from there, eventually landing me in Portland, where I owned a hot yoga studio and spent years teaching and studying yoga.
After a good run and burnout, I knew it was time for a full pivot. Going back to school felt like the right next step. I chose PSU because it seemed like a cornerstone institution in the city, and I’d heard great things from people I respected. I wasn’t looking to overthink it. I just wanted to go somewhere with a solid reputation and get to work.
Why did you choose to study business?
When I started job hunting after leaving my business, I encountered two problems. First, every job posting seemed to want someone with an “entrepreneurial spirit,” but no one seemed eager to hire someone who had been an entrepreneur. Second, most of the roles I was drawn to listed a master’s degree as “preferred.”
I’d always said I’d only go back to school if I truly felt a degree was holding me back—and that moment arrived. I chose an MBA because I already had a lot of hands-on business experience. I wanted the formal training to match, and to be taken more seriously in spaces where credentials matter. It’s added depth and language to what I’d already been doing for years.
What’s something you learned during your time at Portland State that has prepared you for your future?
Your network is your net worth. One of the biggest things I’ve learned at PSU is the art of networking. Whether it’s taking the time to build relationships with professors, setting up informational interviews, or just showing up and staying curious—investing in my network has been as valuable as anything I’ve learned in the classroom. It really is about who you know. And honestly, if you leave PSU only knowing the same people you showed up with, you’re doing it wrong.
What advice would you give to future students pursuing a business degree?
Getting to know people is just as important as nailing your final presentations or completing homework. Business school is really about learning how to build relationships. If that’s hard for you, do it anyway. If it comes naturally, bring your more introverted friends along with you. You’re here to form genuine connections, and if you pick up some business knowledge along the way, great. Just don’t be a show-off.
"Kari has had incredible personal and professional growth in the program, and is a good example of a Career Transformation. She is also an incredible member of the community, who champions the program inside and outside of PSU." ~Tichelle Sorensen, Academic Director, MBA Program
Cathy Snyder - Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management (MSGSCM)
Can you tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised in Beijing, China and immigrated to the US when I was 13. After pursuing my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in New Jersey, I took an unconventional turn and joined the US Navy and was stationed in Bremerton WA on an aircraft carrier. Being Active Duty for 5 years was a challenging time, but that's where I found my passion for helping people through training and onboarding and of course the best part was also meeting my husband. After the Navy, I made my impact through various roles in Learning & Development, Onboarding, Recruiting, and Employee Engagement within national and local companies. I decided to pursue a master's degree at PSU shortly after taking a career break to spend time with my daughter and cannot believe 18 months have already gone by! Those were days filled with late nights staying up for readings, lectures, and discussion posts, in addition to Zoom meetings with the best and supportive cohort group and professors. This program has opened so many doors for me, and I am very grateful for all the different opportunities I got to (and continue to) explore. Fun fact: I am a proud Yelp Elite member strategizing how to eat my way through the delicious Portland (and beyond) food scene. I love trying out new restaurants and dining experiences and providing authentic and detailed reviews and recommendations on the Yelp app. My daughter is my food buddy, and we are looking forward to more future food adventures together.
Why did you choose to study business?
The pandemic really opened my eyes to the global supply chain and how it affected everyday life! I wanted to know how the world works so I chose to chase my curiosity. The Global Supply Chain Management Graduate program at PSU checked all my boxes with its asynchronous online class flexibility, prestigious accreditation recognition, and experienced and supportive faculty and staff. It was a surprisingly relevant transition from my roles in Human Resources with the valuable soft people skills, and it equipped me with the technical tools and network connections in this new-to-me industry. The bonus was the international summer experience to Vietnam in the Summer of 2024. Not only was it an eye-opening opportunity to peek into operational manufacturing facilities and provide real-life context to the global supply chain industry, but it was also an immersive cultural experience filled with delicious food, national landmarks, and cohort bonding.
What’s something you learned during your time at Portland State that has prepared you for your future?
Be open to ALL opportunities and please please please take full advantage of the phenomenal resources from the School of Business when you are a student. The Career Center has amazing Career Coaches to help you prepare for every stage of your career journey, sign up to go to the local company visits, attend networking events, get your free professional headshots, and absolutely look into national and local chapters of professional organization memberships (lots of them have student memberships at a steep discount!)
What advice would you give to future students pursuing a business degree?
Network with your fellow cohort and professors! There is SO much knowledge and vast amounts of experiences to be shared amongst these groups of wonderful humans. I've been so impressed by the bond (both personal and professional) I have been able to cultivate with everyone at PSU and beyond. Don't sell yourself short either. Imposter syndrome was real, especially for me as a Career Changer, but you have a lot more to offer than you think!
"Cathy’s journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a commitment to service. She served five years as an active duty machinist aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, developing technical expertise, discipline, and a strong work ethic in a demanding environment.
Upon transitioning from military service, Cathy joined our Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management program with a clear goal: to acquire new knowledge and pivot her career toward helping people and businesses thrive. Cathy distinguished herself academically and as a leader among her peers throughout her studies. She excelled in her coursework and took on the role of program ambassador, representing MSGSCM with professionalism and enthusiasm.
Cathy’s dedication and adaptability have culminated in completing the program, and she is now poised to begin her career as a management consultant with a respected local firm. Her journey from the deck of an aircraft carrier to the forefront of business consulting is a testament to her drive, character, and the transformative power of education. Cathy is a role model for her classmates and an asset to the MSGSCM community." ~Daniel Wong, Academic Director, MSGSCM Program
Masaye Hoshide - Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE)
Can you tell us about yourself?
I love the Pacific Northwest and have called it home for almost 15 years. Water is life and I'm currently enjoying learning how to row competitively (scull and sweep) on our beautiful Willamette river! I'm a huge fan of PSU and the contribution that the PSU campus makes to our urban environment. I talk to people who also love PSU and we share a deep enthusiasm for walking around the PSU campus and feeling that terrific integration of urbanism and education.
Why did you choose to study business?
I'm passionate about the built environment and working to create livability, sustainability and positive economic growth for our shared communities. Pursuing a masters degree from PSU in Real Estate with an emphasis on Finance and Investment was one of the best decisions I've made recently. The real estate industry runs very broad and very deep. The PSU MSRE degree program has placed my current professional experience within a much deeper perspective of the drivers and opportunities within the commercial real estate industry. The MSRE degree program has been instrumental in providing me with foundational tools to pursue both market-rate and public sector driven development opportunities.
What’s something you learned during your time at Portland State that has prepared you for your future?
The best developments are about partnership. Your network is your net worth. Get 1% better each day. Don't be afraid to fail. Take the time to thank and appreciate those people who have helped you in your journey.
What advice would you give to future students pursuing a business degree?
The time goes so quick and PSU offers such a tremendous opportunity for networking, resources and building expertise. Take the time to network, show up authentically and push yourself outside of your comfort zone! Have fun and embrace the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally!