Emerald Liu
The Paul Merage School of Business, University of California-Irvine
Age: 38
“Thrive in obscurity, paradox, and discord; excel at identifying similarities.”
Hometown: China
Family Members: I’m blessed with the most supportive, honest, and loving husband, Mulawin Jones, along with my parents, in-laws Doris and Cem, godparents Roy and Joyce, and many more, fur or no-fur.
Fun fact about yourself: If you’re a talker, I’m happy to listen. If you need someone to ease your mind, I’m here to chat. There are no foes in life, only friends at different stages.
Undergraduate School and Degree: UCSD – Neuroscience BS, Biology MS; USC – Applied Data Science MS
Where are you currently working? RTX
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: SDCC Harry West Athletic Scholarship Recipient 2016; UCSD Veteran Student of The Year 2019; USC Engelstad Foundation Scholarship Recipient 2022’; RTX Spot Awards, Veterans Affairs Healthcare Volunteer
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? The UCI Stella Zhang New Venture Competition gave me the opportunity to pitch in the semi-final rounds in both 2024 and 2025.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? To me, achievement means evolving into the person I am capable of becoming and strive to be. Throughout my career, I’ve been steadily refining my leadership style, regardless of my place within the organizational hierarchy. I take pride in fostering environments where people may challenge my views but continue to respect my professional expertise.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? UCI Merage is home to talented professors, and each of them taught me something valuable. Some shared the frameworks they developed, others demonstrated how to recreate value through thoughtful deconstruction, and some extended their networks with genuine intention. Prof. Richard Afable brings unparalleled insight into healthcare leadership and systems innovation; Prof. Vijay Gurbaxani is a visionary in digital transformation and strategy; Prof. Thomas Eppel is a master of analytical thinking and decision modeling; Leonard Lane is wise in the art of global brand strategy and organizational change; and Prof. Hope Schau is a thought leader in consumer behavior and market dynamics.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? UCI was my first choice. My folks often reminded me that where I choose to go in life is where opportunity lies. For me, it was about finding an environment that nurtures my growth at that stage, nothing more, nothing less. UCI offered the staff, faculty, and ecosystem that aligned perfectly with my personal and professional goals.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? Business is about people, regardless of the model or the product or the service. Everyone is a customer at some point, and the customer is always right. This mindset widened my career path and helped me grow in empathy, humility, and adaptability.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Mulawin Jones and my mother deserve to have their names etched on my awards. Like a single chapstick that is easy to break, a bundle becomes exponentially stronger. In my honest opinion, I am not the most organized or disciplined person, and I need a lot of solitary time to recharge. Setting realistic expectations for myself and being grateful for my surroundings are the only approaches that truly work for me. There will always be doubts, both from within and from the outside. I focus on appreciating what I have and taking control only of myself.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? You are the one who knows yourself best. If you’re searching, there’s a reason. The future is in your hands, and shaping it takes more than just willpower, unless you have the Force. There’s more to life than making more money, getting a better title, or earning a master’s degree. However, if you’re struggling with basic needs like family obligations, financial instability, or mental health challenges, it’s okay to pause, breathe, regroup, and then apply.
What was your biggest regret in business school? Luckily, I have no regrets. Yes, I’ve missed a few events here-and-there. But at this stage of my life, being confident in my decisions is the anchor that steadies me on the journey ahead, especially in the midst of a roaring sea.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I did not take this journey alone. It was my pleasure to spend two years with Cohort 25. They are bright, mature, and uniquely talented. In many ways, I was a student of my peers; they taught me through the way they walk and talk. It’s nearly impossible to pick just one from a group of such remarkable individuals, even choosing a top three would be a challenge. Nevertheless, Samantha Madrid holds a special place. She managed rigorous coursework while carrying a baby, then caught up with the cohort after giving birth, during one of the most demanding quarters. To top it all off, she did this while working full-time.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The decision was based on the outcome I wanted to achieve. An EMBA focuses on the broader picture of conducting business. In the current era, information is abundant rather than scarce. I can obtain similar technical knowledge from the internet compared to what is taught in class. The crème de la crème of an EMBA is the opportunity to observe patterns of success in others. Often, words, podcasts, and videos are too narrow in their analysis.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? UCI offered me a scholarship, I work full-time, and I also receive educational benefits through my service in the Navy.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate goal is to create socially positive, impactful, and profitable companies that facilitate growth in their staff. Along the way, I hope to continue learning with firms that care for their employees, customers, and the environment.
DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST EXECUTIVE MBAS: CLASS OF 2025
© Copyright 2025 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.
