Tasha Hall
UCLA, Anderson School of Management
Age: 37
”Passionate about creating transformative experiences through consumer products, blending strategy and creativity to enrich lives.”
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Family Members: Mom (Hava), Dad (Lewis), Sister (Cara), Husband (Cody), Dog (Mochi), Cat (Pixel)
Fun fact about yourself: I was a competitive fencer, competing at NCAA Championships, National events, and World Cups.
Undergraduate School and Degree: Cornell University, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Where are you currently working? Mattel, Inc. as Manager, Commercial Marketing for American Girl
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: I love travel and culinary experiences. I am on the leadership board of Mattel’s Toastmasters Club, mentoring others as they overcome their fear of public speaking. I also sometimes help transport wildlife between animal hospitals and the rehabilitation centers when they need a helping hand.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the experiences I’m most proud of during business school was competing in the Net Impact Consulting Challenge (NICC) during my second year. NICC is a competition where teams of MBA students partner with nonprofits to provide pro bono strategic consulting over the course of just a few weeks. I had the privilege of working alongside four incredible women from my EMBA class – brilliant, empathetic, and talented leaders that I had never worked with before. We were matched with Hands4Hope LA, a nonprofit that provides after-school programs for underserved youth in Los Angeles, and we quickly fell in love with their mission.
With just three weeks to build out a strategic scope and set of recommendations, we dedicated late nights, weekends, and every spare moment outside of work and classes to deliver something meaningful. What made this experience wasn’t just the outcome; it was the way we came together as a team. We led with trust of each other, left any ego at the door, and created a deeply collaborative environment where every voice was valued – truly one of the best practices I’ve seen in my career. We poured ourselves into the work. By the end, we delivered a presentation that genuinely moved our nonprofit partners. Their gratitude was unforgettable. To this day, we continue to support Hands4Hope LA and recently attended their fundraising gala as a team. I also walked away from this experience with lifelong friendships and collaborators that I’d trust with both business decisions and personal advice.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? There have been some amazing business results that I have been able to contribute to, but the achievement I am most proud of is when a small team and I restarted and led a speed mentoring program for Women of Finance and Strategy at Nike. At the time, the landscape was difficult to navigate and there was a clear opportunity at hand. The program fostered cross-departmental connections across both the finance and strategy orgs, introducing employees to inspirational leaders. The program served about 300 employees across the globe during my time there, creating a new avenue for networking for career growth and movement within the company.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? This is a tough one, as there were so many amazing professors! But if I had to only choose one, it would have to be Professor Ullmen. I took one of my first classes with him (Organizational Behavior) and took an additional elective a few quarters later (Interpersonal Managerial Communications). In both courses, he pushed us beyond surface-level thinking and inspired introspection. His deep insights, coupled with truly engaging speakers, made his classes unforgettable and transformative. I think about the learnings from this course constantly in my career and personal life.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose UCLA’s EMBA program for its strong global focus, collaborative culture, and diverse student body. The school’s mandatory International Business Residency program and other Global Immersions was a draw, showing the commitment to the emphasis of being a global leader. An added bonus was the location of the school, allowing me to learn with minimal disruption to my job.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? During the MBA program, I had exposure to people from different industries, functions, and experiences. One of the biggest lessons I gained is the power of diverse perspectives in solving complex problems. Through case discussions and team projects, I’ve learned to look beyond my own function and consider insights from other disciplines. This shift has helped me anticipate barriers more effectively and better align cross-functional priorities with broader business goals.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? During the program, juggling all the competing priorities was a challenge. Additionally, as I was working through the program, my husband was also pursuing a degree as well. My husband is an Olympic athlete and had never gotten his Bachelor’s degree due to his focus on sport, so he was actually half way through his Bachelor’s degree when I started the program. We both had full time jobs and rigorous schoolwork that took up the majority of our time. But one of the most grounding rituals was something deceptively simple: dog walks with my husband. Between long workdays, late-night work on assignments and study groups, and trying to keep our social lives afloat, we both felt the strain. Whenever we could, we made time to walk together where we could be truly focused on the moment and each other – even if it was just a stroll around the block. It was a way to check in, vent, and be present with each other, and this became a bit of a reset button. I continue to do these walks with him and expanded to finding times to walk with friends to create moments of connection and calm within the chaos.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? My advice would be to fully commit and take advantage of everything that the program offers. Prepare to manage your time meticulously and lean on your support network. The journey demands resilience, but the growth is unparallelled. Aside from the formal education, my program offered access to amazing people with experience from different industries and functions, not to mention executive coaching and career coaching. Take advantage of all of it!
What was your biggest regret in business school? My biggest regret was not starting my program sooner. I delayed because I didn’t feel ready, but looking back, I realize that there never is a “perfect” time to start, and that the readiness is built during the journey. That being said, I don’t really dwell on this because the experience has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’ve met amazing people in my class who have enriched my life, and I can’t really imagine myself today without them.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? There are so many incredible individuals in our class, but if I had to only pick one, I would say that I most admire Emerson Haro. Emerson has an unwavering ability to set goals and achieve them, no matter the obstacles or adversity in his path. When faced with challenges, he finds another solution and keeps moving forward. But what makes Emerson truly exceptional is that his ambition is not just for himself. Whether it is offering encouragement or creating opportunities for others, Emerson shows up with a deep commitment to helping those around him succeed. Often this is done under the radar. He’s become not only a close friend, but someone I deeply respect and aspire to emulate for his resilience and ability to turn big visions into reality.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I chose an Executive MBA primarily for its emphasis on leadership development as well as the weekend structure that my school offered. I wanted the in-person experience, which allowed me to connect more deeply with and learn from diverse, ambitious peers. UCLA Anderon’s EMBA program structure and networking opportunities were key in my decision, as I aimed to grow alongside fellow future leaders.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I financed my MBA through a mix of personal savings, loans, and a little support from family. Since my company doesn’t cover continued education costs, I planned carefully to manage tuition. I took out federal loans through FAFSA, knowing that the investment would pay off. The program’s impact on my career already shows in my work and interest from company leaders, making the decision worthwhile.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate goal is to be a GM or COO of a global, purpose-driven company – one that not only delivers exceptional results but also creates meaningful impact. I aspire to be the kind of leader who connects the dots across functions, unites teams behind a shared vision, and fosters a culture of innovation rooted in empathy and bold thinking. I’m passionate about bringing amazing experiences to life. Above all, I want to be in a place to empower others to take risk and contribute their best ideas to become realities.
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