The AI and Data Analytics Club at the Foster School of Business was founded with a forward-thinking vision: to create an innovation-driven hub that empowers MBA students to lead in an increasingly AI- and data-centric world. Rooted in the understanding that artificial intelligence and data are transforming every industry, the club aims to equip students with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to harness these technologies for strategic decision-making and business innovation.
At its core, the club’s mission is to make AI and analytics education accessible and impactful, enabling students not only to learn cutting-edge concepts but also to actively shape how these disciplines are taught and applied within the Foster MBA program. By amplifying student perspectives and fostering collaboration with faculty and industry experts, the club ensures that Foster MBAs remain at the forefront of this technological evolution.
The club's value proposition rests on four sturdy pillars:
1. Recruitment Preparedness: Recognizing the growing demand for AI and analytics fluency in today’s job market, the club prepares students with the exact competencies needed to excel in data-driven and AI-augmented roles. From understanding machine learning fundamentals and generative AI applications to mastering data visualization and storytelling, members gain a competitive edge across industries and functions.
2. Academic and Skills Planning: As AI technologies and analytics tools evolve rapidly, the club acts as a compass for students, helping them navigate elective choices, certifications, and workshops aligned with emerging trends. Through collaboration with faculty and the MBA program, the club advocates for a curriculum that integrates AI ethics, data governance, and real-world applications, ensuring Foster remains a leader in business education for the AI era.
3. Networking and Industry Engagement: Understanding that innovation thrives on collaboration, the club connects students with industry professionals, alumni, and thought leaders shaping the future of AI and analytics. These connections open doors to mentorship, experiential learning, and career opportunities in tech, consulting, finance, healthcare, and beyond.
4. Resources and Continuous Learning: The club curates a rich repository of learning materials from AI toolkits and open-source datasets to webinars and hands-on tutorials, empowering members to pursue self-directed learning. Whether it’s building an AI agent, experimenting with large language models, or analyzing business data, students gain the autonomy to stay ahead in this dynamic field.
Through its unwavering commitment to fostering a data-driven and AI-empowered community, the AI & Data Analytics Club stands as a catalyst for innovation and transformation at Foster. Guided by the principles of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning, the club envisions a future where every Foster MBA is not just ready for the AI revolution, but leading it.
SAURAV HIPPARGI
Co-President
Full-time Class of 2026
Saurav has over five years of experience focused on deriving meaningful insights from complex data and building customer-centric products. In his most recent role before his MBA, Saurav served as Chief of Staff to the founder of an early-stage generative AI startup. Outside of work, he enjoys both watching and playing soccer.
MAHIMA KAPOOR
VP of Job Preparedness
Full-time Class of 2026
Mahima Kapoor is an MBA candidate at the Foster School of Business, University of Washington, with a background in technology consulting. She has worked on enterprise software integrations, M&A projects, and go-to-market strategies, with a growing focus on product management and venture capital. Outside of work, Mahima is passionate about dance, having trained for over a decade and also enjoys podcasting.
APEKSHA GUPTA
VP of Evening Program
Full-time Class of 2026
Email | LinkedIn
Apeksha Gupta has been serving as a biostatistician for over 6+ years. She is currently working as a Biostatistician III at Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH). Her expertise includes data management, statistical analysis, and programming, providing high-quality research support to investigators. Additionally, she has been involved in data governance and quality assurance for electronic health record (EHR) data and has served as a project manager for submitting EHR data to a consortium. Apeksha is passionate about staying in the healthcare industry and working towards the betterment of the community by contributing to high-quality research and proactively reviewing and recommending quality improvements in the organization for better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. In her free time, Apeksha enjoys reading books, doing embroidery/coloring, and spending time in nature.
JIPSA RAO
VP of Events
Full-time Class of 2026
Jipsa is an MBA candidate at Foster, pivoting into product management and strategy with a focus on data-driven impact. She brings prior experience from IBM and Infor, where her most recent role was as a Lead Quality Engineer. Outside the classroom, she’s passionate about mentorship, inclusion, and enjoys reading fiction, roller skating and listening to K-pop.
Contact Us
Questions about the Data and Analytics Club or want to suggest an event? Contact us at saurav98@uw.edu