Time in the market is more important than timing the market—start investing in your future early.

This timeless piece of advice was one of many strategies shared during a recent panel discussion presented by the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for student ambassadors representing UC Riverside’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM). As part of a series of quarterly panel discussions, these gatherings serve as a bridge between the business community and the School of Business. They allow ambassadors to interact with professionals, gain real-world insights, and ask questions about how to prepare for long-term success.

The February session was attended virtually by 23 student ambassadors and focused on retirement and investment strategies. This was a particularly relevant theme, as many ambassadors are preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce and are making key financial decisions that will affect their futures. The topic was suggested by Vice Chief Ambassador Caspar Gaviria ’22, a Professional MBA student with a concentration in management. His initiative helped bring forward a subject that impacts every graduate student, regardless of industry or career path.

The discussion emphasized that graduate students should begin thinking about retirement and investing as early as possible. Panelists reminded the group that financial planning is not something to delay until later in life. Instead, small, consistent investments made now can grow substantially over time. The ambassadors were encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to learn, ask questions, and begin building their financial portfolios while still in school or at the beginning of their careers.

“Although I have a few investment products of my own, this event showed me that there is even more out there than I knew about,” says Ambassador Danielle Wright ’21, a Professional MBA student concentrating in finance. “I will definitely be looking into some of the investment opportunities suggested by the panelists.” Her reflection captured the impact of the event — not only affirming what students already know, but also opening their eyes to new resources and strategies that could support their financial growth.

Among the presenters was Yundra Thomas, an agent at New York Life, who encouraged attendees to adopt a proactive and optimistic perspective on finances. “Your mentality should be the abundance mentality, not the scarcity mentality,” she said. Thomas’s perspective highlighted the importance of mindset in financial success. Rather than approaching investments with fear or hesitation, students were advised to see the opportunities that lie ahead and approach them with confidence.

Thomas was joined by other speakers representing a range of expertise across the financial and insurance industries. Daniel Garias, managing partner at Virtue Agency, shared his professional insights on planning for the future. Laura Ritchie, an agent at PHP Agency, offered strategies for navigating insurance and investment options. Micah Tokuda, a financial advisor at Edward Jones, contributed his knowledge on how students can begin planning for retirement, even if they are just starting out in their careers. Together, the panelists created a comprehensive discussion that blended professional expertise with actionable advice.

“This is super helpful, especially for me,” says Ambassador Natalie Qaqish ’22, who is pursuing an MBA in management. “I needed information regarding wills and trusts, and Daniel Farias helped me with that.” Her comment underscored the practical impact of the session. By addressing specific, real-world questions, the panelists were able to meet students where they are and provide tailored advice that can influence personal financial decisions immediately.

The partnership between AGSM ambassadors and the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has become an invaluable learning opportunity. By bringing students and professionals together on a quarterly basis, the series ensures that ambassadors gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and networks. Events like this help strengthen the relationship between UC Riverside and the business community, reinforcing the School of Business’s mission to prepare students for leadership in all aspects of life.

Through sessions like the February panel, student ambassadors are gaining tools to manage their financial futures, approach investment decisions with confidence, and develop habits that will serve them throughout their careers. The conversations do not end with the event itself — they inspire ongoing exploration, encourage dialogue among peers, and plant the seeds for long-term financial well-being.