Richard Bomgardner graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a Masters of Arts in Accounting. Currently, he works as a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), a global audit, assurance and tax firm in San Diego, California. Previously, Rich spent three years as an Associate at PWC, focusing on corporate compliance and operational effectiveness for Fortune 500 companies. In addition to CMN, Rich understands the importance of obtaining certification within a professional industry, especially when credentials are the distinguishing mark of a professional.

Ask Richard Bomgardner About: Certifications, Accounting, and Masters Degree.

Amadou Kilkenny-Diaw graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and has a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. At Georgetown, he was a member of the Georgetown Hoyas basketball team. He is to begin work, as an Associate in the D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP, a law firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Previously, Amadou was an editor of the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Journal at UVa. Law. In addition to CMN, Amadou believes everyone, especially young black professionals, can be positive role models and broaden the horizons of young students through mentoring.

Ask Amadou Kilkenny-Diaw About: Law School, Legal Profession, and Entertainment.

Nicholas Hunter graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs. Currently, he works as a Senior Associate for Jones Lang LaSalle, a financial and professional services company specializing in real estate. Previously, Nick worked as an analyst for CB Richard Ellis, a full service commercial real estate firm. In addition to CMN, Nick feels that mentoring is important because he had people throughout his life guiding him throughout his educational and professional career.


Ask Nicholas Hunter About: Financial Services, Commercial Real Estate, and Networking.

Richard Cooksen graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Currently, Rich works as an Associate at Ikon Global Markets, a futures commission merchant based in New York, New York. Previously, Rich worked as a Private Equity Analyst at Goldman Sachs. In addition to CMN, Rich is active in the New York Urban League Young Professionals, The Brooklyn Museum, and with several UMass alumni boards and clubs. He firmly believes that with active mentoring, the minority educational achievement gap can be contracted.


Ask Richard Cooksen About: Managed Futures, Private Equity, and Non-Profits.

Sean Robertson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mandarin Chinese from Hamilton College and has an MBA in Finance from The College of William & Mary. Currently, he is an Associate Director at Bostonia Partners, an investment-banking firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. Previously, Sean worked as an Equity Analyst for the Batten Investment Fund, where he covered the traditional and renewable energy sectors. In addition to CMN, Sean has depended on seasoned, intelligent and driven individuals to provide guidance and answers to his questions about the road ahead.


Ask Sean Robertson About: Business School, Investment Banking, and Energy.

Luke Bolar graduated from Truman State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. At Truman State, Luke was a member of the Truman State soccer team. Currently, he is the Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana. Previously, Luke spent three years as an Assistant Press Secretary for Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa.

Ask Luke Bolard About: Communication, Politics, and New Media.

James Eimers graduated as an Echols Scholar from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Currently, James is pursuing a Juris Doctorate at the Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut. Previously, James worked as Associate Consultant for Bain & Company, a Boston based global management consulting firm. In addition to CMN, James has been fortunate to receive learned guidance from many of those who have considered and taken similar tacks in the past and is happy to return the favor to others.

Ask James Eimers About: Standardized Testing, Law, Management Consulting, and Energy.

Jeffrey Phillips graduated from William & Mary with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. Currently, he is pursuing an MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Previously, Jeff worked as a legislative aide for former U.S. Senator George Allen of Virginia. Additionally, Jeff worked as a Policy Associate for Cargill, Inc., an international producer and marketer of food, financial and industrial products. In addition to CMN, Jeff believes that there is nothing more important than helping to develop younger generations and mentoring can be an effective way to assist those individuals that wish to pursue a career in business.

Ask Jeffrey Phillips About: Business School, Policy, and International Relations.

Michael Lee graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He currently works as an Associate at The Carlyle Group, a global private equity firm based in Washington, D.C. Previously, Mike was an Associate at AEW Capital Management in Boston, a real estate private equity firm and hedge fund. Mike began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Bank of America. In addition to CMN, Mike credits his achievements to the people who have taken an interest in him and have helped along the way.


Ask Michael Lee About: Banking, Private Equity, and Real Estate.

Shaan Goswami graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. He currently works as an Associate at Lazard Frères & Co., a global financial advisory and asset management firm based in New York, New York. Previously, Shaan spent three years as a Financial Analyst at Lazard, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. In addition to CMN, Shaan is driven by the potentially positive impact he can have on others through the communication of experiences.

Ask Shaan Goswami About: Investment Banking, Communication, and Athletics.

Grant Garcia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and has an MBA from the University of Richmond. In the fall, he will begin work as a finance professional in New York, New York. Previously, Grant worked as an Equity Sales & Trading Summer Associate at BB&T Capital Markets and an Investment Banking Summer Associate at Matrix Capital Markets Group. In addition to CMN, Grant learned from his grandfather, especially in the Latino community, that a mentor must lead by example.


Ask Grant Garcia About: Business School, and Sales & Trading, Media.

Otis Ofori graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and earned a J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law where he served as an Articles Editor for the Virginia Tax Review. In the spring, he is to begin work as an Associate at a law firm in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he is also a Candidate at the Johns Hopkins University for a Masters of Arts in Applied Economics. Previously, Otis worked as a Financial Analyst at the Law & Economic Consulting Group. He was also a Summer Associate in the Washington, D.C. law firm office of Winston & Strawn, LLP In addition to CMN, Otis is actively involved with the University of Virginia School of Law Alumni Association.

Ask Otis Ofori About: Law, Politics, and Private Equity.