Business Alumni Network

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Mission

The Cal State LA Business Alumni Network is a hub for Cal State LA alumni to network, connect, and engage with fellow alumni in the industry. We understand that successful networking is about establishing meaningful relationships to help each other achieve goals. We exist to cultivate those connections through value-focused platforms that promote advancement through social mixers, mentoring, workshops, and peer-hiring opportunities. We welcome alumni from diverse academic backgrounds to join us in redefining what it means to be a graduate of Cal State LA in our professional communities.

All alumni, current students, staff, and faculty are invited to join any of our alumni networks.

Network Leadership

Desirae Aguirre (’14), Chair
Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Desirae Aguirre brings over a decade of experience across multiple areas of business and finance, including mortgage banking, fixed-income securities, mergers and acquisitions, and wealth management.

Her professional journey includes founding both a financial technology start-up and a nonprofit organization, experiences that shaped her passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community empowerment. Growing up in poverty and working her way through college, Desirae understands firsthand the challenges many students face and is committed to creating pathways for others to succeed.

As chair of the Business Alumni Network, Desirae is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between students, alumni, and the business community. Her focuses include mentorship, career development, and expanding opportunities for Cal State LA graduates to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Desirae received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in management and a minor in economics. Outside of her professional and alumni work, Desirae enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, family, and their dog in downtown Los Angeles.

Connect with Desirae

Join the Business Alumni Network

ALUMNI

STUDENTS

STAFF/FACULTY

Contact Us

If you're interested in a leadership role or have ideas for a future event, please contact us at [email protected] or (323) 343-2586.

Events

Reenvisioning the Business Alumni Network
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
via Zoom

Networking • Mentorship • Open Discussions • Professional Development

This virtual kickoff event will introduce the new Chair, Desirae Aguirre ’14, who will share a refreshed vision for the network focused on:

Networking across industries
Professional development
Mentorship and meaningful opportunities to connect students and alumni

Dr. Priscilla Romkema, interim dean for the College of Business and Economics, will also share brief welcome remarks.

Attendees will be invited to participate in open discussion and connect with fellow Golden Eagles in industry-based breakout rooms, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue across career stages and sectors.

We look forward to seeing you on January 27 as we work together to reenvision what the Business Alumni Network can be for current students, alumni, and the broader Cal State LA community.

Please note: This event will take place in a Zoom meeting format and is designed to be interactive. Participants should plan to be on camera during portions of the program and take part in live discussions and networking with alumni and fellow Golden Eagles.

Register by January 26.