Business Alumni Network
Mission
The 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.
Network Leadership

Karolina Montenegro’s professional experience is expansive and diverse. From working in the operations department of two investment firms, one being Merrill Lynch, translating at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and then as an Analytical Linguist with government agencies, including FBI and DEA, her dynamism reaches the private and public sector. An internship in Procurement at Aerojet Rocketdyne led to her current position as a Contracts Administrator for Northrop Grumman, where she manages contracts with a combined value of approximately $30 million for U.S. Government customers. She also serves for a number of community and student organizations such as Mariachi Women’s Foundation, Hispanic Business Society (HBS), and Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). Click here to learn more about Karolina.
Gerald Freeny ('83), Co-Chair
Past President, Tournament of Roses Parade Association
Gerald Freeny has had a nearly three-decade career in law enforcement and serves in several leadership positions in the field, including the San Gabriel chapter of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), where he serves as president, the Pasadena Police Foundation Board, and the Pasadena Police Citizens Academy. In his role as the 2019 President of the Tournament of Roses Parade Association, he provided leadership for the 130th Rose Parade and the 105th Rose Bowl Game under the theme "Melody of Life." Click here to learn more about Gerald.
Past Events
Negotiate Like A Pro! Communicate Your Value And Get the Salary You Deserve!
Featuring:
Laura Bashore
Founder, Anew Resume and Career Services
Tuesday, October 25 | 5:30 p.m. PST
Zoom Webinar
Brand Building: Creating your Personal Brand
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
The Cal State LA Business Alumni Network presents an industry conversation with Leily Sanchez '20,
Senior Research Analyst at FleishmanHillard True Global Intelligence.
Learn more about Ms. Sanchez here:
Celebrating Women’s History Month
HERstory: Paving the Way
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
The Cal State LA Business Alumni Network presents an industry conversation with Toni Guinyard, an Emmy award-winning journalist at NBC4, and Laura V. Farber, partner in the Pasadena law firm of Hahn & Hahn LLP.
Learn more about Ms. Farber and Ms.Guinyard here.
The Cal State LA Business Alumni Network and the Department of Sociology invite you to an informative panel discussion with practicing experts to develop your professional awareness of aging trends as we examine the implications of the aging population and how to engage your aging consumer. This FREE 90-minute session offers strategies for enhancing your service for maturing clientele.
The Silver Economy:
Understanding Mature Clientele Across Different Industries
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
6:30-8 p.m. (PDT)
Zoom Webinar
Participants will earn an andI certificate: Silver Economy Edition which provides credibility and promotes inclusivity of all agers. This mark of excellence conveys knowledge of the exponential growth of a maturing clientele in the universal marketplace. This is a recognized certificate offered through the Institute of Aging Management.
People, Purpose, & Passion: A Virtual Professional Development and Networking Conference
Hosted by the Business Alumni Network:
"How to Land a Job Without Applying" presented by Jonathan Javier, CEO/Founder of Wonsulting
Virtual, Zoom Meeting
Using LinkedIn to Develop Your Professional Network
Hosted by the Business Alumni Network
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Virtual, Zoom Webinar
Careers in Finance
Morgan Stanley, Santa Monica
CBE Alumni Mixer at San Antonio Winery
CBE Alumni Mixer at Univision
Connect with Us
Have an idea for a networking mixer, workshop, or seminar? Learn more about the network, or how to get involved and email us at [email protected].