Graduate Profile: Leila Mozaffarian

High School: Mercer Island High School, Washington

Major/Degree: Business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship and marketing; minor in psychology

What I learned: I was always told that through failure, one will find success. I was told that life is hard and to try to make the most of it. I have learned that every day is a new day. How you decide to spend that day — whether you spend it like your last or do absolutely nothing — is entirely up to you. 

Favorite spot on campus: My favorite spot on campus is definitely the cement benches by Knight Library, especially in the spring. If you ever get a chance to sit there, you may feel invisible but you can see all of the hardworking students going to class, sitting on the lawn or spending time with friends.

Favorite memory: My favorite memory was the first day of being a resident assistant. My residents changed my life throughout the entire year. I think of their impacts every day, and I am so thankful to have met them and learned so much. 

Favorite professor: My favorite professor is Kate Harmon. She is above and beyond what I would expect of any professor, mentor and individual in my life. With her encouragement to do better, work harder and believe in myself, I have been able to start a business, get into an incubator program at the Duck Store and even compete in business competitions and win! I will never forget the time and effort she spent on me, and I hope that I can one day show her my gratitude.

People might be surprised to know: I did karate for 15 years! During my junior year in high school, I received my second-degree black belt.

What it means to be a Duck: Being a Duck means that you are part of a community of other Ducks. Any success or failure reflects on the entire community. Being a Duck means being a part of a family that will be with you for the rest of your life and continually grow.

What I did for fun: I loved getting involved with Relay for Life every year in college. During my senior year, I was the entertainment chair which meant I planned the events happening on the actual event day of Relay for Life. I had a great time being on the committee, starting my own team and raising money for cancer research.

What’s next: I am working on my first product launch at the Duck Store through my business, MozCo, LLC. I will be moving back to Seattle and finding a job in either marketing or managing.

Visit "Meet the Class of 2016" for all profiles published to date. 

A gif of Leila Mozaffarian