Gonzalez was recently named to for his work with tech startups and . The recognition, he said, felt deeply validating after years of quiet persistence. 

“It’s a very welcome change,” he said. “All of a sudden, people start noticing the work you’ve been doing day in and day out.”

Learning to lead 

Gonzalez began his career in Mexico, studying computer science and launching his first company while still an undergraduate. He was soon recruited by Microsoft, where he spent nearly a decade working in engineering and supply chain roles. Along the way, he also founded , a nonprofit that supports software engineering talent in Latin America. 

OmegaUp grew quickly, but leadership proved challenging. Gonzalez found himself struggling to unify a team of passionate and talented professionals without much experience in governance or interpersonal dynamics. 

“I realized it’s not so much about the technology,” he said. “It’s about the people. Getting a group of people to move in the same direction, even if not everyone agrees 100 percent — that’s hard.” 

This insight led him to UW Bothell’s School of Business Leadership MBA program.��

Finding his people at UW Bothell 

Gonzalez said he chose the UW Bothell School of Business, in part, for its timing and location. The program’s evening classes plus their proximity to his office, made it possible to continue working full-time. But he discovered that the format wasn’t the main benefit.��

“What made the biggest difference was the people,” he said. “Everyone had real-world experience. We could ask each other questions, challenge each other and learn in ways that went far beyond the classroom.” 

He made a point to immerse himself in the full UW Bothell Husky experience. He joined student clubs, participated in workshops — and even reached out to professors at other campuses to sit in on additional classes. 

“I was the oldest person in the room by a few years,” he said. “But I learned so much from those students. They were brilliant.”

Switching to startups 

One defining moment came during UW Bothell’s MBA Association conference, put on by the School of Business. While seated next to an investor during lunch, Gonzalez decided to share a rough startup idea. The response wasn’t a yes, but it opened a door.��

“I realized I didn’t need the perfect idea,” he said. “I just had to start. That moment helped me lose the fear.” 

That experience eventually led him to enroll in the Foster School of Business’ Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program. He left Microsoft to focus full-time on building a startup, and DevMatch was born — a platform that evaluates software engineers through real-world challenges rather than brainteasers. 

Looking back, Gonzalez said, his curiosity about how people think and work together was sparked at UW Bothell. 

“I remember reading Influence by Cialdini in a marketing class,” he said. “It completely changed how I thought about business and leadership.” 

Coming back to UW Bothell’s School of Business

The educational foundation Gonzalez received at UW Bothell made it a logical decision to return to the School of Business as an instructor. He now teaches a product development course that brings together business and computer science students. The class takes an interdisciplinary approach that mirrors his professional path.��

“I want my class to be an intellectually stimulating experience that pushes students outside their comfort zones,” he said. 

Students learn tools like Figma, Azure DevOps and cloud deployment platforms; apply Scrum methodology; pitch weekly to mock investors; and use AI-assisted development tools. Just as important, they learn what it means to be part of a functioning team. 

“One highlight for me was when a student reached out after the class,” Gonzalez recalled. “They took what we discussed and applied it to their dad’s business. Seeing that kind of real-world impact makes it all worth it.” 

Teaching across disciplines 

Gonzalez believes that in both startups and classrooms — and said the best outcomes come from working across boundaries. 

“Very few things are built by just one person. You have to be able to collaborate across perspectives,” he noted. “Even if someone completely disagrees with you, their viewpoint might hold something valuable.” 

You don’t have to start a company to think like an entrepreneur. It’s about solving real problems with limited resources and taking initiative instead of waiting for permission.

It’s a lesson Gonzalez first encountered during his nonprofit work and then deepened during his MBA studies. It’s also what he tries to pass on to his students. 

“You don’t have to start a company to think like an entrepreneur,” he said. “It’s about solving real problems with limited resources, seeing opportunity where others see obstacles and taking initiative instead of waiting for permission.”

Looking ahead 

While his current focus is on growing DevMatch and Propio, Gonzalez has longer-term interests in AI, neuroscience and possibly a Ph.D. “I’ve been developing an interest in the brain,” he said. “That actually started during the MBA program at UW Bothell, where I saw how much of leadership and business is tied to how we perceive the world.” 

Curious and committed to the process, Gonzalez continues to build — and teach — at the intersection of innovation and impact. 

The post An alumni bridges disciplines and builds teams appeared first on Alumni.

When Alexandra Wienckowski, a 2024 graduate, moved from Montana to Washington in 2018, she was chasing something bigger: the chance to grow, explore new ideas and create a better life for her young son. She began at Shoreline Community College and later transferred to the ����vlog��Ƶ, where she found a supportive environment that helped her redefine what was possible. 

“I’ve always loved the outdoors,” she said. “I thought I’d build a career in environmental studies, but once I started studying public policy, it opened up a completely different path — one that could make an even bigger impact.” 

A pivotal academic shift 

At UW Bothell, Wienckowski majored in Environmental Studies with a minor in Restoration Ecology. But a conversation with an academic adviser changed the trajectory of her education and her life. 

“She told me I could double major without adding a ton of extra time,” she said. “Once I enrolled in a politics class, everything clicked. I saw how systems, laws and leadership shape the environment, education, housing — everything.” 

That realization led her to add a second major in Law, Economics & Public Policy, creating an interdisciplinary foundation that prepared her for real-world impact. 

The turning point came through an internship at the Washington State House of Representatives. Wienckowski first heard about the program in a class taught by Dr. Amy Lambert, associate teaching professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. She followed up through UW Bothell’s Career Services with assistance from Ryan McIrvin, the University’s director of government & community relations.  

Turning opportunity into action 

“I didn’t even know jobs like that existed,” Wienckowski said. “That experience gave me insight into how government really works and helped me see where I could fit in.” 

The internship opened new doors, too. Through the experience, she built strong professional connections that led to further work in Olympia after graduation, including time with the office of Rep. Greg Cheney. 

“I considered all kinds of roles,” she said. “Policy research, legislative assistant, executive assistant — anything that would help me get my foot in the door and keep growing.” 

As a single mom balancing classes, parenting and part-time work, Wienckowski said the was critical to her success as well. 

“I could not have completed the internship or a study abroad program without that scholarship,” she said. “It helped cover the things that add up — books, fees, housing — and gave me the freedom to focus on being a student and a mom.” 

Looking ahead to a life of service 

With support from scholarship funding, Wienckowski joined a study abroad program in Thailand and Cambodia. The experience expanded her perspective and reinforced her commitment to equity, sustainability and community. 

“I became a global ambassador for study abroad because I wanted other students — especially nontraditional students like me — to know what’s possible,” she said. “That trip changed everything for me.” 

Wienckowski continues to explore her path in public service, with an eye toward legislative work and community impact. She is energized by the possibility of working directly with people and using policy to address systemic challenges. 

“Public service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from. That’s how we make meaningful change.”

“To me, public service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from,” she said. “That’s how we make meaningful change.” 

Longer term, she said she hopes to continue gaining experience in government and one day run for public office. 

Advice for the next generation 

Wienckowski’s path hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply meaningful. And she has a message for current students thinking about a future in service. 

“There were times I wanted to quit because it would have been easier,” she said. “But I didn’t want to live with regret. You’re more capable than you know, and there’s support out there. When you reach the other side of the tunnel, it’s worth every step.” 

Help more students like Alexandra thrive: Your support of the opens doors to transformative opportunities — from internships and study abroad to careers in public service. Every gift helps students overcome financial barriers and pursue what’s possible. to make an immediate impact. 

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