Global curiosity fuels Thunderbird at ASU grad’s education
Bryce Young at the annual Thunderbird AI Conference. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Bryce Young transferred to the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University searching for a change.
After her freshman year of school on the East Coast, she realized her passion lay in international business, sparking a journey to a school already familiar to her family.
“My dad was a Thunderbird alumnus,” Young said. “So, I already knew about the programs and the 'Thunderbird mystique,' but when I visited campus and sat in Professor Eva Vasquez’s class, I was completely hooked. I knew right then this was where I wanted to be.”
Now graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science in international trade, Young reflects on an experience defined by a community she now calls family.
“As a curious person, I loved being able to learn about other cultures, global strategies and thought processes,” she said. “The professors, peers, and friends I’ve made at Thunderbird have completely expanded my worldview.”
Her time at Thunderbird was filled with memorable moments, but one of her favorites came early on during a Friendsgiving celebration during her first semester. She invited classmates from around the world to share home-cooked dishes from their countries, resulting in a night of laughter, stories and cultural exchange that felt perfectly attuned to the Thunderbird spirit.
Now, as she looks to life after graduation, her words of advice are simple.
“Get involved as much as possible. Thunderbird is what you make of it.”
Read the below Q&A to learn more about Young's Thunderbird journey at ASU.
Question: What motivates or inspires you?
Answer: The people who I surround myself with. I have so many people I know who are brilliant and kind, that I want to work just as hard and be just as passionate.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?
A: I have had so many professors who have taught me so much that I cannot pick just one. Two that I must highlight are Professor Babarinde, who taught me for my whole last academic year, and Professor Belakovskaia, a professor I was able to work with as an SI.
Professor Babarinde helped me better understand the direction I want to go in with his States and Markets and Global Risk Assessment classes. Professor Belakovskaia helped me see how I can apply my skills into the workforce and has been a wonderful mentor to me.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I am not knowledgeable enough yet to know how to permanently solve a large issue on the planet instead of just putting a band-aid on it. What I do know is that $40 million is not enough to solve a larger issue today. What $40 million could do is fund a lobbying campaign to support change on a governmental level in one country, which could have a ripple effect worldwide.
Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
A: I am grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I am equally grateful for my professors, parents and friends who encouraged me to reach beyond my comfort zone and weigh the value of the options I have been presented with.
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Bryce Young and friends volunteering at the 2025 Thunderbird Case Series Conference.
Photo courtesy Thunderbird School of Global Management
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Bryce Young speaks with fellow students on AI and case writing during the 2025 Thunderbird Case Series Conference.
Photo courtesy Thunderbird School of Global Management
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