About Vito Prasad
UCLA Anderson MBA candidate - Aspiring Product Manager in AI, consumer, and hard tech space; fmr. Management consultant @Kearney; Aerospace eng. (Spacex Falcon 9 + NASA's James Webb Space Telescope); process engineer in big pharma at Merck & AstraZeneca
Vito Prasad is a dynamic MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he focuses on Technology Management and Entrepreneurship. With a background spanning various industries, from pharmaceuticals and aerospace to AI product management, he has cultivated a versatile skill set that complements his passion for innovation. At UCLA, he holds leadership roles as Co-President of the Japan America Business Association and VP of Alumni & Corporate Relations for the Anderson Video Game Business Association, reflecting his commitment to building meaningful connections within diverse professional communities.
AI Product Management
Vito is dedicated to being an empathetic product manager who prioritizes understanding people's challenges and designing features that address complex problems effectively. During his MBA studies, he interned at DocDraft, an AI-driven legal marketplace, where he made a significant impact. He developed an AI-powered document-generation feature that reduced creation time by 40% and boosted subscription conversions by 50%. He led the transition to a subscription-based revenue model, using comprehensive research to secure a substantial increase in monthly recurring revenue. His hands-on approach led to a 30% rise in customer satisfaction through strategic feature enhancements based on user feedback.
Aerospace Engineering and Systems Integration
Prior to his MBA, Prasad contributed to groundbreaking aerospace projects. As a Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, he worked on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a role that aligned with his childhood fascination with space exploration. He played a vital role in contamination control, ensuring every aspect was perfect for the telescope's successful deployment. This experience was significant, as he and his team's efforts allowed humanity to explore the cosmos like never before. He later became a Lead Systems Integration Engineer, managing a multi-satellite project that required exceptional coordination between key stakeholders, and he developed performance studies to advance strategic offerings.
Vito's passion for space innovation also extended to his role at SpaceX as a Manufacturing Engineer. There, he focused on the Falcon 9 rocket's propulsion and fluid systems, contributing to the advancements in reusable rocket technology. He found immense pride in seeing his work directly translate to successful launches and landings, revolutionizing space travel by enhancing system reliability and sustainability.
Management Consulting
Prasad has also excelled in management consulting, working as a Senior Business Analyst at Kearney. In this role, he focused on optimizing supply chain strategies for automotive clients, using network simulations to streamline delivery processes. His efforts led to a 50% reduction in lead times and effectively controlled cost increments. His strategic insights and data-driven approach made a notable difference, showcasing his ability to drive efficiency and innovation in high-stakes projects for major corporations.
Experience in Big Pharma and Community Volunteering
Vito Prasad previously worked as a Process Development Engineer at Pearl Therapeutics, part of AstraZeneca, where he led initiatives that doubled production efficiency and significantly increased global supply. His accomplishments included developing novel process controls and overseeing international equipment validation for FDA-approved treatments. His dedication extended beyond his professional career; he volunteered for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for two years and supported community health efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic as a vaccine site volunteer.
Early Life and Academic Background
Prasad was raised in a diverse, multilingual environment that shaped his inquisitive nature from a young age. The son of first-generation immigrant parents, his father spoke five languages, and his mother said three, creating a wealthy cultural upbringing. He spent part of his childhood in Japan, where he became fluent in Japanese and experienced cultural phenomena like the Pokémon craze. He later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University, where he held leadership roles, such as Secretary of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and Project Leader for ChemE Car.
Passions and Hobbies
Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Vito has a variety of interests. He is an avid coffee enthusiast who loves experimenting with different brewing methods. He even worked at Anchor Brewing Company, where he gained insight into the production side of the industry. His love for Japanese culture drives his passion for whiskey distilleries, and he often curates unique travel and dining experiences for his friends.
When outdoors, Vito Prasad enjoys playing tennis and running long distances, a tradition that began during high school. Birdwatching and cooking Japanese soul food are also among his favorite activities. His love for film analysis reflects his appreciation for cinematic storytelling, and he actively shares curated travel and restaurant lists, showcasing his diverse interests and enriching those around him. He continues to blend his technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural appreciation to make a lasting impact across industries.