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Real Estate Investment Associate, RCLCO Fund Advisors

Everyone loves a winner. But for Amber Hughes, winning isn’t everything.

Before enrolling in the Leeds MBA, Hughes spent six years working in marketing for the Chicago Blackhawks, including the tail end of a dynasty that saw them win the Stanley Cup three times in six years. 

In a parity-driven league like the NHL, though, the fall from grace is often steep; Hughes said the experience of being with the organization through the lows that followed its championships offered valuable perspective. 

“It was humbling to be a part of the downslide, after such an exciting time period,” she said. “You learn a lot about the organization and your role when things are not great.” 

Now, instead of building dynasties, she’s into building real estate. Hughes said she’s always been interested in the industry, and moved to Colorado to be close to opportunity, along with the chance to explore some new national parks and hiking trails. She choose the Leeds MBA for the network and the immersive academic and professional development environment it provides.

“I think committing to something like a graduate program ensures you will follow through with your goals,” she said. “It’s so easy to say, ‘I’m going to do this online course, or watch this video,’ but it’s easier to follow through if you’re part of a robust program like the MBA.” 

Hughes also plays leadership roles within the graduate Leeds community—she is treasurer and a vice president of the MBA Association and president of the Graduate Real Estate Association, and also was part of a team that represented CU in winning the national Colvin Case Study Challenge. 

“The smart people you get to work with and learn from at Leeds have given me a great network,” she said. “Everyone has a diverse set of backgrounds and goals beyond the MBA, which makes the program valuable.”

Hughes also completed an internship with Palisade Partners that was development focused, and while she enjoyed the experience and company, it helped her realize her real passion was on the financial side. That’s what she’ll be doing as a real estate investment associate with RCLCO after a post-graduation vacation in Europe. 

“My internship was a great learning opportunity, but I really want to dig more into the financials of commercial real estate,” she said. “It’s a vital part of the industry and I think that’s my next step.”

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