Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Trace Grain (Acct’17, MAcct’18, MFin’19) 
Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan 
Position: Graduate Student Instructor at the University of Michigan School of Information

Applying and getting into Leeds was Trace Grain’s “most successful blunder” after accidentally checking the wrong box on his college application. He thought he was following his brother Chris’ footsteps at CU in studying economics. Now three degrees later, he’s back in his home state of Michigan, where he’s found his passion in teaching data science at the University of Michigan. 

Grain also works as a part-time data scientist for two family businesses: the pediatric practice of his mother, Dr. Annette Barnes, and the estate of his late relative Thelonious Monk. He does all that while volunteering as a member of the Leeds GOLD Board and SONS (Save Our Neighbors and Streets), and while pursuing further graduate studies in the MBA and MS in information science programs at the University of Michigan.

In his future, he wants to be a leader helping small businesses level the playing field using AI technology.

“What I loved most about being a student and studying at CU Boulder was that the Leeds community made my large college feel small. It’s not easy to find people that are willing to be and stay in your corner. There were many faculty, staff and students (now alumni) at Leeds that had my best interest in mind.”

Related Articles

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Sena Kavi 
Hometown: Superior, Colorado
Major: Finance and Business Analytics
Leeds Activities: Leeds Scholars; Leeds Consulting Group; Leeds Student Government; Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility
Upcoming Job: Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company

As a junior, Sena Kavi credits her experiences at Leeds for the job she already has lined up after graduation. Growing up as a second-generation Turkish immigrant has inspired her dedication to global human rights.

She already puts that passion into practice every weekend by mentoring her sister, 7 years her junior, along with a group of middle-school-aged girls in the Turkish community. “I may be too old to understand the Generation Alpha memes and jokes, but I don’t let that barrier get in the way of being the best older sister figure that I can be to all of them.”

“My dream is to pursue a career in international human rights law or within a philanthropic or humanitarian relief organization. I am devoted to global service, and I plan to realize this dream after dedicating time to my personal development as a leader and changemaker.” 

Related Articles

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Mrudhula Rapaka
Hometown: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Major: Master of Business Administration and Master’s in Business Analytics

The summer of 2024 was a memorable one for Mrudhula Rapaka (MBA/MBusAn’26): She made a momentous move from India to Boulder to pursue an MBA and a master’s degree in business analytics.

“I’m a mother, an entrepreneur and am currently pursuing a dual degree—all while living thousands of miles away from my 1-year-old baby. Managing these roles simultaneously is a considerable challenge, but it’s a reflection of my dedication and resilience.”

Related Articles