Vito Prasad is a highly accomplished MBA candidate specializing in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship at UCLA Anderson School of Management in Los Angeles, California. With extensive experience across industries like big pharma, aerospace, manufacturing, and AI-driven product management, he has developed a remarkable career marked by innovation and leadership. His passion for product development and artificial intelligence, underpinned by technical expertise, drives his vision to impact the fields of AI, consumer tech, and complex technology. At UCLA Anderson, he holds esteemed positions as Co-President of the Japan America Business Association and Vice President of Alumni & Corporate Relations for the Anderson Video Game Business Association, demonstrating his commitment to fostering community and professional growth.

AI Product Management

In his role as a product manager, Vito embodies an empathetic and solution-driven mindset, constantly seeking to understand user challenges and transform complex problems into compelling features. During his MBA program, he made significant contributions as a Product Manager at DocDraft, a business-to-consumer legal marketplace driven by AI. He led the design and implementation of an AI-powered document-generation tool, employing comprehensive user research and A/B testing methods to reduce document creation time by 40% and increase user subscription conversion by 50%. His work also involved a strategic overhaul of the pricing model, resulting in a subscription-based structure that boosted monthly recurring revenue by more than 100%.

Prasad further displayed his innovation and technical acumen by developing an AI-driven customer-attorney matching feature. Conducting in-depth user research, he successfully gathered actionable insights and translated them into a prioritized development plan. This led to a 30% increase in customer satisfaction, showcasing his ability to deliver data-driven solutions that enhance user experience and business performance.

Aerospace Engineering Contributions

Before making a name for himself in AI product management, Vito had a fulfilling career in aerospace engineering, contributing to projects of national significance. He served as a Systems Engineer in Contamination Control on Northrop Grumman's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project. This opportunity was a pinnacle of his lifelong passion for space exploration, tracing back to childhood summers spent at space camp and awe-inspiring visits to NASA Ames Research Center. Working on JWST required meticulous attention to detail, where every contamination control measure and integration test was critical to the telescope's successful deployment. His team's work allowed humanity to observe the universe in unprecedented ways, a deeply humbling and inspiring experience.

Prasad's contributions to aerospace did not end there. He later assumed the role of Lead Systems Integration Engineer in Northrop Grumman's Strategic Systems Division. Here, he led a cross-functional team working on a multi-satellite project, expertly managing communication among government agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors. His focus on requirements analysis and performance optimization yielded innovative product offerings. Earlier, he also made significant strides as a Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX, where he worked on Falcon 9's propulsion and fluid systems. Enhancing the reliability of reusable rocket technology was a thrilling experience, and he took great pride in witnessing the success of the launches and landings, knowing he played a part in revolutionizing space travel.

Management Consulting Expertise

Vito further honed his analytical and problem-solving skills as a Senior Business Analyst with Kearney's ATI Practice. His role involved optimizing international supply chain routes and distribution networks for leading automotive clients. By employing advanced network simulations, he successfully reduced lead times by 50% while keeping incremental costs to 20%. His strategic approach contributed to the client's ability to adopt new customer delivery methods efficiently, showcasing his expertise in leveraging data-driven solutions for large-scale operations.

Big Pharma Experience and Volunteer Work

Vito Prasad's career also includes impactful work in the pharmaceutical industry as a Process Development Engineer at Pearl Therapeutics, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca. He led an end-to-end product development project, doubling production efficiency within three months by introducing innovative process controls. Additionally, he managed the international transfer and validation of next-generation equipment, significantly increasing the global supply of FDA-approved respiratory treatments. His dedication to service extends beyond his professional life. He volunteered for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for two years. He played an essential role as a COVID-19 Vaccine Site Volunteer for four months, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

Formative Years and Academic Achievements

Born to first-generation immigrant parents, Vito grew up in a multicultural household that fostered his natural curiosity and love for learning. His father spoke five languages, and his mother said three, enriching his upbringing with diverse cultural influences. From a young age, his inquisitive nature was evident, with "why" being his first word at two years old. His formative years included time spent in Japan, where he learned Japanese fluently and became one of the earliest fans of Pokémon, a reflection of his openness to embracing global cultures.

Prasad pursued higher education at Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. At Cornell, he served as Secretary of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and led initiatives as Project Leader for ChemE Car. He also contributed as a Cornell Orientation Leader, demonstrating his leadership and enthusiasm for building a welcoming community for new students.

Hobbies and Personal Interests

Beyond his professional and academic accomplishments, Vito enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect his adventurous spirit and curiosity. He is a coffee enthusiast with an impressive collection of brewing equipment, constantly experimenting with new techniques to perfect his craft. This passion led him to work at Anchor Brewing Company, where he learned about brewing processes and shared his knowledge by giving friends personalized tours of the brewery. He is also a skilled left-handed tennis player known for his formidable game on the court. Additionally, he has been an avid long-distance runner since high school, where he once spontaneously ran over 15 miles down what he thought was a shorter street, an experience that sparked his love for endurance running.

Prasad's other interests include birdwatching, cooking traditional Japanese soul food, analyzing films, and curating travel and restaurant lists for friends. These hobbies not only bring him joy but also reflect his passion for cultural exploration, nature, and creative pursuits.

Vito Prasad is a multifaceted professional whose career spans AI product management, aerospace engineering, management consulting, and pharmaceutical development. His dedication to innovation and problem-solving is evident in every role he has undertaken, and his impact is felt across a variety of industries. With a passion for technology and a commitment to excellence, he continues to shape his future, driven by the desire to make meaningful contributions to society. He remains an influential figure, constantly pushing boundaries and inspiring those around him.