Ayna Tovekelova

I am an MS in Finance graduate specializing in Financial Risk Management, with hands-on experience spanning M&A execution, financial modeling, valuation, and capital structure analysis. Most recently, I contributed to a $150M+ buy-side transaction through Operation Inspire, an experiential M&A program at the University at Buffalo. I was directly involved across the full deal lifecycle — from target sourcing and valuation to due diligence, capital raise execution, and deal structuring — giving me real-world exposure to how complex transactions come together from start to finish. Beyond the classroom, I run a self-driven equity research practice where I manage my own portfolio and publish investment insights and industry analysis on my blog, continuously sharpening my ability to identify opportunities and think critically about markets. Earlier in my career, I built a strong operational foundation at GAC Marine Turkmenistan, where I advanced from Personal Assistant to the Deputy General Manager to Operations Base Manager — overseeing external service providers and ensuring seamless performance in a high-pressure maritime logistics environment. I also bring solid accounting experience from Haul Comp, a U.S.-based transportation company, where I managed full-cycle bookkeeping, AR/AP, budgeting, and financial statement preparation. My background sits at the intersection of finance, accounting, and operational leadership. I thrive in fast-moving, high-stakes environments, enjoy tackling complex financial challenges, and am driven by a long-term commitment to creating measurable value through disciplined financial strategy.