YUKA HARANO

UCLA Anderson MBA ‘27

About Me

Product-focused professional working at the intersection of technology, strategy, and go-to-market. With a background in AI, cloud, and machine learning, I enjoy translating complex technical capabilities into products that drive real adoption and organizational change. I worked in roles spanning product strategy and engineering, where I helped bridge technology and business across large-scale customer deployments.

Tag: Product Management｜AI｜Cloud｜Go-to-Market｜DX Strategy｜Leadership

News

  • Appointed Director of Social, Women Business Connection

    October 2025

  • Appointed Executive Director, Japanese American Business Association (JABA)

    October 2025

  • Appointed Director of Alumni Relations, AnderTech

    October 2025

  • Selected as a Transformative Leadership Fellow

    July 2025

  • Awarded Forté Foundation Fellowship

    July 2025

  • Awarded UCLA Anderson Merit Fellowship

    July 2025

My Journey

Early Stage – Curiosity & Challenge

  • Received national-level awards in science, physics, and English, demonstrating strong analytical thinking and academic excellence across disciplines.

  • Led team operations as Chief of the Speech Section in the English-Speaking Society (ESS), managing members and coordinating activities to improve performance and engagement.

  • Won the Grand Prize at a national English speech contest, showcasing exceptional communication skills and persuasive storytelling.

  • Developed global leadership capabilities through the GLP-GEfIL program, gaining exposure to cross-cultural collaboration and international perspectives.

    Through these experiences, I have developed leadership grounded in strong analytical skills and advanced English proficiency, enabling me to motivate others and translate ideas into tangible results

University of Tokyo – Engineering × Machine Learning

  • Developed deep technical expertise in aerospace engineering in a highly male-dominated environment, strengthening both resilience and subject-matter rigor.

  • Deepened my technical curiosity through research on composite material strength using machine learning, applying data-driven methods to complex physical problems.

  • Presented research at an academic conference, where I cultivated the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear and accessible manner to diverse audiences.

  • Gained hands-on experience in data analysis and international team-based development through the Google STEP Software Engineering Internship, using Python and statistical methods.

    Through these experiences, I have built a strong engineering foundation that bridges rigorous scientific research and practical, data-driven development.

Microsoft Japan – From Technical Depth to Strategic Influence

  • Technical Support Engineer: Built a strong technical foundation by deeply understanding frontline user pain points and resolving complex, high-impact issues.

  • Cloud Solution Architect: Expanded my perspective from technical troubleshooting to solution design as a value proposition, translating technology into meaningful business outcomes.

  • Go-To-Market Manager: Shifted focus to how technology is brought to market, contributing to product adoption, user education, and organizational transformation initiatives.

  • Account Technology Strategist: Served as a bridge between executives, technical teams, and frontline users, leading initiatives aimed at shaping organizations’ futures through technology.

    Across these roles, I have developed the ability to connect frontline needs, technical strategy, and go-to-market execution, translating technology into lasting organizational impact.

UCLA Anderson – Leadership & PM Identity

  • Led and scaled student communities as a leader in AnderTech, Women’s Business Connection (WBC), and the Japan America Business Association (JABA), driving engagement and collaboration.

  • Practiced team building and influence in a highly diverse, multicultural environment, strengthening my leadership and communication skills.

  • Systematically strengthened my technical toolkit as an aspiring product manager, with hands-on focus on Python, R, AI, and data analytics.

    Through these experiences, I have developed inclusive leadership that combines community building with a growing technical foundation as an aspiring product manager.

Featured Projects

Generative AI Application
Hackathon Winning Project

Developed a business productivity application using Azure and GPT. Led MVP design, user problem discovery, and prototype development. Presented a live demo to the President of Microsoft Japan and won 1st Place at the Microsoft Global Hackathon Japan.

Machine Learning Model for
Composite Materials

Predicted the post-impact residual strength of CFRP using a decision tree model. Performed data preprocessing, feature extraction, and model validation on a dataset of samples. Presented the research at the Japan Society for Composite Materials Conference.

Low-Code App Development and Workshops

Developed a prototype to visualize on-the-ground operational challenges. Organized and led user workshops to drive adoption and engagement. Authored five technical blog posts to document solutions and best practices.

Leadership

Tech Business Association（AnderTech） – Director of Alumni Relation

Designed and executed Career Night and Mentorship Programs to strengthen alumni engagement and expand the student–alumni network.

Women’s Business Connection – Director of Social

Fostered community building and student connections through the planning and execution of social events and programs.

Japan America Business Association – Executive Director

Led a large-scale international program for approximately 100 participants, overseeing corporate partnerships, logistics, and team management.

Skills

    • Python

    • R

    • Java

    • MATLAB

    • PyTorch

    • TensorFlow

    • Scikit-learn

    • Azure

    • Power Platform

    • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

    • Autodesk Inventor

    • Process Automation (RPA)

    • Strategic Thinking

    • Leadership

    • Cross-Functional Collaboration

    • Customer Engage-ment

Awards / Honers

Half-tuition UCLA Anderson Merit Fellowship

2025

Transformative Leadership Fellowship

2025

Forté Foundation Fellowship

2025

Second Place – Microsoft Global Hackathon Japan

2024

First Place – Microsoft Global Hackathon Japan

Finalist – Power Platform Cup

2023

Grand Prize – All Japan English Oratorical Contest

2023

Outstanding Performance Award – Kyoto Science Contest

2018

Encourage Award – Japan Physics Olympiad

2016

2015

Certifications

Certificate of Summer Technology Immersion Program, UCLA

  • Completed Technology Management and Product Management course

2025

Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

2023

Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals

2022

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

2022

Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination

2022

Certificate of edX program, Delft University of Technology

2020

  • Completed “How to Design a Successful Business Model” course