rabeya.akhay43@myhunter.cuny.edu
CUNY Hunter College

Hello everyone! My name is Rabeya Akhay. I graduated from CUNY Hunter College with B.A. in Economics and minor in Business Studies. During my time at school, I was active in all business clubs and was the President of the Association of Business Students during my senior year.

Outside of my studies, I have led two teams with Project Destined as a Program Manager after completing my internship with the program. I have also worked with the MTA Construction and Development team as a Project Analyst Intern. During the summer of my junior year, I interned at Wells Fargo in their Corporate Banking Division as a Summer Financial Analyst. With my standing return offer, I will be joining the TMT Corporate Banking Team as a full time analyst at their headquarters in Hudson Yards. In my free time, I enjoy staying active and exploring new places and cuisines with my friends!

maryawopileda@gmail.com
Vanderbilt University

Mary Awopileda, a recent Vanderbilt University graduate, earned her Bachelor of Science with a double major in Human and Organizational Development and Computer Science. At Vanderbilt, she gained expertise in software engineering, and statistical analysis, complemented by her knowledge in organizational behavior, leadership development, and systematic inquiry.

Mary's professional experiences include interning at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where she developed a custom application using Microsoft PowerApps, enhancing collaboration between IT and business units. At Mondelēz International, she designed advanced Power BI dashboards, optimizing data-driven strategies. Her SEO Career internship provided over 300 hours of training in software engineering, emphasizing real-world application and rapid skill acquisition.

In leadership roles, Mary served as a Senator for the National Society of Black Engineers and held various positions at Vanderbilt, including Digital Director for The Vanderbilt Hustler and Partnerships Co-Chair for Vandy Votes. She has been an active ambassador for the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity.

Mary's acceptance into the RISE Career Launch program underscores her commitment to professional growth and leadership development. As a RISE Fellow, she aims to leverage this opportunity to advance her career and engage with a community of like-minded professionals.

Passionate about music and travel, Mary is a dynamic and driven individual, poised to make a significant impact in the tech industry.

colemanze123@gmail.com
Fordham University

Zhane Coleman is a Detroit native, who recently graduated cum laude from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technologies and Emerging Media and a minor in Marketing. She will be working full-time as an Assistant Site Merchandiser at West Elm in Brooklyn, New York.

In the corporate world, Zhane has had the privilege of interning at Bank of America as a Student Leader in 2020 where she worked collaboratively to create a social media plan for a local non-profit. Additionally, in 2022 she interned at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan with the corporate communications team. There she wrote articles for the various blog channels, conducted daily media scans, and assisted with the social media content schedules. Finally, in 2023 she interned at West Elm on their Site Merchandising team where she contributed to sitewide attribution and identified strategies for enhancing user experience to drive sales on the website.

While at Fordham, Zhane pursued various extracurricular activities including, publicity chair for the Theatrical Outreach Program, a layout designer and writer for Mode Magazine, an Orientation Leader, and a campus tour guide with the Rose Hill Society. She also had the opportunity to study abroad in London in Spring 2023. Recognized for her academic excellence and dedication, Zhane is a member of Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society and has been on the Dean's List.

A proactive leader and creative, Zhane is excited to be part of the Rise Career Launch Program and eager to get started.

khubbard.102@gmail.com
Florida A&M University

Kyla Hubbard, a native of the vibrant South Side of Chicago, is a dynamic professional with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University. Her journey from journalism to advertising reflects her innate curiosity and passion for storytelling. Now based in Los Angeles, Kyla seamlessly blends her journalistic principles with marketing expertise to craft compelling narratives and drive impactful campaigns for global and national brands.

dahlia.igiraneza.me@gmail.com
Dartmouth College

I am Dahlia Igiraneza, a member of Dartmouth College's class of 2024 and an incoming Software Engineer at Microsoft. As a first-generation professional from Rwanda, I'm passionate about leveraging technology to drive positive change in corporate environments and developing nations. My interests in the tech industry center on backend development and cybersecurity, crucial areas for building robust, secure systems that can make a real difference in today's digital world.

Through the RISE Career Launch program, I aim to enhance my leadership skills, expand my professional network, and gain insights for navigating my early career. My goal is to become a tech industry leader who drives innovation in secure software systems while championing equity and inclusion.

Committed to giving back to Rwanda, I aspire to advance my country's tech industry by applying the skills and experiences I gain from my career, particularly in backend infrastructure and digital security. I'm eager to collaborate with RISE participants, mentors, and industry leaders to shape a more diverse and inclusive future for the corporate world.

Juliettemlange@gmail.com
Wellesley College

My name is Juliette. I graduated from Wellesley College in May of 2023 and will begin my career journey in higher education administration, specifically college admissions. I am passionate about helping students navigate their educational journeys and am eager to contribute to the pursuit of a liberal arts education.

In my free time, I feel most myself in the great outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, cycling, and gardening. As an aspiring baker, I love creating yummy treats for friends and family.

Being both German and Cape-Verdean, I am always working to improve my German and Portuguese language skills. I enjoy the intercultural connections and personal growth that come with language learning. I’ve always enjoyed working with people and learning about how we all build our own worlds.

With this curiosity and passion, I am excited to make a positive impact in the world of higher education and hopefully introduce new students to the amazing opportunities that come with the college experience.

natalie.matthai@gmail.com
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Natalie is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, having conferred two degrees: BBA Marketing and BS Theatre and Drama (Acting). She is now a Junior Account Manager for SOCIALDEVIANT, a creative agency based in Chicago. Throughout college, Natalie was heavily involved in both the Wisconsin School of Business and the UW-Madison Department of Theatre and Drama. Within the Business School, she spent three years as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for an intro-level professional development course. Spring of 2024, Natalie facilitated workshops with the Accenture Leadership Center and served as a student leader for a three-day immersive leadership retreat at Lambeau Field. Outside of school, Natalie held two Account & Strategy internships with SOCIALDEVIANT, as well as a Marketing & Research internship with UMOJA Magazine. Within the Theatre Department, Natalie performed in several staged productions: ORLANDO; HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL; THE WOLVES; PETER AND THE STARCATCHER; and MACBETH. She also discovered a love for film, acting in various student projects. 

Natalie is delighted to grow in community with the 2024-2025 Rise Career Launch participants. She hopes to hone strategies for navigating this new season of life and excelling in her first professional job. Outside of work, Natalie plans to continue to chase her passion for acting, travel to visit friends, spend time with family, and explore all that post-grad life has to offer.

jsmoreland16@gmail.com
Purdue University

Jenisis Moreland, a proud Detroit native, is currently a Marketing Representative at John Deere. She recently received her Masters degree in Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. She also received her Bachelors of Science in Agribusiness with a minor in economics from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Jenisis is passionate about improving food access and food security in  black and brown communities through the power of agricultural education. Jenisis has been heavily involved in the organization MANRRS (minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and other related sciences) for the past seven years as an advocate and previous chapter E-Board member. She assisted with exposing minorities to agriculture, the various opportunities agriculture has to offer, and the impact the industry has on our everyday lives. In her free time Jenisis enjoys reading, doing yoga, swimming, spending time with family and friends, and going on nature walks.

nickysoglo17@gmail.com
UNC Greensboro

My name is Nicole Amevi Soglo. Born and raised in West Africa, Togo, I moved to America eight years ago to pursue my education and career. Growing up in a business-oriented family, I was motivated from a young age to become a businessperson myself. This passion led me to earn an associate degree in business accounting and a bachelor's degree in business entrepreneurship.

I currently work as a lead recruiter at a sales and marketing company, where I leverage my skills and experience to help identify and place top talent. In addition to my role as a recruiter, I am also an owner of a small business that has been successfully operating for over three years. This venture has allowed me to apply my entrepreneurial knowledge and creativity in real-world scenarios, helping my business to thrive.

My commitment to entrepreneurship has been recognized through two awards from the College Entrepreneurial Organization Club, with the invaluable support of Dr. Welsh. These accolades reflect my dedication and hard work in the field of business.

Creativity is a cornerstone of my personality. I love discovering new things and am constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow. This curiosity drives me to innovate and stay ahead in the dynamic business landscape. Furthermore, I am a strong believer, and my faith plays a significant role in guiding my personal and professional decisions.

Through my journey, I strive to inspire others and make a positive impact in the business world and beyond.

ashleyraestewart@gmail.com
Boston College

My name is  Ashley-Rae Stewart and I am originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica. I grew up in Queens, NY. I pursued my academic endeavors at Boston College, where I earned a degree in Sociology with a minor in Finance. During my time at Boston College, I actively served as a Resident Assistant and Tutor, experiences that enriched my interpersonal and leadership skills.

My commitment to community service took me to South Africa on a transformative service trip. Furthermore, I proudly co-founded Boston College's inaugural business club aimed at empowering black students in the business sector.

Currently, I am a Corporate Banking Analyst specializing in the Industrials sector at Wells Fargo. In this capacity, I leverage my expertise to support corporate clients in achieving their strategic objectives.