Past Stellar Student Spotlights
May 27, 2026
Let’s shine a light on Reginald “Reggie” Holder, a senior Business Economics major on track to graduate in December 2026.
Reggie has served as the social media coordinator and co-lead for the Benjamin Hooks Academic Achievement and Mentoring Initiative. He has also served as a resident advisor in the Living Learning Complex with Housing and Residence Life for the past three semesters.
Professionally, Reggie is currently interning at International Paper as a global supply chain intern in the Recycling Department. Last summer, he gained experience as an HR intern with Rentokil Terminix.
Outside of school and work, Reggie enjoys going to the gym, thrifting at Memphis Vintage Markets and playing golf.
View on Instagram
May 20, 2026
Donea Sykes is a current MBA student continuing to make an incredible impact through leadership and service on campus!
She serves on the leadership board for UofM SHRM and supports leadership programming through Fogelman Leaders in Action as a Program Assistant. Donea is also a recipient of the Memphis Chapter of NBMBAA Rafael Dodd Scholarship and has earned her SHRM-CP Certification.
Donea’s dedication to professional development and student engagement continues to inspire those around her. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments!
View on Instagram
May 12, 2026
Say hello to Lena Ahmed.
As a first-generation college student, double majoring in Finance and Marketing with a concentration in Real Estate, Lena has made the most of every opportunity at FCBE and recently graduated a year early over the weekend!
From earning the Academic Excellence Award and CPCD Executive Level to participating in New Memphis Accelerate, Lena has continued to lead with excellence both inside and outside the classroom. She’s also gained hands-on experience through her internship with St. Jude ALSAC and always made it a priority to stay involved on campus through the FCBE Finance Club, SHRM and Phi Kappa Phi.
Outside of academics and professional growth, Lena enjoys cooking, traveling, meeting new people and trying new things.
View on Instagram
May 5, 2026
Meet Raven, a senior double-majoring in International Business & Japanese, graduating this fall!
She serves as Treasurer for the Students of the Japanese Program, a tutor & TA in the Japanese department and volunteers with Service on Saturday. Raven has also gained hands-on experience as a DFLEX intern, working with Deloitte and UofM to implement Oracle systems.
After studying abroad in Tokyo (twice), she’s built a strong global perspective in culture and business. Outside of school, she enjoys strength training, running 5Ks and reading Japanese comics.
From global experiences to campus leadership and service, Raven truly represents what it means to be a stellar student!
View on Instagram
April 27, 2026
Meet Kilea Jenkins, a Human Resource Management major with a Social Justice minor,
graduating in May 2027.
Not only has Kilea maintained a 4.0 GPA, but she currently serves multiple leadership
roles within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, P.A.U.S.E and Black Scholars Unlimited.
Professionally, she is a Talent Acquisition Intern at AutoZone Headquarters, gaining
hands-on HR experience.
She also gives back through A Room at The Inn and community clean-ups. Outside of academics, she enjoys cooking, traveling, running 5Ks and spending time with friends.
As a dedicated leader, scholar and servant, Kilea continues to make an impact everywhere she goes.
View on Instagram
April 23, 2026
Meet Megan Waugh, recipient of the Academic Excellence in Marketing Award! Megan is a junior marketing major with minors in dance and public relations, expected to graduate in Spring 2027.
She currently serves as Chapter President of Alpha Delta Pi and has also held leadership roles as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Marketing. Through her work on the marketing team, her chapter has earned multiple Marketing Excellence Awards and the recognition of Outstanding PR and Marketing.
Outside the classroom, Megan is also a theatre performer who recently wrapped a five-week run of Mamma Mia at @theatrememphis! This summer, she will be interning at a boutique marketing agency in Fort Wayne, IN while continuing to explore theatre opportunities.
Creative. Driven. Multitalented. We are so proud to celebrate you, Megan.
View on Instagram
April 14, 2026
Meet Jake Williams (Accounting, ’26) at the University of Memphis.
Jake is the President and co-founder of CALD (Career Advancement for Leadership & Devotion), a faith-based business organization focused on helping students grow spiritually while developing as future professionals. From hosting business leaders to leading Bible discussions and workshops, he’s creating a space where purpose and profession align. He’s also involved in Beta Alpha Psi, NSLS and campus ministry with The Table at OIKOS Church.
Jake gained hands-on experience through an accounting internship with Landers Auto
Group, supporting financial operations across multiple locations. After graduation,
he plans to pursue public or corporate accounting and to earn his CPA.
Outside of academics, Jake is a sports fan, active church volunteer and stays busy
even mowing lawns on the side.
Driven by faith, leadership and service—Jake is making his mark as a Business Tiger.
View on Instagram
April 7, 2026
Let’s shine a light on Cierra Dennis! Cierra is a senior International Business major with minors in Chinese, Spanish and French, representing excellence in both global business and language studies.
She serves as President of the Fogelman Student Delegate Board and is the Founder & President of the Black Business & Community Alliance, while also staying active across the Honors College and multiple cultural organizations.
Cierra has earned top honors including the Dean’s Outstanding Senior Award, Outstanding International Business Student Award, Joseph R. Riley Award and Carson’s Circle Award. She is also a 1st place Undergraduate Student Research Forum winner for her research on Mandarin Chinese & Dyslexia.
She gained experience as a Finance Intern with Dell Technologies and studied abroad
in France and Japan. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, movies, musicals,
solving puzzles and spending time with loved ones.
Congrats, Cierra!
March 30, 2026
We’re proud to highlight Maxwell Gyimah (Finance, ’26).
As a senior at the UofM, Maxwell stays actively involved on campus as a member of EMOC, Treasurer of BSA and Keeper of Exchequer for Kappa Alpha Psi.
Outside of the classroom, he enjoys watching sports, traveling to new places and spending time with friends.
Keep going, Maxwell — we’re excited to see what’s next!
March 26, 2026
We’re so proud to highlight Jake Bramlitt (Finance, ’26). As a UofM senior Jake has taken a unique path through the UofM Global program while advancing his career.
As President of the Fogelman Finance Club, he helped grow the club and increase engagement across members — leaving a lasting impact on campus. Post graduation, Jake has officially accepted a role with Fidelity Investments.
We can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for you, Jake!
March 17, 2026
Get to know Alex Wiley, a junior majoring in Supply Chain Management with a minor in Real Estate, graduating in Spring 2027. Alex is making the most of his college experience by staying actively involved across campus and pushing for excellence both academically and professionally.
He is a member of the Black Student Association, the MILE Program and the Supply Chain Student Association. In addition to his involvement, Alex is an Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipient and has earned a spot on the Dean’s List, highlighting his academic performance.
Alex has been gaining real-world experience through a Supply Chain internship with Freeport-McMoRan based out of Phoenix, a role he has held since last summer. This opportunity has allowed him to build valuable industry knowledge and sharpen his skills in the field.
Outside of academics and work, Alex enjoys playing basketball, spending time with friends and gaming.
March 12, 2026
Meet Amara Sok, a senior majoring in Management Information Systems set to graduate in December 2026. Amara is a dedicated campus leader who currently serves as the President of the Asian American Association, working to build community and celebrate culture on campus. She is also a protégé in the Memphis Institute of Leadership Education (MILE) program and was honored to be selected as a 2025 Homecoming Court Finalist.
Professionally, Amara is gaining valuable experience as a Data Analyst Intern with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. Every day she is developing her skills in data analysis and problem-solving. In addition, she works part-time as a sales lead, balancing leadership responsibilities both on and off campus.
Through her leadership, professional experience and commitment to excellence, Amara continues to make a meaningful impact within the campus community.
March 5, 2026
Meet Amelia Lessman (Accounting major, MIS minor, ’26). As a UofM senior, Amelia serves as Vice President of Memphis Esports and is a member of Beta Alpha Psi.
Her experience goes global — she worked as a business trainee with Gen.G in Seoul, South Korea, and previously completed an accounting internship with HHM CPAs. When she’s not leading or gaining hands-on industry experience, Amelia enjoys gaming, reading, traveling, caring for her aquariums and plants — and proudly being a tax nerd.
February 27, 2026
Meet Benjamin “BJ” Burks (Finance, ’26) at the University of Memphis.
BJ serves as Vice President of EMOC, Financial Officer for the NAACP, a member of
Omicron Delta Kappa, a Homecoming Court finalist and a Trip Leader for Alternative
Break. He’s also a 20 Under 30 Presidential Leadership Award recipient.
Outside of campus, BJ works full-time with DHL Supply Chain — balancing leadership,
career and community.
He’s passionate about pouring into others and creating positive change, one connection
at a time.
February 18, 2026
Step into the spotlight, Kyndall Tabb (Business Management – Entrepreneurship concentration, Pre-PA track, ’27)!
Kyndall is a junior leader with a heart for service. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., a 2026 Frosh Camp Counselor, Director of Events & Logistics for Tigers for St. Jude and Secretary of Le Bonheur Paws for Service. Kyndall is also a two-time Dean’s List scholar and Black Scholars Unlimited Honor Society inductee.
She hopes to open her own practice one day, blending business, healthcare and her passion for serving others.
February 12, 2026
Meet Jose, a senior Finance major, on track to graduate with his BBA this May. Though he’s technically an online student,
Jose prioritizes staying connected to campus by attending monthly Finance Club meetings,
gathering with various study groups and actively participating in student life opportunities.
Jose is currently interning at Hilton’s Memphis corporate office on the Accounts Payable team, gaining hands-on experience in the corporate finance world. He recently stepped into a volunteer leadership role helping students transition from high school to college — a position he values because it allows him to mentor younger students and give back in a meaningful way.
Passionate about the market and personal finance, Jose enjoys helping others better understand how to manage their money and make it work for them. Outside of school and work, he loves traveling and exploring new cities whenever he gets the chance.
February 5, 2026
Let’s celebrate Jada Foster, a junior majoring in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate. She is a proud Dean’s List Scholar and is expecting to graduate in December 2026.
Jada is actively building her career as a licensed Tennessee realtor and is preparing to obtain her Mississippi real estate license. She also runs her own small business, Jada’s Candy Land.
With plans to attend law school for real estate law, Jada is driven, entrepreneurial and passionate about connecting academics with real-world experience.
Keep shining, Jada—your future is looking bright!
January 28, 2026
Meet Chris Bailey, a senior at the University of Memphis majoring in Business Economics with a minor in Philosophy. Chris is a leader on campus and serves as the SGA President,
a student rep for the Board of Trustees, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and a member
of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Off campus, he enjoys working on cars, playing video games with his friends, watching movies with his wife and staying physically active. After graduation in 2026, he plans to attend Officer Candidate School for the U.S. Marine Corps and to purse a law degree through UofM’s Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
We’re proud to spotlight Chris and the HUGE impact he’s making at FCBE!
January 22, 2026
Meet Jordan Bond (BBA, Supply Chain Management ’27)! Jordan is a junior at FCBE, balancing various leadership roles, a robust academic
schedule and his creative endeavors.
He serves as 2nd Vice President of Phi Beta Sigma, Vice President of the Supply Chain Management Student Association and he is an active member of NSLS, Rotaract and other honor societies. Jordan is pursuing a minor in Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance – preparing for success both in and out of the classroom.
When he’s not leading on campus, Jordan enjoys skating, drawing and showing his creativity.
Keep shining, Jordan!
January 16, 2026
Meet Alex Ramirez, a junior Business Management major with a Spanish minor, set to graduate in 2027. Alex is a first-generation Hispanic
student from Memphis who grew up in Moscow, TN.
He believes you don’t need perfect conditions to start something—staying consistent and taking chances can open doors.
On campus, Alex is involved in the Hispanic Student Association, EMOC and he volunteers at Middle College High School.
Outside of school, Alex enjoys making music and works as a cameraman. He films concerts and events in Memphis, Nashville and Atlanta. Alex shows that hard work, creativity and taking chances can turn ideas into real opportunities.
Keep it up, Alex!
January 8, 2026
Originally from Sri Lanka, this stellar student arrived in Memphis in January 2023
and has made an incredible impact on campus. Sanara Foneska first earned her MBA in Fall 2024, and she just graduated with her MS in Information Systems at the most recent commencement ceremony.
During her time at FCBE, Sanara served as a graduate assistant, was president of the UofM SHRM Student Chapter and was actively involved in Fogelman Leaders in Action (FLA) program. In Summer 2024, she also gained hands-on experience as a conference intern for the Tennessee SHRM Conference and was named Student of the Year at the 2025 SHRM Memphis Excellence Awards.
Sanara is passionate about leadership development and student engagement. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family!
January 3, 2026
Let’s give a round of applause to Odeth Torres, a junior majoring in Human Resource Management, who’s making a major impact on campus! Odeth serves as the VP of Member Experience
for Pi Beta Phi, a Tiger Elite Ambassador and she is the Director of Counselor Development
for the Frosh Camp Executive Board. She also serves her fellow students as a Senator
in the 76th Assembly for the Student Government Association (SGA), and she is a member
of the SOFES Student Advisory Board.
Community is at the heart of everything Odeth does. She loves helping students feel supported and connected to UofM. Outside of her campus roles, you can find her hanging out with friends, making fun videos on her digital camera, cheering at Tiger games and thrifting for fresh, new finds.
Keep shining, Odeth!
Current Semester Spotlights Spring 2025 Summer 2025Fall 2024 Nomination Form