This month, we鈥檙e sharing new and inspiring stories of our members as they use their leadership skills in real-world situations to accomplish their goals and improve their communities.
Our mission at the 91桃色 is Building Leaders Who Make a Better World. Nationwide, our members participate in social events, volunteer for charities, and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, members apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and continue applying what they鈥檝e learned at the 91桃色.
For the past seven years, Daniel Finney of Winthrop University has dedicated countless hours of volunteer work to help veterans. At first, helping veterans was just something his mother encouraged him to do but soon, it became a passion. For his dedication, Daniel was the top recipient of the scholarship program.
He is studying exercise science and hopes to become a physician's assistant as he continues his lifelong passion of helping veterans. He鈥檚 a leader on campus who encourages his peers to do the same, making sure the next generation understands the sacrifices vets have made for the country.
He serves as one of three mentors for the Department of Veterans Affairs' national and volunteers with the VA Geek Squad; a telehealth group that provides an outlet to assist veterans virtually.
Erik Vargas, University of Redlands, became one of the first traditional students to work toward a certificate while also pursuing an undergraduate degree.
The recipient of the Steven D. and Jane R. Carmichael Endowed Scholarship is earning a degree in business with coursework focused in economics, global business, and finance. But the creative aspects of marketing enticed Erik to compound his already thick workload by pursuing a marketing certificate from the University of Redlands School of Continuing Studies.
As a first-generation student and son of a small business owner, he enjoys utilizing what he's learned in real-world situations. He鈥檚 demonstrated leadership skills beyond business as well. Erik leads prospective students on campus tours as an admissions Bulldogs Ambassador and is a member of the , which strives to develop relationships with the University and community.
Brielle Tolli, University of Hartford, has accepted a role with through a Learning Project before completing her studies. The ambitious student has made quite the impression in her university's 3+1 Accelerated Business Program, where she鈥檒l obtain her undergraduate degree in marketing and an MBA with a focus in healthcare in just four years.
She participated in the CVS Health case competition, in which students had to develop a solution that assessed the needs associated with providing healthcare programs to minority- and women-owned businesses in underserved communities. Brielle and her partner created a unique solution, leading to their winning concept of a CVS Heart of Hope Van.
After completing her project, she was offered a 2021 summer internship in the CVS general management corporate internship program, which led to a full-time job offer. She鈥檚 excited to bring all she鈥檚 learned to CVS, which will allow her to work three eighteen-month rotations in different areas of the business.
Michael Mack, Piedmont University, has become a leader on campus and an advocate for diversity and inclusion.
As President of the Student Government Association (SGA), he uses his voice and platform to enact positive change. He works closely with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, attending meetings to further the mission of equity and inclusion. He and his fellow SGA executives created a council committee to help recognize and embrace differences, celebrating individuality as a positive force on campus.
He鈥檚 also on the cycling team, is studying political science, and plans on attending law school. His ultimate goal is to become a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps attorney, practicing criminal and international law. This would put his leadership skills to great use while also honoring his grandfather and great-grandfather, who both served in the Air Force.
Kelsey Bingham, Utah Valley University, started her leadership journey by bringing the 91桃色 to her school as an intern. She was able to find a Chapter Advisor and fill the Executive Board before even taking classes. In her first semester, she had 300 students join. The chapter currently has over 1,000 members.
Her leadership experience extended to the UVU Chinese Club, where she became a club ambassador and was able to meet many international students. She took on these leadership roles while studying communications, which she fell in love with for its focus on developing empathy and connecting with others.
Magleby Construction noticed her leadership abilities and hired Kelsey as an executive assistant and project manager. She plans on continuing her education by receiving an MBA and eventually becoming a management consultant.
Peterson Francois, Walden University, received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from the (IAOTP) for decades of work as a professor and businessman.
Shirlene C. Olson, Indiana University Northwest, was named to the nationally-recognized Indiana Republican Diversity Leadership Series, a leadership training program in Indiana helping to increase engagement and minority representation in the Republican Party.
John Ramirez, University of Phoenix, has been appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as Vice Chair of Internal Activities.
Terence M. Dorn, PhD and retired Army Colonel from the Northcentral University chapter published his new book, , a collection of wisdom that spans centuries of human history.
Shane Mendez, St. Cloud University, a Patrol Sergeant of the Crookston Police Department, has been selected as a new board member for the Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Haley Bunting, McNeese State University, has joined the Broussard Group as a staff accountant, passing the CPA Exam within a year from graduating magna cum laude with a double major in accounting and finance.
Dr. Clarence Riggins, veteran and University of Phoenix chapter member, has published, , a thought-provoking commentary on race and prejudice in America from the civil rights era to now.
Carolina Celed贸n, Dickinson College, has been highlighted by her school for her success conducting student-faculty research, organizing workshops for students and alumni of color, and earning a range of scholarships and awards.