Meet the Honorees
WMU Haworth is honored to present its 2026 edition of The 30, a publication that recognizes emerging alumni who are leading with intention and striving for more in the business world. Selected by a committee of faculty, staff and recent alumni, these honorees represent the integrity, leadership and purpose that are synonymous with being a Business Bronco.
Chris Bailey, B.B.A.’20, M.S.A.’21
Access Advocate
Assurance Senior, Plante Moran
Chris Bailey doesn't just crunch numbers—he’s crunching barriers too.
Fresh out of WMU, Bailey started at a Metro Detroit firm where his knack for client service and consistent performance earned him a promotion to auditor II, but he wasn't content to just climb the corporate ladder alone. While balancing client work and studying for (then conquering) his CPA exam in 2023, Bailey was busy networking across Metro Detroit campuses, recruiting the next generation of accountants and championing diversity initiatives.
Today, Bailey has taken his talents to Plante Moran as an assurance senior, leading audit engagements for manufacturing and distribution clients pulling in anywhere from $100 million to $1 billion annually. Big numbers mean bigger impact.
For Bailey, it all adds up to one thing: opening doors. He mentors high school students through the NABA Inc. Accelerated Career Awareness Program, introducing them to careers in accounting and finance. He also works one-on-one with young refugee men navigating life in a new country and fundraises with the Jamaicans Living in Michigan Association to raise money for scholarships for accounting students across Michigan.
Bailey’s ledger looks a lot healthier when the accounting profession reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Favorite WMU memory:
“My favorite memory at WMU was playing a pivotal role in reviving NABA Inc. on campus and leading a cohort of over 25 students to the regional conference in St. Louis. Nearly everyone who attended the conference walked away with a full-time job or internship offer, which still makes me smile, especially knowing that some of my colleagues are still with the organizations they connected with during that experience as students.”
Cameron Barnes, B.B.A.’18
Policy Pro
Founder and Principal Agent, Cameron Barnes State Farm
Cameron Barnes doesn't waste time. As the founder and principal agent of Cameron Barnes State Farm in Royal Oak, Michigan, he's quickly established himself as a rising leader in the insurance industry. And he's got the numbers to prove it.
After studying sales and business marketing at the Haworth College of Business, Barnes learned the ropes as co-owner of Glo Cleaning, helping grow the company by 500%. When a fellow WMU graduate recruited him to State Farm, he saw an opportunity to apply his entrepreneurial instincts to financial services. Like a good neighbor, Barnes showed up ready to work.
He opened his own State Farm agency in 2023 and immediately started breaking records. He ranked as the 28th top new agent nationally, doubled his business in the first year, and maintained a 5-star customer satisfaction rating. The skills he honed at WMU Haworth—building rapport, asking the right questions and confidently closing conversations—remain his competitive advantage today.
When he's not crushing goals in the office, Barnes is making an impact in his community. He donates fire safety kits to local fire stations, provides basketball uniforms to youth teams, supports local schools and partners with small businesses. He also gives back to his alma mater, mentoring students through WMU's sales and business marketing alumni program and Dr. Jim Eckert's Advanced Selling Strategies class. In addition, he serves on the State Farm Metro Edge advisory board, sharing his expertise to help shape initiatives for future agents.
Barnes makes every moment count, putting a premium on leading with service, growth and purpose.
Morning routine:
“I put my phone on the other side of the room, so I have to get out of bed instead of hitting snooze. My morning routine includes journaling, reading, yoga or stretching, and then going to the gym.”
Raegan Baty, B.B.A.’19
Marketing Maven
Retail Media Manager, L'Oréal
Raegan Baty's career in beauty marketing moves as fast as the industry itself.
Three years after graduating from Western Michigan University, she landed at L'Oréal's New York City headquarters. By 2025, she was promoted to retail media manager, leading campaign optimization and driving market share growth for one of the world's most recognized beauty brands. She pushed new-to-brand customer rates above 80%—the kind of metric that gets noticed by leadership and peers alike.
But Baty doesn't rely on instinct alone. She's stacked her expertise with a mini-MBA from Rutgers University (where she was later featured as a spotlight alumna) and certifications from Cornell, Wharton and London Business School. The result is sharp strategic thinking that keeps her ahead in the fast-moving retail media space.
Her edge comes from somewhere unexpected. As a Global Ambassador at WMU, Baty lived in Italy and the Dominican Republic, sparking a travel habit that's taken her to Greece, Spain, Portugal and beyond. Those experiences taught her how to read audiences across cultures, a skill that shows up in campaigns built to resonate across different markets and demographics.
Outside of her 9 to 5, Baty has appeared in Maybelline ads and volunteers regularly at a local food bank.
Proudest non-work accomplishment:
“Paying off my student loans within five years of graduation. I set that goal early on, and through disciplined money management and determination, I made it happen. Having a positive net worth brings me genuine joy.”
Jose Cardona, B.B.A.’16, M.P.A.’18, MBA’19
Supply Chain Strategist
Senior Supply Continuity Specialist, Cummins
Jose Cardona doesn't just understand one piece of supply chain. He's mastered all three: logistics, operations and procurement. And the supply chain mantra “better, faster, cheaper” has kept his career moving—and sourced with plenty of goals.
He started at Bayer Healthcare managing international orders and building the standard operating procedures that trained every new hire who came after him. At Walmart Distribution, he led teams to move more than 145,000 boxes daily while improving efficiency and safety across inbound and outbound operations.
When Cardona transitioned to Cummins as an operations manager, he shifted from moving products to making them. He managed teams on the manufacturing floor, kept production running smoothly and trained employees on processes that improved output and quality. It was hands-on work that taught him how manufacturing functions when things need to happen fast.
Today he works in procurement, managing over $200 million in annual spend and keeping global production supplied. The thread connecting every role? Communication. Cardona learned at WMU under professors Dr. Sime Curkovic and Dr. Bret Wagner that supply chain success depends on translating complex ideas across teams and functions. That skill has carried him through three distinct career chapters.
His most visible leadership moment came recently when he served as master of ceremonies at the Cummins Diversity Gala. Standing in front of more than 360 colleagues and executives, Cardona delivered the entire program in his second language. It was the kind of moment that reflects years of growth.
Morning routine:
“I treat my work-from-home mornings like I'm heading into the office. I shower, get dressed in real work clothes, grab coffee and head to my home office. Something about that routine tricks my brain into focus mode and keeps me on track all day.”
Vincent Catarello, B.B.A.’20
Data Dynamo
Lead Consumer Insights Analyst, Fortune Brands Innovations
Vincent Catarello turns data into actionable insights.
As lead consumer insights analyst at Fortune Brands Innovations, he builds visualizations and automated solutions that deepen leaders’ understanding of the consumer shopping journey and brand awareness. In 2024, he was recognized for creating a new enterprise analytics hub that pulled together brand metrics, market intelligence and competitive insights into one system. Delivering a holistic picture of the company’s market position, the hub empowers decision makers to learn fast, uncover strengths and pinpoint opportunities.
Throughout Catarello’s career, he has been in a wide range of industries. Analytics has always been the focus, whether for financial, manufacturing, e-commerce or marketing. Each industry taught him something different about how data drives business decisions. At Fortune Brands, he's built automated data pipelines, designed machine learning models that analyze customer sentiment and led projects that reveal the shopping journey.
What makes him effective isn't just technical skill. It's the ability to explain complex findings in ways non-technical teams understand. That communication foundation came from WMU, where conversations with professors taught him how to turn complex data into insights. Turns out, asking good questions matters as much in analytics as finding the right answers.
Most meaningful mentors:
“My most meaningful mentors are Sherry Kreel and Elizabeth Riddle who are both former bosses at Fortune Brands. They empowered me to explore and expand analytics solutions and technologies, which helped accelerate my career growth by proving value to our team and the company.”
Jordan Chopp, B.B.A.’22
HR Hero
Director of People Operations, Marceco
Jordan Chopp was working in a warehouse when everything changed.
He was attending classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and transferring to WMU when an HR assistant role opened up at his company. He had zero HR experience and no formal training. But he had a hunch that he'd be good at it. He applied, and they gave him a shot.
Chopp found human resources work fit him. He loved solving people problems, building systems that made workplaces better and helping employees figure out their next move. After earning his degree in human resource management from WMU, he kept climbing while pursuing a master's in human resources and industrial relations at the University of Illinois—all while working full time.
Today, as director of people operations at Marceco, Chopp builds the kind of workplace culture people actually want to be part of. He launched "Coffee with People Operations" to make leadership more accessible and transparent. He created tuition reimbursement, a structured internship program and the P.A.T.H. individual development program. Under his leadership, Marceco earned its Great Place to Work certification, proof that the improvements aren't just on paper.
Chopp gets what it means when someone takes a chance on you. That's exactly what he does now for others navigating their own professional paths.
Most meaningful professional influence:
“Dave Den Herder, my current leader and Marceco's founder, gave me a shot at becoming an executive at a young age. He leads through humility, compassion and teamwork. He's the type of leader I strive to become.”
Vernon Crump Jr., B.B.A.’20
Business Builder
Co-Founder, Unriva Solutions | Founder, BeOfficial
Vernon Crump Jr. got his first supply chain internship at 18. Most people that age are figuring out college. He was already presenting to executives.
Early in his career, Crump was the youngest person in conference rooms, leading projects that mattered and building relationships at every level of the organizations where he worked. Those experiences taught him something crucial about business: You earn trust by delivering results.
At WMU, he learned to break down complex challenges, analyze root causes and create solutions that work in real business environments. He earned Gold Status through the WMU Haworth Student Professional Readiness Series, joined the Starting Gate student business accelerator and won a supply chain case competition. The combination built both his technical skills and his entrepreneurial instincts.
Today, Crump runs two businesses. Unriva Solutions is a consulting firm helping organizations strengthen operations, maximize existing technologies and prepare for what's next. BeOfficial is a platform developing officials, young adults and athletes through education, leadership training, financial literacy and wellness programming. The second business connects his lifelong love of sports with his commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.
Whether he's improving business performance or investing in people, Crump's work centers on impact, service and sustainable growth.
On my desk right now:
“A wireless keyboard, a mouse, two monitors and of course a PS5. My backlit keyboard and dual screens stay busy as I design, build and run two businesses: BeOfficial and Unriva Solutions.”
Rodney Drew, B.B.A.’20
Diversity Driver
Contracts Coordinator, Walbridge
Rodney Drew works at the intersection of construction and equity, pushing an industry that hasn't always been welcoming to become more inclusive.
As a contracts coordinator at Walbridge, one of the nation's largest construction firms, Drew manages contract administration and drives supplier diversity initiatives across major automotive and manufacturing projects. His work has directly contributed to Walbridge receiving multiple Supplier Diversity Awards from major companies. In 2023, his integrity and leadership earned him the company's Heart of Walbridge Award, recognition that reflects the influence he's built inside the organization.
Drew is also pursuing a Master of Science in Construction Management at Wayne State University, building the technical expertise to eventually lead strategy around supplier diversity and construction management. His foundation in service and leadership came from WMU, where joining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Epsilon Xi Chapter, became a defining moment. The brotherhood, rooted in service, leadership and social responsibility, gave him a lifelong sense of purpose and accountability that still shapes his work today.
Outside construction, Drew serves as brand ambassador program director for Michigan Fashion Week, connecting emerging creatives to mentorship, professional development and visibility opportunities. The perseverance and self-belief that WMU instilled in him shows up everywhere, from advancing equity in construction to supporting artists finding their footing in a competitive industry.
Morning routine:
“Coffee first and foremost. Nothing can happen before the coffee.”
Dan Gaddy, B.B.A.’17
Revenue Racer
Mid-Market Account Executive, Customer.io
Dan Gaddy has spent seven years proving he can sell anything to anyone.
He's worked across technology, software-as-a-service (SaaS) and life sciences, moving from smaller deals to increasingly complex sales cycles. Each jump brought bigger accounts, tougher negotiations and more variables to manage. He's built a career on hitting his numbers and then figuring out how to hit bigger ones.
Two years into his career, Gaddy relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, to join Gartner's sales team. He partnered with senior IT and business leaders at global organizations, earned Winner's Circle Achiever status and ranked as the No. 2 new hire in North America. He later moved to Eli Lilly as a pharmaceutical sales rep, where he ranked in the top 15% in his region for territory growth.
His shift to SaaS came at HubSpot, where he moved quickly from small and medium-sized business sales to mid-market account executive. He managed multi-stakeholder deals, mentored teammates and delivered results that earned multiple promotions. Now at Customer.io, he works with growing B2B companies on customer engagement and automation strategies.
Gaddy's commitment to mentorship extends beyond the office. He actively mentors students within his business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, sharing real-world insights and helping the next generation of sales professionals navigate their careers.
The competitive streak doesn't stop at work. In 2025, Gaddy logged over 75 hours of hot yoga and competed in seven races, placing in the top 15% at the Soldier Field 10 and the top 10% at the Life Time Half Marathon.
Proudest non-work accomplishment:
“Being the first person in my family to graduate from college.”
Joe Guarino, B.B.A.’17
Lending Leader
Senior Founding Director, Imperium Lending
Joe Guarino started at Rocket Mortgage in 2017 as a loan officer, rising through the ranks to Presidents Club status before stepping away in 2021 to explore new opportunities.
He didn't stay away long. A startup mortgage company recruited him as vice president, where he spent six months learning what it takes to build operations from scratch. Then his former director from Rocket reached out. He was launching Imperium Lending and wanted Guarino as his first hire.
Guarino said yes. He joined as a founding member and has progressed from loan officer to director to his current role as senior founding director. Along the way, he was recognized as a top closer and producer in his final year originating loans and earned company MVP honors in 2023 and 2025.
What makes him effective isn't just mortgage expertise. It's the communication skills he built at WMU, which forced him out of his comfort zone and taught him how to command a room. Today, he runs weekly huddles for more than 60 people, speaks at company award ceremonies and walks clients through complex loan options without hesitation.
Most meaningful mentor:
“WMU Haworth professor Jim Eckert. When I first joined his class, I was very immature, lacking direction and vision. He really cared about me, took a chance on me and gave me flexibility even when I didn't deserve it. He helped me through some difficult personal issues. I'll always be grateful for him.”
Sydney Hauck, B.B.A.’19
People Partner
Human Resources Business Partner, Global Cellulose Fibers
Sydney Hauck's career in human resources has been guided by a simple truth: People matter most.
After earning a B.B.A. from WMU Haworth, she pursued a master's in human resources and labor relations at Michigan State University. An internship at International Paper in Selma, Alabama, during graduate school sparked her interest in labor relations, where she discovered the art of balancing organizational needs with employee advocacy. It was there she realized that bridging the gap between management and employees wasn’t just her passion—it was where she could make the biggest impact.
That internship turned into a full-time opportunity with International Paper's competitive HR Development Program. Hauck spent a year and a half at the Oregon containerboard facility before rotating into the Global Cellulose Fibers business in Virginia, building her expertise across different operations and communities.
Today, as an HR business partner, Hauck focuses on people development, performance management, and labor and employee relations. Her career pillars of accountability and consistency guide her day-to-day interactions as she manages relationships and policies across maintenance and operating departments. It's work that requires equal parts structure and empathy, a balance Hauck has perfected.
She points to WMU Haworth as the place where she learned a lesson she uses daily: the power of diverse perspectives. Her ability to communicate with people from different backgrounds and connect employees across departments allows her to thrive in her role and play a part in building stronger organizations.
Beyond her professional work, Hauck gives back to the community that has embraced her. She serves on the Board of Directors for United Way South Hampton-Franklin Virginia, representing Global Cellulose Fibers, where she helps amplify her employer's impact on the local community.
For Hauck, HR isn't just about policies and programs. It's about creating an environment where people feel valued and supported.
On my desk right now:
“My diffuser with lavender essential oils. It’s a necessity for me!”
Lenhard Haupt, B.B.A.’19
Electrifying Expert
Global Supply Manager, Ford Motor Company
Lenhard Haupt is charging ahead into the future of transportation. As global supply manager at Ford Motor Company, he drives one of Ford's most transformative initiatives: the development of a low-cost electric vehicle platform.
While working for a car company was always his destination, Haupt's road to supply chain had some unexpected turns. During an internship at Porsche, he was exposed to purchasing and discovered his true passion: making supply chains run smoothly. All he needed was the right vehicle to get there.
His next stop was Ford Motor Company, where he participated in the Ford College Graduate Program and rotated through different roles supporting cost, quality and delivery. That's where his career shifted into high gear. Across two rotations, he delivered over $10 million in cost savings through strategic sourcing and data-driven negotiations, building on skills he learned at the Haworth College of Business.
After completing the program, Haupt joined Ford's skunkworks team as a global supply manager. This small, innovative group works together to deliver a breakthrough, low-cost electric vehicle platform. The role puts Haupt in the driver's seat, combining his focus on cost and efficiency with his passion for vehicles. As global supply manager, he owns multiple electrical commodities for the platform and collaborates closely with suppliers and engineering teams to maximize cost efficiency.
Beyond delivering millions in savings through supplier and engineering partnerships, Haupt is building momentum as a people leader, mentoring young talent and supporting cross-functional teams. For someone who began his career at the intersection of disciplines, he's now helping others navigate their own routes to success.
Favorite WMU memory:
“I was part of the WMU Men’s Tennis Team, and our team made program history by being ranked No. 31 nationally.”
Sahana Madhanagopal, MBA’18
Adventurous Analyst
Associate Portfolio Manager, LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management
Sahana Madhanagopal's career path has taken her across continents and back again. From India to Kalamazoo and New York City to Grand Rapids, she brings diverse experiences to her role as an associate portfolio manager at LaFleur & Godfrey.
Choosing to enroll in the dual degree MBA program offered by WMU and Christ University turned out to be a defining point in her life. Madhanagopal was one of the students in the first cohort of the program, starting her coursework in India and finishing on campus at WMU.
She started as a research analyst at LVM Capital Management, then headed to Wall Street as a senior equity research associate at Macquarie Capital. But when a southwest Michigan firm, LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management, approached her while she was in New York City, Madhanagopal gladly took the opportunity to return to Michigan, where it all began.
Madhanagopal is also a CFA® Charterholder, passing all three levels on her first attempt. That's a huge accomplishment in the finance world, and she's not stopping there. She stays active in the community, serving as a board member of the CFA West Michigan Society, which organizes networking events to connect young and experienced finance professionals.
Life lesson learned at WMU:
“Attending school is not just about getting in and out of classes, submitting assignments and exiting with decent grades—it should be a holistic experience. Signing up for every event possible will enrich your overall experience. Seminars, networking pizza events, cultural celebrations, volunteering, tie dye workshops—anything and everything could add color to your time at school, and you never know which one of these could become the turning point in your life and career. If nothing else, it will give you a ton of memories to talk about for a lifetime.”
McKayla Marcola, B.B.A.’18
Dedicated Defender
Program Manager, American Rheinmetall
McKayla Marcola is building a career defined by strategic leadership, continuous growth and progressively expanding responsibility across both legal and defense industry spheres. Her experience positions her as an ideal leader at the intersection of law and defense.
Her journey began at the Haworth College of Business, where she developed a strong foundation in business principles before pursuing her juris doctorate at Cooley Law School. This legal education sharpened her capabilities in analytical thinking, advocacy and navigating complex regulatory frameworks—skills that have proved invaluable throughout her career.
The verdict on her professional potential came early when she earned a nomination to the prestigious Atlantik-Brücke Young Leaders Conference, an honor reserved for emerging leaders with demonstrated potential to shape transatlantic dialogue and influence international policy discussions.
She recently achieved a career milestone with her promotion to program manager at American Rheinmetall, a role that combines her analytical skills with strategic oversight and hands-on execution. In this capacity, she oversees complex projects, guides diverse cross-functional teams and ensures that critical programs meet both contract requirements and long-term organizational needs.
Marcola extends her passion for the defense sector beyond her day-to-day work, serving as a director on the board for the National Defense Industrial Association chapter of Michigan. In addition, she volunteers at the Michigan Veterans Home, taking time to sit and talk with the veterans living there.
Whether she's managing programs, advising boards, or spending time with veterans, Marcola shows up with purpose and conviction.
Proudest non-work accomplishment:
“Completing the 10K Spartan Race.”
Andy McCotter, B.B.A.’17
Strategic Storyteller
Lead Product Marketing Manager, Apollo.io
Andy McCotter is a skilled storyteller. As a lead product marketing manager at Apollo.io, he turns complex AI products into messaging that’s clear, useful and easy to understand. Every product has a story. McCotter just knows how to tell it.
After earning his B.B.A. at the Haworth College of Business, McCotter made a big move to Portland, Oregon, for his first job as a product marketing manager at ZoomInfo. But he wasn't content to just market products for someone else.
He later founded Healthy Competition, a community, newsletter and podcast for competitive intelligence and product marketing practitioners. As that venture grew to over 100 practitioners, McCotter's career demands left him with less time to dedicate to the passion project. He eventually sold the business to two community leaders who have grown the community even further, continuing his vision. Every good story needs a satisfying next chapter.
His next chapter took him to Apollo.io. As lead product marketing manager, he tailors Apollo's messaging to meet the needs of a varied audience, crafting a clear narrative that's used across multiple platforms. He works across launch strategy, positioning, enablement and customer education, producing demos and webinars that show sellers how Apollo’s AI fits into real workflows. He's not just telling Apollo's story—he's teaching others how to tell their own.
McCotter’s own career story began at WMU. Working close to full time and juggling a heavy class load pushed him to focus on consistency, prioritization and follow-through—skills he still employs today as he thrives in an ever-changing industry. It's a storyline that's still being written, and he is the author.
Most meaningful mentor:
“My dad. He showed me the importance of being a good person, always doing the right thing and making others smile.”
Ronald Nicholson, B.B.A.’18
Category Champion
Senior Customer Executive II, Hormel Foods
Ronald Nicholson's career speaks for itself: steady growth, strategic leadership and results that matter. Eight years in, the momentum hasn't slowed.
After graduating from Western Michigan University, he joined the Hormel Foods Sales Training Program, where he built a strong foundation in category management, customer development and brand strategy.
Upon completing the program, Nicholson moved to a territory manager role supporting Weis Markets and C&S Wholesale in the Northeast. His strong performance and consistent delivery earned him a promotion to customer executive on one of Hormel's Focus Customers, Albertsons, where he supported the company's biggest brand—Planters.
Following success at Albertsons, Nicholson advanced to his current role, where he leads the company's refrigerated meat business at Publix, one of Hormel's most strategically important retail partners. His work continues to focus on strong partnership, strategic growth and category-leading performance. The results (and receipts) speak for themselves.
In addition to his customer leadership, Nicholson serves as vice president of Black Leaders and Allies Advancing Cultural Knowledge (BLAACK), an employee resource group dedicated to fostering belonging, cultural awareness and professional development across Hormel Foods. In this role, he has meaningful opportunities to influence company culture while strengthening his own leadership abilities.
In his eight years at Hormel, Nicholson has proven that he's got what it takes to deliver. He's not just meeting expectations—he's exceeding them, one category at a time.
Favorite WMU memory:
“Besides graduation day, my favorite WMU memory was experiencing our undefeated football season and having College GameDay come to campus. As a huge college football fan, it was incredible. Few MAC students get the chance to be part of an ESPN GameDay atmosphere. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Sarah Obermeyer, B.B.A.’22
Sales Superstar
Senior Commercial Account Executive, Box
Sarah Obermeyer traded the Midwest for Manhattan, putting her Western Michigan University sales skills to work in New York City's competitive tech industry. Her journey from Kalamazoo to the big city embodies the kind of determination that defines her career—and she's just getting started.
Obermeyer interned at Box the summer before her senior year, which turned into a full-time role on the company's lead generation team immediately after graduation. She wasn't generating leads for long.
After three promotions in three and a half years, Obermeyer became a senior commercial account executive. In this role, she advises companies on their cloud strategy, working with a variety of clients including nonprofits, widely known sports leagues and law firms. Whether she's closing deals or strengthening team culture, she spots opportunities and pursues them with relentless energy and purpose, always selling the "Western Way."
For Obermeyer, reaching quotas is just the baseline. She's also received multiple accolades in her time at Box, including winning the Be an Owner Award, garnering multiple Grinder nominations, winning the Coach's Award, and being recognized as one of the top Box.org sellers in 2025.
Skilled at focusing on what matters, Obermeyer also serves as a co-lead for the Box Women's Network. In this role, she works with the global offices as they host events that give a platform to diverse voices across the company, intentionally building an inclusive culture.
Obermeyer credits mentors like Dr. Kelley O'Reilly, chair of marketing at the Haworth College of Business, for guiding her career success. O'Reilly invested in Obermeyer from her first year, recognizing her potential and offering crucial advice and perspective—from Schneider Hall through her transition to NYC. The mentorship paid off, and Obermeyer is paying it forward.
Proudest non-work accomplishment:
“I am an avid runner and have run the New York City Marathon twice. One day I hope to tackle all the Abbot World Majors and become a 6-star finisher!”
Kaitlyn Watkins Quezada, B.B.A.’17, M.S.A.’18
Numbers Navigator
Audit Manager, Crowe LLP
Kaitlyn Watkins Quezada has a drive to succeed in business, which began with a family business that her mother began and both her parents grew. Helping her mother process deposits and invoices for the company gave her an affinity for numbers that never went away. Watkins Quezada was hooked.
A Certified Public Accountant with more than seven years of experience, she serves as an audit manager at Crowe LLP, where she leads complex audit engagements and partners with financial institutions to strengthen financial reporting, risk management and regulatory compliance. Her professional career at Crowe began with an internship that she secured through WMU Haworth career development events.
A proud “Double Bronco,” Watkins Quezada earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western. During her time at WMU, she competed on the women’s golf team—an experience that shaped her discipline, leadership and commitment to teamwork, teeing her up to prosper in the workplace.
Watkins Quezada is actively involved as director of the Scott Watkins Memorial Golf Foundation, a nonprofit established to honor her late father’s legacy by supporting junior golf initiatives and community service through fundraising events and partnerships that expand access to golf for young people.
Watkins Quezada’s perfect round involves service to organizations and individuals. Drawing on her background as an accountant and an athlete, she is known for her follow through as she makes a difference in both her vocation and avocation each day.
Favorite WMU memory:
“My favorite WMU memory was College GameDay and the 2017 football season that led to the Cotton Bowl, which I was lucky enough to attend with my family. The pride and excitement surrounding Western during that time was unforgettable.”
Matthew Rabito, B.B.A.’20
Campaign Captain
Paid Social Manager, WPP Media
Matthew Rabito doesn't just manage social media campaigns. He turns them into award-worthy success stories. As a paid social manager at WPP Media, Rabito leads a talented team crafting advertising strategies for Fortune 500 giants, converting complex challenges into measurable wins.
What sets Rabito apart? His ability to make the complicated look effortless. Year after year, his campaigns don't just perform—they evolve, improve and deliver impressive results. Behind this success lies a foundation built at WMU Haworth, where challenging coursework and hands-on involvement in student organizations honed his organizational and project management skills.
Rabito also acknowledges mentors Jessica Gogliormella and Julia Khin, whom he met early in his role at WPP Media, for supporting, guiding and challenging him as he grew in his career. Their leadership, combined with the experience gained at WMU, prepared him to seamlessly work with multiple clients, each with distinct goals and expectations.
His strategic work at WPP spans major brand initiatives including Shell's Future Rider, Vitaminwater's "Vitaminwater From New York" campaign and Dasani's brand identity refresh. And his skills aren't limited to creative projects. His recommendations have driven platform expansion, opened new audience segments and shaped creative messages that fuel brand growth.
His results include increased media investments across accounts, industry recognition through external award nominations and case studies that have become blueprints for success across WPP's entire agency network. Rabito's work proves that strategic social media management isn't just about content—it's about creating movements that resonate and engage.
Favorite WMU memory:
“Sports! During my freshman year, WMU had an incredible football season that culminated in a Cotton Bowl appearance. Some of my favorite memories of Western were going to hockey, football and basketball games with friends to root on the Broncos.”
Trenton Sands, B.B.A.’23
Media Maestro
Brand Partnership Manager, TikTok
Trenton Sands proves that you don't start as an expert—you become one. You just need to build one campaign, one promotion and one scroll at a time.
As a WMU junior, Sands landed an internship on TikTok's automotive team, diving headfirst into digital advertising and learning the platform from the inside out. The gig went so well that TikTok offered him a full-time role in Los Angeles working on one of their biggest verticals: media and entertainment.
Plot twist? Sands had zero experience in entertainment marketing or running large-scale social campaigns. But he leaned into the learning curve hard, soaking up knowledge from the talented people around him and asking every question he could think of. His curiosity paid off. Within a year and a half, he was promoted to account executive, making him the youngest on the media and entertainment team at the time.
Now, Sands partners with major agencies, studios, networks and streaming platforms, leading campaigns for television launches and live events that millions of people see. He's gone from intern to industry insider faster than most people can say "For You Page."
But Sands is quick to credit his success first and foremost to the grace of God, and also to the mentors and collaborators who took a chance on him and taught him the ropes. In an industry built on influence, he knows the real power comes from faith and from the people who lift you up along the way.
Proudest non-work accomplishment:
“Getting married to my wife and moving to Los Angeles in the same year.”
Jonah Shafer, B.B.A.’18
Savvy Strategist
Wealth Strategist, Mercer Advisors
Jonah Shafer's career path has an enviable ROI, and it all started at the Haworth College of Business.
From Portage to Grand Rapids to Chicago to California, Shafer has climbed the finance ladder across multiple markets, evolving from a financial advisor to investment specialist to financial planner to his current role as a wealth strategist at Mercer Advisors, the nation's top-rated Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). These days, he's optimizing wealth for high-net-worth families with over $25 million in assets. Since joining the firm in April 2024, Shafer has partnered with a business development team to bring in more than $1.25 billion in assets under management. It's a trajectory that started at firms like Raymond James and Ameriprise and has only grown exponentially since.
But Shafer isn't just good with numbers—he's creative with them. He designs bespoke financial plans and implements innovative tax and estate strategies that save clients millions while helping them build generational wealth. And because great advice is best when shared, he mentors his team through presentations and one-on-one coaching sessions.
A lifelong learner, Shafer holds advanced designations including CFP® and accredited portfolio management advisor, and he's passed multiple securities and insurance exams to deepen his expertise.
The bottom line? Shafer's commitment to growth, excellence and delivering exceptional value has compounded returns.
Most valuable skill learned at WMU:
“The most valuable skill I developed at Western Michigan University was time management. Balancing full-time work with full-time studies taught me to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, which has translated into a highly productive and organized approach in my career.”
Erin Sionkowski, B.B.A.’17
Online Oracle
Senior Product Manager, Codal
If being “extremely online” were a profession, Erin Sionkowski would be its CEO.
Her origin story starts where all good internet tales do: in her corner of Tumblr in the early 2010s, teaching herself HTML and CSS to make her blog aesthetically perfect. That obsession with making digital spaces better didn't fade after high school. It became her entire career path.
After a stint as a social media strategist helping global brands build their online presence, Sionkowski pivoted to product management. Now she builds web experiences that make websites usable instead of frustrating.
Her day-to-day at Codal? Designing features that eliminate friction and solve real problems. She scopes new digital products, reimagines existing platforms and optimizes the tiny details, like shaving precious seconds off how long it takes users to find what they need. Then she partners with UX and development teams to ship it.
The work ranges from the massive (complete site overhauls) to the microscopic (rearranging a menu so it finally makes sense). But whether she's rebuilding entire platforms or tweaking navigation structures, Sionkowski's goal remains constant: Make the internet better, one feature at a time.
From dashboard redesigns to micro-optimizations, Sionkowski takes pride in every pixel. In a world where we're all living online, she's making sure those hours are enjoyable.
Proudest non-work accomplishment:
“Right now, it's having finished my first marathon this fall! I won't be qualifying for Boston anytime soon, but I had a lot of fun and also never thought I had it in me!”
Mary Tabanguil, B.B.A.’13, B.A.’13, MBA’21
Community Cornerstone
Vice President of Lending, Sturgis Bank & Trust Company
Some of the best careers often begin in the most unexpected places. For Mary Tabanguil, what began as a summer teller position turned into a calling that combined her natural financial aptitude and passion for helping people—leading to a career rooted in the community she loves.
A decade at Sturgis Bank has transformed that summer job into a successful, long-term career. Originally majoring in criminal justice and sociology at WMU, Tabanguil discovered that banking was the perfect investment, connecting her financial talents with her desire to serve others and raise a family close to home.
Today, as vice president of lending, she focuses on making sound lending decisions that drive quality growth for the bank while supporting customers' financial goals.
Her track record? Two promotions since 2021 and consistent recognition as a top-five sales performer companywide. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
What energizes her most is community impact. She manages four annual grant filings that direct funds to local nonprofits, teaches Junior Achievement classes at her children's school and lends her financial expertise across various community organizations—all with full support from Sturgis Bank.
Tabanguil ties her success to back to WMU Haworth. Time management and self-discipline honed during her undergraduate years at WMU, combined with critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed through her master's program, set her up for success. These capabilities allow her to balance a demanding career, meaningful community service and family life in the community she's proud to call home.
Passion project outside of work:
“I love doing construction and renovation projects. It challenges a different part of my brain, and I almost always learn something new.”
Federico Tavárez, B.B.A.’17
Energetic Entrepreneur
Founder, Aspiras
Federico Tavárez has turned sports into a launchpad, building the infrastructure that transforms athletic talent into life-changing opportunities.
As a sports development leader and multidisciplinary entrepreneur, Tavárez has built a career by creating pathways for young athletes to reach their goals both on and off the field. His work spans athlete development, organizational leadership, event operations and building platforms that give youth a real shot at their dreams.
During his junior year at the Haworth College of Business, Tavárez founded Aspiras with Brandon Bye. The organization is now in its tenth year of using soccer as a vehicle for education, leadership and community impact.
In 2018, Tavárez co-founded Highlights DR, a student-athlete education and college placement company that has guided over 100 students to opportunities in the United States. He also plays a role in the Aspiras Goalkeeper Academy, which has gained national recognition for its technical excellence and values-driven training. And if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, he serves as general secretary of the National District Football Association, where he leads strategic initiatives in education, communication and competitions while partnering with government institutions to strengthen football development from the ground up.
Tavárez currently serves as operations director of Cap Cana Sports City, managing international sporting events, national team camps and strategic partnerships that bring world-class competition to the Dominican Republic.
For Tavárez, sports aren't just about winning. They're about building leaders, strengthening communities and giving the next generation the tools to score big in life.
Favorite WMU Memory:
“Disc golf parks!”
Tae Taylor, B.B.A.’17
Finance Futurist
MBA Candidate, University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Tae Taylor learned early that capital doesn't just create wealth, it creates opportunity. Now he's making sure more people get access to both.
A first-generation college graduate from Saginaw, Michigan, Taylor grew up watching how availability of financial resources could transform communities or leave them behind. That insight turned into a career mission of using finance as a tool for impact.
After studying finance and economics at WMU, Taylor joined PNC Bank, where he managed approximately $40 million in assets for public pension plans, nonprofits and high-net-worth individuals. He designed investment programs that balanced long-term financial goals with the complex trade-offs between risk, return and responsibility. It's the kind of work where one smart decision can compound into millions.
Now Taylor is leveling up as a full-time MBA student at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, sharpening the leadership, strategy and investment skills he'll need for senior leadership, consulting or private equity roles. But even as he climbs higher in finance, Taylor stays grounded in what matters like family, fitness and giving back.
He's deeply committed to advancing financial literacy in underserved communities, equipping the next generation with a strong financial foundation.
For Taylor, the best investment isn't just about maximizing returns. It's about multiplying access.
Morning routine:
“Meditation. Starting my day with a few quiet minutes helps me stay grounded, centered and focused. It gives me clarity before the day gets busy and allows me to approach challenges with intention rather than reaction.”
Tanya Thompson, B.B.A.’15, MBA’20
Aroma Architect
Founder and Chief Smelly Officer, The Aroma Labs
Tanya Thompson started blending fragrances in her Kalamazoo basement during one of the hardest seasons of her life. Today, The Aroma Labs operates eight locations across Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana, with a mobile "Big Blue" truck bringing custom scent experiences directly to customers.
The growth wasn't accidental. Thompson earned both her bachelor's degree in sales and business marketing and her MBA from WMU while raising daughters, working multiple jobs and building what would become a multi-state retail brand. At WMU Haworth, she learned the frameworks that now run her business. Dr. Marcel Zondag's strategic management course introduced her to the 3Ps: people, process and purpose. She uses that lens to evaluate every decision, from hiring to expansion to vendor partnerships. Dr. Jim Eckert's negotiation class taught her techniques she applies daily in lease agreements and supplier contracts.
Under Thompson's leadership, The Aroma Labs has become known for its signature scent-blending experience rooted in the science connecting smell to memory and emotion. The company also runs the Lab Grown Grant Fund, supporting early-stage female entrepreneurs. In 2025, The Aroma Labs was named one of the top women-owned small businesses of the year by the Michigan Small Business Administration.
Proudest non-work accomplishment:
“Raising four daughters—two by birth, two by love—and watching them grow into strong, kind, brilliant young women. Everything I build, every store we open, every risk I take, it's all with them in mind. They're my why.”
Donte’ Tuggle, B.B.A.’19
Career Coach
HR Business Partner, Eaton
Donte’ Tuggle’s journey in the HR field started early with an internship at Musashi Auto Parts after his first year of college. There, he learned the fast-paced automotive industry and progressively took on more responsibility over the three years he was at the company.
After graduation, Tuggle entered Nike’s HR Leadership Program, quickly distinguishing himself through strategic talent acquisition and successful implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives across multiple business units. His transition to an HR business partner role allowed him to collaborate directly with executive teams, aligning people strategies with business objectives.
As a diversity talent innovation specialist for the Nike Serena Williams Design Crew and Converse All-Star Design Team, Tuggle led cross-functional efforts that accelerated career growth, innovation and team agility while contributing to the company’s overall talent pipeline within the design industry.
At Eaton, Tuggle’s tenure as a strategic HR business partner is marked by the development and execution of comprehensive talent management frameworks, organizational development programs and leadership coaching. Responsible for site-wide initiatives, Tuggle works with senior leaders to drive employee engagement through diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that strengthen community and social impact, support workforce and succession planning, and cultivate a high-performing culture.
Best career advice:
“Learning what you would like to do in your career is important, but even more important is learning what you do not want to do. While adding value to an organization through strategic projects, observe different leadership styles and work to develop your leadership skills while seeking out roles that lean into what excites you.”
Liz Volante, B.B.A.’21
Digital Director
Manager, Paid Media, Career Now Brands
When Liz Volante walked across the stage to receive her diploma from WMU in 2021, she wore her summa cum laude honor cords proudly and knew her major in digital marketing—and minors in event management and general business—would lead to a successful career. Spoiler alert: She was right!
A standout student and young professional, Volante was honored with the Intern Peer-to-Peer Award at Meijer, and in her senior year, she won WMU’s Outstanding Digital Marketing Student Award. Her years at Western saw her participating in everything from leading orientation, to working as a tour guide and college ambassador, to facilitating First-Year Experience, to working as a content creator on the University’s social media team.
Those experiences earned her a resume that set her apart, and Volante has been working in paid media for nearly five years at Career Now Brands, a firm that integrates data, creative strategies and AI-driven solutions to drive recruitment marketing campaigns across essential industries—trucking, warehousing, education and skilled trades.
Volante transitioned to the manager of paid media in 2023 with two promotions enroute to her current role. Her focus? Meta, Google and Craigslist paid postings. She has also continued learning outside of the workplace, maintaining her Google Ads certifications and accumulating HubSpot Academy certifications.
On my desk right now:
“I work a hybrid schedule, but my desk at home and my desk at work have similar items. Lots of writing utensils, a cute notepad and sticky notes, some kind of fidget toy, my AirPods, hand sanitizer … and at least three drinks at all times (I like to follow the coffee, water, wildcard method).”
Jana Walker, B.B.A.’22, M.S.A.’23
Audit Aficionado
Senior Associate, Audit and Assurance, Derderian, Kann, Seyferth & Salucci, P.C.
Jana Walker knows that the word “audit” conjures images of complex math for most people. In fact, the math surrounding an audit is fairly basic. But what is complex—and what Walker loves—is distilling the story of a company from its financials. Walker excels in determining if numbers can be trusted and how to explain them clearly.
Introduced to accounting through dual enrollment during high school, she found her passion for the field early, giving her a jumpstart on her career.
In search of a strong program to continue developing her skills, she enrolled at WMU Haworth and completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in accountancy. Multiple internships in public accounting helped Walker understand what the profession looked like day to day, confirming that audit and assurance was the right fit for her.
Upon graduating, she began her career in public accounting at Deloitte, serving large manufacturing and retail clients. Now, as a senior associate in the audit and assurance department at Derderian, Kann, Seyferth & Salucci, P.C., she supports nonprofits and small to mid-sized businesses by helping them navigate financial reporting. The role allows her to use her full skill set to help organizations better understand their financials.
She stays connected to the profession through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and NABA Inc., along with tutoring students in accounting and college preparation.
Favorite WMU memory:
“Being featured in the WMU Haworth ‘Craft Your Career’ video series for the accountancy major—the recording process was an incredible experience that gave me the chance to reflect on my time at WMU.”
Lexie Wark, B.B.A.’18
Marketing Mentor
Global Partner Marketing Manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
A Kalamazoo native, Lexie Wark was very familiar with WMU’s campus, and yet it felt brand new when she began her academic career. The hallways of Schneider Hall were full of friendly faces as she built foundational business skills that would prove instrumental throughout her career.
Time spent in the Kaiser Sales Lab at WMU Haworth and on the Germany Business and Culture study abroad trip prepared Wark for a successful career in sales and marketing across diverse industries and customer segments.
Her WMU education has taken her to Fortune 500 companies including Berkshire Hathaway, Ameriprise Financial, Bloomberg and Amazon Web Services, progressing from marketing to sales before advancing into marketing leadership.
At AWS, she earned the Leadership Principles Award and currently leads global joint marketing efforts with major technology partners. Known for consistently exceeding quotas and scaling programs across teams, Wark has pursued multiple certifications to stay on top of technical skills, while fulfilling her commitment to lifelong learning both professionally and personally.
Originally from Kalamazoo and now based in Washington, D.C., she continues to visit frequently and stay connected to the Business Bronco community, dedicating time to mentoring WMU students and recent alumni.
Most valuable skill learned at WMU:
“The sales program taught me a presentation framework I use constantly: frame your subject, outline three key points, walk through each one, then recap everything. It's lovingly known by the colloquial 'Tell them what you're going to say, tell them, then tell them what you told them.' Years later, a specialist taught the exact same approach during a corporate training session—proof that the lessons I learned at WMU have real staying power in the business world.”