Student Feature Grid
Curiosity + empathy + opportunity
The human side of cybersecurity
Forecasting the future
From curiosity to clarity
The professional I aspire to become
2026 Online Publication
Madison Petroff
Madison Petroff
Curiosity + empathy + opportunity
"One thing that has shaped me deeply is being a first-generation college student," says HR student Madison Petroff. "I come from a humble family, and most of my relatives work in our small, family-owned bakery. Growing up in that environment taught me the value of hard work, kindness and showing up for people every single day. Those lessons shaped not only my work ethic, but also the way I carry myself professionally, with gratitude, humility and a genuine desire to help others. It's a big part of why I'm so appreciative of the opportunities I've had at WMU Haworth."
Those opportunities have fostered Petroff's talent for emotionally intelligent leadership, which she has taken into each new learning environment. Recently, she put her EQ into action as the student lead for TechNext, an immersive experience that takes students to Silicon Valley to learn from tech leaders, many of whom are WMU alumni.
"My TechNext experience was transformative," she says. "Learning directly from thought leaders in Silicon Valley gave me a firsthand look at how innovation happens on a large scale. I learned how important it is to stay curious, embrace new ideas and not be afraid of change. The trip pushed me to think boldly about my own goals and helped me realize that there is so much opportunity if you are willing to step into unfamiliar spaces. It was an experience that made me more confident in my ability to adapt and make an impact."
Learning directly from thought leaders in Silicon Valley gave me a firsthand look at how innovation happens on a large scale. I learned how important it is to stay curious, embrace new ideas and not be afraid of change.
Petroff is known for the impact of her contributions at WMU Haworth.
"Being part of the TechNext student onboarding process was a significant way for me to give back to a program that has inspired me. I introduced students to what TechNext offers and supported them through the questions and uncertainties that naturally come before a big professional experience. The role gave me the chance to get to know students with very different backgrounds and motivations, which reminded me of how diverse our learning journeys can be. Mentoring TechNext participants strengthened my leadership skills and taught me to communicate clearly, listen with intention and create a welcoming environment. It showed me the value of leading with patience and empathy."
Serving as president of the WMU chapter of DECA, a student organization offering professional development, fellowship and case competition opportunities, has been one of the most rewarding parts of Petroff's time at WMU Haworth. "I started as a founding member my freshman year. Being able to grow personally and professionally alongside the organization has been the highlight of my college career. Moving into the role of president, I focused on strengthening community and engagement, as well as creating opportunities for members to thrive. Seeing the organization become more active and connected has been incredibly meaningful."
Making meaning is something that Petroff does well, always seeking ways to apply the skills that she has learned through her student involvements and the human resource management program. Completing two internships—one at Bank of New York and one at Meijer—has given Petroff relevant experience in employee onboarding, tracking candidate pipelines, recruitment lifecycle, development programs, employee engagement, HR processes and operations.
"I'm incredibly grateful for every experience, opportunity and relationship I've been part of at WMU Haworth," she says. "Each role, each class and each mentor has contributed to my growth in a unique way. I'm humbled by the support I've received and excited to carry these lessons with me into the next chapter of my career. As I enter the workforce, I will always remember my roots at WMU Haworth."
Lochlan McElroy
Lochlan McElroy
The human side of cybersecurity
"Cybersecurity is a people problem first. The tech just supports it."
Lochlan McElroy is a cybersecurity major, a student organization co-founder and a sophomore with several industry certifications and a full-time job with the U.S. government. His success is due in large part to the WMU community—and it is the intersection of people and tech that interests him most.
"I've always said cybersecurity is way more human than technical, and the longer I'm in the field, the more obvious it becomes. Most attackers aren't breaking in through a Hollywood-style, zero-day attack. They're getting in because someone was tired, rushed or distracted. Phishing, fake multifactor authentication prompts, impersonation, social engineering and credential stuffing are all people-focused. The 'hack' is usually psychology, not code."
According to McElroy, the best education comes from learning how attackers think. "Once you understand the tricks, you start spotting them everywhere. Users can build simple habits, which make a huge difference. You don't need to be technical to be hard to fool."
I've always said cybersecurity is way more human than technical, and the longer I'm in the field, the more obvious it becomes.
Meeting people where they are has been a hallmark of McElroy's college journey as he has embarked on several experiences where relationships are central.
"When I got to WMU, I was seeking a hands-on environment to work on cybersecurity research and ethical hacking. Nothing quite fit, so my best friend and I decided to build the thing we wished existed. That became Western Research Advisory for Vulnerabilities, Exploits & Networks (WRAVEN). The goal from day one was for WRAVEN to be a reason students would want to come to WMU. The organization is a space to gain real experience through technical projects, undergraduate research, competitions and workshops."
WRAVEN has grown to more than 50 active members and over 100 participants in its Discord, including high school students and professionals from local companies.
McElroy is recognized as a leader both in WRAVEN and by faculty and staff at WMU. This past fall he was on the student planning team for WMU's Cybersecurity Summit, an event that explores the latest threats and challenges in the tech world.
"Running the WMU Cybersecurity Summit was wild in the best way," he says. "It was essentially spinning up a mini-conference while still being a student."
McElroy handled speaker invitations, scheduling and logistical needs. He also designed a beginner capture the flag competition with a series of practical security challenges that both students and professionals could solve. The competition received rave reviews from attendees and requests from educators to borrow the work for their courses.
"The biggest lesson I learned from organizing the event was how much communication matters. You have academics, industry folks, members of the government, vendors and students all on different wavelengths. My job boiled down to making sure things went smoothly and people were where they needed to be. It was controlled chaos with a badge."
When reflecting on his connections with faculty, companies and fellow students, McElroy sees the remainder of his time at WMU as an opportunity to help students find their own college hacks and grow their network (in all senses).
"Not everyone's college path looks the same. Mine is a great example. Because of the direction I'm taking with research, work and building WRAVEN, WMU is probably going to have me around a little longer than the average student. Cybersecurity moves fast, but the community side of it matters just as much. My goal is to help build a culture where students feel confident experimenting, breaking things safely and growing into roles they never thought they'd reach this early."
Karen Xospa
Karen Xospa
Forecasting the future
Karen Xospa—statewide scholarship recipient, student organization leader, mentor, intern and supply chain management major. Xospa has connected with peers and professionals to feed her desire for interpersonal relationships and industry success.
As a rotational intern at FEMA Corporation, Xospa has had two pivotal experiences. The first came during a production control rotation. "I worked on scheduling weekly production plans for our finished goods. I evaluated forecast data, spotting trends, creating charts and figuring out how upcoming demand would impact production and labor. It was the first time I truly saw how forecasting connects to what happens on the production floor, and it made all the class concepts I'd learned feel real and meaningful."
In her purchasing rotation, Xospa is leading a project to improve how FEMA tracks and communicates component shortages. "I'm building a system to give teams clearer visibility into shortages that disrupt our supply chain and what the root causes behind these issues are. The goal is to streamline the process and stay ahead of potential shortages instead of reacting to them. It's been a great challenge and has pushed me to think more strategically while working closely with different internal departments beyond purchasing."
Both rotations helped Xospa solidify her passion for supply chain. "Being at FEMA has energized me and allowed me to see the real-world impact of supply chain work, which makes me even more excited about building a career in this field."
For Xospa, her classroom extended from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Paderborn, Germany, as she participated in a business study abroad focused on negotiation that engages students from WMU and Paderborn University.
It's rewarding to give back by bringing employers, alumni and thought leaders directly to our students.
"My study abroad trip ended up being one of the best decisions I've made in college," she says. While in Germany, she took courses that explored global negotiation, European business practices and the cultural foundations that shape how organizations operate. "Learning directly in another country made everything feel more authentic, whether it was visiting local businesses, seeing daily life or simply observing how the economy and transportation systems are structured. The trip also gave me a deeper appreciation for how global supply chains fit together and how interconnected everyday decisions truly are."
Xospa notes that the study abroad experience made her feel more confident, independent and curious.
And those are the same feelings she hopes to grow in her fellow students as the vice president of the Supply Chain Management Association and the co-founder of Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence.
"The Supply Chain Management Association has opened doors for me, connecting me with industry experts, top companies and professionals who are shaping where supply chain is heading. It's rewarding to give back by bringing employers, alumni and thought leaders directly to our students. Being part of the team that creates these relationships and builds meaningful opportunities has shown me just how powerful a strong community can be. I genuinely love seeing my peers succeed."
Succeeding as a woman in a field where men have been the majority is something that Xospa keeps top of mind—driving her to create Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence at WMU Haworth. "Since establishing the chapter, we've remained focused on bringing in female leaders from the industry, hosting open conversations about career paths and workplace experiences, and creating hands-on workshops that build practical skills. Seeing students leaving events feeling inspired, supported and motivated has been incredible. Co-founding the organization taught me how powerful it is to create spaces where women can learn, connect and grow together. It strengthened my leadership skills and reaffirmed the importance of elevating women's voices in supply chain—something I plan to champion throughout my career."
Hosanna Ndikumana
Hosanna Ndikumana
From curiosity to clarity
As a sophomore, Hosanna Ndikumana has already had industry experience that rivals that of seniors at other business schools. With the chance to visit Plante Moran, Mercantile Bank, Parker Hannifin, CBIZ and UHY at the end of her first year at WMU Haworth, she gained a perspective on each company and her overall career path. "The Business Externship Program allowed me to visit a variety of companies and was inspiring. I look forward to applying everything I've learned in my journey ahead," she says.
And that journey includes intern positions at Seber Tans PLC for spring 2026, Wells Fargo for summer 2026 and Plante Moran for spring 2027.
With her sights set on earning her Master of Science in Accountancy and her CPA license, Ndikumana has the connections and confidence to succeed.
"I've already been able to engage with multiple companies through externships, conferences and mentorship opportunities. One highlight was participating in Plante Moran's Track Externship Program, where I had the chance to engage directly with firm leaders in conversations about career journeys, client relationships and the values guiding their work."
That experience led Ndikumana to secure her upcoming internship. "The Haworth College of Business connects you to your profession from the start. I've had access to experiences that most students don't encounter until much later. WMU Haworth is the right place for me to grow, because it's a community that invests in students early and equips us with technical skills and professional confidence."
And building professional confidence is a progressive learning experience. In Ndikumana's case, she has taken on a leadership role in NABA at WMU, which has given her opportunities to network with employers and explore the accounting field.
The Haworth College of Business connects you to your profession from the start. I've had access to experiences that most students don't encounter until much later.
"The chance to meet professionals from Big Four firms, regional accounting firms and corporate finance teams has been invaluable not just for networking, but for understanding the range of career paths available in accounting and analytics," Ndikumana says. "I've had meaningful conversations with professionals who've worked across International Financial Reporting Standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, implemented enterprise resource planning systems, and transitioned between audit, advisory and industry roles. Their stories helped me refine my own interests and ask better questions about where I want to grow."
In NABA at WMU, peer mentorship and practice interview sessions have been vital resources. "Events like resume workshops, mock interviews and panels give me space to practice professional communication and learn what recruiters are really looking for. I've especially appreciated the informal connections—talking with juniors and seniors who've interned at firms I'm interested in, or hearing how they prepared for the CPA exam."
"Together, these experiences have helped me move from curiosity to clarity," she says. "They've given me access to people who are generous with their insights, and they've helped me see that career development isn't just about landing a job, it's about building relationships, asking good questions and staying open to growth."
As Ndikumana moves from sophomore to junior, becoming a mentor to fellow students as they take on the electrifying experience of putting themselves out there is on her bucket list.
"Being part of NABA in particular has been transformative, not just professionally, but also personally. So many people have poured into me with guidance, encouragement and opportunity, and I carry that with deep gratitude. It's a space where I've learned to lead with integrity, ask better questions and celebrate others' success as much as my own. I want to make sure my peers get the same support, or even more, because we rise higher when we rise together."
Mo Tall
Mo Tall
The professional I aspire to become
"What drives me is the idea that financial knowledge can change the trajectory of someone's life," says Mo Tall, personal financial planning major and member of WMU ROTC.
Tall's academic journey is rooted in his own experience with financial literacy. "I come from a family of immigrants, and financial literacy was not part of my upbringing. That is why I am committed to using what I have learned through WMU Haworth and my internships to give back to my community. Sharing these fundamental concepts with people who may not have access to them has the potential to create meaningful change."
Tall has held two internships, which have built his skill set—the first at Stifel Nicolaus and the second at Zhang Financial. In both roles, he worked directly with CFP® and CFA® professionals to support client preparation, portfolio analysis and investment planning.
At Stifel Nicolaus, Tall supported eight CFAs across different departments, conducted market research, assisted with a wide range of client service tasks and had the opportunity to sit in on client meetings, giving him early exposure to the advisory process. That industry experience sparked Tall's interest in finance, especially investment banking and wealth management. He switched his major to personal financial planning after his first internship.
Next came a multi-year internship with Zhang Financial where his responsibilities included preparing client reports, organizing portfolio data and ensuring financial advisors have all relevant financial documents for each meeting.
"These combined experiences gave me a strong understanding of how advisory teams operate and how client relationships are built," says Tall. "I developed practical skills in financial analysis, attention to detail and communicating complex information clearly. Most importantly, my internships showed me the breadth of opportunities within wealth management and confirmed my desire to work directly with families to help them reach their financial goals."
Overall, the program has given me the technical knowledge, practical experience and confidence needed to enter the wealth management field fully prepared.
Tall's coursework in personal financial planning directly aligns with the full CFP® course sequence. The program provides a strong foundation in investment, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and tax strategy.
"Completing the CFP® education requirement as part of my degree has given me a significant advantage," says Tall. "The personal financial planning program prepares students for the rigor of the CFP® exam while also saving us thousands of dollars in outside coursework to prepare for the exam after graduation. The projects and case studies we complete mirror real client scenarios and strengthen our ability to analyze information, develop recommendations and communicate clearly. Overall, the program has given me the technical knowledge, practical experience and confidence needed to enter the wealth management field fully prepared."
Prepared is what Tall wants rising generations of students to be as well. As a Greenleaf Trust scholarship recipient, he was introduced to the firm's Wealth Development Club volunteer program. Tall spent the past year working as a volunteer with students from Kalamazoo Public Schools who are interested in financial literacy. "The program gives students, especially students of color, exposure to financial education and the confidence to understand concepts that will support them throughout their lives," Tall says.
Carlos Clay, program lead at Greenleaf Trust, has become an important mentor to Tall. "He has shown me a different side of the finance profession and has helped shape the type of professional I aspire to become. Using my finance skills in service work is a way I can have an impact in my community. When I volunteer on campus or in the community, I am able to take what I have learned through my coursework and internships and use it to support organizations that are making a real difference."
WMU President Russ Kavalhuna is taking his investment in student success to the next level, entrusting a student with managing a portion of his financial portfolio with the launch of the new Zhang Financial Presidential Internship. Tall was the inaugural recipient of the internship, building upon his past experiences as an intern at Zhang Financial.