35 Under 35: Meet Wichita State’s rising leaders
The inaugural Wichita State University 35 Under 35 honorees are making an impact across business, education, healthcare, technology, public service, the arts and nonprofit leadership. Through innovation, service and a commitment to improving their communities, these young alumni exemplify the spirit of Wichita State University.
Honorees will be recognized during a special 35 Under 35 Recognition Event on September 3 at Club 95 on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus.
ANGELICA CLARK ’17/21, adult mental health team supervisor at COMCARE of Sedgwick County, serves individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness while maintaining a private therapy practice. A licensed clinician and advocate for mental health awareness, she volunteers with the Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition and co-hosts Split Screen ICT, a podcast that explores mental health themes through movies and television.
BRIAN HARRIS JR. ’22, composer and music educator for Waco ISD, creates opportunities for students through music education, performance and mentorship. His published choral works have reached audiences nationwide, and his commitment to serving students in underrepresented schools reflects his dedication to expanding access to the arts.
CAROLINA LOERA LOZANO ’19, communications specialist for the City of Wichita, uses strategic storytelling and bilingual outreach to connect residents with programs, services and resources. A first-generation immigrant and former journalist, she remains active in nonprofit and civic engagement efforts throughout the community.
CASSANDRA SANDUSKY ’22, principal accountant for Sedgwick County, oversees management and reporting for more than $1 billion in county assets while supporting transparency and stewardship of public resources. She also mentors Wichita State interns and serves as treasurer of the Association of County Employees.
COLE MCDANIEL ’25, electronics module engineer at Textron Aviation, supports engineering innovation while dedicating significant time to mentoring Wichita State Formula SAE students. He also supports student engagement through his involvement with the Wichita State Fishing Club.
DALTON BLACK ’14/20, executive director of United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties, has expanded the organization’s impact through childcare, health, workforce and resource-navigation initiatives serving south-central Kansas. He also serves as president of United Ways of Kansas, where he founded the Kansas Community Navigation Collaborative.
DALTON GLASSCOCK ’17, Wichita vice mayor, is among the city’s youngest elected leaders. Through civic leadership, workforce advocacy and youth engagement initiatives, he has helped create opportunities for residents to participate in shaping Wichita’s future.
DERICK HOLMES ’18, manager of IT change management and IT problem management at Raymond James, leads enterprise-wide operational initiatives supporting teams across multiple countries. He has also dedicated more than a decade to developing young leaders through HOBY Kansas, where he currently serves as corporate board president.
DYLAN THIESSEN ’16/24, experience design leader at Koch, drives innovation, digital transformation and user experience initiatives across the global enterprise. He remains active in Wichita through the United Way of the Plains Serve United Advisory Committee and the Wichita Sustainability Integration Board.
EDDIE SANDOVAL ’17, founder and CEO of Pinole Blue, has built a nationally recognized food brand rooted in cultural heritage, entrepreneurship and wellness. Through partnerships, philanthropy and community engagement, he continues promoting healthy lifestyles while supporting Wichita organizations and events.
ELLE KABLER ’20, technology product manager at Heartland Coca-Cola, leads major technology modernization initiatives involving distribution, logistics and vending operations. A committed civic volunteer, she supports the League of Women Voters and numerous community service projects across the region.
GABRIEL FONSECA ’24, executive director of student engagement and belonging at Wichita State University, provides leadership for programs supporting inclusion, student success and campus engagement. He has served in numerous university leadership roles and is the first person to hold two terms as Staff Senate president.
GEORGIA R. ZAVALA ’22/24, director of the Etzanoa Conservancy, has led efforts to preserve, interpret and share the history of Etzanoa, one of North America’s largest Indigenous settlements. Her work has increased tourism, educational opportunities and historical awareness across Kansas.
GRANT BOYD ’18/19, manager of global sales excellence at Signature Aviation, leads customer experience and commercial initiatives supporting one of the world’s largest aviation service networks. A pilot, journalist and photographer, he has published more than 500 aviation articles and remains a strong advocate for Wichita’s aviation heritage.
HARRIET HAMILTON ’23, supply chain and network operations consultant with Deloitte, combines industry leadership with extensive support for Wichita State students through mentoring, recruiting and classroom partnerships. She also founded “Supply Chain Fridays,” a platform focused on professional development and industry education.
JAMES KRSTOLICH ’15, director of community relations and philanthropic partnerships at IdeaTek, helps expand broadband access and strengthen digital connectivity across Kansas communities. Active in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, he serves numerous organizations while advocating for economic opportunity and community growth.
JESSICA ALDRICH ’18/19, postdoctoral fellow and assistant professor at Oregon/ California Polytechnic State University, advances research focused on osteoarthritis, cartilage health and nanomaterials. She remains connected to Wichita State through advisory service while promoting health, inclusion and adaptive sports initiatives.
JOE MAZZARA ’22/23, director of esports at Wichita State University, has helped establish the university as a national leader in collegiate esports. His work includes developing championship-winning programs, creating major regional events and expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in gaming and technology.
LEXI PENKA ’20, senior human resources business partner for TJX Companies, has built a career focused on leadership development, talent growth and workplace culture. A mentor and community volunteer, she supports initiatives benefiting local schools, food drives and charitable programs while helping develop future leaders within her organization.
MICAELA HEINRICH-ARNDT ’19/24, director of development for the Wichita Symphony, has expanded philanthropic support for youth music education and community arts programming. Through strategic fundraising and partnership development, she continues increasing access to the arts throughout the region.
MORGAN HOOD ’17/19, assistant director of legal operations for the Big 12 Conference, works at the intersection of collegiate athletics, law and policy. She has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through leadership and volunteer work supporting free tax assistance initiatives.
NATANYA ORDONEZ ’23, academic program coordinator in Wichita State’s Barton School of Business, continues to champion first-generation student success, Latinx student engagement and campus belonging. As a student leader and professional staff member, she has helped create more inclusive traditions and programs across campus.
NATHAN RAY GASH ’18, fifth-grade teacher at Stone Creek Elementary in Derby, creates learning environments focused on academic growth, character development and student belonging. He also coaches tennis and wrestling while contributing leadership through school improvement and professional learning initiatives.
PARDHIV MARELLA ’20, director of IT and business intelligence at Heartspring, leads enterprise technology modernization efforts supporting children and families across Kansas. A former Airbus intern who rose into executive leadership, he also creates workforce development opportunities for local students.
PEDRO CORDEIRO POVOA CUPERTINO ’25, CAD/CAM instructor and research associate at Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research, advances aerospace innovation, digital engineering and workforce development. A nationally recognized SME 30 Under 30 honoree, he is also co-founder of aerospace startup ILIOS Aerospace.
RAHIM THOMPSON ’16, senior program manager at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, leads major exhibitions, public programs and global anti-hate initiatives. His work in testimony preservation, civic engagement and project leadership has earned multiple national and international honors.
SAMANTHA TEDDER ’18, associate director and clinical director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Wichita State University, provides leadership for student mental health services while fostering a culture of support and professional development among counseling staff.
SARA MAGNASCO ’19, community disaster program manager for the American Red Cross, leads preparedness, response and recovery efforts across Kansas and Oklahoma. Through volunteer leadership, emergency planning and disaster education, she helps communities become more resilient and better prepared.
SARAH JACK ’15, principal attorney at Fish & Richardson, focuses on complex intellectual property litigation involving life sciences and biotechnology. A nationally recognized rising attorney, she also champions LGBTQ+ inclusion and provides significant pro bono legal service.
SARAH MYOSE ’20, assistant director of digital communications and advertising at WSU Tech, artist and community organizer, uses creativity and public art to strengthen community connections throughout Wichita. As founder of BE SEEN and a contributor to numerous civic arts initiatives, she elevates underrepresented voices through engagement and storytelling.
SHALA JOHNSON ’24, marketing coordinator at Visit Wichita, helps promote the city through major tourism and destination marketing initiatives. Her work supporting events including TBEX and national sporting competitions has contributed to increased visitor engagement and economic impact.
SHELBY KELLERMAN ’16, managing editor of the Wichita Business Journal, oversees newsroom operations while continuing to produce award-winning reporting focused on economic development, healthcare and commercial real estate. Her investigative journalism has influenced public policy and community conversations.
STEPHANIE ROBINSON ’22, English and media communications teacher at Eisenhower High School, has earned recognition for her work in writing instruction and generative AI in education. She serves as editor for statewide educational publications and remains committed to amplifying student voices through journalism and literary arts.
TALHA KHAN ’25, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Quinnipiac University and affiliate campus director for the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, leads research in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and thermal systems while mentoring future engineers and researchers.
WYNN HUKLE ’17/21, vice president of revenue management systems for Coury Hospitality, oversees pricing strategy, technology implementation and portfolio integration efforts. Active in philanthropy and alumni engagement, she also serves as treasurer of the Women of Wichita Charitable Foundation.
