Informatics grad is an engineering leader, community-builder and K-Pop enthusiast
Chukwunonso Okonkwo. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Chukwunonso Okonkwo may need to invest in a new shelf to hold her many awards.
This spring, the stellar student is receiving her bachelor’s degree in informatics from the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. She is a member of the President Barack Obama Scholars Program, a recipient of the Sun Devil State Scholarship and an ASU Tillman Scholar. For efforts such as these, she has been named an Outstanding Graduate.
But Okonkwo’s real legacy could be her dedication to fostering a sense of community for fellow students. For this, she is also a recipient of the Impact Award.
As a member of the Engineering Projects in Community Service, or EPICS, program, Okonkwo created welcoming experiences for new and current students. She was also a success coach supervisor in the Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program, which provides high school students interested in STEM with the opportunity to earn college credit. Lastly, she worked as an office assistant lead in the Fulton Schools Student Success and Engagement Office.
“I have so much pride whenever I get the opportunity to speak to potential students who are touring and talk about how big their world could be here,” she says.
In her sophomore year, Okonkwo joined the National Society of Black Engineers, or NSBE. Over time, she became more involved in the group and ultimately served as its vice president. In that role, she worked with an NSBE liaison to gather more than $50,000 in corporate sponsorships, which enabled approximately 40 students to attend the group’s annual national convention.
She also maintained her love of dance through KoDe — the K-Pop Dance Evolution club.
Jesús Chávez, coordinator senior for academic and student affairs in the Fulton Schools, nominated Okonkwo for the Impact Award and says it is well deserved.
“Chukwunonso’s ability to engage in the community and support a culture of success is something I was privileged to observe,” he says.
After graduation, Okonkwo will relocate to Chicago, joining a global technology rotational program at the McDonald’s Corporation. In the future, she hopes to return to school and earn her master’s degree abroad. For now, she advises other students to seek challenging new opportunities.
“Through all my experiences, I’ve been able to learn more about myself and how I interact with the world,” she says. “I’ve learned just how important it is to pursue leadership no matter how early you start.”
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