ASU Alumni Association welcomes Class 9 into ASU Leadership Institute

On Wednesday, the ASU Alumni Association celebrated the induction of 24 accomplished alumni into Class 9 of the ASU Leadership Institute.

The ASU Leadership Institute is a nine-month professional and personal development program for Sun Devil leaders across a wide range of industries. Through nine monthly "innovation days," the participating cohort engages in conversations with ASU leadership, behind-the-scenes tours of the university’s hidden gems, and various campus events that encourage the group to rediscover their place in the Sun Devil community.

“The ASU Leadership Institute gives our alumni meaningful opportunities to re-engage with their alma mater,” said Ellyse Zwemke, director of affinity programs at the ASU Alumni Association. “A lot has changed since they graduated! We encourage our cohorts to immerse themselves in all of the exciting developments from ASU and remind themselves that they’re lifelong learners.”

Through their exploration of institutional commitments to excellence, access and impact, participants emerge from the ASU Leadership Institute as a close-knit cohort of Sun Devil leaders, advocates and ambassadors for the university.

“We at the association want to make sure we help people find their paths through the university to re-engage, be proud, be connected and be excited to be here,” said Morgan Harrison, president of the ASU Alumni Association, while welcoming the incoming class.

This sentiment has become fully realized by past cohorts. As part of orientation, attendees engaged with a panel of ASU Leadership Institute alumni who shared how the program reshaped their relationship with ASU. 

“It actually made me see that (ASU) is just special,” Marlon Booth from the ASU Leadership Institute Class 3 shared about his experience. “It will always have a special place in my heart.”

For members of the newly initiated Class 9, the ASU Leadership Institute offers an opportunity to invest in their professional growth and gain a new perspective on what it means to be a leader.

“I’m excited to make a commitment to this group for the year and grow, learn, meet people and continue to be a part of the ASU community,” said ASU alum Cynthia Bonilla.

Bonilla, the founder of Arizona Premier Home Care, said what drew her into the program was building meaningful connections with a small but intentionally thoughtful cohort.

“I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time,” she shared.

Cindy Bonilla, Arizona Premier Home Care

Cara Hammer Campbell, Pat Tillman Foundation

Carlos Caraveo, Nationwide

Jonathan Clark, Gila River Health Care

Megan Colvin, HonorHealth Four Peaks Medical Center

Chad Craig, Alcon

Haley Fagan, Andrew's

Melissa Farley, Stronger Today | Patty Melt Studios | The Morning Show

Marcy Fileccia, Coyotes Ice LLC

Hannah Jones, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group

Ciara Kelley, Desert Financial Credit Union

Mark Kokanovich, Ballard Spahr

Carrie Law, Cohere

Kristin Moore, JE Dunn Construction

Umi Novell, Mesa Municipal Court

Pranav S. Ramanathan, Coacharya

Angel Sanchez, American Indian Health–AHEC

Emily Schwartz, MidFirst Bank

Rebecca Shackelford, Ryan

Sonya Sharififard, Pepperdine University

Kyle Thomas, West Pharmaceutical Services

Marlen Uribe, Arizona State Treasurer’s Office

Cliff Wendel, Stryker

Teresa Ybarra, Duffy Group Inc.