ASU Leadership Institute announces Class 7 participants

The Class 7 cohort of the ASU Leadership Institute features 27 trailblazing ASU alumni who dream of positively impacting their communities through career enhancement and leadership.

Each year, the ASU Alumni Association selects a group of individuals to engage in a nine-month professional and personal leadership development program to inspire participants to build initiative and influence in their careers and beyond.

Ellyse Crow, director of affinity programs at the ASU Alumni Association, addressed the Class 7 crowd on Aug. 21 during the group’s orientation.

“ALI is designed to cultivate, connect and engage you as innovative community leaders. You will walk away with new leadership insights and the ability to become ambassadors for ASU.”

The program includes nine Innovation Days that occur once a month at various ASU campus locations, featuring a mix of facility tours, conversations with leaders and personal leadership activities. The group will also participate in elective opportunities, engaging in ways to honor ASU traditions, enhance the alumni experience or advance the university.

This year’s class includes outstanding alumni with a range of graduation dates from 1992-2023. Located throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, California, Texas and Georgia, this group implements their Sun Devil leadership and pride nationwide.

“I chose to apply because I love the experience I had at ASU…if ASU is doing something, I know it’s going to be done right, and I want to be a part of that. It just made sense for me to apply,” said Jay Williams, senior e-learning developer and media producer at Morehouse School of Medicine​ in Atlanta, Georgia.

With a vast representation of careers in private, public and nonprofit sectors, the 2024-25 cohort will grow in their understanding of various industries and collaboration best practices.

“One thing I’m really hoping to take away from this program is to understand how different organizations handle leadership,” said Jessica Haag, senior director of PR and marketing at Make-A-Wish Arizona. “Learning from your colleagues and finding how other organizations solve problems and handle new and creative opportunities is something I can take back to my organization.”

Toward the end of the group’s orientation, graduates spoke on a panel discussing the program’s perpetual impact on their professional journeys. Panelists touched on the importance of intentionality when forming new connections, encouraging self-growth and embracing the holistic journey.

“Coming out of ASU Leadership Institute, I felt re-enthused about being an alumni and talking about ASU…being able to feel more connected is something that has been inspiring to me,” said Kristina Chumpol, Class 5 graduate.

For more information on the ASU Leadership Institute and how to apply for Class 8, visit alumni.asu.edu/leadership-institute. 

Introducing the members of the 2024-25 ASU Leadership Institute:

Angelo Accomazzo, Duffy Group, Inc.

Amber Allen, Desert Financial Credit Union.

Pleshette Axtell, Moses Lake Industries.

Ben Bearden, Hilti North America.

Randy Biersdorff, JE Dunn Construction.

Brendon Blake, AARP Arizona.

Jon Desch, Willmeng Construction.

Tiffany Ellington, Small Giants.

Joe Forte, D-MAK Productions.

Brendan Franks, AZ Law Now.

Tim Gomez, Arizona State University.

Valerie Granger, Suntec Engineering & Design.

Jessica Haag, Make-A-Wish Arizona.

Sasha Houts, Lauren's Institute for Education.

Katherine Huffer, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Sierra Johnson, Sundt Construction.

Kate Kneip, Sundt Construction.

Sarah Muench, Muench Strategic Communications.

Mike Noble, Noble Predictive Insights.

Micah Pappas, WGU Academy.

Dana Rowitz, Omni Hotels and Resorts.

Ravi Seshachala, Blue Yonder, Inc.

Jolie Soza, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

Scott Stoker, Chevron.

Jason Turnquist, Fyresite.

Joy Vick-Waller, RES.

Jay Williams, Morehouse School of Medicine.