Ellie Hwang, UC Berkeley (Haas)
A CLASS OF COMPETITORS
This year’s Best & Brightest Business Majors certainly weren’t afraid to compete. At U.C. Berkeley’s Haas School, Ellie Hwang’s teams claimed four 1st place finishes in case competitions, including ones sponsored by L. E. K. Consulting and Y Combinator. Filippa Rodriguez also guided case teams at Purdue University’s Daniels School to four 1st place finishes (and four more 2nd place runs). Moving to USC’s Marshall School, Noah George’s team earned the top spot in the KPMG Ideation Challenge and Central European Case Competition, with George voted the top speaker in the latter. This year, Marshall finished 2nd in the Champion’s Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand. Sean O’Connell, Marshall’s director of international undergraduate programs, describes the Champion’s Trophy as the “de-facto world championships of undergraduate business case competitions.” One reason: It demands more than any other competition.
“The Champions Trophy competition consisted of 5 5-hour cases,” O’Connell continues. “Students were not made aware of the case company or question beforehand, and had 5 hours to analyze, develop, and propose a solution. No books, no internet, no outside assistance at all.”
That competitive spirit extends to the courts and fields, where the Best & Brightest often practiced the leadership lessons they explored in class. At the College of William & Mary, Chloe Ausburn served two years as the captain of the women’s soccer team…when she wasn’t busy researching US-Chinese relations or nuclear security. Not only was Buckley DeJardin elected captain of Carnegie Mellon’s basketball team, but was voted onto the district All-Academic team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Lipscomb University’s Nate Walace and Marian University’s Shadi Al Tori each spent three years as team captains for their track and field and tennis teams respectively. For Bucknell University’s Bella Schraa, water polo taught her more than any business case or exercise. After losing 26 games as a freshman, the team embraced change and worked to create a winning culture.
Grace Ehlert, Washington University (Olin)
The result? “I’m now going into my senior year with high hopes of appearing in the Collegiate Water Polo Association championship game this April,” writes Schraa, who’ll be moving to San Francisco to work as a financial analyst after graduation. “Water polo has taught me many valuable lessons that I will carry into my professional career. By experiencing many high moments and low moments with my team, I was taught the value of perseverance, leadership, and trusting the process.”
At Washington University, Grace Ehlert raised back-to-back national championship banners in women’s soccer. A three-year starter and two-time captain, Ehlert also made Division 3 All American twice – along with a slew of All Academic awards. In the case of Tyler Porter – a self-described “analytics storyteller” – he actually made an impact in sports without ever having to compete.
“This fall, I directed an SEC Network + broadcast for a Tennessee Soccer match,” writes Porter. “This was a rewarding opportunity because it was an accumulation of work put in through the years at a variety of roles, including camera, replay, and technical directing, that prepared me for success that day. I have also had the opportunity to work with the Tennessee Men’s Basketball team and develop statistical models for predicting player performance. This experience has been rewarding to implement classroom knowledge into a fun, fast-paced, real-world context.”
FROM STUDENTS TO ENTREPRENEURS, CREATORS, AND LEADERS
Sometimes, the Best & Brightest channeled these classroom lessons into ventures of their own. At the University of California Berkeley’s Haas School, Jonathan Lee is combining his Business Administration and Molecular and Cell Biology majors to co-launch a consumer products venture, CraveX. Here, Lee and his partner are developing “scientific-backed” solutions like gum to reduce sugar cravings.
“The ALOE equation (Assets Equal Liabilities Plus Owners’ Equity) that every business student learns became real through experience,” Lee admits. “What you build must be supported by what you owe and what you are willing to invest. Building a company with my cofounder has felt like raising a child. It demands constant communication, shared responsibility, and the patience to nurture something through uncertainty while protecting its long-term future.”
Viveca Henry, University of Michigan (Ross)
Other times, the Class of 2026 created opportunities for future business majors to learn and network. Exhibit A: The Ross Entertainment Conference (REC•), founded by Viveca Henry, a University of Michigan grad ticketed to DaVita. According to Sarah Zimmerman, a business communications lecturer at the Ross School, the summit panels and workshops attracted directors, creatives, and executives from leading entertainment companies, including Creative Artists Agency and Wallybird Productions. In the process, Henry turned REC• into the school’s largest business conference.
“Through REC•, we’ve been able to expose students and community members to new career paths in entertainment and foster connections that didn’t previously exist,” Henry tells P&Q. “I’m proud that this organization is helping put Michigan on the map in entertainment, while creating a lasting impact for students and the community alike.”
The same could be said for Eric Bedrosian, a senior at Butler University’s Lacy School. As a freshman, he founded the university’s chapter of DECA, the world’s largest business-focused student organization. Not only did Bedrosian turn Butler into the 2nd-largest DECA chapter among 210 campuses worldwide, but served as the organization’s international president. At Georgetown University’s McDonough School, Luke Hogan developed a program that paired first-year students with upperclassmen mentors to help them navigate the transition to business school. Beyond campus, Hogan could be found helping local residents with tax preparation – all while nearly quadrupling volunteer membership in Hoya Taxa to 48 members as the organization’s president. When it comes to leadership, it would be hard to top Noah Miller. In the Rutgers University Navy ROTC, he served as a commanding officer, company commander, and squad leader – not to mention its academics officer and treasurer. He even found time to serve as a TA in two finance courses. Come graduation, he’ll continue his military career as a Naval Aviator.
“It is the culmination of a rigorous journey but more importantly the delegation of authority from my superiors to lead sailors in the future. It is especially impactful for me because I feel that throughout the process of earning the title of a Naval Officer, I have made myself an extremely well-rounded individual.”
HELPING TO PROTECT THE VICE PRESIDENT
The Class of 2026 certainly earned the respect of faculty…as these students were often viewed as equals as much as proteges. Jonathan Lee has published a peer-reviewed article in the Boston Congress of Public Health Review, while Anna Parry has already earned her SHRM-CP certification in human resources. In collaboration with Professor Keith Munsell at Boston University’s Questrom School, Gregory Durgin helped create an AI-driven real estate valuation system that “accurately valued 1.1 million properties…in less than 5 minutes.”
Josh Mizrahi, Loyola Marymount University
Of course, the Best & Brightest had been well-prepared for such feats by their internships. As a sophomore at Texas A&M’s Mays School, Susan Liu interned in public affairs strategy for the U.S. Space Force for eight months – a role that helped prepare her for the Operations Leadership Development Program at Lockheed Martin. Last summer, Chloe Ausburn operated out of Germany performing research for the U.S. Department of Defense. Similarly, Caroline Kern, who’ll start law school after graduating from Georgia Tech’s Scheller College, spent five months in intelligence and counterterrorism for Delta Air Lines. That doesn’t even include Josh Mizrahi, a Loyola Marymount senior who spent much of 2024 as part of the advance team for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“In this role, I supported advance operations for official Vice-Presidential travel and coordinated logistics alongside the United States Secret Service and local authorities,” Mizrahi tells P&Q. “Every detail carried weight, and every decision required professionalism and composure. Operating in a high-stakes environment strengthened my ability to perform under pressure and reinforced my confidence in handling significant responsibility. Being entrusted with national level operations at a young age solidified my commitment to pursuing law and public service at the highest level.”
A TRIBUTE TO JANEY
Sometimes, you would find the Best & Brightest Business Majors contributing in areas you might not expect. That was the case with Michael Pinette, who performed the lead role of Jack in Lehigh University’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest…despite have no previous theater experience.
“Taking part in the production required me to commit fully, learn quickly, and become comfortable being uncomfortable, especially while balancing coursework and other responsibilities… Even late in college, when it’s easy to rely on what you already know, the experience reminded me of the value of continuing to challenge myself. It reinforced that real growth often comes from trying something unfamiliar, staying open to feedback, and showing up consistently.”
…and never forgetting those who made a difference too. Two years ago, Maddie Shannon lost her best friend and fellow basketball fanatic, Janey Thompson. To turn tragedy into triumph, Shannon started Jam for Janey, a three-on-three basketball tournament that brought the Wake Forest community together to fund student scholarships.
“The day itself was filled with laughter and connection across so many different organizations on campus—exactly what Janey would have wanted. My close friends and I were able to channel our grief into something positive, ultimately raising over $130,000 to endow a physics scholarship in her name. It was incredibly meaningful this past fall to meet the student who received the scholarship and see Janey’s legacy continue through them.”
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BEST & BRIGHTEST
Stephanie Ramos, University of Iowa (Tippie)
Outside of business school, the Best & Brightest boast unique abilities and colorful stories. The University of Dayton’s Megan Taylor drives forklifts, while the University of Massachusetts-Amherst’s Nick Wang dealt Blackjack in a casino. Wharton’s Leah Elesinmogun competes in horseback riding – and the University of Iowa’s Stephanie Ramos did the same in gymnastics – even learning Russian from her coaches. Arizona State’s Ariyal Jain has mastered over a dozen dance styles ranging from hip hop to Bharatanatyam. Likewise, the University of Houston’s Alexander Lammayot has played cello in various symphony orchestras across Texas.
In many cases, the Class of 2026 turned their hobbies into ventures. The University of Delaware’s Julia Birchfield once owned a bakery focused on cake decoration. Since high school, Caroline Kern has styled hair for weddings and photoshoots. Matthew Merril opened a pop-up restaurant in his dorm. And the University of Illinois’ Jonathon Jacome even ran an independent music label. Let’s not forget Jonalie Zamora. A Marquette University senior and Accenture hire, Zamora has built a unique side hustle.
“Since 2022, I’ve grown my crochet brand, Little Artsy Aloe, selling over 15,000 crochet patterns and products,” she tells P&Q. “In order to bring those ideas to life, I need to know my way around crochet, which is rooted in more mathematical equations than one might think. By using my programming knowledge, I can plug in those equations to design my design process easier. You’d usually never think of crochet and programming code in the same sentence, but there’s something beautiful that emerges when you combine a systematic approach with the right amount of creativity.”
And the class can also draw upon some unforgettable experience. Both Buckley DeJardin and Eric Bedrosian have each appeared in a Netflix series. Phoebe Vanna was part of the group of Wisconsin School of Business faculty and alumni who rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange’s podium. Susan Liu has taken the polar plunge…in Antarctica. And let’s just say you’ll never endure a dull moment around Notre Dame’s Cole Cherian.
“I embrace calculated risks: I’ve freedived with tiger sharks and skydived from 13 000 feet, experiences that taught me to seek growth outside my comfort zone.”
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, the Best & Brightest bring a long list of goals for their future. Megan Taylor, a sales and marketing whiz, hopes to someday ply those talents into running a nonprofit that supports children with disabilities – a dream inspired by her sister, a brain cancer survivor. Josh Mizrahi plans to start a flight school to train pilots and combine his passions for entrepreneurship and mentorship. That same spirit may ultimately inspire Viveca Henry to launch her own production company (with accompanying studio lot).
“[Here], I can bring together diverse storytellers and nurture creative projects from start-to-finish. Having both the company and studio space would allow me to support and collaborate with filmmakers, providing the resources needed to develop, produce, and showcase powerful, original content. This dream reflects my passion for uplifting voices in entertainment and shaping narratives that inspire audiences worldwide.”
Francesco Salamone, Wharton School
In the coming years, Mary Esposito imagines herself giving a TED Talk and landing a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Matthew Merril is looking forward to someday opening a restaurant group that disrupts the industry. Like many graduates, Caroline Kern would love to someday write a book.
“Writing has always been an integral part of my life, from keeping a paper planner to daily journal entries. I hope that one day I will have gained enough experience and insight to guide others in discovering their passions, sharing fascinating anecdotes along the way. I envision the book as a way to share lessons I’ve learned about personal growth, resilience, and purposeful living—stories that might inspire others to navigate their own journeys with intention.”
If those dreams don’t pan out, they’re bound to find even better ones to pursue. Just ask Francesco Salamone, Wharton’s resident philosopher-poet who headed the Impact Investment Club when he wasn’t mentoring high school students or volunteering in grief counseling. In his view, it is folly to plan too far ahead in life. Instead, the best approach would be for the Best & Brightest to live in the moment, relish what they’re doing, and never be afraid to take risks or change course.
“[Now], I am working on my management thesis about the preprofessional culture of my community, the University of Pennsylvania, and I am taking my first fine arts class, where we are preparing an end-of-semester exhibition also open to my community. My life is here. Once I am done, I can see myself training as an existential psychoanalytic psychotherapist, working in emotional skills coaching, teaching English abroad, writing fiction about business, all, none, or something else. Only time will tell us both. Exciting!”
Go to Pages 3-4 for 100 in-depth profiles of the 2026 Best & Brightest Business Majors