Women and Allies of the Eller College are Celebrated at the Annual Women Who Shine

On March 29, members of the Eller MBA community gathered in McClelland Hall to celebrate the annual Women Who Shine event. 

Women Who Shine celebrates women and allies of Eller College. This year’s event recognized MBA leaders, students and alumni whose dedication fosters growth and gratitude within the community.

During the celebration, awards were given out to those who humbly make a difference every day by going above and beyond to support and elevate those around them to thrive.

Katie Maxwell, senior lecturer in accounting and director of the Dhaliwal-Reidy School of Accountancy, and Paul Melendez, University Distinguished Outreach Professor and Founder of the Center for Leadership Ethics, were both recipients of the Sunlight Award. The Sunlight Award honors faculty members who go above and beyond to personally assist every individual in a way that makes a meaningful difference and contributes to the community. They are individuals who exemplify a strong commitment to helping their students succeed at Eller.

The Lighting the Way Award recognizes alumni who continue to embrace the Eller way—integrity, excellence, innovation, determination and inclusion. They are making a difference by mentoring, hiring, opening pathways and leading change for others in their companies, personal lives and communities. Recipients of this year’s Lighting the Way Award were:

Collette Brown-Rodriguez ’22 MBA

Kim Cota-Robles ‘19 MBA

James Harris ’19 MBA 

Terra Higginson ’23 MBA

The Sunburst Award honors a community member who encourages and goes the extra mile to serve students, faculty, administration and the community. This honoree is a leader, mentor and ally who delivers strategic guidance and makes a positive impact on everyone who crosses their path. This year’s Sunburst Award was given to Nancy McClure, Eller College board member and first vice president of CBRE.

The Shining Student Award goes to second-year MBA students who are driving change as leaders in their cohorts, communities and businesses. These students advocate for equity at Eller and inspire and elevate their cohorts and colleagues. The Shining Student Award winners were:

Mansi Patange ’24 MBA

Ian Leones ’24 MBA

Alexis Sosa ’24 MBA

Ayla Kapahi ’24 MBA

Jacob Combs ’24 MBA

Martina Ward ’24 MBA

Ethan Brooks ’24 MBA

Christina Thompson ’24 MBA

Morgan Toone ’24 MBA

Mayra Chimienti ’24 MBA

Bob Griffin ’24 MBA

The Women Who Shine Event represents Eller’s continual commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity, innovation and excellence.