Ty Ahmed

Ty Ahmed is a senior at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, double majoring in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance. As a first-generation student, he has exemplified resilience and leadership throughout his academic journey. Ty founded the Black in Business student organization to promote representation and expand career access for underrepresented students. He also served as an Engagement Ambassador and Business Student Ambassador, supporting outreach and inclusion efforts. Ty gained hands-on experience through internships at J.P. Morgan and Principal Financial, developing practical expertise in commercial banking and financial markets. His involvement in organizations such as Gamma Iota Sigma and the Vaughan Institute has deepened his technical knowledge in insurance and risk management. He represented Tippie internationally at the ENGCOMM case competition in Montreal and participated in the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Innovation Challenge, where he earned investment funding for a business venture. He also studied abroad in London and Australia, gaining valuable global business perspectives. After graduation, Ty will begin his career as a Commercial Banking Analyst at J.P. Morgan in Chicago. He is grateful and humbled to receive this recognition and thanks the Tippie College of Business for its unwavering support.

Meredith Arnold

Meredith Arnold is a sophomore from LeMars, Iowa double majoring in Finance and Management with a Spanish minor and Public Health Certificate. She serves as the President of the Psi Beta Chapter of Chi Omega, and as the Vice President of Finance for Tippie Senate. She is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a Hawkinson Institute scholar, and a Tippie Direct Admit Seminar Peer Mentor. In her role as VP Finance, she increased accessibility to the Tippie Senate Funding Cycle, allocating a record-breaking $3,932 to support Tippie student organizations’ initiatives, and spearheaded the Tippie Dry-Cleaning Initiative, bringing discounted dry-cleaning services to Tippie students. Outside of her involvements, Tippie has brought her countless new opportunities and connections, allowing her to study abroad in London, learn as a Krause Fund analyst, work as an Accounting Intern for Schuster Co. in 2024, and accept an internship this upcoming summer with Midwest Growth Partners in Des Moines, Iowa. Meredith is honored to be a recipient of the Tippie Top 21 Award, and is incredibly grateful for the community and support she has gained throughout her first two years here.

Leila Assadi

Leila Assadi is a second-year student from Bettendorf, Iowa double majoring in Economics and Political Science on the pre-law track. During her time at the University of Iowa, Leila founded Ethics Bowl at the University of Iowa, where she serves as the President, and has been a research assistant for the Disasters, Migration, and Violence lab, competitor on the NDCC Tippie Case Competition team, and teaching assistant for Intro to Honors. Last fall, she served as a Tippie Direct Admit Seminar Peer Mentor, a role she will resume for Discover Business at Tippie in the upcoming fall semester. Outside of the classroom, Leila works as the Communication Coordinator at Global Ties Iowa and has pursued learning opportunities around the world, namely through studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea as part of the Korea University Exchange and traveling to Fuzhou, China for the Bond With Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival. Leila is honored to be recognized for the Tippie Top 21 award and would like to thank her friends, advisors, professors, and parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. Leila looks forward to continuing her involvement in and representation of Tippie and the university in local and global settings.

Danielle Breen

Danielle Breen is a third-year from Fairfield, Iowa, majoring in Marketing with a certificate in Risk Management and Insurance, and Event Management. Throughout her time in Tippie, she has been actively involved in several organizations. She has been a member of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, where she has served as Recruitment Chair and Vice President of Fundraising. She is also a Marketing Institute Scholar and supports her peers through tutoring at the Frank Business Communication Center. Danielle’s experiences have led her to several unique learning opportunities, where she had the pleasure to represent Tippie as a participant at the 2025 National Women's Case Competition sponsored by Apple, and studying abroad in Italy through the CIMBA summer program. She works at the University of Iowa Jacobson Institute, a segment of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, as a Program and Events intern and will be an upcoming John Deere Marketing and Sales intern for the summer of 2025. She is sincerely grateful for the opportunities and relationships that have shaped her experience at Tippie and is honored to be recognized as a Tippie Top 21 award recipient.

Elio Celentino

Elio Celentino is a senior from San Diego, California, pursuing a dual degree in Finance and Sport & Recreation Management. Throughout his time at the University of Iowa, he has remained deeply involved on campus, taking on numerous leadership roles. He currently serves as Head Student Manager for Iowa Football, where he leads a team of 12 fellow student managers and oversees the coordination of game-day logistics, practice operations, and team events. Elio also supports incoming students as a BizEdge peer mentor, represents the university as an Admissions Panelist, and previously served as President of Petersen Residence Hall through Associated Residence Halls, where he helped launch Iowa’s inaugural WestFest event. Academically, Elio served as a Krause Fund Analyst in the Real Estate sector, sharpening his skills in valuation and financial modeling. His passion for the intersection of sports and business has led him to hands-on roles with the Kansas City Chiefs and Alliance Sport Marketing, as well as a wealth management internship with The Financial Specialists in Cedar Rapids. Elio is deeply grateful for the friendships, experiences, and growth he’s found through Tippie and is truly honored to be recognized as a Tippie Top 21 recipient.

Mallory Drake

Mallory Drake is a third-year student from West Des Moines, Iowa, pursuing a double major in Accounting and Business Analytics & Information Systems. Throughout her time at Tippie, she has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to professional development. Mallory has been actively involved in several student organizations, including Beta Alpha Psi, where she served as Vice President of Reporting, and Delta Sigma Pi, where she held the role of Vice President of Professional Activities. She broadened her global perspective by studying abroad in Italy through the CIMBA summer program. Professionally, she completed an audit internship with CLA throughout 2024 and is set to intern in tax at PwC in Denver during summer 2025. Looking ahead, she will join Deloitte’s London office as a Tax & Legal Analyst intern in spring 2026. Mallory credits Tippie for providing enriching experiences that have shaped her academic and professional journey. She is honored to be recognized as a Tippie Top 21 award recipient.

Melanie Gradeler

Melanie Gradeler is a graduating senior from France, double majoring in Marketing and Business Analytics & Information Systems. At the University of Iowa, she has been actively involved in several organizations, including the Business Student Ambassador Organization (BSAO), the Marketing Institute, Alpha Kappa Psi, and the American Marketing Association (AMA). She has held leadership roles such as Vice President and VP of Public Relations and Social Media for AMA, as well as Alumni Relations Director for Chi Omega. Melanie has completed three internships, most recently spending a year as a Marketing Operations Data Analyst intern at Workiva. On campus, she played a key role in revamping AMA’s marketing strategy and growing its membership, while also mentoring younger students and fostering alumni connections through professional development programs. Melanie is honored to be a Tippie Top 21 recipient, and is deeply grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and community she found at Tippie. Passionate about relationship-building and leadership, she looks forward to bringing these values into a full-time marketing role after graduation.

Nathan Holstrom

Nathan Holstrom is a senior from Urbandale, Iowa, studying Finance and Management. Throughout his time at Tippie, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and mentorship through his involvement in several organizations. His roles include President of MoneyThink, Director of Professional Development for Iowa Financial Management Association, Investment Chairman, and brother of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, as well as a scholar in the Hawkinson Institute of Business Finance. Outside of the University, Nathan has gained invaluable professional experience through internships at GuideOne Insurance in West Des Moines as a FP&A Intern, SoureFin in Cape Town, South Africa as a Special Projects Analyst through the iXperience Global Career Accelerator, and William Blair in Chicago as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst. After graduation, he will begin working full-time in Chicago at William Blair as an Investment Banking Analyst on the Healthcare team. He is honored to be named a recipient of the Tippie Top 21 Award and is grateful for all the opportunities, mentorship, and friendships that Tippie has provided over the last four years.

Andrew Hutchcroft

Andrew Hutchcroft is a senior from Davenport, Iowa majoring in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Management. Throughout his time in Tippie, he has made it a goal to take advantage of the many opportunities Tippie has to offer. He served as a Tippie Peer Mentor for the Direct Admit Seminar, assisting first-year students with their transition into Tippie. He is a member of the Business Student Ambassador Organization, acting as the VP of Scheduling and assisting with various Tippie admissions efforts. Andrew works at the Frank Business Communication Center as the Head Tutor, while also being an active member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. Outside of Tippie, he was an intern for Ernst & Young in Technology Risk Assurance. Following his graduation, he will return to the firm full-time in the Des Moines, Iowa office in the same role. Andrew is honored to be selected for the Tippie Top 21 award and is grateful for all the support he has received from family, friends, staff, and faculty.

Jordyn Johnson

Jordyn Johnson is a third-year student from Davenport, IA, studying Entrepreneurial Management and graduating in Fall 2025. For the past three years, Jordyn has strived to take advantage of everything Tippie has to offer. She serves as the Vice President of Black in Business, where she organizes professional development events in collaboration with companies, student organizations, and the Divine Nine. As a BizEdge Coordinator and Mentor, Jordyn supports and guides students through mentorship and scholarship engagement. She has represented Tippie in four national case competitions at Indiana University and the University of Texas, developing business strategies for companies like 3M, AbbVie, and Apple. Jordyn also completed an internship with the UI Center for Advancement, where she supported major gift outreach and international stewardship efforts. Beyond academics, she works at the Pomerantz Business Library as an associate librarian and holds two other jobs. Whether mentoring high school students through the Tippie Gateway Program or helping peers access resources on campus, Jordyn is committed to expanding perspectives and creating space for others to succeed.

Austin Lantermans

Austin Lantermans is a fourth-year student from Marion, Iowa, majoring in Finance and Corporate Accounting with a minor in Music. During his time at Tippie, he has demonstrated strong leadership and initiative through active involvement in student organizations. His roles include serving as President of Moneythink, Researcher for Hawktrade, brother of Alpha Kappa Psi, and mentor and scholar in the Hawkinson Institute. Additionally, he is the co-founder and President of Iowa Interactive Investments and the founder of the Freshman Finance Program. Austin has enriched his education through experiential learning by competing in national case competitions and studying abroad in London, England. Beyond the University, he has gained valuable professional experience through internships at CoBank in Denver as an Infrastructure Credit Intern and at Midwest Growth Partners as a Private Equity Summer Analyst. He is excited to intern with BDT & MSD Partners this summer in Chicago. Austin is incredibly grateful to his family, friends, professors, and mentors who have supported him along the way, and he is honored to receive the Tippie Top 21 Award.

Steven (Qiming) Liu

Steven (Qiming) Liu is a sophomore from Iowa City, IA, double majoring in finance and business analytics & information systems with a certificate in international business. During his time at Tippie, he has served in several organizations. He served as the Treasurer for Iowa Interactive Investment, Professional Development Chair for Alpha Kappa Psi, Director of Fundraising for Best Buddies, and is a board member for the Global Engagement Student Advisory Board. He is also a scholar in the Hawkinson Institute of Finance. Steven has furthered his academic interests through courses like Applied Equity Valuation and the Wall Street Prep Financial Modeling Bootcamps. Professionally, he interned at EMC Insurnace and is currently a Business Development Intern at SeatStock. Most recently, Steven accepted an offer to join BMO Capital Markets as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst for Summer 2026. Steven is incredibly grateful for the continued support of his mentors, professors, friends, and family, and he is honored to be recognized as one of Tippie's Top 21.

Charlotte Lokinu

Charlotte Lokinu was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo and immigrated to the United States in 2016. She is a second-year finance major at the Tippie College of Business, attending the University of Iowa on a fully funded scholarship. Charlotte interned with the Bank of Montreal in New York City during her freshman summer, where she discovered her interest in finance. She is currently a Hawkinson Institute scholar, vice president of investHer, treasurer for Black in Business, and a mentor in the BizEdge program. She also interns with the Institute for International Business, where she contributes to impactful projects supporting Sub-Saharan African entrepreneurs. This upcoming summer, she will return to the Bank of Montreal to intern across three of their core business lines. Her ultimate aspiration is to return to the DRC and play a leading role in rebuilding and reimagining her country’s future. She is honored to have received the Tippie Top 21 award and thankful to her Lord Jesus Christ, family, friends, and faculties who have helped her along the way.

Thi Nguyen

Thi Nguyen is a third-year honors student at the University of Iowa, double majoring in Economics and International Relations, with a Writing Certificate and on a pre-law track. A first-generation college student, she moved from Vietnam to Davenport, Iowa, during high school. Since arriving at the University, she has fully embraced every opportunity Tippie and the Economics Department have provided to grow, lead, and give back. She serves as President of the Economics Student Association, a Research Assistant, a student representative on the Teaching Award Committee, and a member of the Tippie Business Honor Society. Her academic work spans research on immigration and public goods, economics field experiments, and faculty-led studies exploring trust, cooperation, and decision-making. Thi has represented Tippie in national competitions, earning First Place in the 2024 Tenaska Business Challenge and Best Presentation in 2025. A Bright Scholar of Iowa and a TRIALS Scholar at Harvard Law School, she brings academic rigor into purpose-driven leadership and people-centered policymaking. Beyond the classroom, she has led outreach to demystify economics for new students, engaged in human rights work in Washington, D.C., and directed statewide digital outreach for the Bright Foundation. She is grateful to the mentors, peers, professors, and the Tippie College of Business for their transformative support and looks ahead to a future at the intersection of economics, law, policy, and justice.

Allisa Pandit

Allisa Pandit is a third-year double major in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Journalism on the pre-law track. A Dean’s List honoree and member of the Honors Program, she is dedicated to pursuing her passion for business law. Most notably, she has served on Tippie Senate, the undergraduate student government, as the Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Student Engagement—restructuring the election and appointment cycles, organizing events to honor student leadership, and demonstrating student advocacy as a liaison to the Undergraduate Program Office. Allisa has also been involved in Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Multicultural Business Student Association, and BizEdge Mentorship Program. At the University of Iowa Writing Center, she was selected as an Honors Writing Fellow, commenting on essays and conferencing with students in "Interpretation of Literature." Allisa writes for Zealous magazine, and she interned as a Legal Assistant at Brooks Law Firm this past summer. In the fall, she studied abroad in London for the semester and was chosen as a Global Access Ambassador, empowering students to learn beyond the classroom. Allisa is honored to be recognized among Tippie’s Top 21 and is grateful for the support and opportunities that made it possible.

Cecilia (Ceely) Patramanis

Cecilia (Ceely) Patramanis is a graduating senior from Bettendorf, Iowa double majoring in Marketing and Management with a certificate in International Business. She is a President’s List scholar and has developed strong leadership skills through her roles as Vice President of Fundraising for Delta Sigma Pi, DEI Director for Kappa Kappa Gamma, and team leader for the Marketing Institute. Over the past four years, she has strived to create a more inclusive community within the Tippie College of Business. As a sophomore, she participated in the President’s Leadership Class, where she conducted team-based research aimed at increasing students’ sense of belonging on campus. Outside of academics, Cecilia has studied abroad in Paderno del Grappa through the CIMBA Italy program and has worked as a Marketing Intern for the Jacobson Institute for two years. These experiences ultimately led to two internships with the John Deere Construction & Forestry Division. After graduation, Cecilia will return to John Deere as a Field Representative. She is honored to have received the Tippie Top 21 award and is deeply grateful to her family, friends, and the Tippie faculty for their continued support throughout her time at Iowa.

Stephanie Ramos

Stephanie Ramos is a third-year honors student double majoring in Marketing and Business Analytics & Information Systems, with a certificate in International Business. She is actively involved in multiple organizations and campus jobs that align with her personal values. Stephanie currently serves as the President of the Multicultural Business Student Association, an organization she has been engaged with since the fall of her freshman year. Additionally, she is a Tippie Engagement Coordinator for the BizEdge Mentoring Program, mentoring incoming first-year and transfer students. She is also a Marketing Institute Scholar, an Office Associate in the Office of Undergraduate Research, and a Game Day Assistant for Iowa Athletics. This upcoming summer, Stephanie will work as a Sales & Insights Analyst Intern at Motorola Solutions in Chicago. Stephanie is honored to be a recipient of the Tippie Top 21 Award and is grateful to her friends, faculty, mentors, and the opportunities Tippie has provided her.

Erin Schultz

Erin Schultz is a fourth-year honors student from Glenwood, Iowa. She is graduating with highest distinction with majors in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Marketing, along with a certificate in Leadership Studies. At Tippie, she has been actively involved in the Peer Mentor Program, Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Moneythink, and Tippie Business Honor Society. She was recognized as a Champion for Student Success for her commitment to peer mentoring and received the Carol Fethke Academic Excellence Scholarship through Tippie Business Honor Society. Erin served as Director of DEI Initiatives for Alpha Kappa Psi and Director of Recruitment for Moneythink, reflecting her passion for inclusive leadership and student engagement. One of her most meaningful experiences was working as a Tippie Career Services Student Intern during her junior and senior years, where she connected students with employers and career resources. Outside the classroom, Erin completed two internships with HNI Corporation and will begin her full-time career with the company as a Sales Development Specialist in Muscatine, Iowa after graduation. Erin is incredibly grateful for the support of her family, friends, mentors, and professors who have encouraged and inspired her throughout her college journey. Their guidance has played a meaningful role in helping her grow into the leader she is today.

Anjali Subash

Anjali Subash is a senior from Arlington Heights, IL, majoring in Marketing with a certificate in International Business. Her time at Tippie has been shaped by a passion for purpose-driven work, showcased through her Honors Thesis on how fear and curiosity influence public perceptions of Iowa’s nitrate-polluted water, a project rooted in sustainability and environmental awareness. Anjali is an intern for Tippie’s Social Impact Community, serves as Vice President of the American Advertising Federation, is a Writing Tutor at the Frank Business Communication Center, and a member of Women in Business. Outside of Tippie, she is the Vice President of Marketing for the Indian Student Alliance. Her professional experience includes marketing and data analytics internships at AST Corporation (Summers 2022 & 2023) and Bio: Neos (2024), where she contributed to strategic content development, campaign planning, and performance analysis. Upon graduation, she plans on attending law school to pursue a career in corporate law. Anjali is honored to have been selected the Tippie Top 21 award and is grateful to her family, friends, professors, and mentors for their unwavering support.

Jessica Valois

Jessica Valois is a senior from Villa Park, Illinois, studying marketing at the Tippie College of Business. She currently serves as the Coordinator of the BizEdge Mentorship Program, where she has supported first generation and underrepresented students through mentorship, workshops, and community building events. She is also the Recruitment Chair for Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., where she has focused on bringing in new members with purpose, uplifting women committed to academic excellence, community service, and sisterhood. She was recognized with the sorority’s 2024-2025 Undergraduate of the Year award. During her college career, Jessica worked as a Programming Assistant at the Latino Native American Cultural Center, where she collaborated with campus and community partners to create initiatives supporting student engagement and success. She also served as President of the American Association of University Women and Marketing Chair for the Multicultural Business Student Association. As a Student Development Clerk for the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Jessica contributed to stewardship efforts and donor outreach supporting programs like Tippie Gateway and BizEdge. In 2023, she studied abroad in Sydney, Australia, where she took International Marketing and studied global business practices. Jessica is honored to receive the Tippie Top 21 Award and looks forward to continuing to give back and representing first generation students with pride!

Bereket Ware

Bereket Ware is a senior at the University of Iowa, graduating with a double major in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Finance. During his time at Tippie, he has been deeply involved in mentorship and student leadership. As a program assistant for Hubbard Scholars, he helped foster a supportive community for Black men on campus through events and outreach. Bereket also serves as a tour guide for the Business Student Ambassador Organization and is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity that has helped him grow both personally and professionally. He has also gained hands-on experience through his internship at TS Imagine, where he contributed to billing operations, improved marketing communications, and collaborated on a revenue analysis project that identified key discrepancies in client accounts. After graduation, Bereket will continue his education at Iowa, pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics. He looks forward to applying his data and leadership skills to create meaningful change in business and community spaces.