Arts and Culture Visionaries
From the big screen to the stage or concert hall, these visionary musicians, artists and producers are on the cutting-edge of creativity.
Melissa https://30under30.acquiadev.temple.edu/2024-award-recipients/artistic-visionaries/artistic-visionary-melissa-rakiro
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Melissa Rakiro, TFM ’16
Actress, Self-employed
Melissa is on her way to stardom, scoring supporting roles in major streaming shows alongside A-listers. But it was an encounter with Shakespeare at Temple that set her on her path to success.
Read Melissa’s full story.
Photo by Joseph V. Labolito
Ajibola Rivers, BYR ’16
Cellist, Composer
As a cellist, composer and teacher, Ajibola is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of Black and Latino musicians and culture in classical music.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Trevor Tran, BYR ’18
Artistic Director, Doctoral Student
Choral music has a unique ability to communicate with audiences. As a choral conductor, Trevor is harnessing that power to bring people together and heal the soul.
Read Trevor’s full story.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Evan Wise, TYL ’18
Data Analyst, U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission
After coming out as transgender in college, Evan lost ties with both his family and the conservative hometown where he grew up. Now he helps communities foster connections as a data analyst.
Read Evan’s full story.Change Igniters
Powered by purpose, these young alumni harness their skills to bring equity to the communities they serve.
Erin Agnew, LAW ’21
Staff Attorney, Homeownership, Philadelphia VIP
With a stellar educational track record and an undergraduate degree from The George Washington University, Erin had her pick of law schools. But she chose Temple Law for its focus on serving the public interest.
Read Erin’s full story.
Photo by Joerg Metzner
Soham Apte, DEN ’22
Associate Dentist, Beloit Community Health Systems and Familia Dental
At Temple, Soham discovered a zeal for community service and has since committed to providing care to underserved patients.
Photo by TBD
Anna Breece, CLA ’18
Director, Policy and Strategic Initiatives, City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce
Growing up in a hard-scrabbled corner of the Pocono Mountains, Anna learned the importance of jobs to a community. Now she works to bolster economic opportunity in her adopted home of Philadelphia.
Read Anna’s full story.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Deja Houser, SSW ’18
Hematology Social Worker, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
What does it mean to serve the community? For Deja, it’s advocating for and providing psychosocial engagement for youth, mental health counseling for clients and supporting families navigating end-of-life decisions.
Read Deja’s full story.
Simone Snead, CPH ’16
Manager, Mission Programs
March of Dimes
The miracles of reproduction have always fascinated Simone. But after eye-opening experiences during her undergraduate studies at Temple, Snead saw firsthand troubling disparities in outcomes for pregnant women. Now, she works toward making healthcare more equitable at the March of Dimes.
Read Simone’s full story.
Zari Tarazona, KLN ’19
Content Writer, City of Philadelphia Office of Innovation and Technology
Zari was known for her tenacity, determination and ability to connect with others while working as an editor for The Temple News. Now, she carries those qualities with her as a content writer for the city of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology.
Read Zari’s full story.Commerce Catalysts
These independent leaders challenge traditional ways of doing business and revolutionize their industries.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Lindsey Casella, KLN ’16
Business Consultant, Sustainability Startups
Lessons Lindsey learned at Temple gave her the confidence to question business practices she encountered in the real world and set her on a path to put ethics first.
Read Lindsey’s full story.
Daniel Clark, TYL ’17
Owner, D.P. Clark Studio
Daniel is fascinated with the story behind historical objects, driving his passion for art and restoration.
Photography by Joseph V. Labolito
Benjamin Thomas, FOX ’18
Engineer, Entrepreneur,
Producer
After graduating from Temple, Benjamin nearly took a 9-to-5 job in business. Instead, he chased his dreams of mixing music, and wound up with Grammys and platinum records.
Read Benjamin’s full story.
Andrew Tomasetti, ENG ’19
Owner and CEO, PAINT Philadelphia
Failing the eye exam for his military pilot license didn’t stop Andrew from realizing his dream of serving others. Today, his company, PAINT Philadelphia, gives team members a chance to develop themselves, lead others and realize their true potential while improving their community.
Read Andrew’s full story.Global Ambassadors
Whether they are fighting climate change or delivering medicine across borders, the reach of these alumni extends around the globe.
Riya Kulkarni, CST ’17
Resident Physician in Pediatrics, Phoenix Children’s Hospital
From India to Uganda to Peru to Mexico, Riya Kulkarni is out to solve global health issues in medicine.
Read Riya’s full story.
Alexandra Leber, CLA ’18
Tribal Support Specialist, The North Wind Group
Alexandra always had a passion for the outdoors. Today, she works as a tribal support specialist to ensure that everyone has access to safe, natural spaces.
Read Alexandra’s full story.
Andrea Miller, KLN ’17
Producer,
CNBC
After figuring out the direction she wanted her own path to take, Andrea spends her time helping audiences make sense of their world by explaining the odd factors shaping the global economy.
Read Andrea’s full story.
Leah Wenhold Parente, CST ’17
Geologist/Hydrogeologist, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Temple gave Leah a solid foundation on which to build her career as a geologist/hydrogeologist. Now she works to protect North Carolina groundwater and surface water from contamination.
Read Leah’s full story.
Tarik Richardson,
CLA ’19, ’22
Assistant Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, Xavier University of Louisiana
For Tarik, curiosity about his culture and history was part of his family’s legacy. Now he wants to pass that onto his students as a university professor.
Read Tarik’s full story.Science, Tech and Health Innovators
From implementing AI technology to promoting public health, these Owls are making their mark.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Anisa Ara, FOX ’20
AI Applications Specialist, IBM
Anisa has traveled the world and patented several big ideas, all by the age of 24. She says her career has come from her ability to think big about what’s possible, beyond one career “box.”
Elizabeth Blake, CLA ’20
Eugene Garfield Health Sciences Librarianship Resident
When Elizabeth met the first Black woman to ever become librarian of the U.S. Congress, it affirmed her decision to help blaze a trail for Black women in the nation’s libraries.
Read Elizabeth’s full story.
Stephanie Javier Fagbemi, MED ’21
Psychiatry Resident, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston
Stephanie Javier Fagbemi found her calling during her four years at Temple’s medical school, helping Philadelphians navigate COVID-19 while also leading racial justice efforts.
Read Stephanie’s full story.
Photo by Joseph V. Labolito
Ayesha Hassan, ENG ’20
Civil Associate, Highway, Michael Baker International
For Ayesha there are two kinds of roads: There are physical roadways she makes safer as a budding professional engineer and there’s the obstacle-filled course she mastered to achieve her dreams.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Nhi Nguyen, FOX ’20
Software Engineer, End-to-end, Digital Accessibility Testing, Walmart Global Tech
Nhi is dedicated to ensuring technology is inclusive and accessible to everyone and to building awareness about the importance of these efforts.
Read Nhi’s full story.
Photo by Joseph V. Labolito
Jaldhi Patel, CST ’19, ’20
Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Pennsylvania
Jaldhi always knew she’d end up in the medical field. But the diverse experiences she had at Temple are what made her the empathetic public health advocate she is today.
Read Jaldhi's full story.Sports Industry Standouts
On and off the playing field, these all-stars are taking the sports industry by storm.
Najeeb Emmanuel, CPH ’17
Assistant Athletic Trainer, Florida International University
By day, Najeeb is the coolheaded athletic trainer for an NCAA DI soccer team; by night, he helps Major League Soccer spot concussions and prevent further injury.
Read Najeeb’s full story.
Joey Glennon Jr., STH ’19
Assistant Video Director,
Carolina Panthers
Many people like watching pro football. But Joey Glennon Jr. lives it. The former video staffer for Temple football now plies his trade for the Carolina Panthers, where he shoots videos of practices, games and college prospects.
Read Joey’s full story.
Brynna Haupt, KLN ’21
Freelance Production Staff Member, Philadelphia Eagles
Brynna has adored sports for as long as she can remember. Today, she’s telling stories for the hometown football team she’s always loved.
Mary Kate Meals, STH ’20, EDU ’20
Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cleveland Cavaliers
Passionate about delivering unparalleled sports and entertainment experiences fueled by a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, Mary Kate is committed to getting everyone—regardless of race, gender and identity—on the courts and at the games.
Read Mary Kate’s full story.
Haason Reddick, CLA ’17
NFL Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles
From a Temple football walk-on to a Super Bowl contender, Haason has demonstrated his grit and talent on the field. Off the field, he gives back to the Philadelphia and Camden communities, a testament to Haason’s loyalty to his hometown.
Read Haason’s full story.