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Rabeya Akhay

2024 RISE Cohort

2024 RISE Cohort

Rabeya Akhay

Rabeya Akhay

rabeya.akhay43@myhunter.cuny.edu
CUNY Hunter College

Rabeya Akhay is an Analyst in TMT Corporate Banking at Wells Fargo, based in New York City. She is a FINRA-licensed investment professional, holding the SIE, Series 63, and Series 79 licenses. Rabeya earned her B.A. in Economics along with a Certificate in Business Studies from CUNY Hunter College. During her time at Hunter, she was actively involved in campus business organizations and served as President of the Association of Business Students in her senior year.

Outside of work, Rabeya completed the RISE Career Launch Fellowship Program as part of the 2024 Cohort, is a member of Industry Plus, and serves as an Executive Chair for YS MUNA’s Manhattan Division. In her free time, she enjoys staying active and discovering new cuisines with friends.

Rabeya is energized by opportunities to learn and grow. She is driven by curiosity, a commitment to personal growth, and a passion for applying strategic insight to create meaningful impact.

Mary Awopileda

Mary Awopileda

maryawopileda@gmail.com
Vanderbilt University

My name is Mary Awopileda, and I’m a Data Analyst at Mondelēz International in Chicago, Illinois. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Human and Organizational Development and Computer Science. I’ve previously interned with both Mondelēz and the Tennessee Valley Authority, and I’m especially curious about how we can build sustainable technology for companies.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about music history, personal style, and finding creative outlets—I love clothes and fashion, and I’m currently learning how to sew.

Zhane Coleman

Zhane Coleman

colemanze123@gmail.com
Fordham University

Zhane Coleman works full-time as an Assistant Site Merchandiser at West Elm in New York City. In this role, she owns many recurring projects and initiatives that contribute to smooth and successful seasonal launches of new products. She not only assists with site maintenance but also with digital strategy, where she works to create a more customer-friendly experience that drives sales on the website. 

Zhane is a Detroit native, who recently graduated cum laude from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technologies and Emerging Media and a minor in Marketing. While in school, she was recognized for her academic excellence and dedication, she is a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society and has been on the Dean's List.  

Zhane’s previous work experience includes interning at West Elm with the site merchandising team, at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan with the corporate communications team, and with Bank of America as a student leader.

Passionate about the arts, Zhane is enjoying her time in New York, taking advantage of all the art and culture the city has to offer via Broadway shows and museum visits. 

A proactive leader and creative, Zhane is excited to be part of the Rise Career Launch Program.

Kyla Hubbard

Kyla Hubbard

khubbard.102@gmail.com
Florida A&M University

Kyla Hubbard is an Account Coordinator at Civic Entertainment Group, where she brings brand stories to life through experiential campaigns that resonate. She’s worked with major clients like Verizon, Audible, and Canva, helping them build genuine connections through creative strategy, community engagement, and flawless execution.

With a background in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University and current graduate studies in Integrated Marketing Communications at West Virginia University, Kyla blends editorial insight with marketing precision. Her storytelling roots and strategic mindset allow her to craft campaigns that are both meaningful and memorable.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kyla is deeply committed to service, leadership, and impact. In her downtime, she can be found crate-digging for vinyls, reading a good book, or spending time with loved ones.

Dahlia Igiraneza

Dahlia Igiraneza

dahlia.igiraneza.me@gmail.com
Dartmouth College

Dahlia Igiraneza is a software engineer at Microsoft Corporation, where she works on a team dedicated to identifying and mitigating credential leaks in data, advancing the security and resilience of digital systems at scale.

Originally from Kabarondo, Rwanda, Dahlia is deeply passionate about cybersecurity and its power to protect individuals, safeguard information, and uphold trust in a rapidly evolving digital world. She approaches her work with a blend of technical precision and purpose-driven focus, aiming to build secure, reliable systems that serve and empower people and organizations worldwide.

Dahlia graduated from Dartmouth College, where she nurtured both her engineering expertise and her commitment to community. On campus, she served as a mentor for first-year students through the First Generation Office and supported aspiring engineers as a mentor and teaching assistant with Thayer School’s Dartmouth Emerging Engineers program.

Today, Dahlia continues to invest in the next generation of engineers. She is actively involved in Microsoft’s internship program, helping incoming interns get oriented, feel welcomed, and gain insight into the company’s culture and values. She remains dedicated to building inclusive, supportive spaces in tech, especially for those just beginning their careers.

Juliette Lange

Juliette Lange

Juliettemlange@gmail.com
Wellesley College

Juliette Lange currently serves as an Admissions Counselor at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. In this role, she actively recruits prospective students and guides them through the application process, ensuring equitable access to higher education for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Juliette holds a degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from Wellesley College and brings a strong foundation in community development to her work. 

With a multidisciplinary education in both the sciences and the humanities, Juliette is deeply fascinated by the uniqueness of individuals and the complexities of the human experience. She is passionate about fostering inclusive, equitable environments and leveraging accessibility to unlock opportunities. Her mission is to bring together diverse perspectives to build resilient, well-informed communities. 

Outside of her professional endeavors, Juliette finds joy in spending time outdoors, whether hiking, cycling, or tending to her vegetable and mushroom gardens. An aspiring baker, she delights in crafting and sharing homemade treats with loved ones. 

Juliette is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in higher education by advancing inclusivity initiatives and empowering students to navigate the transformative journey of college life.

Natalie Matthai

Natalie Matthai

natalie.matthai@gmail.com
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Natalie Matthai is an Account Manager at SOCIALDEVIANT, a creative agency based in Chicago. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Natalie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BBA in Marketing and a BS in Theatre and Drama (Acting). 

Combining her skills in storytelling and organization, Natalie is passionate about seeing campaigns through from idea to execution. Whether leading internal teams or working directly with clients, Natalie thrives on driving collaboration and creating impactful work that delivers on account objectives. Natalie’s experience spans brands like Brooks Running, JOANN, Medela, Bumble Bee, and Minute Maid Spiked, where she’s been able to leverage her background in theatre for creative problem-solving and client communications. 

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys acting, running, cycling, and traveling to places where she can immerse herself in new cultures and ideas.

Jenisis Moreland

Jenisis Moreland

jsmoreland16@gmail.com
Purdue University

Jenisis Moreland is a Marketing Representative in Small Ag and Turf at John Deere. She specializes in customer engagement and developing market research for new products. Previously, she worked on product development for over one hundred utility vehicle attachments. Currently, she works on enabling John Deere Dealer success through e-commerce. 

Jenisis received her Master's degree in Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. She also received her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness with a minor in economics from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Jenisis is passionate about improving food access and food security in black and brown communities through the power of agricultural education. Jenisis has been heavily involved in the organization MANRRS (minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and other related sciences) for the past seven years as an advocate and a previous chapter E-Board member. She assisted with exposing minorities to agriculture, the various opportunities agriculture has to offer, and the impact the industry has on our everyday lives. In her free time, Jenisis enjoys reading, doing yoga, swimming, spending time with family and friends, and going on nature walks.

Nicole Amevi Soglo

Nicole Amevi Soglo

nickysoglo17@gmail.com
UNC Greensboro

My name is Nicole Amevi Soglo. I was born and raised in Togo, West Africa, and moved to the United States eight years ago to pursue my education and career. Growing up in a business-oriented family, I developed a strong passion for entrepreneurship from a young age. This passion led me to earn an associate's degree in Business Accounting and a bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship. I have over three years of experience in recruitment, during which I supported talent acquisition efforts and helped connect top candidates with the right opportunities—primarily within the sales and marketing industry.

In addition to my recruitment experience, I am the proud owner of a small business that I have successfully operated for over three years. This venture has allowed me to apply my entrepreneurial skills in real-world scenarios, demonstrating creativity, leadership, and resilience in a competitive market. My commitment to entrepreneurship has been recognized through two awards from the Collegiate Entrepreneurial Organization Club, with the support of Dr. Welsh. These accolades highlight my dedication and accomplishments in the field of business. I am a naturally curious and creative person who thrives on learning and innovation. My strong faith also plays an essential role in guiding both my personal values and professional goals.

Through my journey, I hope to inspire others and continue making a positive impact in the business world and beyond.

Ashley-Rae Stewart

Ashley-Rae Stewart

ashleyraestewart@gmail.com
Boston College

Ashley-Rae Stewart is a Corporate & Investment Banking Analyst at Wells Fargo, specializing in the Industrials sector, where she delivers strategic financing solutions to clients. Passionate about impact investing, she is dedicated to advancing access to capital for underrepresented businesses, believing that equitable financial resources are essential for driving innovation and sustainable growth. 

Ashley-Rae holds a degree in Sociology with a minor in Finance from Boston College. During her time on campus, she co-founded the Black Business Association, served as a Success Coach Tutor and Resident Assistant, and participated in a Service Immersion Trip to South Africa. She also spearheaded multiple research projects examining the intersection of Sociology and Finance, with a focus on wealth disparities. Committed to professional development, she participated in programs such as MLT, SEO, BLK Capital Management, and Inroads.

Beyond finance, Ashley-Rae is the author of "The Friend I Never Wanted," a published children’s book inspired by her personal experiences with bullying. In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, painting, tennis, and running.

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