2017-2018 Fellows

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

My name is Sophia Aamir Ahmed, and I’m from Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. I graduated from Karachi Grammar School, and during my time there I focused my studies on economics and mathematics, and additionally took part in various competitions related to entrepreneurship. My interest in business began at the age of 16 when I started my own home based bakery, and I wish to accumulate more knowledge within this scope. I am excited for the Economics Management Fellowship Program, and also to be at OWU for furthering my education. I hope to gain more knowledge and expertise during my journey here.

Hometown: Long Beach, CA

My name is Evan Cook, and I’m from the important port city of Long Beach, California. I attended the 4000-student Millikan High School and participated in golf, football, cross country, community service, marching band, symphonic winds, and a number of AP classes. I took a gap year during which I worked full-time in electronic data imaging and claim data processing with Advanced Medical Management. I plan to major in economics and perhaps double-major in International Studies. My fantastic Macroeconomics teacher sparked my fascination in economics. I am very excited to be involved with the Economics Management Fellows program and to attend OWU!

Hometown: Hurricane, WV

My name is Lucas Cooper, and I am from Hurricane, West Virginia, where I attended Hurricane High School. Last year, I was the president of my school’s DECA chapter, as well as the captain of the football team. I was fortunate enough to qualify for the DECA International Career Development Conference each of the last four years. It was because of these experiences with DECA that I gained a passion for the business world. I have also been blessed enough to be able to play the game of football. It was with football that I learned important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and determination. I’ll be continuing my football playing for the Bishops and hope to find success both on and off the field in the years to come.

Hometown: Westerville, OH

My name is Jack Funderburg and I am from Westerville, Ohio. While attending Westerville Central High School, I participated in basketball, golf, and National Honor Society. At OWU, I plan on double-majoring in finance and business administration, as well as playing golf for the Battling Bishops. I became interested in economics when I heard several financial advisors from Charles Schwab talk at my high school. I am very excited to be in the EMF program and spend my next four years at OWU!

Hometown: Nashville, TN

My name is Maia Garbett, and I am from Nashville, TN. I went to MLK Jr. Magnet High School and was really invested in French and Tech Club. I took French for six years and won $1000 in a French essay contest to help finance my student exchange to France. Although I really enjoy French, I’ve never seen myself as a translator. I’ve always pictured myself as the important decision-maker traveling to breathtaking sites while getting business done. I’m excited to be a part of the EMF program and double-major in International Business and French at OWU.

Hometown: Norwalk, OH

My name is Kaitlyn Gilson. I graduated from Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Ohio. I was a 4-year letterman in varsity soccer playing goal keeper and was captain my senior year. I’ve been involved in many clubs including Art Club, Foreign Language Club, Musical, and National Honors Society. I was a member of Teen Leadership Corps, a class that learned and practiced leadership in community service. This program intrigued me to go into business, as I plan to direct my own nonprofit organization. I’m excited to be involved in the Economics Management Fellows Program and all of OWU’s opportunities.

Hometown: El Paso, TX

My name is Alana Guzman. I graduated from Coronado High School in El Paso, Texas. At Coronado I was a part of the International Baccalaureate program and various clubs such as National Honor Society, Student Council, German Club, and others. I plan to double-major in Global Studies and Data Analytics with a minor in Economics. I aspire to use the knowledge I gain through the Economics Management Fellows Program towards a career of discerning what is behind the global sphere’s decision making. I am looking forward to meeting everyone!

Hometown: Burton, MI

My name is Barak Hernandez-Pellerito. I am from Burton, Michigan, where I attended Bendle High School. I began my first business at age nine, when I started mowing lawns, and I established my second business my sophomore year, “Barak’s Boards”, where I sell hand-painted wooden signs. I have been involved with community service, as a member of National Honor Society, Blueberries, Service Learning, Student Council, and establishing Free Little Libraries at my Elementary Schools. I played varsity football, power-lifting, cross country, and track. I am pursuing degrees in zoology and business, while playing football for the Battling Bishops.

Hometown: Nashville, TN

My name is Turner Johnson, and I am from Nashville, TN. In my time in high school at Montgomery Bell Academy, I participated in many different activities. I played varsity baseball and football. I will be continuing my baseball career as a pitcher at OWU. In addition to sports, I also sang for four years in different choirs and participated on the Honor Council. My interest in economics was sparked during my senior year, and I’m excited to continue my study as an Economics Management Fellow at OWU!

Hometown: Delaware, OH

My name is Chevy Kelly. I am a native of New Zealand who emigrated to America and now live in Delaware, Ohio. My father was born in New York and my mother was born in New Zealand. I plan to double-major in Computer Science and International Business, and I will be participating in the jazz bands and the soccer team as goalie.

Hometown: West Liberty, OH

My name is William King and I am from the small town of West Liberty, Ohio. I recently graduated with Honors from Benjamin Logan High School. I have a love for soccer and have been playing the game since I was six years old. I also have a love for fishing and cars. I hope to use the skills that I acquire through this program as well as the skills I acquire through OWU to pursue a career in either the business administration field or politics & government field.

Hometown: Mount Vernon, OH

My name is Emily McKinley. I am from Mount Vernon, Ohio and went to Mount Vernon High School. As a senior I went full-time to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, as a CCP student. I have been a competitive gymnast for five years and I have won seven national titles. Along with competing, I also have coached gymnastics for four years. I also ran varsity Cross Country and Track for my High School. At Ohio Wesleyan I plan to study Finance Economics. I am very excited to be a part of the EMF program so I can get more immersed in the field of Economics. I hope to take my skills I will learn at this fantastic school all around the world, to help those that have large financial and economic struggles.

Hometown: Lewis Center, OH

My name is Brittany Miller. I am from Lewis Center, Ohio, which is about 20 minutes south of Delaware. I am a graduate of Olentangy Orange High School, where I was a member and three-time captain of our varsity golf team, a varsity cheerleader, four-year student council participant, and 2016 Ohio Division I Girls Golf State Champion. I am a member of Ohio Wesleyan’s class of 2021, where I plan to double-major in Politics & Government and Economics, as well as further my golf career for the Battling Bishops. I am looking forward to experiencing and taking full advantage of what the Economics Management Fellows Program has to offer.

Hometown: Brookfield, WI

Hello, I am Grayson Shadrick, a graduate of The University Lake School in Hartland, Wisconsin. A few things I was involved in at ULS were Choir, Theater, travel abroad, volunteer opportunities, head of the yearbook, and ran Varsity Track/ Tennis. I am also a member of DECA through Waukesha North High School. I plan to major in Marketing Management with a focus on Sports and Event Marketing Management. I know the Economics Management Fellowship Program will give me the knowledge and experience needed to accomplish my goals. I am looking forward to the amazing opportunities OWU has and the great things my future holds.

Hometown: Mason, OH

My name is Samantha Winkler. I graduated from Mason High School, where I participated in Spanish National Honor Society and Key Club. I also had a full-time job. In high school, I was fortunate to spend a portion of my junior year abroad in Israel and Poland, which was a life-changing experience. I become interested in business through the influence of both of my parents, as well as my own work experiences. I am an OWU legacy, and I have been excited to start my own journey at OWU for quite a while. I am so grateful to be a member of the Economics Management Fellows Program and look forward to getting to know everyone.