UofL makes strong showing on 2024 Forty Under 40 list

University of Louisville alumni secured 14 of 40 spots on the 2024 Louisville Business First (LBF) Forty Under 40 list. Representing six of the university’s schools and colleges, these graduates make up more than a third of this year’s class of honorees. LBF selected the alumni from over 600 total nominations.

Through the Forty Under 40 program, LBF introduces readers to local professionals under the age of 40 who are flourishing in their careers and contributing to the local Louisville community. LBF honored this year’s class on Sept. 24, 2024, at a Galt House ceremony in downtown Louisville.

Brandeis School of Law

Alex White ’12 graduated with his juris doctor, which he now uses to support his devotion to personal injury law in his role as the owner of Alex R. White, PLLC.

Mashayla Hays ’15, ’18 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in pan-African studies and her juris doctor. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and was a Woodford R. Porter Scholar. She is currently an adjunct professor in the Brandeis School of Law and teaches law and government at Central High School.

“UofL invested in me and my dreams,” Hays said. “It’s because of my amazing professors that I felt prepared to go to law school after graduation. I am forever grateful for my time at UofL, the relationships I’ve built and the multitude of opportunities that I’ve been granted over the years. Being a Cardinal means that you embody resilience, and no matter the obstacle, you will persevere and strive for greatness.”

College of Arts and Sciences

Kyle Miller ’07 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science, later earning his juris doctor from Vanderbilt University. Today, Miller practices as a partner in the global data privacy and cybersecurity group for Dentons Bingham Greenebaum.

“My time at UofL formed who I am today,” Miller said. “UofL gave me a global outlook. I’m now a partner at the largest law firm in the world and manage global teams across countries and cultures. I’m proud to be a Cardinal.”

Communication major Katie Fussenegger ’09 works as the executive vice president at the Kentucky Derby Museum and is also the executive board chair for the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.

With bachelor’s degrees in communication and fine arts, Kappa Delta sorority member Megan Imel ’10 serves as the agent and owner of Megan Imel - State Farm, in addition to serving on the board of directors for The Cabbage Patch Settlement House.

After receiving a communication degree, Grace Flaherty ’16 took a role at the Obama Foundation as the manager of strategy and governance and coordinator to the office of Mrs. Obama. At UofL, Flaherty was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority and participated in two charitable dance marathons.

College of Business

Former Cardinal women’s basketball player Tia Gibbs ’12, ’14 earned her bachelor’s degree in business economics and her master of business administration at UofL. She now works as the manager of supplier diversity for Suntory Global Spirits, the third-largest producer of distilled beverages worldwide.

Business administration graduate Terry Hall ’10 works as the director of financial planning and analysis at Trilogy Health Services and as president of the Lesly & Rhyan Prather Foundation, which helps support women, children and families dealing with tragedy.

Nicole Wadell ’15, ’23 serves as senior director and partner of market growth support and marketing analytics at Confluent Health. Wadell earned her bachelor’s in communication, master of business administration and a certificate in managerial analytics at the university.

College of Education and Human Development

Brigitte Burpo ’20 earned her doctorate in educational leadership, evaluation and organizational development with a specialization in sports administration. Burpo now serves as a clinical assistant professor in UofL’s department of health and sport sciences, where she focuses on race and gender in sports and athletics at historically Black colleges and universities.

Kent School of Social Work and Family Science

With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, Jaydee Graham ’15, ’16 serves as the business development manager at Aware Recovery Care where she is working to develop Kentucky’s first in-home addiction treatment program. Graham is also the author of “The Soul Grind” and “The Soul Grind II.”

Kelly Pullen ’07, ’10 serves as the executive director for SKY at Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, where she helps serve youth in Kentucky’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. She earned her bachelor’s in political science and master’s in social work from UofL.

School of Medicine

With his master’s in biochemistry and doctorate of medicine, Jamaal Richie ’15, ’20 uses his training and experience as a resident physician within UofL Health to advocate for health equity and bridge gaps to ensure every member of the Louisville community receives the care they deserve. Additionally, Richie aims to serve as representation for diverse populations and inspire future generations of health professionals to see themselves in roles they may not have originally thought possible.

School of Public Health and Information Sciences

Keisha Dorsey ’09 holds a master’s degree in public health and has a record of public service in Louisville. Dorsey recently served as deputy chief of staff for the office of the mayor and in 2019 became the first millennial elected to the Louisville Metro Council where she represented District 3 for over four years.

Think you know the perfect person to represent UofL on next year’s list? You can submit nominations for the 2025 Forty Under 40 class from now through Monday, March 31, 2025.

Original reporting for this piece and other alumni news can be found at uoflalumni.org.