Community Well-Being

Steffie Ungphakorn

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:28:23 +0000

Steffie Ungphakorn Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 10/16/2025 - 13:28

Grace Garfoot

As the PhD program manager at Leeds, Steffie Ungphakorn has been a one-woman force for the past 10 years. From overseeing up to 50 students across seven program areas to working closely with the Doctoral Curriculum and Policy Committee—along with her new role as generative AI trainer—she has a lot of balls in the air. Yet, she still finds the time to support and advocate for each student.

A decade of dedication

Although Steffie Ungphakorn has been in her role as PhD program manager at Leeds for a decade, to many her job is still a mystery. “Outside of [Faculty Director] Diego García and the DCPC, I am the PhD program office. Short of curricular, research and admission decisions, I would say 95% of the program’s operations come from me,” she said. “So, that’s a lot of responsibility and weight on my shoulders—and being able to do that successfully is something that I love.”

A Colorado native who loves summer, paddleboarding and being active, Ungphakorn came to CU ��ý�� from the University of Denver. With a bachelor’s degree in biology from Regis University and a master’s in higher education from the University of Denver, her previous employment experience was working in student services at DU’s Center for Multicultural Excellence. Her position at Leeds was her first academic placement, and she has been committed to building relationships ever since.

Student advocacy at the core

Looking out for and taking care of students is what Ungphakorn considers one of her highest priorities. “We definitely advocate for the students. It’s expensive to live in ��ý��, so we make sure that we are attracting excellent candidates by offering a competitive stipend,” she said.

“We treat our PhD students well because of the importance of the work they will do when they leave here.”

Steffie Unphakorn, PhD program manager

PhD students are in the program for five or six years, during which time their tuition is fully funded by the school, and they are given a subsidy for health insurance as a part of their funded graduate assistantship. Students also receive funding for research and travel, and they are eligible for various awards and fellowships from the university and other sources.

“Trying to make sure that students aren’t struggling financially is important, and it’s something I feel strongly about,” she said. “We treat our PhD students well because of the importance of the work they will do when they leave here.”

Throughout her tenure, Ungphakorn has advocated for many aspects of student support, such as more funding for students who require six years instead of five. Since funding for six years is not guaranteed, she worked with the DCPC to provide options for it. “While the DCPC still makes decisions on how that six-year funding gets awarded, it became more equitable for the students that really need it,” she said.

She speaks about her work achievements with the same passion and care that she talks about her 8-year-old dog, Oliver, whom she refers to as her “snuggle buddy” and “COVID foster fail.” She extends the same kind of attention to her students.

“I’m really involved in every aspect of the students’ journey here and it is hands-down the best part of my job.”

Steffie Unphakorn, PhD program manager

Collaborating with faculty

In addition to working with students, Ungphakorn also serves as a non-voting member on the Doctoral Curriculum and Policy Committee, which is a seven-member faculty committee that governs and oversees the PhD program. This rotating position is part of the service requirements for faculty on the tenure track.

The committee oversees the program’s curriculum and research, while Ungphakorn focuses on administration and operations. She credits the committee for enabling her to build close working relationships with Leeds faculty during their two-to-three-year terms.

Advancing AI at Leeds

As an early AI adopter, Ungphakorn took on the role of generative AI trainer at Leeds, educating staff and the public about how to embrace AI rather than fearing it. Her interest surfaced in 2022 with the advent of ChatGPT. She was immediately intrigued by the technology’s benefits (and it aligned with her love of sci-fi). Mostly, she wanted to equip staff to use AI proactively, gaining value from it as she learned more about how to use it responsibly.

“Once I understood how AI worked, I wanted to share that with others,” she said. “I wanted people to understand how AI could positively impact their job.”

Last spring, Ungphakorn—along with another faculty colleague and a PhD student—was invited by CU ��ý��’s Office of Information Technology to be a part of its spring AI symposium. They gave a presentation to about 100 people, demonstrating the growing interest in AI. As Leeds’ generative AI trainer, she has already trained about 200 people (mainly staff) on using the technology.

She sees the value of AI training for the entire Leeds community. “For all our students at every level, I think there will be a new level of expectation that they know, understand and can speak the language of AI,” she said. “For PhD students, when they become faculty, they will need to understand how AI works in order to model and craft a curriculum in which AI can be an assistant and an aid.”

Here to stay

What has kept Ungphakorn coming to work for the last decade? For her, the answer is simple: the students.

“The work I do with the students is truly what has made me stay for so long,” she said.

“I have the ultimate pleasure of introducing the students during graduation and calling their names,” she said. Seeing them succeed and wishing them well is the ultimate reward. “I’m really involved in every aspect of the students’ five-to-six-year journey here and it is hands-down the best part of my job.”

Steffie Ungphakorn, Leeds’ PhD Program Manager, is a powerhouse of progress and advocacy. Over 10 years, she’s championed students, expanded the program, fostered faculty ties, and helped advance AI at Leeds.

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Dalton Ford-McGee (CompSci’27)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:53:46 +0000

Dalton Ford-McGee (CompSci’27) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 10/03/2025 - 08:53

Jane Majkiewicz

Photos by Lilian Wright

Most of Dalton Ford-McGee’s classes take place in the College of Engineering, but you’re more likely to find him in the Koelbel Building or the Olson Atrium. That’s partly because he’s pursuing a business minor, but also because he’s worked for Leeds since the end of his first year.

Ford-McGee’s quiet, studious and friendly demeanor makes him a natural fit for his role as a welcome desk specialist at Leeds. The job allows him to study—something he does “24/7.”

His warm smile and easygoing nature serve him well as he rotates through various stations in the Koelbel and Rustandy buildings, greeting students, staff and visitors. It’s a skill he’s honed and one he believes will serve him well in any future workplace. Fostering a sense of community is one reason he loves spending time at Leeds—and he’s come to learn it’s something he deeply values.

CU ��ý�� bound

For Ford-McGee, a Denver native, coming to CU ��ý�� made practical sense. He credits his mom, Leeds alumna Ashika Ford (Mgmt’98), for helping him understand the cost of college.

“My mom loves finance and has invested many hours in showing me how important it is to not be in debt. She had me read financial books and make a whole college plan,” he said.

That early financial literacy has already paid off—Ford-McGee is confident he’ll graduate without being buried in debt. But affordability wasn’t the only factor in his decision. CU ��ý��’s academic reputation and his mom’s glowing memories as a Buff sealed the deal. It helped that Ford-McGee’s impressive high school GPA helped him get in. And these days, he and his mom bond over Colorado Buffaloes football and their shared enthusiasm for Coach Prime.

A budding programmer

Ford-McGee took programming classes throughout high school and quickly developed a passion for coding. He liked designing video games when he was younger, and his mom noticed his interest early on, signing him up for classes.

He was hooked. That sense of creative freedom continues to drive his interest in software development. “It's not like something that's repetitive,” he said. “It's something unique each and every day.”

“[Software development] is not like something that's repetitive. It's something unique each and every day.”

Dalton Ford-McGee

His current software development course is a favorite, and he’s leaning toward a career in the field. “I can do web apps or phone apps,” he said. “That’s my favorite aspect of computer science."

His job at Leeds has also shaped his vision for the kind of work environment he wants. “My dream—and this has changed since my freshman year—is that I don’t want to work in a big corporate office. I don’t want to work remotely, by myself. I want to work with a smaller group of people, know them well, and build something together.”

Finding community

Ford-McGee found that sense of community in Kappa Theta Pi, a coed professional fraternity focused on information technology. He has enjoyed seeing the group grow while intentionally keeping its size manageable.

“I liked the idea of having a smaller club where I could get to know everybody on a deeper level and become friends with them.”

He saw the immediate benefits of joining the organization, gaining practical skills in writing a resume, networking and talking to recruiters. And it was a fellow KTP member and a welcome desk student assistant manager, Wesley Allen (CompSci’25, MCompSci’26), who encouraged Ford-McGee to apply for the welcome desk position.

Business minor, big impact

Ford-McGee chose the BA track for his computer science degree, requiring a minor. Business was a natural fit.

“Challenging.” “Rigorous.” “Fun.” That’s how he describes the Business Minor program at Leeds.

“It’s been a completely different experience than my computer science classes,” he said. He appreciates the exposure to the same foundational “mods” that business majors receive. “Last year, I did marketing for the first half of the semester, then management. In the spring, I did accounting and then finance.”

Next up: a class in his emphasis area—finance and data analytics—and a capstone project. The value proposition? He’s confident the minor will help him stand out to employers and better prepare him for the workplace.

“I want to work with a smaller group of people, know them well, and build something together.”

Dalton Ford-McGee

A day in the life at Leeds

When other students went to far-flung destinations over the summer, Ford-McGee was a fixture at Leeds, working full-time. “I lived in Leeds over the summer,” he joked. During the school year he scales back his hours but still appreciates his time in Koelbel. “I love being in Leeds. That’s where I spend 90 percent of my time outside of class.”

The job has its busy moments—especially at the beginning and end of each semester—but it also offers time to study. “For the most part, I get a lot of homework done. Honestly, it’s the perfect work-life balance.”

As Ford-McGee considers that work-life balance for his future—including a possible move out of state for the right career opportunity—he knows that close-knit bonds with family and friends are something he wants to maintain. And even if he lands an internship or study abroad opportunity this summer, he wants to return to Leeds.

“I would love to work at the welcome desk until I graduate. Hopefully, I’ll be there for at least another two years.”

For the Leeds community, that’s good news. Ford-McGee’s steady presence and genuine care for others have made him a familiar and valued face—one whose impact doesn’t go unnoticed.

Dalton Ford-McGee is coding his future—and building community at Leeds. As a business minor, welcome desk specialist and computer science student, he’s learning what it means to know the people around you and to build something together.

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Amanda Freeberg Donovan (Mktg’03)

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:25:54 +0000

Amanda Freeberg Donovan (Mktg’03) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 10/02/2025 - 15:25

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Amanda Freeberg Donovan
Alumni Award: Freeberg Donovan is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Luminary Award.
Brief Bio: Amanda Freeberg Donovan is the executive director of the Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation. She was a founding member and officer for the Leeds Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Board.

What does “letting your light shine” mean to you in your personal and professional life?
'Letting your light shine' to me means being a good person, caring about others, and always doing your best. I focus on honesty and integrity. If I see something that is a problem, or some way I can help make things easier for another person, I try to help. I say "yes" to a lot of requests as long as I feel like I can add value or a good perspective. I bring my varied skillset—a result of my Leeds education—to think about the big picture.

How has your Leeds experience influenced your commitment to social responsibility and service?
I remember being in class when the Leeds’ gift to name the school was announced, and I was excited to take classes that focused on or included social responsibility and ethics. It has made me look more critically at how businesses and organizations are run.

I am proud that the foundation I run helps children get the best start, provides educational opportunities, funds research into deadly diseases, acquires critical medical equipment and assists those who serve our country.

As a dedicated alumna and member of several CU/Leeds boards, can you highlight a moment when your leadership made a meaningful impact on the Leeds community?
I was one of the founding members and officers for the Leeds Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Board, working to define what the board would be and how it could help Leeds. I also worked with Advancement on behalf of the GOLD Board to start an undergraduate scholarship funded by the members. It has been wonderful to see the GOLD Board continue to grow over the past 13 years and to keep younger alumni involved.

From the time I was a child, I understood that if you are able to help or serve others, it is something you should do.

Amanda Freeberg Donovan is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Luminary Award.

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Jeremy May (Acct’92)

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:07:38 +0000

Jeremy May (Acct’92) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 10/02/2025 - 15:07

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Jeremy May
Alumni Award: May is the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Service Award.
Brief Bio: Jeremy May is the founder and CEO of Paralel Technologies and is a member of the board of advisors for the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at CU ��ý��.

What inspired your long-standing commitment to supporting Leeds and CU ��ý�� over the years?
The high-quality education I received at CU changed my life by giving me the foundation that opened the doors to follow my career. It brings me joy to play a small part in providing that opportunity for others.

How did your time at Leeds shape your approach to leadership?
Leeds exposed me to many disciplines in business education and allowed me to match my abilities and interests to get my career off the ground in public accounting. While in public accounting, this same exposure to different businesses and industries guided me to the asset management industry. I take the same approach to leadership, aiming to provide experience and support to the people I work with so they can pursue the career that is right for them.

What’s one piece of advice to students and alumni about building a career that follows one's passions and inspires achievement?
Wherever you are on your path, make the most of the opportunity that you have in that present moment. Of course, if you are not in a good situation, be courageous and make a change, but if you are doing good work with people you care about, opportunity will find you.

If you are looking back with regret or to the future with expectations, you will miss the opportunities that are right in front of you.

Jeremy May is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Service Award.

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Kate M. Harris (Fin’16)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 22:07:27 +0000

Kate M. Harris (Fin’16) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 10/01/2025 - 16:07

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Kate M. Harris
Alumni Award: Harris is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Young Alumni Achievement Award.
Brief Bio: Kate M. Harris is an attorney currently clerking on the Supreme Court of the United States.

A top graduate of the Leeds School of Business, Kate M. Harris followed her undergraduate degree with law school. She went on to work for a litigation boutique and clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Her writing has appeared in national outlets including The New York Times—one article notably led to her permanent ban from Russia.

While at Leeds, Harris was a Leeds Scholar and CU ��ý�� Esteemed Scholar, receiving the President James H. Baker Award. She also earned the Finance Student Investment Fund Award, the Shreve Memorial Scholarship, and was part of the winning team in the 2015 CESR Business Ethics Case Competition.

She graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School, where she was a Kirkland & Ellis Scholar and received both the Ann Watson Barber Outstanding Service Award and the Edward W. Hinton Memorial Cup for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy.

The law school featured her profile in the article "Seven Clerks for Seven Justices," where she shared this advice: “Focus on being present, building intentional relationships, making the most of every opportunity, and taking the next best step forward. ... Learn from those around you so that you can become a better lawyer, leader, and person.”

Kate M. Harris is the 2025 recipient of the Leeds Young Alumni Achievement Award.

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Chenhui Qu (PhD’30)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:46:23 +0000

Chenhui Qu (PhD’30) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 09/24/2025 - 10:46

Georgia Horan

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Chenhui Qu
Major: PhD in Operations Management
Hometown: Yantai, Shandong, China

Chenhui Qu studied management science and engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology and graduated from Wuhan University of Technology with a bachelor's degree in information management and information systems.

So, what made her choose CU ��ý��? The vibrant academic culture and extremely supportive faculty at Leeds were the key factors. The high bar set by her peers in the program has pushed her to work hard and do her best consistently, inspiring her to achieve more. In just a short while after starting at Leeds, she has already made incredible friends, joining her peers in everything from hiking Chatauqua to eating at the Center for Community as a group. She also finds that the friendly competition at Leeds keeps each of them on their toes, eager for the next challenge.

Qu is currently working with Professor Rui Zhang, whose mentorship has been a defining factor in her academic journey, motivating her to produce work she is proud of. Under his guidance, she is delving into topics she is passionate about, such as transportation optimization, and has received invaluable support every step of the way.

Leeds’ strong research culture—courses, seminars and conversations with excellent scholars—has broadened my horizons and confirmed my academic path.

Chenhui Qu came from China to pursue her PhD, and from day one she has found invaluable support every step of the way to thrive in the Leeds community.

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Rebecca Slezak (MBA’27)

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:56:01 +0000

Rebecca Slezak (MBA’27) Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 09/23/2025 - 11:56

Georgia Horan

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Rebecca Slezak
Major: Master's in Business Administration
Hometown: Mahomet, Illinois

Rebecca Slezak is excited to be back in school to get her MBA, but she’s not exactly “going back”—she was already here. As an adjunct professor teaching photography for the past nine months in the Journalism Department of the College of Communication, Media, Design, and Information, she felt that becoming a CU student was a “natural transition,” as she already loved the campus culture and compelling opportunities within Leeds.

What excites Slezak the most? The diverse group of peers in the MBA cohort. She looks forward to learning from and learning with them.

Her goal: to become a creative director or marketing director. She has already started thinking about the type of leader she’d like to be, drawing upon her natural tendency to put herself in others’ shoes and advocate for them. Matched with her personal goals of creating a healthy work-life balance in her future career, the MBA program is making that goal feel more achievable than ever.

It really feels like we’re all in this together and that I can ask anyone within the group for help if I have questions.

Rebecca Slezak (MBA’27) was already at CU Bolder as an adjunct professor in the journalism department, but pursuing her MBA at Leeds is bringing her closer to her dream of becoming a marketing or creative director.

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Introducing Leeds' Community Leader-in-Residence: Wendy Lea

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:49:47 +0000

Introducing Leeds' Community Leader-in-Residence: Wendy Lea Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 09/15/2025 - 16:49

Leeds is launching its inaugural Community Leader-in-Residence program on September 25, offering two days of events featuring exclusive access to Wendy Lea, a nationally recognized ecosystem builder and entrepreneurship innovator.

Birdie Reznicek, associate dean for culture and community and Virginia and Edward Mitchell Faculty Scholar, shared insights into the new program’s goals and what the Leeds community can expect during the two days of events with Wendy Lea.

What inspired the creation of the Community Leader-in-Residence program at Leeds?

Dean Khatri initiated this program to inspire a broader view of business leadership—one that includes civic engagement, community impact, and the interplay between public and private sectors. This initiative aligns well with Leeds’ vision to elevate business as a force for good in a rapidly changing world.

Why was Wendy Lea chosen as the inaugural Community Leader-in-Residence?

Lea’s leadership is impressively multifaceted, with a consistent theme: fostering vibrant economies in service to communities. Combine that with a powerful network, deep expertise in leveraging ecosystems, and indefatigable perseverance, and you get someone who drives big transformations to shape the future.

The more I get to know her, the more I’m struck by her visionary reach paired with practical problem-solving. She’s applied this “superpower” of unlocking capital, talent and entrepreneurial energy to initiatives ranging from quantum technology and small business growth to cultural vibrancy and national entrepreneurship policy.

How does the program reflect Leeds’ commitment to experiential learning and social impact?

Lea embodies a living case study in ecosystem-driven impact—from ��ý��’s cultural scene to national entrepreneurship policy. Her work spans the Sundance Film Festival, Energize Colorado, Elevate Quantum, and national advisory boards like the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These efforts offer students a real-time look at business as a tool for social change.

We’re thrilled that Wendy agreed to serve in this role, especially during a season when she is sharing her expertise at Colorado Startup Week, Techstars Foundercon, and with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).

What kinds of experiences can the Leeds community expect during Lea's residency?

Lea will engage directly with business, law and engineering students, faculty, staff, the Dean’s Cabinet and Chancellor Schwartz. Expect hands-on, collaborative sessions—not passive lectures. For example:

Those involved with the ��ý�� Climate Ventures initiative will work through an ecosystem mapping tool.
Grad students will explore thought exercises on leadership styles and strategies.
The Business Research Division's Brian Lewandowski will join Lea to examine career readiness implications at Leeds in light of the Mountain West’s emergence as a quantum hub.

How do you hope this program will shape Leeds in the long term?

I’ll borrow from a very thoughtful question that MBA student leader Annette De Capite plans to discuss with Lea: “How do you build reflection into a busy leadership life?”

This is something Lea deeply values—she’s observed that self-reflection isn’t typically prioritized in business practice. Ultimately, I hope the program fosters reflection about sense of purpose and community impact in our own work, service and leadership. This taps into the unique strengths and gifts that each person in the Leeds community brings as we work together on transformative goals.

Join Us

Hear Wendy Lea’s extraordinary story at the Fireside Chat and lunch on Friday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m., facilitated by Leeds Advisory Board member Ellen Balaguer.

Leeds is launching its inaugural Community Leader-in-Residence program on Sept. 25 and 26, featuring Wendy Lea, a nationally recognized ecosystem builder and entrepreneurship innovator.

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Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:04:04 +0000

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 09/12/2025 - 16:04

Jane Majkiewicz

Photo credit: Lilian Wright

“Volunteer for America.” That’s what Royer Lopez’s wife, Angie Chavez-Lopez (Econ’17, MEd’21), affectionately calls him. The nickname fits.

“If I am asked to do something, especially if it's something where I feel like I could provide value, I'm more than likely going to do it. And I'm going to make it work somehow.”

Spend a few minutes with Lopez and your own energy kicks up a notch. He speaks in a fast cadence, radiating contagious enthusiasm and a can-do spirit.

From a young age, Lopez made it a priority to give back. That commitment has taken many forms, but recently, it’s evolved—thanks to one very important reason: his son, Luca.

Becoming a father

Luca, who turned one in August 2025, brought a shift in priorities, including five months away from his full-time job as an account supervisor and DEI marketing specialist for Amélie Company, a Denver-based advertising agency.

“I’ve had a lot of support, starting with my workplace, which offered an incredible paternity leave,” said Lopez. “That time allowed me to be truly present during Luca’s first year—something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Lopez also began documenting his journey through Papileave, his personal chronicle of fatherhood on Instagram.

“I wanted it to show other dads what’s possible as society embraces more involved fatherhood, and to give myself something to look back on with pride—a reminder of the role I’ve stepped into and the example I hope to set.”

But fatherhood hasn’t slowed Lopez down. He and Angie continue to build their nonprofit foundation, Mi Leyenda ("my legend"). As if that, parenthood and full-time work weren't enough, he also began his hybrid MBA at Leeds.

In addition, Lopez still finds the time to remain deeply involved with CU ��ý�� and Leeds. He serves in an advisory capacity to the Leeds GOLD Board, sits on the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, lectures for CU’s precollege program, and mentors through the Leeds Professional Mentoring Program

“I’ve loved every moment of being a dad—it’s fulfilling and exciting. At the same time, I’m constantly aware that there’s always a pair of little eyes watching every move I make. That awareness adds an extra layer of motivation to everything I do.”

“Not only did CU provide me with the professional opportunities that launched my career, but it also changed the trajectory of my entire family.”

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27) with his son, Luca.

Building a legacy

Both first-generation college students, Royer and Angie launched Mi Leyenda in 2022 to promote academic achievement and legacy-building through education. Inspired by Kobe Bryant, the foundation began with a basketball tournament honoring Bryant’s legacy.

“We co-founded Mi Leyenda, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, to promote the pursuit of higher education for students looking to write their own stories. Over the past three years, we’ve proudly awarded scholarships to Colorado high school graduates.”

To support the foundation, they launched Leyenda Clothing, a lifestyle brand that celebrates the idea of being a legend in whatever you do. All proceeds go directly to the foundation.

“Not only did CU provide me with the professional opportunities that launched my career, but it also changed the trajectory of my entire family,” said Lopez. As the oldest of three in a Mexican immigrant household, his college journey paved the way for his two younger brothers, who also graduated from Leeds.

Why an MBA?

“Coming into this program with more than eight years of professional experience makes the learning feel different,” said Lopez. “I can apply what I know and really feel like I’m ‘mastering’ it.” Watching Angie earn her master’s in education policy also inspired him to grow as a leader.

“I want to be able to not only speak to my expertise in marketing and advertising, but also better understand the other functions of business, so I can lead in a more strategic, well-rounded way.”

Starting Mi Leyenda and Leyenda Clothing sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, and he’s eager to make informed decisions to grow both ventures.

“It feels very different from undergrad because my classmates all have full lives—kids, work, travel, family, obligations—and they also bring such diverse perspectives from their careers and industries.”

It all began at Folsom Field: Royer Lopez and Angie Chavez-Lopez's memorable marriage proposal.

Carving out a purpose-driven career

Lopez’s career break came during his final semester at Leeds, when Sterling-Rice Group (SRG) was seeking someone with deep knowledge of Mexican culture to help grow its audience for California Almonds, its largest client.

While an undergrad, Lopez worked full-time at Wells Fargo, advancing from teller to small business specialist over five years.

“I think that gave me a lot of perspective, but also client management experience,” said Lopez.

He joined SRG his last semester and quickly made up for missed internship and study abroad experiences due to his full-time work schedule. During spring break that year, he traveled to Mexico City for a commercial shoot—his first exciting taste of business travel.

“Talk about an aha moment. It was great feeling like that, even before I graduated. And I’ve been in advertising ever since.”

Throughout his career, Lopez has worked on campaigns ranging from traffic safety to the fentanyl crisis, all rooted in what he loves most: “authentic storytelling.”

A diverse network

“One of the advantages of my MBA program is that everybody comes from a diverse background, and the majority of people don't come from business. I've already learned so much from my classmates.”

Managing it all isn’t without challenges, Lopez admits. But after completing his first semester, he’s confident the rewards are worth it.

“I think for me, especially coming from Mexican immigrant parents and being first-gen, I hope in 18 years, Luca will be able to have that lifeline like I did at Leeds. And he can look back and say, ‘Hey, my dad made these strides.’”

“I would love to be able to gather everything I've experienced professionally and personally and share that value.”

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Donating his time and talent just feels natural to Lopez. “I think it all comes full circle really nicely—to know that how I show up matters. And for Luca to be able to see that is very powerful.”

Aiming for a specific title or the C-suite isn’t how Lopez would define his leadership dream. “I would love to be able to gather everything I've experienced professionally and personally and share that value. I just want to be passionate and excited in whatever role I am in.”

If you could go back and advise your 18-year-old self about college, what would you say?

“I’d say it’s OK to make mistakes. Too often we focus so much on the destination that we forget to appreciate the journey. It’s the ups and downs along the way that make the destination meaningful.

"Looking back, I’m not sure I’d do anything differently, because every high and low shaped the experience. But if there’s one thing I’d remind myself, it would be to trust that little voice in my head more often.”

From first-gen student to nonprofit founder, advertising professional, dedicated alumnus, current Leeds hybrid MBA student and new dad, Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27) somehow finds the time to do it all, building a legacy shaped by passion and purpose. What's his secret?

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Shannon Laird (PhD’30)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:38:25 +0000

Shannon Laird (PhD’30) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 09/10/2025 - 16:38

Georgia Horan

Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Shannon Laird
PhD: Business Administration and Accounting
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

For Shannon Laird, coming to Leeds was one of the easiest decisions she’s made in a long time. After working as both an auditor and an accounting director, she arrived on campus for her interview and immediately felt the pull to choose ��ý��. She met the faculty and students with whom she would share her next five years, instantly recognized the opportunities, and felt an overwhelming sense of community. It just felt right.

Family ties made the choice even easier. Some of her family members attended CU and are loyal Buffs. They still live in the area, allowing Laird to dive into her program knowing she has a built-in community cheering her on.

Looking forward (when she’s not busy working and listening to her favorite Taylor Swift songs), Laird aspires to become a mentor for future accountants, inspired by the incredible mentors she encountered during her undergraduate and master’s programs. She knows that the next five years will be transformative, both professionally and personally. She can’t wait to see where it all leads.

It’s definitely not an easy admission process getting into the PhD program, and imposter syndrome can take over if you let it, so I think just making it here and moving to ��ý�� is something to be proud of.

Shannon Laird is proud to be a part of Leeds' PhD program and is ready to face the next five years with perseverance, curiosity and excitement.

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