Since 2006, the University of Florida has honored outstanding young alumni whose achievements positively impact The Gator Nation. The Alumni Association’s annual 40 Gators Under 40 program recognizes and celebrates alumni who have not only achieved remarkable professional success but have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service and a deep connection to UF. This year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences proudly announces that 12 of its alumni have been selected for this prestigious recognition.
Please join us in celebrating the following outstanding CLAS alumni.
Pouya Ameli
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, FL
UF Degree: BA ’07
Pouya Ameli was born in Shiraz, Iran and immigrated to the United States at age 3 to escape the instability and conflict of the first Gulf War. While his parents struggled to re-establish life in a new country, they taught him the importance of gratitude and community. To honor their teachings, he has consistently strived to be useful to his fellow man – a major reason he pursued a career in medicine and has taken on numerous leadership roles along the way. While at UF, he was a founding member of the Center for Leadership and Service as well as LeadUF, both of which grew into award-winning programs.
During medical school, residency, and fellowship, he took on leadership roles and projects to improve patient care and the conditions in which it is provided. When selecting his first job after training in Summer 2020, he could not resist the opportunity to return to UF to serve the institution and state that held such a special place in his heart.
With training in critical care, he helped lead the way through the patient volumes, staffing shortages, and moral distress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, he worked to improve UF’s systems in providing the highest quality care to patients, delivering excellent education to our students and post-graduate trainees, advancing medicine through research, and, most uniquely, streamlining the path to a health career for UF’s roughly 14,000 pre-health students. His work has led to several awards in recognition for his innovations and service.
Allison Cannella
Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Vertical Bridge
Location: Delray Beach, FL
UF Degrees: BSPR ’07, BA ’07, JD ’10
Allison Cannella is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Risk Officer and member of the Executive Leadership Team at Vertical Bridge, the largest private owner and operator of telecommunications infrastructure in the United States. Allison is responsible for leading and overseeing legal, regulatory and compliance functions across all company operations and overseeing company legal issues nationwide. Allison has played a leading role in the negotiation, drafting, due diligence, analysis and consummation of more than $25 Billion in real estate and corporate transactions.
Allison is a proud double Gator, lifetime member of the University of Florida Alumni Association and a member of the Florida Cicerones Alumni Board. Allison is a pro bono attorney for Thrive Collective and Thrive Foundation and the “We are Home Project”, an organization that supports and invests in capacity building and regeneration efforts of marginalized communities and communities of color in building wealth and power. She is a mentor and coach for Project Destined, an intern and mentoring program for diverse, high school and undergraduate students looking to pursue careers in real estate.
Allison is a small-town “Keys Kid” (who grew up in the Florida Keys.) When she’s not in the office, you can find her beach cruising in her restored 1969 Coyote Ford Bronco, boating, doing anything related to the water, attending a concert or enjoying a Florida Gator football game. Allison lives in Delray Beach, Florida with her husband, Brian, sons Boe, Kai (and one on the way (due February)) and her dog Sniffles.
Megan Donahue
Division Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Brooke Army Medical Center
Associate Program Director, SAUSHEC Pediatrics Residency, US Army
Location: San Antonio, TX
UF Degrees: BA ’09, BS ’09
LTC Megan Donahue is a 2009 cum laude graduate of the University of Florida and a 2005 Lombardi Scholar. Immediately upon graduation from UF, she direct commissioned in the United States Army to attend medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. At USUHS, she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.
After medical school, she completed her residency in Pediatrics at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) in San Antonio, Texas and her fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the National Capital Consortium in Bethesda, Maryland. She has served as both the Chief Resident and the Assistant Program Director for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) for the SAUSHEC Pediatrics Residency, earning distinction as the SAUSHEC institutional QIPS Faculty of the Year. Since 2022, she has served the SAUSHEC Pediatrics Associate Program Director.
Additional duties include Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Brooke Army Medical Center, Chair of the SAUSHEC Accreditation and Compliance Committee, Army at-Large Member to the Defense Health Agency’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, and Army at-Large Member to the Uniformed Services West Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She also is the regional site director for the Military Medical Humanitarian Assistance Course. She is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.
Ryan Hankins
Associate Professor, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Location: Potomac, MD
UF Degree: BS ’17
Ryan Hankins, MD, FACS, is an esteemed Associate Professor of Urology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of Florida in 2007 and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2011. He completed a general surgery internship and urology residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in 2016. He serves as the subspecialty director for the Urology Department and Georgetown Medical School.
Dr. Hankins is actively involved in various hospital and medical school committees, focusing on medical student and resident education. He has contributed to numerous publications in medical journals and is dedicated to improving patient care, surgical techniques, and medical education across a diverse array of urological conditions. He is widely recognized as an expert in prostate cancer and has played a significant role in developing pharmaceutical delivery systems for its treatment. Notably, his research into urinary morbidity and financial burden associated with prostate cancer treatment highlight his comprehensive approach to the impacts on patients’ lives. His pioneering work in refining surgical techniques, including robotic multiplex partial nephrectomy and retzius-sparing prostatectomy, significantly improved functional outcomes and quality of life for patients.
In addition to his clinical and research work, Dr. Hankins is a community leader, dedicated educator, and advocate for those historically underserved. His community outreach efforts include local seminars, national webinars, and medical mission trips to Haiti, where he has performed hundreds of hydrocele correction surgeries.
Charles Hwang
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine
Location: Gainesville, FL
UF Degrees: BS ’10, MD ’13
Charles Hwang, MD is board certified in Emergency Medicine and EMS/prehospital medicine and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He is a quintuple Gator. He graduated summa cum laude from UF with his bachelor’s degree in Biological and Medical Sciences in 2010. He received his Medical Doctorate from the UF College of Medicine in 2013. He went on to complete Emergency Medicine residency (2016) and EMS fellowship (2017) at UF Health Shands Hospital, before joining the faculty at the UF College of Medicine, where he is actively involved in the teaching of undergraduates, medical students, residents, and fellows. He has served in various leadership roles, including Medical Director of Levy County EMS, along with Assistant Medical Director of Alachua County Fire Rescue and UF Athletic Association.
Dr. Hwang’s clinical passions include cardiac arrest care and tactical and prehospital medicine. He has had an active role in planning and responding to evolving mass-gathering incidents. He has had the opportunity to teach mass casualty and trauma care annually at SHPEP, a summer program supporting underserved college students interested in health professions.
He has been invited by the US State Department to several embassies to serve as a subject matter expert, providing training on trauma care and resuscitation and augmenting their capabilities to handle mass casualty and large-scale evolving incidents. He currently serves as a Major in the United States Air Force with the 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Dobbins ARB.
Liz Levine
Senior Manager, Affiliate Relations, Paramount Global
Location: New York, NY
UF Degrees: BSPR ’08, BA ’08
Liz Levine is a distinguished media expert with more than 16 years of experience in broadcast television, currently working in affiliate relations for CBS Television Network. She oversees relationships with many leading broadcasters, including Gray Media, Hearst Television, Nexstar Media, and TEGNA.
In addition to her dual degrees from UF, Liz holds a Master of Science in Public Relations and Corporate Communication, for which she focused on social media strategy and reputation management. She also earned a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications, where her graduate thesis examined trends in broadcasting catering to U.S. Hispanic audiences.
Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Liz has made significant contributions to the University of Florida Alumni Association. As an executive board member of the Gotham Gator Club® and a director on the board of the UF Association of Hispanic Alumni, she has spearheaded award-winning initiatives and was recognized as the 2022-23 UF Alumni Leader of the Year. She currently serves as President of the Gotham Gator Club® in New York City.
Her leadership roles at UF, including President of the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society and Communications Chair for Sports Illustrated on Campus, have laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to service and excellence.
A citizen of the United States, Germany, and Spain, Liz’s international background inspires her passion for travel. She is also a talented baker and a devoted sports fan, supporting the New York Jets, the Seattle Mariners, and all Gator sports.
José N. Miranda
Director of Government Relations, Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)
Location: Washington D.C.
UF Degree: BA ’14
José N. Miranda was born and raised in Nicaragua and moved to Miami at the age of 11. The youngest of two children to Nicaraguan immigrants, and the first of his family to attend and graduate from college, José hopes to pave the way for his 17-year-old nephew and 11-year-old niece so they too can achieve the American dream.
José currently resides in Washington, D.C., where he is the Director of Government Relations at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). In this role, on behalf of the governing boards of community colleges, he advocates for these institutions and the students they serve. He previously spent time in Congress working for Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and Congressman Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03).
As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, José is a proud alumnus of the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars (MFOS) program, which allowed him to attend the University of Florida (UF) without any financial burden. José graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies, with a focus on Latin America. Prior to moving to DC, José lived in Miami, where he taught high school English as a Second Language to recently arrived immigrants and other English language learners.
Outside of his professional commitments, José serves as President of the UF Association of Hispanic Alumni, working with a volunteer team to provide scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities to UF students and alumni. In his spare time, José enjoys playing (and watching) soccer, and reading.
Belkis Plata
Co-Owner, Plata Schott Law
Location: Jacksonville, FL
UF Degrees: BA ’07, JD Law ’10
Belkis Plata is a passionate advocate for human and civil rights, dedicated to defending Northeast Florida’s most underserved and marginalized communities. Born in the Bronx to a Puerto Rican father and Colombian mother, she moved to Jacksonville during childhood, where she developed a deep commitment to justice. Initially a pre-med major at the University of Florida, her career path shifted dramatically after being exposed to the juvenile justice system during an undergraduate class. This experience profoundly impacted her, leading her to pursue a career in law. Belkis graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Criminology in 2007 and earned her J.D. from the UF Levin College of Law in 2010.
She began her legal career at the Public Defender’s Office, where she defended thousands of clients, from adults to children, facing a wide range of criminal charges. Her exceptional work and dedication earned her several honors.
In 2014, Belkis broke new ground by becoming the youngest Latina to open her own law firm in Northeast Florida, Plata Schott Law. Her contributions to the legal field and community have been widely recognized, including the 2015 Alumni of the Year by Take Stock in Children, the 2016 Excellence in Mentoring Award from the National Mentoring Partnership at the Library of Congress. In 2017, she became the youngest attorney in Florida to earn Board Certification in Juvenile Law and was subsequently nominated for Board Certified Attorney of the Year in 2018. Her tireless work on pro bono cases, notably securing a reduced sentence for an 11-year-old boy charged with manslaughter, earned her the 2020 YLD Pro Bono Award presented at the Florida Supreme Court. Most recently Belkis was honored with the 2024 “Breaking Barriers – Building a Better Legal Community” award by the Jacksonville Women’s Lawyers Association.
Thomas Reynolds
Executive Secretary (2024-2025), Export-Import Bank of the United States
Location: Washington D.C.
UF Degree: BA ’09
Thomas C.R. Reynolds is a distinguished international trade and investment lawyer with a proven track record of success in navigating the complexities of global business. As Executive Secretary of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) under the Biden-Harris Administration, he played a pivotal role in supporting American businesses, including those in Florida, to access critical financing and expand their global reach.
Prior to his government service, Tom honed his expertise at DLA Piper, a leading global law firm, where he advised clients on a wide range of international trade matters, including complex export controls, sanctions, and customs regulations. His deep understanding of international law and his collaborative approach enabled him to successfully navigate intricate legal and regulatory challenges for clients across various industries, including those involved in high-tech manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure development.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom is a dedicated public servant who has consistently given back to his community. He has generously volunteered his legal expertise to numerous non-profit organizations and has actively mentored aspiring professionals, inspiring the next generation of leaders in the field of international law. A proud alumnus of the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude, Tom’s international experience, commitment to public service, and proven leadership make him a highly respected and influential figure in the global business arena.
Helen Roldan
Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Ballyhoo Media
Location: Miami Lakes, FL
UF Degree: BA ’15
Helen Roldan, born in Venezuela and raised in Miami, is a proud Florida Gator with a passion for community engagement and creative problem-solving. She holds a master’s degree from Florida International University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. As the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Ballyhoo Media, Helen spearheads public relations efforts, develops strategic partnerships with government entities, and oversees environmental and community initiatives. Her leadership has driven the success of Ballyhoo’s environmental programs, including it’s 10% for the water program, a water testing project, and cleanups that have removed over 2,000 pounds of trash from Biscayne Bay.
Prior to her role at Ballyhoo, Helen served as Director of Communications and Special Events at North Bay Village, where she established the Village’s “Heart of the Bay” brand and organized over 30 signature community events. With extensive experience in local, state, and federal government, she has a strong focus on community engagement, research, and policy. Helen has authored and co-authored significant reports, including the Miami Lakes Special Needs Blueprint, the Status of Women in Miami-Dade County, and the Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Sector. She has also been involved in key evaluations, such as the Census 2020 Perspectives Report and J.P. Morgan Chase’s $3 million AdvancingCities project.
Sheldon Waugh
Lead Data Scientist, Department of Commerce, Office of the Inspector General
Location: Middle River, MD
UF Degrees: BS ’11, MS ’14, PHD ’18
Dr. Sheldon Waugh is an accomplished public servant and triple Gator with over six years of experience in the government sector. He currently serves as a Lead Data Scientist and CXO Data Fellow at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General (DOC OIG). In this role, he leads a team of data scientists to develop data-driven products based on audits and investigations across the 13 bureaus of the DOC.
Before working at the DOC OIG, Sheldon was a Data Scientist at the U.S. Census Bureau, where his work in the Field Quality Monitoring Program provided increased flexibility and oversight among the Field Representatives for survey data collection. His accomplishments at the Census Bureau include receiving the U.S. Census Director’s Award for Innovation and the Department of Commerce’s Bronze Award, the Census Bureau’s highest award.
Sheldon also served as an Epidemiologist at the U.S. Army Public Health Center (APHC), where he researched the spread of zoonotic diseases within military-associated companion animals. His work at APHC involved receiving a $350K DoD grant to apply advanced machine learning to this distinct population. Additionally, Sheldon served on the APHC COVID-19 Task Force Team, awarded the Army Medicine Annual Wolf Pack Award for FY21. The team developed a searchable COVID-19 KM system to inform the community and support the Army’s vaccine communication campaign. In addition to his professional experience, Sheldon is a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves as the Chief Brigade Communications Chief for the 302D Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicopee, MA.
Brandon West
Chief Purpose Office & Founder, PHOS Creative
Location: Gainesville, FL
UF Degree: BA ’09
Brandon Michael West is a decorated entrepreneur, thought leader, and visionary founder of PHOS Creative, a purpose-driven digital marketing agency based in Gainesville, FL. Under his leadership, PHOS has earned recognition for its growth and culture, with honors from the Inc. 5000, Gator100 (four times), Florida Trend Magazine, the Best Christian Workplaces Institute, and the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce. PHOS has also received 40+ local and national awards, including the 2024 Purpose Leadership Award from The Purpose Summit and 39 ADDY and Angel awards from the American Advertising Federation.
A sought-after speaker and author of It Is Not Your Business to Succeed, Brandon offers a transformative approach to redefining success in leadership. His company leads by example, donating 50% of its profits to launch care centers around the world. To date, PHOS has funded 17 care centers across 11 countries, serving over 2,400 women and children impacted by extreme poverty and sex trafficking. Through its donor-advised fund, PHOS has raised an additional $160k by inspiring marketing leaders to co-sponsor additional care centers, reflecting Brandon’s belief that collaboration is better than competition.
Brandon dedicates his time to investing in next-generation leaders by mentoring entrepreneurs, college students, and church leaders. He serves as a pastor at Salt Church, working with the largest collegiate ministry on campus to help students take their next step with Jesus. Brandon has spoken to more than 10,000 college students from the stage, sharing his passion for leadership and faith at the University of Florida.
Learn more about all University of Florida 40 Gators Under 40 honorees, here.