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Location: Atlanta, Georgia
UF Degrees: BA English (2004), BS Advertising (2004)

If you could thank just one teacher or professor in your life, who would you thank and why?

William Logan, my poetry professor, who inspired, pushed and invested in me. I appreciate how he still corrects my grammar and encourages me to focus on my writing — every. single. year.

What is just one piece of advice you would give someone looking to enter your professional area?

There are multiple right answers.

Location: St. Louis, Missouri
UF Degrees: BA Political Science and BS Public Relations (2007)
Additional Degrees: JD (2010), Saint Louis University

Leadership style:

I have found my profession as a litigator to be the professional equivalent to the athletics I grew up with. I have routinely called back to the leadership styles of my coaches growing up … even going as far as noting trial reparation to be “game preparation,” complete with notes for offense and defense as I develop my cases.

Location: Arlington, Virginia
UF Degrees: BS Biology (2003), MPH Epidemiology (2005), PhD Public Health (2016)
Additional Degrees: MD (2010), Iberoamerican University in the Dominican Republic

Pivotal professional moment:

The formation of the first Dominican Republic (non-governmental) medical student organization, Organizacion Dominicana de Estudiantes de Medicina (ODEM). As a medical student, I observed limited community health training opportunities in medical curricula. This motivated me to coordinate medical student teams and prepare community initiatives on preventive health topics.

Location: Sarasota, Florida
UF Degrees: BA History (2006), MEd Social Studies Education (2007)
Additional Degrees: EdS Educational Leadership (2012), Nova Southeastern University

If someone gave you $1 million to better the world, what would you do?

Provide funding for access to medical funds/therapies for people with special needs or parents of children with special needs.

Favorite quote?

“Different, not less.” —Temple Grandin

Location: Sacramento, California
UF Degrees: BA Political Science and BS Business Marketing (2009
Additional Degrees: JD, American University (2012)

If a movie was made about your life, what would it be called and who would you choose to play you?

Justice for All, and I would love for Regina King to be somewhere in the mix of directing or acting, as she is just amazing.

What’s one book that has made a difference in your life?

Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton.

What’s one piece of good advice you’ve received?

People often remember how you treat them above anything else.

Location: Newberry, Florida
UF Degrees: BS Biology and Psychology (2010), DMD (2014)

Advice you’d give UF students?

Follow your principles. I was in a situation where I had to choose between what was right what was easiest/most profitable. If you rely on your moral compass for guidance, you will eventually get to a place you can be proud of.

Favorite saying?

“Luck favors the prepared man.”

Location: Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany
UF Degrees: BA Political Science (2003)
Additional Degrees: MA Liberal Studies and Administrative Leadership (2007), University of Oklahoma

What has surprised you about your life?

I only expected to serve in the military for four years, but stayed in for a career because I found my passion for leadership.

Favorite UF class?

Political Leadership or Urban Politics, with Professor Bert Swanson. He taught us valuable analytic techniques and writing skills that have helped me throughout my career.

Location: Alexandria, Virginia
UF Degrees: BA Economics and Political Science (2015), MBA Business Administration (2020)

What is your greatest point of professional pride?

After learning that undocumented students in Florida were forced to pay out-of-state tuition rates in college regardless of growing up in the state, I worked with a group of advocates to create an organization called Gators for Tuition Equity (GTE). Thanks to our efforts, the state of Florida passed H.B. 851 on May 1, 2014.

Location: Valrico, Florida
UF Degrees: BA History (2005)
Additional Degrees: : MEd (2016), Saint Leo University

What’s one significant development you see coming out of your professional area in the coming years?

In K-12 education, I think we’ll see more flexibility and personalization of student learning as families have adapted to virtual learning tools.

What talent do you possess that we might not know about?

I’m a hot air balloon pilot.

Location: Jacksonville, Florida
UF Degrees: BS Biology (2005), MD (2009)
Additional Degrees: : MPH (2015), Harvard University

What a nominee said about him:

Over the past year, Dr. Jones has taught me a great deal about the disparities in our community and how it impacts our city as a whole. Most recently, Dr. Jones has been involved with the planning and execution of the COVID-19 testing for residents of the region who are at risk of being disproportionately affected by the coronavirus public health emergency. Dr. Jones is passionate about the need to promote strength and resilience within a challenged and often overlooked population.

Location: Gainesville, Florida
UF Degrees: BA Spanish (2005)

What is one way you positively promote your industry?

I currently serve the industry at the national level with two federal appointments: The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade for Fruits & Vegetables.

Location: Tampa, Florida
UF Degrees: BA Criminology & Law (2007), JD (2010)

If a movie was made about your life, what would it be called and who would you choose to play you?

Just Keep at It, starring Winston Duke.

What’s on your bucket list?

Billfishing in Costa Rica and peacock bass fishing in the Amazon jungle.

Location: Tampa, Florida
UF Degrees: BA Criminology & Law (2014)

What did you want to be when you were young?

When I was five, I wanted to be an American. When I was 10, an attorney. When I was 15, a rock star. I am proud to say that I am now an American citizen. I found a better fit of becoming an entrepreneur… and unfortunately, I’m not a rock star yet, but I’m still working on it!

What book made a difference in your life?

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.

Location: Forth Worth, Texas
UF Degrees: MA Criminology, Law and Society (2008), Professional Certificate in Forensic Death Investigation (2009), PhD Criminology Law and Society (2011)
Additional Degrees: BS Communications (2004), University of North Florida

What sets you apart as a leader among your peers?

I never lose sight of the critical importance of being vulnerable, relatable and transparent. I always approach my sexual assault and homicide survivors and law enforcement agents with a simple message: You are the expert. You are the one who has lived/survived your trauma.

How has attending UF changed your life?

Beyond my education, UF is where I met my late husband, Buddy, which set into motion a host of blessings, the greatest of which is my daughter, Reagan.

Q&A courtesy of UF Alumni Association.