The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP) — recognized by the Wichita Business Journal with its Innovation Award — celebrated the launch of its fifth cohort during a dynamic welcome event at Wichita State University. The new class features 12 exceptional students representing the W. Frank Barton School of Business, the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Fine Arts.
This year’s group marks a new era for WGLP—the first cohort under its expanded mission to provide students with a transformational, multidisciplinary educational experience that empowers them to thrive as the next generation of global leaders.
The kickoff event featured Michael Horn, the Barton School of Business Distinguished Keynote Speaker, and a globally recognized author, educator, and innovation thought leader. Horn is co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and co-hosts the acclaimed podcasts Future U and Class Disrupted. His bestselling works include Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career, Disrupting Class, Blended, and Choosing College. His insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, and numerous other leading outlets.
“As the Widener Global Leaders Program grows, it expands the capacity of our students to lead, innovate, and impact the world,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School and WGLP Executive Program Director. “This kickoff event was not simply a welcome—it was a catalyst for transformation, challenging each participant to embrace their potential and define what leadership means in a global context.”
Attendees included WGLP alumni, program facilitators, faculty leads and university leaders, including Dean Larisa Genin (Barton School of Business), Dean Marie Bukowski (College of Fine Arts), and Telly McGaha, President and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement.
The highlight of the evening was a WGLP alumni panel moderated by Jenn Lopez, WGLP Program Manager and Executive Assistant to the Dean. Panelists shared reflections on their personal and professional growth through WGLP, offering advice to the incoming cohort on leadership, self-awareness, and purpose.
“This program has changed the way I approach my career and my life,” said Giselle Graciano, WGLP Alumni President and Barton alum now serving as a Claims Analyst at Koch, Inc. “I have a deeper understanding of myself, the world, and the impact I can make in both.”
The Fall 2025 WGLP experience will feature a dynamic series of distinguished learning opportunities, including Talent Sets & Leadership Development with New York Times bestselling author Curt Coffman, Strategic Communication & Executive Presence with international communications expert and coach Lynda Jackson from London, England, sessions on business etiquette and networking, and an exclusive backstage tour and leadership conversation with Music Theatre Wichita. Throughout the semester, students will also engage directly with numerous executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, gaining invaluable insights into leadership, innovation, and global business practices through a variety of unique and high-impact experiences.
The program’s interdisciplinary design—integrating business, communication, music, and the arts—reflects the lifelong vision of Peri Widener, WGLP’s namesake and inspiration. A Wichita State alumna with a bachelor’s in journalism and a minor in business, Widener built a nearly 40-year career with Boeing, serving in roles spanning communication, business development, site leadership, and ultimately, Vice President and General Manager overseeing global profit and loss operations.
Established in 2020, the Widener Global Leaders Program continues to exemplify Wichita State’s commitment to cultivating innovative, compassionate, and globally minded leaders prepared to shape the future.
In June 2023, it was announced that the Widener Global Leaders Program would continue an additional five years thanks a $300,000 gift from Widener.
MEET THE 2025-26 WGLP COHORT
Chase Bradley
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dylan Bray
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts (Theatre Concentration)
Minors: Graphic Design, Marketing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Hometown: Smith Center, Kansas
Dontae Coleman
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Painting
Minor: Graphic Design
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Isabel Fulkerson
Majors: Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics & International Studies
Minor: Spanish
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Salina, Kansas
Bentley Hagerman
Major: Bachelor of Communications
Additional Focus: Honors
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Tessa Irsik
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Additional Focus: Honors
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Ingalls, Kansas
Michael Phan
Majors: Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance
Minor: Management
Additional Focus: Honors
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Teja Samuelson
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
Additional Focus: Honors
Expected Graduation: Fall 2026
Hometown: Norwich, Kansas
Sofia Schoenhoefer
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics
Minor: Finance
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Hometown: Ladera Ranch, California
Sophia Stutey
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication
Additional Focus: Honors
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Newton, Kansas
Nya Vargas
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Tajzmarae Bowie Vitolas
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Additional Focus: Certificate in Filmmaking
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP) is led by the W. Frank Barton School of Business in collaboration with the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University. This prestigious, yearlong program empowers students to cultivate a powerful blend of business acumen, communication mastery, artistic awareness, cultural intelligence, social responsibility, and a global leadership mindset. Participants engage in exclusive networking and mentorship opportunities with distinguished business executives, faculty experts, and WGLP alumni; embark on immersive visits to industry-leading companies; and build meaningful connections across the worlds of business, communication, and the arts—preparing them to lead with creativity, purpose, and global perspective.