Phenomenal Women Awards

Amy Nguyen, Student

Amy is a first-generation student and a first-year student at Wichita State University. She is currently majoring in international business with minors in organizational leadership and marketing. Amy is the founder of the Multicultural Leadership Association, which was developed to promote cultural diversity and provide a platform for minorities to have a voice in their community. She also partnered with Wichita State Alum, Tajahnae Stocker, to implement the first community fridge and high school pantry to combat food insecurity! On campus, she serves as an ambassador for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Community Partners chair for Community Service Board. She is also a member of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc., Asian Student Conference and Vietnamese Student Association. Amy also dedicates her time to serving the Wichita community through leading the KC-based ICT Mental Health Campaign called “Zero Reasons Why” to further expand youth engagement nationally. She is also a returning mentor for Wichita Festivals Incorporated Ambassador Program. Amy is an advocate for DEI, food security and mental health awareness. Her post-graduation aspirations include starting a nonprofit organization revolving around youth engagement in the Wichita community.

Ana Lazarin, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, College of Engineering

Ana Lazarin is the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University. She directs the college's initiatives to broaden the diversity among the engineering student body and bridge the equity gap. Ana is the engineering liaison for the President's Diversity Council and serves as an advisor for the collegiate chapters of SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES). In 2013, Ana Lazarin was the recipient of the inaugural Global Engineering Dean's Council (GEDC) Airbus Diversity Award for her work to broaden participation in engineering education. Ana is passionate about empowering young students to pursue higher education, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. As an undocumented Mexican immigrant from low-economical background, she became the first person in her family to graduate from high school and to go to college completing a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Master of Education, both from Wichita State University.

Angela Dudley, Associate Vice President for Corporate & Foundation Relations, WSU Foundation & Alumni Engagement

Angela Dudley serves as the associate vice president for corporate and foundation relations at the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. She joined the WSU Foundation in 2007, serving in roles supporting the W. Frank Barton School of Business and the College of Engineering. In her current role, Angela leads a team focusing on mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with the University’s corporate and foundation partners. She is an active member of NACRO, a leading professional group for Academic Corporate Relations Officers. Born and raised in California, Angela moved to Wichita, KS in 1996, where she completed her Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and MBA from Wichita State. Shocker Pride runs deep within her family. Her husband, Chris, is a WSU grad and faculty member in the College of Health Professions and their son, Clay, is a WSU student studying mechanical engineering. She hopes their daughter, Alaina, chooses WSU after high school, to continue the family tradition.

Caitlin Nolen, Student Advocacy Coordinator, Student Engagement, Advocacy, & Leadership

Caitlin Nolen, an alumna of Wichita State University, holds a Bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and learning, focusing on education and innovation. She is pursuing her Master's degree in educational psychology, specializing in higher education and student affairs. Currently serving as the student advocacy coordinator, Ms. Nolen's responsibilities include managing the Shocker Support Locker, advising seven Student Government Association agencies, promoting off-campus housing initiatives, and facilitating an exceptional student experience. She is a proud member of the Beta Kappa Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and actively participates in multiple committees within and outside her department. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Ms. Nolen is passionate about community service, and her peers and colleagues have recognized her leadership skills. She mentors undergraduate and graduate students, providing guidance and support to help them succeed academically and professionally. As Ms. Nolen continues her academic journey, she hopes to positively impact higher education and student affairs by promoting equity and access for all students. She believes every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams and is committed to advocating for their needs and interests.

Carla Williams, Director, Communication Upward Bound

After more than 25 plus years in the music business, Carla M. Williams has earned a reputation as one of the most experienced and successful music executives in the industry. She has worked with some of the best in gospel music including multiple Grammy award winning artists such as Kirk Franklin, Bishop TD Jakes, Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, and Smokie Norful. In her previous role, Carla served as vice president and general manager for Kirk Franklin. Currently, Carla is embracing her "2nd half" and has worked in higher education since 2015 at Wichita State University as director of Communication Upward Bound. She has a Bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in social work and a Master's degree from WSU's College of Fine Arts in Arts leadership and management.

Diana Carbajal, Assistant Director, Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP

Diana graduated from Wichita State University with a B.A. in studio arts and completed her Master of Business Administration at Friends University. Rising through the ranks at Wichita State University during the past six years working for Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP at Wichita State University. Summer 2018, Diana wrote a new GEAR UP grant with the help of her mentors, Ms Deltha Q. Colvin and Mrs Corinne Nilsen. Grant was awarded on October 2018, which she served as executive director for Haysville GEAR UP. Spring 2022, Diana transitioned back to Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP as the assistant director.

Iris Okere, Student

Iris Okere is a junior who is majoring in marketing and minoring in Spanish, hailing from Dallas, Texas. On campus, Iris is an active member and leader in several organizations that contribute to the university's culture and community. Iris is the Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion chair for the Student Government Association, where she works tirelessly with her committee to promote inclusivity and representation on campus. As the vice president of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Iris is committed to fostering sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Additionally, as the vice president of community relations for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Iris works to strengthen relationships between the NPHC and the other Greek councils on Wichita State campus. Iris also serves as a resident assistant for Housing and Residence Life, where she provides support and guidance to students living on campus. Through her roles at Wichita State, Iris has demonstrated her passion for advocacy, community engagement, and leadership. Iris's dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on campus are truly admirable. She believes that every person has a voice and that there are endless opportunities to create change. Iris is currently running for Student Body President. "I am honored to nominate Iris Okere for recognition and applaud her for all that she has achieved and continues to accomplish at Wichita State University," one said. She is committed to serving her fellow students and bringing about positive change on campus.

Dr. Janet Twomey, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies & Faculty Success, College of Engineering

Dr. Janet Twomey began her career at Wichita State University with the personal and professional goals to always pursue research in areas of national need and effect the academic culture for women in STEM. To that end, her research has focused on improving the environmental sustainability of products and processes, and programming to diversify the faculty and student body at WSU. In 2015, Dr. Twomey took a position as the associate dean for graduate education, research and faculty success in the College of Engineering. In this position she has been able to pursue her goals in environmental sustainability research and working to increase the diversity of faculty and students in engineering. She is the WSU PI of the Kansas NSF Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation award, and the PI of NSF ADVANCE Catalyst: A Catalyst to Increase the Representation and Advancement of Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Academic STEM Careers at Wichita State University. The outcome of this project is a five-year strategic plan to increase, retain and advance women and minority faculty. It has been integrated into the university's DEI plan. She and one other person have been invited to present their outcomes on an NSF ADVANCE webinar. Currently, she is serving as co-PI on two NSF funded awards: 1) to reduce the environmental impacts and make road salt more substantial; and 2) to support high achieving economically disadvantaged engineering students. Dr. Twomey has co-authored over 70 peer reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings and has received funding totaling over $5 mil. The majority of which has come from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Twomey received WSU's first NSF Faculty Early CAREER award (the most prestigious award for new faculty) for her work in neural networks and sparse data sets. As PI of awards from the NSF and DOE, Dr. Twomey initiated research in environmentally benign manufacturing, green wind energy, and sustainable healthcare services. Those awards were used support new research areas in sustainability by seeding the work of over 20 faculty and 30 students. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) adopted the framework developed by Dr. Twomey and her colleague, to account for the environmental impacts of manufacturing unit processes (UPLCI). Dr. Twomey's work received international recognition through invitations to organize and speak at workshops on reverse logistics at INSEAD in Fontainebleau France, on green manufacturing in San Carlos Brazil, wind energy in Cairo Egypt, and women in engineering in Istanbul Turkey. These were supported by the NSF. Dr. Twomey's students are continuing to work in these areas as academics in the US and abroad. Three of her PhD students were female. Dr. Twomey was a Program Officer for Manufacturing Enterprise Systems at the National Science Foundation from 2001 to 2004. She has served as VP for Academics on the Institute for Industrial Engineering Board of Trustees from 2012 -2014, is a member of the City of Wichita's Cultural Funding Committee from 2005 to 2006 and is currently serving on the Ulrich's Advisory Board.

Jenn Lopez, Executive Assistant, Barton School of Business

Jenn Lopez is the executive assistant to the Dean of the Barton School of Business. You can find Jenn coordinating internal and community engagement, enhancing relationships, and consistently being a multifaceted source. Her mission is to create opportunities for others by cultivating experiences and focusing on the potential of "what could be." Jenn has worked as a Widener Global Leaders program coordinator and is continuing her education in business administration. Outside of work, she is a life coach for underserved teenagers and volunteers with non-profit organizations. In her spare time, Jenn frequents art galleries, enjoys gardening, fitness and impressing friends with her talent of charcuterie making. She is on track to complete her TIPS-MAPP certification to extend her role from dog mom to foster mom.

Kennedy Rogers, Director of ShockerStrengths & Staff Engagement, Student Affairs

Kennedy Rogers serves in the Division of Student Affairs as the director of ShockerStrengths and staff engagement. Kennedy holds a strong belief in development and self-discovery for students as they navigate their journey on campus. One of her favorite elements of her role is connecting students to their talents and collaborating with campus partners to support and advocate for students academically and personally as they navigate their Shocker experience. Additionally, Kennedy serves on multiple committees dedicated to advocacy and student retention such as Leadership and Professional Development for the university and Student Affairs, Student Affairs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Women's Leadership Initiative, and University Staff Senate. Kennedy leads with Learner as her top strength and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership. Her ambition is to continue serving shockers on campus through advocacy and connection to their long-term goals through student success, well-being, and aligning with their talents and aspirations.

Dr. Mythili Menon, Assistant Professor, Department of English

Mythili Menon is an assistant professor of English and linguistics in the Department of English. She is also the director of the linguistics program and the director of the Center for Educational Technologies to Assist Refugee Learners (CETARL) and an associate editor of the Journal of South Asian Linguistics. She received her Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Southern California in 2016. Through CETARL, she leads the Refugee Learning and Resettlement Team, a memorandum of understanding signed between Wichita State and community organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, the City of Wichita, Kansas Leadership Center, and Breakthrough Community Church to help address needs and barriers faced by refugees in Wichita. Her research focuses on studying underrepresented languages and working with vulnerable populations such as the refugee population on projects such as Project Education for All, Project Cybersecurity for All, and Building Bridges in CETARL. She is also working with Alce su Voz on vaccine equity in the Guatemalan community. She is the advisor of the WSU Linguistics Club. She has mentored several women students, including undergraduates and international students in her research lab, preparing them for careers in linguistics, as well as for making a difference and impact in the society.

Natanya Ordoñez, Student

Natanya is a senior majoring in general studies of sociology while on the pre-dental track. She is involved in multiple organizations and offices across campus, including being the president of the First Generation Student Organization, being a member of HALO, Pre-Dental Student Association, and Phenomenal Women. She is also a senior intern in the Office of First-Year Programs and has previously served as a Transition Mentor and Passage Leader. Besides being heavily involved on campus, Natanya enjoys spending time with friends and being able to travel and have new experiences. Post graduation she wants to attend dental school and ultimately marry her two passions of working with kids and dentistry to become a pediatric dentist. With a smile as contagious as Natanya's, she wants to be able to give others a smile worth smiling.

Nayeli Cano, Retention Coordinator, Office of Diversity & Inclusion

Nayeli Cano is a retention coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Wichita State University. She is currently pursuing her Master's in education in educational psychology and will graduate this May. She graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor's degree in health management and health science with an emphasis in public health. Nayeli is committed to working with students from diverse backgrounds and has always had a passion for education. Through her various interests, there has always been a common goal—to provide. She wants to guide students into achieving their professional and personal goals and provide the resources to succeed. A passion of hers is working specifically with Hispanic/Latino populations and bridging the language barrier between them and their families when approaching higher education. Outside of Wichita State University, Nayeli is involved with her sorority, Kappa Delta Chi, helping achieve professional development, academic excellence, and community service with special emphasis on the underrepresented. She is also involved as a member of Young Latino Professionals of Wichita and volunteers with nonprofit organizations.

Rani Somers, Recruitment Coordinator, Barton School of Business

Rani Somers has been a Shocker since 2017, having first served as the coordinator of fraternity and sorority life and now serving as the recruitment coordinator for the Barton School of Business. In her role, Rani works to recruit perspective students to the Barton School of Business for their undergraduate programs. When she is not recruiting students, she also advises the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Barton Business Ambassadors, managing a portfolio of scholarships, and giving tours of Woolsey Hall. Rani's recruitment philosophy is to help perspective students see the bigger picture of their life and show them the potential that Shocker Nation could provide them by creating a unique experience for each student. She makes sure to always tell perspective students one important thing: we would be honored if you would allow us to be a chapter in your story. Rani was born and raised in Southern Illinois and is a proud alumnus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Go Cougars!) for both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. As a supporter of lifelong learning, Rani is currently pursuing her Master's of human resource management degree right here at WSU. Although passionate about education, Rani was never the best student and lived by the motto of "C's get degrees" while in college. She credits her ability to graduate to her sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon. Her sisters believed in her when she did not believe in herself, and that support was transformational. Outside of work, Rani is actively involved in national volunteer roles for Delta Phi Epsilon. She has served in a plethora of advisory roles, with the most current being the housing advisor for the Delta Delta chapter at Indiana University in Bloomington. Rani was also recently appointed to the National Housing Corporation Governing Board for Delta Phi Epsilon. Within Wichita, Rani is a big sister to 12-year-old Willow through Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is a proud mom to her chihuahua, Maggie, and has already won the award of "Best and Coolest Aunt" from her three nephews. Rani believes that women can change the world, reading and learning make us better every day, and that authenticity and storytelling are the key to living a full life.

Dr. Suzanne Hawley, Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences

Suzanne R. Hawley, PhD, MPH, LP is a public health academician and licensed clinical psychologist. She is professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) at Wichita State University and served as PHS department chair from 2011-2015. Previously, she served as faculty and MPH site director at University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, as well as co-director of the Kansas Public Health Leadership Institute (KPHLI) for 10 years. She is very inspired by the natural growth capacity and power of individuals and communities. She has coaching certifications from both the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC). She completed her Bachelor's and Master's in psychology from California State University, San Bernardino. She also completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in biostatistics, and a PhD in clinical psychology, both at Loma Linda University in California. She has worked as a clinician and researcher in various multidisciplinary settings over the past two decades. This includes educational, community mental health, psychiatric hospital, and prison settings. Dr. Hawley's work has focused on leadership development/training, health disparities, and mental health. She has worked with and served as a co-investigator for HRSA Public Health Training Centers for 20 years. She is a graduate of the National Public Health Leadership Institute and the past Chair for the National Public Health Leadership Development Network. Over her career, her scholarship has been supported by over 42 grants and contracts totaling over $17,000,000.00 and in 20 of these projects, Dr. Hawley served as PI/Co-PI. She has published over 48 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and given over 225 presentations on her scholarly work locally and internationally. Over the past 29 years, she has taught over 200 courses. In 2011, she received the Kansas Public Health Association’s highest award, the Samuel J. Crumbine medal, for her contributions to public health workforce and leadership development. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, two boys, dog, and doing something creative.

Valeria Paunetto, Student

Valeria Paunetto was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She been living in Wichita, Kansas for about seven years and graduated from Andover Central High School. She is currently pursuing a degree Wichita State University in Social Work. Her goal is to become a social worker that specializes in the macro area of social work.

Iris Okere, Student

Iris Okere is a junior who is majoring in marketing and minoring in Spanish, hailing from Dallas, Texas. On campus, Iris is an active member and leader in several organizations that contribute to the university's culture and community. Iris is the Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion chair for the Student Government Association, where she works tirelessly with her committee to promote inclusivity and representation on campus. As the vice president of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Iris is committed to fostering sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Additionally, as the vice president of community relations for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Iris works to strengthen relationships between the NPHC and the other Greek councils on Wichita State campus. Iris also serves as a resident assistant for Housing and Residence Life, where she provides support and guidance to students living on campus. Through her roles at Wichita State, Iris has demonstrated her passion for advocacy, community engagement, and leadership. Iris's dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on campus are truly admirable. She believes that every person has a voice and that there are endless opportunities to create change. Iris is currently running for Student Body President. "I am honored to nominate Iris Okere for recognition and applaud her for all that she has achieved and continues to accomplish at Wichita State University," one said. She is committed to serving her fellow students and bringing about positive change on campus.

Dr. Suzanne Hawley, Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences

Suzanne R. Hawley, PhD, MPH, LP is a public health academician and licensed clinical psychologist. She is professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) at Wichita State University and served as PHS department chair from 2011-2015. Previously, she served as faculty and MPH site director at University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, as well as co-director of the Kansas Public Health Leadership Institute (KPHLI) for 10 years. She is very inspired by the natural growth capacity and power of individuals and communities. She has coaching certifications from both the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC). She completed her Bachelor's and Master's in psychology from California State University, San Bernardino. She also completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in biostatistics, and a PhD in clinical psychology, both at Loma Linda University in California. She has worked as a clinician and researcher in various multidisciplinary settings over the past two decades. This includes educational, community mental health, psychiatric hospital, and prison settings. Dr. Hawley's work has focused on leadership development/training, health disparities, and mental health. She has worked with and served as a co-investigator for HRSA Public Health Training Centers for 20 years. She is a graduate of the National Public Health Leadership Institute and the past Chair for the National Public Health Leadership Development Network. Over her career, her scholarship has been supported by over 42 grants and contracts totaling over $17,000,000.00 and in 20 of these projects, Dr. Hawley served as PI/Co-PI. She has published over 48 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and given over 225 presentations on her scholarly work locally and internationally. Over the past 29 years, she has taught over 200 courses. In 2011, she received the Kansas Public Health Association’s highest award, the Samuel J. Crumbine medal, for her contributions to public health workforce and leadership development. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, two boys, dog, and doing something creative.

Ana Lazarin, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, College of Engineering

Ana Lazarin is the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University. She directs the college's initiatives to broaden the diversity among the engineering student body and bridge the equity gap. Ana is the engineering liaison for the President's Diversity Council and serves as an advisor for the collegiate chapters of SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES). In 2013, Ana Lazarin was the recipient of the inaugural Global Engineering Dean's Council (GEDC) Airbus Diversity Award for her work to broaden participation in engineering education. Ana is passionate about empowering young students to pursue higher education, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. As an undocumented Mexican immigrant from low-economical background, she became the first person in her family to graduate from high school and to go to college completing a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Master of Education, both from Wichita State University.