Recently, Orlando Business Journal celebrated its 2025 40 Under 40 honorees, which include 19 Knights.
Meet the alumni, students and staff who are making an impact in their industries and across The City Beautiful.
Dana Damato ’10
Regional marketing manager, Greystar
Bachelor’s in English major with a minor in legal studies
Jennifer Hilaire
Executive director, The Desire Foundation
Incoming student pursing a bachelor’s in political science and minor in nonprofit management
Pedro Araujo
CMO, Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride
Senior finance student
Charlotte Leavitt ’10MPA
Operations director, Center for Independent Living in Central Florida
Master’s in public administration alum
Richardo Garcia
Co-Founder, vice president, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative
Former employee who worked as government resources manager for Business Inubation Program
Darrel Taylor ’09
Founder of BNA Sports
Bachelor’s in criminal justice
Cyndia Muñiz ’13EdD
Senior director of Hispanic Serving Institutions Institute, UCF
Doctorate in educational leadership
Bridget Jackson ’07
Owner, Key Life Fitness and Training Bachelor’s in health sciences and a minor in health services administration
Diego Diaz ’22
Business analyst, Innventure
Bachelor’s in finance
Adeta Gayah ’09MBA
Senior director of social media and content, Visit Orlando
Master’s in business administration
Monica McCown ’07
Consultant, Make it So Strategies
Bachelor’s in psychology
Ursula James ’23
CEO, JH Group Inc.
Master’s in business administration
Laura Lockner ’14
Executive director, Runway to Hope
Bachelor’s in theatre
Pedro Turushina ’10
President/CEO, Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
Bachelor’s in art
Elizabeth (Stein) Forrest ’13MPA
COO, Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys
Master’s in public administration
Briana Rebello ’21
School partnerships program manager, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Bachelor’s in political science, graduate certificate in public administration student
Theresa Smith-Levin ’08
Founder/chief executive director, Central Florida Vocal Arts & Opera del Sol
Bachelor’s in music education and minor in Spanish
Ryan Rapolti ’11MBA
Founder, Reception 24/7
Master’s in business administration
Latest Colleges
- Student Combines Research, Service and Art to Improve HealthRachel Shi, a UCF medical student, has combined her interests outside of the medical field to earn acclaim within it.
- Ancient Artifacts Unearthed in Iraq Shed Light on Hidden History of MesopotamiaTiffany Earley-Spadoni, an associate professor of history at UCF, and a team of researchers made the new discoveries during field work at the Bronze Age site of Kurd Qaburstan. The research provides insights into regional heritage and fills gaps in knowledge about how ancient humans lived and advanced.
- 2 UCF Healthcare Simulation Experts Named Global FellowsJason Konzelmann and Syretta Spears, from UCF’s Colleges of Medicine and Nursing, respectively, were honored for their significant contributions to simulation in healthcare education.
- UCF Biology Researchers Win Awards From NOAA to Support Critical Coastal WorkThe College of Sciences and UCF Coastal receive $2.3 million for innovative coastal ecosystem research, including solutions to marine debris.
- Generous Sponsorship Brings Center Stage to Life at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality ManagementStudents, faculty and industry professionals now have a dedicated space to collaborate, create and apply their knowledge through live events, trade shows and real-world experiential learning.
- From the Ground UpCarol Anne Logue instilled a homegrown approach with UCF’s Innovation Districts and Incubation Program, helping the region blossom into a world-class business center.
