10 Within 10 Recognition

Major: General management with a concentration in human resource management

Current job title and employer: Talent sourcing manager with Nestlé Purina

What has been your coolest moment since graduation?

I took a trip to Europe with three close friends and spent five days traveling Ireland coast to coast and seven days sightseeing in Great Britain.

What are you proudest of?

Receiving my bid from Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. The experiences and values I gained during my time as an active brother has helped me greatly personally and professionally. It taught me that when you surround yourself with people who hold themselves to high standards, you, too, grow to be a better person.

What advice would you give new graduates?

Have a healthy disregard for the impossible. I learned this in a weeklong program, LeaderShape, which the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute holds every year. Whenever you face challenges in life — whether it be school, a job or family — there is nothing you can’t overcome. If you have a healthy disregard for the impossible, you can achieve anything. Go for it.

What has your work life taught you?

Say yes to opportunities. Even if you aren’t 100 percent sure what will come from it, you will learn something about yourself. Saying yes has led me to live in five cities outside of Michigan — Philadelphia; Lincoln, Nebraska; Los Angeles; Kansas City; and St. Louis. I have gained lifelong friends, seen our beautiful country coast to coast, and learned best practices that I use almost daily. Just say yes.

If you could do anything right now, what would you do?

Take my mother on a vacation. She hasn’t been on a real vacation in a long time. Her focus is always on her family and their needs coming first. I’m a proud “mama’s boy” and would love to give her the opportunity to relax. She deserves it.

10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update

Current city and state: St. Louis, MO

Current job title and employer:  Head of Talent Acquisition at Nestlé Purina