Wichita State University
The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP) announces 12 new students have been accepted for its 2024-25 cohort. Applicants for the program reached record levels with a 23% acceptance rate. WGLP is led by the W. Frank Barton School of Business in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University for students majoring in business, communication and fine arts. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to create the next generation of global leaders and provide them with a transformational, multidisciplinary educational experience so they can thrive upon graduation.
“The growing demand for this program is a testament to the exceptional quality and opportunities it offers our students,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School and WGLP Executive Program Director. “Fostering a global, innovative mindset for students in business, communication, and fine arts is an invaluable asset. We warmly welcome the new cohort to embrace, explore, and unlock their potential with this transformative experience.”
2024-25 WGLP COHORT
Jenni Drinnen
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Hometown: Haysville, Kansas
Karen Montes-Liera
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Ulysses, Kansas
Brittney Dauber
Major: Communications
Minor: English
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Hometown: Hutchinson, Kansas
Abrielle Zuniga-Peres
Major: Finance – Real Estate emphasis
Minor: Marketing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Hometown: Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
Emmalynn Reilly
Major: Music Performance - Vocal
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Amarillo, Texas
Olivia Wessley
Major: Economics
Minor: Mathematics; University Honors
Expected Graduation: Summer 2025
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Anyaa Shahzad
Major: Marketing – Data Driven Marketing & Intelligence
Minor: Business Analytics
Expected Graduation: Fall 2025
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Jacqueline Nguyen
Major: Entrepreneurship
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Alivea Hughes
Major: Media Arts
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Tiahna Padilla
Major: Computer Engineering; Animation
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Jocelyn Tang
Major: Marketing – Real Estate emphasis
Minor: Management; Finance
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Isabella Kilman
Major: Marketing; International Business
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Hometown: Valley Center, Kansas
The Widener Global Leaders Program received the 2024 Innovation Award by the Wichita Business Journal. The award is given to the top organizations in the region who are making a difference through innovative ideas and practices. Throughout the yearlong program, students develop business skills, communication skills, artistic awareness, a commitment to social responsibility, cultural intelligence, and a global mindset. Students attend and have access to networking, mentorship from business leaders, faculty and WGLP alums, trips to industry-leading companies and connections to business, communication and artistic leaders.
“The continued growth and recognition of the Widener Global Leaders Program is a testament to its unique and impactful approach to education,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost at WSU. “By fostering leadership, collaboration, and global awareness across multiple disciplines, WGLP empowers our students to excel in their chosen fields and become adaptable, forward-thinking leaders who can navigate the complexities of an interconnected world.”
Integrating business, communications and fine arts educations for undergraduates reflects the skillset of WSU graduate Peri Widener, who utilized her background to thrive while leading a large global aerospace services business. The Widener Global Leaders Program begins its fourth year in 2024, having graduated over 30 students since its inception who are making an impact with their work locally and globally in numerous marquis companies. In June 2023, it was announced that the Widener Global Leaders Program would continue an additional five years through a $300,000 gift from Peri Widener. She envisioned the program in 2018 and worked with the University to establish it in 2019 with an initial gift of $100,000.
“It is both humbling and gratifying to be able to support the development of the next generation of global business leaders through this groundbreaking initiative with WSU,” Widener said. “Through this program we are giving tomorrow’s leaders real world learning experiences today that broaden their cultural and educational knowledge and support their overall success.”
Due to high demand, applications for the fifth cohort are already open. The deadline to submit applications is April 7, 2025. Interviews will be concluded by May 28, 2025. The fifth cohort will begin to meet in August 2025. To apply and for more information on WGLP, visit www.wichita.edu/academics/business/widener-glp/.