WICHITA, KAN. – The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP), led by the 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, is pleased to announce the selection of 12 exceptional students for its 2023-24 cohort. This transformational interdisciplinary initiative is specifically tailored to nurture and empower the next generation of global leaders.

Having successfully graduated 18 students to date, the program stands as a testament to its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. It embraces students from various backgrounds, fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences within its ranks.

 The primary objective of the Widener Global Leaders Program is to provide students with a transformative, multidisciplinary educational journey encompassing business, communication, and the arts throughout their college experience. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared and ahead of the curve, equipped to excel as leaders in the global arena. Notably, the current 2023-24 cohort marks the largest in WGLP's three-year history, underlining its growth, influence and impact.

"We experienced an unprecedented surge in applicants this year," highlighted Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School and WGLP Program Director. "The program's impact and significance continue to escalate, emphasizing the value of nurturing a global, innovative mindset among these exceptional students. I am genuinely thrilled for this upcoming cohort of aspiring leaders to immerse themselves in this distinctive program."

Fabiola Ayarza Anorga
Major: Human Resources Management
Minor: Management
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Hometown: Lima, Peru

Chloe Brown
Major: Graphic Design
Minor: Music; Marketing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Hometown: Derby, Kansas

Alyson Goodwin
Major: Finance - Real Estate emphasis
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Giselle Graciano
Major: Human Resource Management; Management
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Hutchinson, Kansas

Shaybree Hanes
Major: Graphic Design
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Elkhart, Kansas

Suzette Cabrales Hernandez
Major: Business Management
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Shala Johnson
Major: Integrated Marketing Communication
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Hometown: Topeka, Kansas

Jude Khaldi
Major: Graphic Design
Minor: Marketing; Psychology
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Stacey Le
Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: Computer Science
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Cassandra Onwugbufor
Major: Accounting

Expected Graduation: Fall 2024
Hometown: Maize, Kansas

Amy Nguyen
Major: International Business
Minor: Organization Leadership; Marketing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

An Nguyen
Major: International Business
Minor: Business Analytics; Marketing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Peri Widener, the Program's Founder, had a near-40 year career as a Vice President and General Manager at Boeing leading a global service business.  Her innovative, successful global  leadership track record demonstrated the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to business solutions and this experience was a key driver in developing the WGLP.  Since then, Widener has focused her philanthropy and work on helping to build the next generation of global business leaders.  In June, it was announced that the Widener Global Leaders Program would continue for the next five years thanks to a $300,000 gift from Peri Widener, the visionary behind the program. Peri Widener is also a distinguished member of the Barton School’s Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board.

"With this program, my desire is to give young leaders a head start in developing the transformational, interdisciplinary global business skills needed to be effective early in their career journeys," Widener said.  "Wherever your career takes you and no matter where you live, in today’s global business world understanding other cultures, people, approaches and perspectives makes you a stronger leader."

Throughout the yearlong WGLP program, students develop business acumen, 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 former WGLP graduates, trips to leading companies as well as engagements with business, communication and art leaders.

“With each passing year, the ripple effect created by WGLP grows,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University. “Having opportunities for students to learn and grow their leadership skills in college can make a huge impact on their career trajectory.”

Any individuals or businesses interested in supporting or sponsoring WGLP, please contact Jessie Rainey, Associate Vice President of Development at the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at 316-978-3948 or jessie.rainey@wichita.edu.

For more information on WGLP, visit www.wichita.edu/academics/business/widener-glp/.