Madison, WI – The Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) proudly announces the latest cohort of exceptional alumni recognized as the “8 to Watch,” marking the ninth year of honoring outstanding Business Badgers making waves in their respective industries and beyond.
“Wisconsin School of Business alumni are known for their relentless drive to make an impact, and this year’s ‘8 to Watch’ honorees are no exception,” says Betsy Lundgren (BA ’03, MA ’05), director of alumni relations. “Each alum’s story captures their unique passions and dreams, and collectively, they exemplify the creativity, trustworthiness, and leadership that have become the hallmark of the Business Badger community. ”
“Each alum’s story captures their unique passions and dreams, and collectively, they exemplify the creativity, trustworthiness, and leadership that have become the hallmark of the Business Badger community. ”
– Betsy Lundgren (BA ’03, MA ’05)
Among this year’s distinguished honorees are:
Keith Agoada (BBA ’08) is helping to reshape the global agricultural supply chain, focusing on sustainability and social impact. His progression from campus greenhouse experiments to founding Producers Trust highlights the entrepreneurial opportunities available at WSB.
Marcus Alston (MBA ’19) uses his human resources experience to build inclusive workplace cultures at Cisco. His transition from music studies to HR leadership reflects personal resilience and professional growth.
Charlotte Du (MBA ’19) is a leader in alternative real estate investments at Nuveen with a commitment to impactful investing. Her diverse experiences, spanning from China to Wisconsin and beyond, underscore the valuable perspective she brings to the industry.
Kelly Goldthorpe (MBA ’15) plays a significant role in product management at Peloton, contributing to the company’s growth and introducing new features. Additionally, Goldthorpe is dedicated to community service, as evidenced by her involvement in initiatives like Girls on the Run—a nonprofit aiming to enhance girls’ social, emotional, and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences.
Jenna Herr (MBA ’19), senior director of risk management and insurance at Equity Residential in Chicago, demonstrates dedication to ensuring safety and security in residential settings. Her personal journey from first-generation college student to leadership roles in risk management serves as a testament to perseverance and determination.
Anders Larsen (BBA ’19) is at the forefront of technological disruption at Spotify—and is scaling new heights in leveraging artificial intelligence for global impact. His strategies have propelled Spotify’s growth in video podcasting and audiobooks, showcasing his prowess in product innovation.
Kevin Pickett (BBA ’14) is a key player at Google, demonstrating a diverse skill set and strategic capabilities. His path from Onalaska, Wisconsin, to leading market strategies at Google highlights the power of a WSB education.
Aleja Ross (BBA ’16), a dynamic leader in consulting at EY, stands out for her transformative work in redesigning and reinvigorating workforces to foster employee growth and success. Spearheading initiatives like Skills Foundry, Ross exemplifies the spirit of innovation and impact.
The 8 to Watch honorees are announced annually in WSB’s biannual publication, Update magazine. For more information about the 8 to Watch program and past honorees, visit WSB’s website.