2026 30 Under 30 | University of Miami Development and Alumni Relations

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The 30 Under 30 program honors outstanding young alumni of the University of Miami. To be considered for the 2026 list, candidates must have received either an undergraduate or a graduate degree from the University and be under the age of 30 as of May 31, 2026. The Young Alumni Leadership Council review committee selects 30 finalists, based on the impact made on their profession, community, and their alma mater.

Whether pursuing graduate or professional education, serving their communities, mentoring others, or advocating for those in need, this year’s honorees truly exemplify what it means to be a Cane, as they share below and in the 30 Under 30 booklet, linked below. They will be celebrated at a special ceremony during Alumni Weekend and Homecoming.

READ MORE ABOUT THE 2026 30 UNDER 30 [LINK TBD]

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man in purple jacket with caption in loving memory

Aaron Marckell Williams, B.S.C. ’21

Being a Cane meant for Aaron Williams an unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community. As a resident assistant, mentor, brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and later as a photojournalist, he used his talents to uplift others and tell stories that mattered. Before his untimely passing earlier this year, Aaron showed that being a Cane isn't just about what you achieve, it's about how you inspire, support, and elevate those around you.

Alexander Walch Rojas, B.A. ’23

Being a Cane means being like the ibis, the last bird to leave before a hurricane and the first to return. That reflects exactly how I move through the world. I show up when people need me, and I’m often the first person others turn to for help. To me, the spirit of a Cane [is] just like the Ibis. I stay with my community, I don’t leave people behind, and I’m always ready to lead. Every opportunity I take and every risk I embrace comes from that same commitment to showing up and standing strong for your community.

Anthony Antonelli, B.B.A. ’22, M.B.A. ’23

Being a Cane means leading with purpose, serving others, and embracing every opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether through my military service as a Navy rescue swimmer, my career in technology and project management, or mentoring veterans as they transition into the civilian workforce, I strive to represent the values of integrity, resilience, and collaboration that define the University of Miami.

Caroline Smolkin, B.S. ’19

Being a Cane means more than where you earned your degree—it's a mindset. At the University of Miami, I learned to embrace challenges, lead with resilience, and never settle for doing the minimum. Surrounded by people from different backgrounds and perspectives, I developed an appreciation for collaboration, adaptability, and service that continues to shape how I approach medicine today.

Ceon Wong, B.S.B.E. ’20

Being a Cane means approaching each day with a positive mindset, stepping out of your comfort zone, leading with integrity, and demonstrating creativity in the workspace. These are all characteristics I have observed or learned from my colleagues at the University of Miami, and they have been the most valuable skills for me in approaching the legal profession and the novel challenges it can present daily.

Charmaine Mukurazhizha, M.A. ’24

Being a Cane means being resilient, driven, and committed to making an impact wherever I go. 
It has allowed me to create opportunities not only for myself, but also for my community back home in Zimbabwe. Whether it was using my TedTalk to share meaningful stories and experiences or building a golf community that encourages young women in Miami to step into a sport where they haven’t always been represented, I’ve learned that leadership is about opening doors for others.

Cora McKean, B.S.M.A.S. ’22

Being a Cane means resilience and the pursuit of lifelong learning. Working as a researcher, I face difficult decisions and failure everyday. My educational foundation at the U taught me that making mistakes is a necessary part of the learning process, and provided me with the confidence to proceed in the face of adversity.

Danielle Goldwert, B.A. ’21

Being a Cane means approaching every opportunity with curiosity and a commitment to making a positive impact. As a Ph.D. candidate in social psychology, I conduct research on how we can use behavioral science to address pressing societal challenges like climate change, helping translate psychological insights into real-world solutions. At the same time, I believe growth happens outside of work, too. Since graduating from UM, I’ve continued pursuing creative and adventurous hobbies—from stop-motion animation to rock climbing, a passion I first discovered during my senior year at Miami.

Denise Ozturk, B.S.Ed. ’18

Being a Cane means leading with resilience, collaboration, and a willingness to take on challenges that create lasting impact. Whether launching new business ventures, building partnerships, or supporting my teams, I believe in leaving every organization stronger than I found it. I strive to represent the University of Miami by leading with integrity, embracing innovation, and giving back through mentorship and community engagement.

Destiny James, B.S.P.H. ’19

Being a Cane means approaching life with resilience, optimism, and compassion. I strive to remain grounded during difficult moments, adapt when faced with change, and encourage others to do the same. Whether facing challenges or celebrating successes, I aim to lead with integrity, care, and a belief that together we can make a difference. As someone who bleeds orange and green, I carry immense pride in being a University of Miami alumna and in representing the values that makes being a Cane so special.

Douglas Corsi, B.S. ’19

Being a Cane means Canes care for Canes, a phrase that has always resonated with me. Throughout my life, I have tried to live it out, both for my fellow Hurricanes and for the loved ones, families, and patients I care for who never set foot in Coral Gables. Miami taught me the value of building community and looking after the people who surround and support you. I have dedicated my life to caring for others in every direction: my lifelong Miami friends, my patients, and my family.

Irene Mulloy Harmody, B.S. ’18

Being a Cane means you’re a Cane for life! I love showing my Canes pride year-round, but especially during football season. I also love to tell the story that my dear friends, roommates, and teammates who were marine science majors inspired me to go into polymer chemistry. Their passion for ocean life and keeping plastics out of water left an impact. Only the U could have brought us together. My 4 years at UM absolutely shaped my life, and I could not be more grateful.

Janeth Campbell, B.S. ’19

Being a Cane means recognizing that excellence is rooted in service, inclusion, and community. Some of my favorite memories at the University of Miami were volunteering through UM Days of Service, participating in Hurricanes Help the Hometown, helping plan and raise funds for Relay for Life, and teaching children poetry through Written in My Soul. Those experiences showed me the impact of serving alongside others and strengthened my lifelong commitment to giving back.

Jasmin Dakkak, B.B.A. ’20, M.B.A. ’20

Being a Cane means leading with purpose, showing up for your community, and never being afraid to put yourself out there. Whether I’m helping protect families and businesses through our insurance agency, mentoring young professionals, or volunteering through my church and local organizations, I try to lead with integrity, kindness, and a service first mindset. The University of Miami taught me that success isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about lifting others up along the way.

Jayden Degrace, B.A. ’23

Being a Cane means embracing adaptability, resilience, and community. My journey at the U was anything but linear as I navigated seven different majors, transitioning through fields like Business Management, Public Health, and more before finding my true passion. A true Cane isn't afraid to step into the unknown and reinvent themselves. That same spirit of exploration now drives my entire creative methodology as a designer and art director.

Jordan Wiesinger, M.P.S. ’23, J.D. ’23

Being a Cane means carrying the University of Miami's values with you long after graduation. It means remaining connected to the University community, supporting future generations of Hurricanes, and using the opportunities I've been given to serve others. I do my best to remain connected to professors and fellow students who have provided great mentorship and friendship to me throughout law school and stepping into my career. I also enjoy sharing my experience with prospective students who are considering the University.

Kelly Malloy, J.D. ’22

Being a Cane means means continuing to give back to the University after graduation. Whether it's planning fundraisers for law student scholarships, hosting community engagement events, or returning to campus for Homecoming each year, I prioritize ongoing, active involvement at the U in an effort to make a positive impact - however big or small.

Kevin Togami, B.S.Ed. ’17

Being a Cane means being like Miami icons who didn't allow anyone to define them other than themselves (e.g., Michael Irvin, The Rock, Sylvester Stallone). They took ownership of who they were and I try to emulate that same “Man in the Arena” mentality. Everyday is an opportunity to see who we are and what we're made of, and it's a huge privilege to be able to control that answer. It all starts with being present and making the effort to show up as the best version of myself in all facets of life I can be.

Kimberly Ogun, B.S.H.S. ’24

Being a Cane means Canes care for Canes. I took that literally during my time at the U, pouring myself into creating spaces where students of color felt seen and at home, from conceptualizing Hairology's inaugural hair show to coordinating A Taste of Africa for the African Students Union. And wherever I go [today], I look for ways to lift up fellow Canes and create opportunities for the people coming behind me, because I know firsthand what this community can do when we show up for each other

Kimiya Shirinbar, M.S. ’24

Being a Cane means never backing down from a challenge and always believing in yourself, even when the odds are against you. Throughout my journey, I have embraced being the underdog, using every obstacle as motivation to work harder and prove that perseverance and resilience matter more than where you start. The University of Miami taught me to lead with confidence, serve my community, and represent the U with pride wherever I go.

Laura Francois, B.A. ’22, B.S.P.H. ’22

Being a Cane means leading with service, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting others. At the University of Miami, I learned that being a Cane means using your education and talents to create meaningful change in your community. Whether mentoring future physicians, collaborating with community organizations, or building programs that create opportunities for students and underserved communities, I strive to lead with compassion, humility, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Megan Elizabeth Johnson, Ed.D. ’24

Being a Cane means to lead fully in purpose, to embrace innovation, and to use your talents to create opportunities for others. I strive to embody that spirit every day by improving access to healthcare, developing future leaders through higher education, and serving my community through volunteer leadership and philanthropy. I believe leadership is measured by the impact we have on people. The values I developed at the University of Miami continue to shape how I lead with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to service.

Melanie McGrath, B.M. ’21

Being a Cane means refusing to fit into just one box - I'm a songwriter, producer, yoga/pilates teacher, project manager, and creative who lets all of those things strengthen one another. As a first-year student, I knew I wanted to study both music and Spanish, and the Foote Fellows program at UM is what made that possible. The U constantly encouraged me to explore every interest I had, and gave me the confidence to build a career as multidimensional as my interests.

Niara Williams, M.P.H. ’22, J.D. ’25

Being a Cane means carrying the spirit of the U by staying engaged with the University, mentoring future professionals, and giving back to my community through volunteer service with the Junior League of Miami. Being a Cane is more than earning degrees—it's a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and making a positive impact.
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Peri Ella Green, B.B.A. ’18

Being a Cane means Canes care for Canes. So no matter where I go in the world, if I run into a fellow Cane I’m going to look out for them or at the very least throw up the U and yell #GoCanes! There’s truly no place like the U. I’m forever grateful for my time spent there and all the opportunities being an alum has afforded me since.

Randall Fitzgerald, B.A. ’21, J.D. ’24, LL.M.T. ’25, M.A. ’25

Being a Cane means means being persistent and resilient; if we get knocked down, we get back up. The academic journey for my undergraduate class was sandwiched between the chaos of extended campus closures resulting from extreme emergencies: the campus was closed after the damage of Hurricane Irma during our first semester, and fifteen months before our graduation, we experienced a global pandemic. While completing these degrees, I challenged myself to achieve more, stayed open-minded to constructive feedback, and put in the work.

Sebastian Vegas, B.S.C. ’21

Being a Cane means lifting up other Canes. Whether it's attending New York Canes events, connecting with alumni on LinkedIn, or mentoring and networking with fellow graduates, I try to stay engaged with the community that helped shape me. And of course, I share a name with Sebastian the Ibis, so my Cane spirit was destined from the start!

Serena Shah, B.S. ’19, M.B.A. ’25, M.D. ’25

Being a Cane means being passionate. Canes pour their time, love, and energy into the things in life that matter the most to themselves and those around them. I embody the spirit of a Cane by doing just that in both my professional and personal life in situations that span from caring for patients and writing impactful research manuscripts to caring for my friends and family.

Sofia Eileen Hamilton, B.A. ’21

Being a Cane means being resilient. If I took “no” for an answer, I’d never make progress or drive change. So, like the ibis, who is the last to leave and the first to return home after a hurricane, I hold onto my purpose and keep pressing forward. Resiliency for its own sake is wasted energy — it’s only when applied toward the greater good that it drives real, meaningful change.

Trinity Conn, B.S.M.A.S. ’19

Being a Cane means leading with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. At the University of Miami, I learned and saw in real time how science and conservation not only overlap but how imperative it is that that work connects to the community, both campus- and Miami-wide. That mindset has shaped my career, from working alongside researchers and restoration practitioners to mentoring students interested in conservation.
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