COS Alums Among OBJ’s 40 Under 40

BY NICOLE DUDENHOEFER ’17 AND JENNA MARINA LEE

Four College of Sciences alumni were among those honored at the Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards, an annual celebration that recognizes successful professional who have created a big impact within their industry and in the local community.

Honorees were selected from a group of nominees submitted by the general public. In order to be eligible for the award, nominees had to be under the age of 40 by Nov. 9 and have a leadership role within Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake Volusia or Brevard county.

“Each year, Orlando Business Journal seeks to recognize young professionals throughout the region who are playing key roles in shaping our community. These men and women also spend an equal amount of time in giving back to the community through local nonprofits, their own philanthropy efforts, and through their contribution of time and talent,” according to the publication. “This year’s class of honorees not only had amazing accomplishments, but they also work hard to make Central Florida a great place to live, work and play.”

One-third of the total group honored at the ceremony, which took place at Mango’s on I-Drive, were UCF alumni who earned bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctoral degrees in subjects ranging from art to political science.

Here is the list of COS Knights who made the list:

Photo courtesy of Orlando Business Journal/Jim Carchidi

1. Laura Kern ’06 was a Burnett Honors Scholar while earning a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations, with a minor in political science. She was also a board member for Quotes, a PR club. She is the director of digital marketing and associate director of social media for Rollins College.
   

   Photo courtesy of Orlando Business Journal/Jim Carchidi

    

2. Jessica Korthuis ’11 is the chief brand strategist and founder of SOHUIS, a digital communications and design consultant agency. She earned bachelor’s degrees in interpersonal and organizational communication as well as studio art. She was recognized previously by OBJ in its 2016 list of Women to Watch.
    
   

   Photo courtesy of Orlando Business Journal/Jim Carchidi

    

3. Kelly Quintero ’13 earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in women’s studies. While she was a UCF student, Quintero served as president of the National Organization for Women and a member of the College Democrats club. Her participation in UCF’s Legislative Scholars Internship program eventually led her to her current position as director of advocacy and government relations at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

    
   

   Photo courtesy of Orlando Business Journal/Jim Carchidi

    

4. Kristen Wiley ’14 is the founder and CEO of Statusphere, a startup that pairs companies with social media influencers. Prior to starting her company in 2016, she worked as a chief marketing officer for BlurtBox and GreenHouse Agency. Wiley earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations as a Burnett Honors Scholar and LEAD Scholar.