Hawks to Watch: Mugabi Byenkya, writer, poet and rapper
Why Mugabi's a Hawk to Watch:Life has a way of writing in unexpected plot twists. For KU grad Mugabi Byenkya, his journey to a career as a writer, poet and "occasional" rapper has been anything but predictable. Adapting to shifting circumstances, often brought on by debilitating bouts of…
Hawks to Watch: Estelle Johnson, professional athlete
Why Estelle's a Hawk to Watch:What does it take to become a pro athlete? Agility, strength, high levels of grit, and a growth mindset, for sure. But in addition to all the physical discipline and long hours of exertion required for a career in athletics, having solid communication skills is…
Hawks to Watch: Brett Striker, Entrepreneur
Why Brett's a Hawk to Watch:Fair warning: You might want to grab a snack before reading about our November Hawk to Watch, Brett Striker, CEO and founder of the Minneapolis-based popcorn company Maddy & Maize. At Maddy & Maize, Brett and his team are feeling the holiday rush in full force,…
Hawks to Watch, Julie Mulvihill, Nonprofit director and humanities advocate
Why Julie's a Hawk to Watch:Every great movement begins with an idea. And when Kansans from diverse backgrounds come together to share their experiences, ask the right questions, and exchange ideas, the possibilities are endless, something that Julie Mulvihill knows well from her years…
Hawks to Watch: Carlos Centeno, Economic development innovator
Why Carlos is a Hawk to Watch:When disaster strikes, we count on rapid responses, and carefully reasoned plans, from those with the experience, expertise and steady-handedness to get right to the heart of the matter during high-stress scenarios.From climate change and weather emergencies to…
Hawks to Watch: Elizabeth Keever, Nonprofit director
Why Elizabeth's a Hawk to Watch:Despite being readily available for some, access to healthy food remains out of reach for many families across the U.S. In Douglas County alone, 19,000 residents are at risk of hunger. So Elizabeth Keever and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers at the…
Hawks to Watch: Carl Grauer, Contemporary Artist
Why Carl's a Hawk to Watch:Wisdom and The Wizard of Oz, LGBTQ+ rights and the legacy of Stonewall, family and the uneasy tension between memory and reality, time and the construction of personal identity. KU alum Carl Grauer is using his background in biology to explore human nature, but not in the…
Hawks to Watch: Amanda Shriwise, Postdoctoral Researcher
Why Amanda's a Hawk to Watch:If you were able to look into the future 10 years ago and see yourself today, what would you have thought? Would you be awestruck by all that you’d accomplished in such a short period of time? Think of all the work still to be done? Both? As an undergraduate student, KU…
Hawks to Watch: Marlon Marshall, Grassroots Campaign Organizer
Why Marlon's a Hawk to Watch:It’s no secret that politics, campaigns, and social movements can be contentious subjects, to say the least. So much so that it often feels as if there’s an ocean of ideological difference separating communities. Marlon Marshall wants to help build bridges to mend those…
Hawks to Watch: David Toland, Kansas Secretary of Commerce
Why David's a Hawk to Watch:Serious issues call for serious action. And David Toland has long been guided by the philosophy that real-world results are best achieved through a willingness to roll up one's sleeves and work collaboratively to put concrete plans in motion, or as he aptly put it, "stop…