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 bringing public programming to the Sunflower State.
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.
For Monica Martinez, a Kansas native raised in Topeka and born on Kansas Day, the decision to carve out a unique path in her home state at KU felt entirely appropriate. And as a Jayhawk in the College, she found ample opportunity to immerse herself in the subjects she cares about most: American social issues, Latinx identity, and access and equity in higher ed. Now having recently graduated, she's continuing to explore her passions by pursuing a Master's in Student Affairs and working with TRIO Student Support Services at Iowa State University.
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 nonprofit food bank Just Food are on a mission to combat food insecurity, one meal at a time.
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 ways that you might expect.
For nearly all his life, KU College alumnus Phillip McGruder has felt a duty to make an impact on the world. Inspired by his mother's determination to earn a college degree during the American civil rights movement, he was driven to be a role model for those who may not otherwise have one. And, having been diagnosed with autism early in life, he faced social stigmas of his own growing up.
Why Amanda's a Hawk to Watch:
Why Marlon's a Hawk to Watch:
Disability is often viewed through a distorted lens, with stories of disability perpetuating oversimplified images of either tragedy or inspiration. This treatment is easy to become accustomed to but falls painfully short of reality, trading complexity and nuance for convenient, easily digested fiction. So Rebekah Taussig is rewriting the story.
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 talking about it -- get up from behind your desk and make it happen."
Something special is brewing. Spring is in the air, downtown streets are bustling with business, and wherever you look people are flocking to fill patios and pints at their favorite breweries.