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 essential for success both on and off the field, something Estelle Johnson knows well.

Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? For KU alumna Paige Albert, the idea of running a business had long been an exciting possibility for a future career. So when approached about buying a small bridal boutique in the Crossroads District in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, only six months after being hired on and with a year of university study still ahead of her, she couldn't pass up the opportunity.

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.

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 Caitlin's a Hawk to Watch

Caitlin has never been afraid to take a risk to pursue passions and achieve her dreams. The books Caitlin read during her English degree at KU inspired her to run with bulls in Spain and then move her life to London to start her culinary education at Le Cordon Bleu. Since then, Caitlin's mastery of classic French pastries have landed her jobs in some of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in Kansas City, including Bluestem and Extra Virgin. Now a pastry chef at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Caitlin finds herself in the perfect place where her beautiful treats match the works of art that hang on the walls.