Celebrating the Class of ‘24 FORGE Graduates
As the academic year comes to an end, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of FORGE's graduating student employees. These individuals have played an integral role in our team, bringing their skills, passion, and dedication to the core of our endeavors. Hear from our FORGE student staff about their experiences and their post-graduation plans.
Benjamin Lemon: Student Venture Pathways Fellow
College of Social & Behavorial Sciences
“When I began working at FORGE, I had no experience in the professional realm or working in higher education. My work taught me how to correspond with colleagues and new connections in a clear, professional manner. This skill has allowed me to be a better salesperson, businessman, and all-around friend/family member. In addition to improving my communication skills, FORGE has equipped me with what I believe to be a skill that cannot be measured in value - the entrepreneurial mindset.
Working at FORGE, and having the ability to speak with our mentors and community partners, inspired me to believe what's possible when you are willing to approach new challenges without fear or hesitation. This ultimately led to the formation of my venture, Paradise Washing.
The fondest memories from my work are centered around people who I have been fortunate enough to meet because of FORGE. Spending time at our staff retreat, bonding and connecting with one another, collaborating with my colleagues to run outreach events, and being blessed to take part in meetings where everyone in the room is offering new, brilliant ideas are just a few moments that come to mind.
After graduation, I will be moving to South Florida to pursue my Juris Doctor at the University of Miami School of Law where I have received a full tuition Dean's merit scholarship. FORGE has been instrumental in helping me develop the skills which are equipping me to take on my future as an aspiring attorney and entrepreneur. Beyond the wealth of personal and professional development that FORGE has given me, the student and full time staff have all enriched my life in incredible ways.
Everyone at FORGE has always believed in me and what I'm capable of. They have supported me and encouraged me to dream big, work hard, and do all things with integrity and compassion. The character of the people within this organization is truly unmatched and something I cannot express my gratitude for enough. I owe my accomplishments both present and future to the immense skill set that FORGE, and the people within it, have assisted me in developing.”
Victoria Mendoza Morales: Student Ventures Pathways Lead
“FORGE has helped me with my professional and personal development by providing me with opportunities to enhance my communication skills, problem-solving skills, and multitasking skills. Throughout my three semesters at FORGE, I have worked on projects that challenge my time management and adaptability by working on events, projects, meetings, and meeting goals all while being a full-time student.
Working at FORGE has helped me realize what I was capable of doing because I have been able to manage working, being in school, and my personal life with having several moving parts in all three aspects of my life.
It has given me an eye for detail and pushed me to be more structured and planned when I get things done and when I have time to meet deadlines.
My fondest memory of FORGE was my first semester when getting to know the entire team and tabling with Leslie, Destiny, and Ximena. I am so glad that in my first and only campus job, I got to work with such an amazing group of people. We had so much fun together and felt comfortable working, learning, and growing together.
After graduation, I will be moving to Charlotte, NC, working for a company called Ally Financial. FORGE has helped me work toward my future goals because there are so many skills, I've acquired that will transfer over to this next job and I will always keep them for the rest of my professional career. The main skills that I always want to apply in any job I have and that will help me in this upcoming job are teamwork and collaboration, creative thinking, and organization skills. One key takeaway that I have learned from FORGE and want to keep with me moving forward is always having an optimistic perspective and knowing that no matter what life throws at you, everything happens just as it should.”
Abhiman Gupta: Student Entrepreneur in Residence
“FORGE has helped me develop professionally by providing me exposure to pitching to prolific investors, performing diligence for rising startups, and participating in networking events to further support my growth.
Personally, FORGE has helped me develop into a more resilient, and self-aware person after I participated in the Biomedical Startup Residency in 2023.
My fondest memory of FORGE is attending the Fall Crucible showcase last year. I had worked with the 4 participating companies as part of my role, and it was an amazing experience witnessing their growth over an 8-week period.
My post-graduation plans are to go into the pharmaceutical industry with my bachelor’s in biomedical engineering. FORGE has helped me become a ‘go-getter’ by helping me learn to believe in myself and narrowing the margin between taking action on my goals and achieving them.”
Eloise Standifer: Student Venture Pathways Assistant
College of Social & Behavorial Sciences
"Throughout my time at FORGE, I have gained a ton of experience in leadership and managing my work with a multitude of programs and events going on at once, I have needed to create systems for myself to succeed.
This has flowed into my personal growth because of the confidence that has grown from knowing myself more and understanding which systems work for me and which do not.
My fondest memory with FORGE was a game night on campus a couple of weeks ago. Being surrounded by coworkers who feel like friends and watching Kelly tell the story of the game was so much fun. Working for FORGE has given me friends, not just coworkers.
Post-graduation I will be moving to Madison, Wisconsin to work for EPIC as a Quality Manager. With the Entrepreneurial Mindset skills I have fostered, I have the adaptability and self-reliance to move to this new city and embrace the changes coming my way. Using the mindset FORGE has helped me grow, I hope to continue to explore the opportunities that lie ahead and see where life takes me."
Brach Drew: Playshop Facilitator
"As someone pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre, many people don’t associate me with the work that FORGE does, but FORGE has shown me how beneficial it is to work from a Core Identity no matter what you’re studying or wanting to invest your life into.
My fondest memory of FORGE was in my entrepreneurial mindset coaching sessions with Kelly King. The support and mentorship provided through FORGE is singular and like no other on campus. Their resources apply to all types of students, not just business majors or those who have a venture.
After graduation, I plan to invest more time and resources into my business Stay Yellow which will work towards healing the disconnection of humanity through intentional empowerment in social circles and communities. FORGE has given me the resources to frame my strengths into applicable and effective tools of change. Through my presentation at the Create Cafe in Fall 2022 to the speech I gave at the Support and Share this past Spring Semester, I’ve been able to experiment with how my venture can operate in the real world."
Katrina Lee: Native FORGE Intern
“FORGE has been a great way to get connected with a community that also values and supports entrepreneurship and excellence.
I enjoyed working on the Native FORGE website, which allowed me to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for the Native FORGE program.
After graduation, I will be joining the Master of Science of Business Analytics program with the Eller College of Management. I intend to continue pursuing my entrepreneurial interests, and working with FORGE has helped me to continue fostering those interests.”
Anika Dadhich: Marketing and Communications Specialist
“In my tenure with FORGE, I learned a lot from my supervisors and colleagues. Professionally, it served as a fitting platform for me to hone my communication skills. I gained hands-on marketing experience through various projects and initiatives by being a spokesperson for FORGE and engaging with diverse audiences.
The supportive environment at FORGE encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, presenting numerous opportunities for growth and learning. FORGE pushed me to challenge myself and embrace new challenges, expanding my skillset and capabilities.
My fondest memory with FORGE is the 2024 SVP Retreat. Working with FORGE is an immersive experience full of unique learnings for each student employee, and tracking back to see the positive impact that all the working units at FORGE cumulatively create was truly though-provoking!
After I graduate, I aim to join a B2C company's Digital Marketing team. FORGE has been crucial in preparing me for this career path. It has further honed my skillset and taught me the importance of a dynamic and collaborative positive work environment!”
We wish our student employees success as they pursue their professional paths and continue to bring pride to the University of Arizona!