Meet our new Student Venture Pathways Assistants
FORGE Student Venture Pathways™ (SVP) is tasked with exposing every student at the university to entrepreneurial concepts and inspiring this mindset in as many students as possible, regardless of major. Our FORGE SVP Assistants are responsible for assisting the implementation of programs. Get to know our new SVP Assistants below!
Lailaa McClendon
Hometown: Tucson Arizona
Studying Retailing and Consumer Science, and traveling all over the country has given Lailaa a diverse perspective of the world and herself. Growing up, her parents owned a restaurant and catering company, and she associates her interest in food and the food industry with it.
"The entrepreneurial mindset to me is to keep the end goal in mind while remaining flexible with achieving that goal, especially as unexpected challenges arise."
Her favorite thing about the University of Arizona is going to sporting events with her friends. She has been physically active her whole life, participating in everything from dance, and softball, to running track and field. In her spare time, she likes to cook, bake, watch movies and spend time outside.
Victoria Mendoza
Hometown: Tucson Arizona
Victoria is studying marketing at the Eller College of Management. She is the Vice President of the club Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) on campus. Her involvement has helped her develop professional skills, network with recruiters, and build connections with other Latinos in business.
"Entrepreneurial mindset means having the strength and courage to become the version of yourself that is capable of creating something great and having the comfort and support to be able to share your vision with others to build a bright future."
Victoria's favorite thing about the University of Arizona is that it has always been a welcoming and safe place which has led her to find great friends. In her spare time, she loves to play piano, make music, read, and spend time with her friends and family.
Kaylee Kimbrell
Hometown: Phoenix Arizona
Kaylee is studying Biochemistry with the intention to go to medical school and become a radiologist. She is excited to have the opportunity to pursue an education that can feed her curiosity about the human body and the world around her. In addition, she is passionate about doing her part in making the world a more accepting and open-minded place
"An entrepreneurial mindset to me means being willing to take initiative, actively peruse a goal independently, look for new and innovative ways to solve problems, and embrace a world of open-mindedness and creativity."
Kaylee loves the university's learning environment and the resources it offers that cater to various learning styles. She likes to read and travel in her spare time.
Jonathan Clark
Hometown: Phoenix Arizona
Jonathan is studying business at the Eller College of Management. He has been self-employed selling vintage clothes online as well as in person. He hopes to be able to start his own business in the future or work at a company that aims to improve the community.
"To me, an entrepreneurial mindset means being able to solve problems creatively, being a leader and being motivated when the future may seem unclear, and finding ways to improve oneself as well as one's business."
His favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the people that he has met. Jonathan finds it refreshing to be around motivated individuals who share the same goals for the future as him. When he is not studying or working, he enjoys playing sports, listening to music, trying new things, and spending time with family and friends.