Poole College Announces 2026 Annual Student Award Winners
Poole College students are exceptional in and out of the classroom, living the college’s values in a number of different ways. With the support of generous donors, we have created several awards to recognize students graduating in May whose outstanding efforts have contributed to the success of Poole College.
“The student awards is a great opportunity for us to highlight the amazing work of our students. From resilience to leadership, our students continue to show the Poole difference,” says Laryssa Banks, assistant director of student affairs and advocacy. “This year, we had 148 submissions from staff, faculty, and students between both our graduate and undergraduate programs. These nominations speak to the outstanding quality of students we have in the college.”
The awards are made possible by an endowment established by Poole alumnus Alex Darden (’98, Business Administration) in honor of his father, Jim.
The annual award winners will be celebrated at a May 7 ceremony in the Witherspoon Student Center.
Undergraduate Student Awards
Poole College Award for All-Around Excellence
Makayla Richardson
Business Administration, Marketing
Makayla has made a lasting impact at Poole through both her leadership and service. She has worked as an administrative assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Programs and dedicated three years as a Student Ambassador.
Makayla exemplifies a true “think and do” mindset, pairing leadership with a deep commitment to service. As Toyette Sullivan, associate director of advising programs, shares, “Whether she is farming medicinal plants for the community as a Caldwell Fellow or leading as the Poole Ambassador President, she seamlessly combines professional precision with a genuine passion for service.” Known for her patient, kindhearted approach, Makayla consistently brings an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Reflecting on her experience, she credits the Poole community for shaping her journey. “I credit a large part of my success as a student in Poole College to the wonderful community of students, faculty, and staff,” she shared. After graduation, Makayla will be staying in the Raleigh area to pursue a career in tech sales as a business development representative.
Poole College Award for Impactful Scholarship
Ella Gillespie
Economics, Business Administration
Ella has made a lasting impact at Poole through her leadership, research and commitment to expanding opportunities for her peers. In 2025, she co-founded Packonomics, NC State’s economics club, where she currently serves as president, creating a space for students to engage more deeply with economic topics outside the classroom.
Ella has also distinguished herself academically as a member of NC State’s inaugural Fed Reserve Challenge team, where she helped present an in-depth analysis of the economy, policy recommendations and risk assessments to the Federal Reserve.
“I selected Ella for the Impactful Scholarship Award based on her outstanding contributions as a researcher and presenter on the Fall 2025 College Fed Challenge Team,” said Eiman Aiyash, lecturer in economics. “Her analysis of labor market conditions was rigorous, well-structured, and grounded in both empirical evidence and economic theory. Ella’s insights significantly shaped the team’s assessment of economic resilience and inflationary pressures. Her work reflects a high level of academic maturity and a strong commitment to impactful scholarship.”
Poole College Award for Excellence in Innovation
Julianna Romero-Cortes
Business Administration, Entrepreneurship
Julianna made the most of her time at Poole through a wide range of academic, professional and global experiences. Julianna held leadership roles as Vice President of Digital Marketing for the Sales Club and Vice President of Professional Development for the American Marketing Association, while also staying actively involved in organizations like Women in Business, the Real Estate Club, and the Global Business Club Council.
After graduation Julianna plans to travel, continue building both their professional and creative portfolios and pursue a career in marketing or with a startup.
Poole College Award for Leadership
Jayden Ford
Business Administration, Marketing
Jayden has built an impressive and wide-ranging portfolio of leadership and experiential learning, from co-founding and leading NC State’s rapidly growing Sales Club to competing in international case competitions and driving marketing initiatives across campus. Her ability to turn ideas into action has made a lasting impact on the Poole community.
“Jayden is a true professional and is able to work effectively with her peers, businesses and faculty,” shares Tom Byrnes, professor of practice in marketing. “She has a tremendous amount of energy, as evidenced by her starting the highly successful NC State Sales Club.”
After graduation, she will continue her academic journey at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, pursuing a Master of Science in International Business with a concentration in Strategic Marketing.
Poole College Award for Resilience
Krista Benitez
Business Administration, Information Technology
Krista, a first-generation Pack Scholar, studied abroad in Spain and served as a member coordinator for Poole Global Corps during her time at NC State.
“Krisa has balanced family responsibilities, work and the expectation to excel academically,” shares Terry Price, student records and academic programs coordinator. “Through it all, she never gave up her goal to pursue a college degree from NC State. Krista sought campus resources and opportunities to network and build her leadership skills.”
Graduate Student Awards
Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award
Julie A. Dudkiewicz
Master of Accounting
Julie has brought a unique perspective to Poole, blending decades of professional experience with a deep commitment to community and learning. As a full-time online student, she made a deliberate effort to bridge the virtual gap by fostering connection and collaboration among her peers while actively engaging in the broader Poole experience.
Julie immersed herself in a wide range of opportunities, from participating in the Jenkins Graduate study abroad program in Switzerland during Spring Break 2026 to attending and volunteering at the Spring 2026 ERM Roundtable Summit. She also stayed connected through on-campus events, including orientation, Friendsgiving, MAC celebrations, and community service efforts with the Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh.
Looking ahead, Julie is preparing for an exciting next chapter as she steps into a university-level teaching role beginning in Fall 2026.
Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award
Jackson Beaufort
Master of Business Administration
Jackson’s leadership in the MBA Student Association (MBASA) is marked by professionalism and a strong commitment to inclusivity. As his vice president, Parker Clayton shares, “Every MBASA meeting is run in a very professional manner, where all ideas are shared and valued.” Under Jackson’s leadership in MBASA, the organization has made a meaningful impact across the program through a range of successful events and initiatives.
Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award
Abdul- Rahim Baba Abdul-Mumin
Master of Business Administration
As an MBA student with a concentration in Innovation Management, Abdul-Rahim has made a strong impact at Poole through leadership, service and professional achievement. During his time at NC State, he gained valuable industry experience as a student intern with Amazon while also dedicating time to supporting his peers through information sessions and career programming for incoming and first-year students.
Following graduation, Abdul-Rahim will begin an exciting new chapter as a full-time Senior Program Manager with Amazon in Seattle, Washington.
Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award
Katie Birdsall
Master of Management, Marketing Analytics
Katie has made a meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom during her time at Poole. She served as secretary for the 2024-2025 Graduate Advisory Board (GSAB) and continued her leadership and engagement as a student ambassador for the MMA program throughout the 2025-26 academic year.
“Throughout Katie’s time in the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program, she has had such a positive impact within Jenkins Graduate Programs,” shared Megan Van Hook, assistant director of advising and student affairs. She consistently dedicates her time to support her peers and elevate both the MMA program and the broader Poole College community.”
A proud member of the Poole community, Katie shared a favorite moment from her time in the program: attending the Jenkins Graduate Programs Durham Bulls game in spring 2025 alongside her husband, Chuck–who is also graduating from the MMA program this semester–and their son, Mack.
Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award
Courtny Boldt
Master of Management, Risk and Analytics
Courtny has distinguished herself through leadership, service and a strong commitment to the Poole College of Management community. During her time in the program, she served as both a student ambassador and veteran ambassador, while also earning membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society.
Her nominator, Megan Van Hook, highlighted the lasting impression Courtny has made: “Courtny graduated in summer 2025 and remains a standout representative of the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program. Courtny spent her time as a student positively impacting her peers and the Jenkins community. She truly demonstrates how leadership is shown through working hard and serving others.”
Following graduation, Courtny plans to pursue opportunities that allow her to drive organizational effectiveness by aligning strategy, people and processes to improve performance and long-term impact.
This post was originally published in Poole College of Management News.
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