Laker Accelerated Talent Link - Student Stories

In their own words...

The Talent Link program has been a pivotal experience for students, helping them explore career paths, build skills, and grow professionally. In these stories, cohort members share how the program impacted their journeys, from making key connections to discovering new passions, and how it shaped their future success.

Enya Gordon

Bachelor of Arts, Group Science, 2025

Talent Link Internship: Donor Engagement Intern, United Way

Current Position: Executive and Resource Development Assistant, United Way

I’m very thankful for this program because it allowed me to pivot my professional life. Through my internship with United Way, I was welcomed immediately as part of the team, and the experience gave me both warmth and valuable knowledge.

- Enya Gordon, Class of 2025

Robert Wright

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, 2025

Talent Link Internship: Data Analytics, Urban League of West Michigan

Current Position: Data and Research Specialist, Urban League of West Michigan

It was an incredible experience that I would gladly do again. The welcoming environment and supportive colleagues made a big difference. I gained valuable knowledge and developed many new skills.

- Robert Wright, Class of 2025

Allie Hawkes

Bachelor of Business Administration, Double Major in Management and Marketing, 2025

Talent Link Internship: Digital Service Representative, Consumers Credit Union

Current Position: Member Service Representative in Grand Rapids Market

My internship at CCU was an educational and enjoyable experience thanks to my supportive and communicative supervisor.

- Allie Hawkes, Class of 2025

Aliesje Knight

Bachelor of Science, Psychology. Minor in General Business, 2025

Talent Link Internship: Project Management, Enterprise Portfolio Management Office, Digital Services at Corewell Health

Current Position: Project Manager, Corewell Health

Talent Link gave me a sense of community and support during a transformative time in my career journey. As a transfer student trying to find my path, the program offered the hands-on experience and professional exposure I needed.

- Aliesje Knight, Class of 2025

Jayden Schepflin

Bachelor of Science, Applied Statistics

Master of Science, Applied Statistics

Talent Link Internship: Data Analytics, Acrisure

Current Position: Data Analytics, Acrisure

The Talent Link program opened doors for me at Acrisure, where I’ve been able to hit the ground running in a fast-changing company. The support I’ve received has helped me grow quickly, making this a truly positive and valuable experience.

- Jayden Schepflin, Class of 2026

Laighla Dorma

Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 2025

Talent Link Internship: Project Management Technology, & Human Resources DE&I Amway

Talent Link Internship: Project Management Manufacturing, Cascade Engineering

Current Position: Talent Acquisition for CloudHQ LLC

Talent Link changed me as a young professionaI. learned career developmental skills that I did not know I had available to me. I had mock interview training, resume, cover letter, and onboarding exposure.

- Laighla Dorma, Class of 2025

Jenna Galasso

Bachelor of Arts, Advertising and PR, 2024

Talent Link Internship: Information Technology, Amway

Current Position: Global XS Brand Manager, Amway

All of the guest speakers talking about career advice that was relevant to starting out was very useful. So happy LATL connected me with Amway! Great way to get my foot in the door!

- Jenna Galasso, Class of 2024

Nicole DeVries

Bachelor of Science, Statistics, 2024

Talent Link Internship: Human Resources, Acrisure, 2023 - 2024

Current Position: Pursuing Master of Applied Statistics at GVSU

- Nicole DeVries, Class of 2026

Mary Jo Buechler

Bachelor of Business Administration, 2024

Talent Link Internship: Associate Delivery Lead, Michigan Software Labs,

Current Position: Project Manager at Custer, Inc.

Talent Link prepared me for my position through various networking events, exposure to project management in the classroom and professional setting, and taught me soft skills to succeed in the workforce.

- Mary Jo Buechler, Class of 2024

Shane Kenney

Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics, 2024

Talent Link Internship: Data Analytics, Amway, 2023 - 2024

Current Position: Senior Demand Planner, Chobani

Talent Link got the ball rolling on my career. The experience and domain-specific knowledge I built during the program helped me write a great resume and gave me interesting things to talk about when interviewing.

- Shane Kenney, Class of 2024

Page last modified September 25, 2025

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