Trailblazers
Student and Alumni Blog
Want to nominate an IA Student for an entry in this blog? Fill out the form here.
2024 Nominees
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2024/07/Callie-Adams-scaled-e1721398518447.jpeg)
Discovering My Inner Innovator: From Uncertainty to Confidence
Innovation Academy ambassador, Callahan Adams is an Anthropology major with a minor in Innovation making impactful connections with students. Through IA she has expanded her skills in AI to join Florida Institute of National Security and then EVI holdings.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2024/06/SB_Headshot-Copy-e1717683351580.jpg)
Only the Beginning: My Story of Freshman Year
Hi, my name is Stephanie Barbosa a first year Finance major here at the University of Florida with a minor in Innovation. Join me as I share my insights, struggles, and triumphs in navigating the transition from high school to university life.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2024/05/AndresPaez_Headshot-500x500-1-e1714743482275.jpg)
Embracing the Ambition: Building Dreams with Discipline
Hello everyone! My name is Andres, I am a Computer Science Hispanic student minoring in Innovation.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2024/03/Nicholas-Slunaker-Headshot-400x400-1.jpg)
Redefining Horizons: My College Expedition of Innovating for a Better Tomorrow
As an advocate for mental health awareness and resilience, I believe in the power of surrounding oneself with motivated individuals, especially in academic settings like the Innovation Academy. My own journey has taught me the importance of navigating challenges with persistence and self-awareness, particularly when facing the complexities of today’s socio-political landscape.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2024/03/Leyna-Karimova-Headshot-e1709305815519.png)
Innovation and You
Leyla Karimova is a creative and innovative individual with a diverse background in entrepreneurship, marketing and business administration. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to both marketing and technical subjects. Starting as a marketing major, she later transitioned to STEM-related courses, prospects of product design and innovative startups.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2024/02/Saif-Odeh-Headshot.jpeg)
Navigating Through the Lens of a Focused Fool—A Journey of Ambition, Resilience, and Innovation
Hello, I’m Saif Odeh, an Information Systems student with a minor in AI. Being a first-generation student, I was forced to overcome challenges and embrace growth. I learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable; diverse experience has shaped my identity.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2024/02/David-Zepeda-Headshot-400x400-1.jpg)
The Art of Networking
Hello, I’m David Zepeda, a fourth-year Advertising student with a minor in Innovation at the University of Florida. As a first-generation Nicaraguan student, I’ve overcome challenges and actively contributed to the UF community.
2023 Nominees
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/11/Jordan-Anderson-Heashot-Crop-300x300-1.jpg)
The Journey of Innovation: Evaluating Your Past, Present, and Future
Hello! My name is Jordan Anderson (she/her), and I am a second-year Innovation Academy student majoring in Finance. I am originally from Minnesota, #GoViks.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/11/Julen-Arriaga-300x300-1.jpg)
Experience the Power of Innovation
Julen Arriaga (he/him) is a junior pursuing a major in Information Systems through the Warrington College of Business and a minor in Innovation. He is currently an Innovation Academy ambassador and interns at an engineering startup in Gainesville, FL.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/11/Matthew-Drayer-Headshot-Square-Crop-300x300-1.jpg)
You Deserve a Seat at the Table
Matthew is a senior studying Information Systems at the Warrington College of Business and minoring in Innovation. Matthew held positions as Vice President of Gator Sports Management Organization and Director of Outreach for UF Club Pickleball.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/11/Hayden-Hawes-Headshot-300x300-1.jpg)
When Innovation Meets Opportunity
My name is Hayden Hawes, and I am an upcoming sophomore studying Agricultural Education and Communication with a specialization in Communications and Leadership Development (AEC-CLD). I find myself where I am today thanks to a particular mindset. This mindset is one I will sincerely encourage you to adopt.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/12/Abigail-Nedved-Headshot-Edited-Crop-300x300-1.jpg)
Dive Headfirst into Your Growth
Hi! My name is Abigail Nedved. I am a sophomore majoring in advertising through the Innovation Academy here at the University of Florida.
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/12/Trailblazers_DavidDeVore-300x300-1.jpg)
Learning About Yourself as Much as What You Study
My name is David DeVore. I am a senior computer science major in the Innovation Academy here at UF!
![post featured image](https://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2023/12/Monica-Schiller-Headshot-300x300-1.jpg)
Monica Schiller
Monica Schiller (she/her) is currently a senior in the Innovation Academy at the University of Florida. She majors in marketing and has a passion for business, entrepreneurship, technology, and beauty.