2025 Undergraduate Hood Recipient and Honorees

Leah Rose Fillingim-Selk – Labor and Employment Studies – Hood Recipient 

Leah Rose Fillingim-Selk represents the best of SFSU, exemplifying academic excellence, social justice advocacy, and personal and academic resilience. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Labor Studies and a minor in Spanish. Since transferring to SFSU, she has designed an interdisciplinary degree with a focus on social justice, equity, and diversity. Through “SFSU Abroad,” Leah spent a semester in Buenos Aires in 2024, an experience that deepened her international perspective and commitment to global fairness. 

Leah started her academic journey at Peralta Community College and then studied at Sonoma State University (SSU) before transferring to SFSU to major in Labor Studies. At SSU, Leah conducted interviews to design culturally relevant therapy materials for historically excluded Latine couples. Leah’s strong commitment to fairness led to her passion in Labor Studies. She took courses at SFSU that explored social justice, diversity, and equity. She is currently working on a Labor Studies internship through the East Bay building council, focusing on fair housing, equity, and workplace rights.  

After being diagnosed with autism, Leah has been deeply involved with autism and disability advocacy on campus and has connected disability resources at SFSU, which have helped her succeed academically and personally. Leah believes her autism has enabled her to view political and social issues from different perspectives in both her academic work and social advocacy activities. She has pushed to make educational spaces at SFSU more welcoming to students with learning and other differences and has benefited from professors who view students as fountains of knowledge.

Leah is a life-long activist for social justice. Following the murder of George Floyd, she testified twice before Antioch city council, arguing for a Mental Health Response Team and a ban on police holds that cause positional asphyxia. For years, she has been active in Jews for Palestine in the Bay Area and Judies X Palestine in Argentina, where she participated in activities to promote education and visibility around human rights in Palestine. Leah has also been an LGBTQ activist, uplifting the queer community at SFSU and elsewhere through community building and issue amplification. 

Consistent with SFSU’s core values, Leah believes diversity is humanity’s strongest asset. She is guided by her belief in fairness and equity. After graduation, she plans to work for organizations that promote both labor and housing rights.

Qiwen Cai – Marketing 

Qiwen Cai immigrated to the United States at the age of ten, navigating cultural and language barriers while finding her confidence in the classroom. Naturally introverted, she initially struggled with communication but actively challenged herself through marketing courses, group projects, and public speaking, transforming into a confident leader. 

Graduating with a double major in Marketing and Information Systems and a 3.7 GPA, Qiwen excelled in applying data-driven decision-making to real-world business challenges. She co-founded PawRise, a pet supplement brand, where she applies her marketing and analytics expertise to drive growth. Her academic and entrepreneurial achievements earned her admission to competitive M.S. in Business Analytics programs at UC Irvine and the University of Washington. 

Beyond academics, Qiwen is passionate about giving back to her community. As an after-school program leader at the YMCA of San Francisco, she mentors children, helping them with academics and enrichment activities. She also dedicates time to community service with Heart in Motion, supporting events like the San Francisco Marathon and Nihonmachi Street Fair. Through this role, she developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that continue to shape her professional journey. Looking ahead, she plans to merge marketing and analytics with the tech industry, using her skills to drive strategic decision-making and innovation. 

Her journey—from overcoming cultural and confidence barriers to excelling in both academics and entrepreneurship—makes her a truly outstanding honoree for the Class of 2025. 

Casey Chung – Economics 

Born and raised in San Francisco, Casey Chung is on track to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a near-perfect GPA of 3.95. To complement her major, she also pursued a minor in Business Administration, aiming to broaden her skill set and expand her career options. This decision reflects her desire for versatility while ensuring her preparedness for a variety of opportunities in the future.

Growing up, Casey envisioned working in an office environment, finding comfort in structured and detail-oriented tasks. She believes mastering skills through consistent practice leads to greater efficiency and expertise. Inspired by her mother, who also majored in economics at SFSU, and her brother, studying accounting at the same university, Casey’s connection to the Lam Family College of Business has significantly shaped her academic journey. Casey remained dedicated to excellence, earning straight A’s in nearly all courses. Guided by her motto, “work first, fun later,” she developed strong time-management skills that helped her stay organized and ahead of deadlines. Alongside her coursework, Casey worked part-time at Stonestown Galleria Mall during her first and final years, gaining hands-on experience in business operations and customer service.

As she prepares for the next chapter, Casey remains open to exploring various career paths. She is confident that the foundation she has built at SFSU will help her pursue meaningful opportunities. She is excited to apply her skills and continue learning.

Maria McConnell – Management 

One of Maria McConnell’s most impressive accomplishments is her solo-authored socially responsible research proposal, Autonomy in AI: Examining the Psychological and Behavioral Impacts of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace. This project reflects her ability to connect management theory with emerging technologies in a way that is both timely and theoretically grounded. Maria also took the initiative to present this work at the Western Academy of Management in Kelowna, where she appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from faculty and doctoral students. 

While maintaining a 3.96 GPA and working nearly full-time in the real estate sector, Maria consistently engaged with challenging material and brought an interdisciplinary lens to class discussions and projects. A thoughtful, dedicated student, Maria’s academic and professional journey has been shaped by resilience and a deep sense of purpose. She grew up with limited access to educational and technological resources yet remained determined to pursue higher education and engage with the world beyond her surroundings. Her mother, a social worker who supported neurodivergent children in the state adoption system, instilled in Maria a strong sense of justice, empathy, and the value of human dignity. These early experiences fuel her commitment to inclusive leadership and equitable systems design.

Today, Maria continues to advocate for displaced and underrepresented populations through her volunteer work with refugees, further grounding her academic interests in real-world social challenges. A collaborative, mission-driven, and visionary leader, Maria co-founded and currently serves as President of the SFSU Chapter of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), where she has built community, led successful events, and mentored peers. She also applies her real estate knowledge, gaining practical experience while contributing to a fast-paced and demanding industry.

Looking ahead, Maria plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Management with a focus on how organizations implement AI in ways that influence employee behavior, autonomy, and motivation. Her goal is to bridge academic theory and business practice to help organizations deploy emerging technologies in ways that preserve employee agency and dignity. She is the kind of scholar who brings both intellect and compassion to the future of work.

Ali Omar – General Business

As a General Business major, Ali Omar worked hard to make the most of the time at the Lam Family College of Business (LFCoB). The flexibility of the General Business major has allowed Ali to explore multiple areas within the field — from marketing and finance to decision sciences. This experience provided Ali with a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate. Ali especially enjoyed working on team-based projects, applying what was learned in class to real-world problems. 

In addition to being a student, Ali also served as a facilitator for a Decision Sciences course, which was a great way to reinforce what was learned while helping othe students succeed. This opportunity allowed Ali to support peers and become more involved in the academic community at the LFCoB. 

Ali immigrated to the U.S. in search of better opportunities, and the LFCoB has played a vital role in Ali’s growth, both professionally and personally. Being surrounded by a diverse group of students and faculty helped Ali become more open-minded and build the skills needed to contribute to the business world and community. 

Ali's experience reflects the LFCoB’s mission to empower students through innovation, education, and engagement. Ali is proud of his accomplishments at SFSU and is excited to represent the General Business major at Commencement while preparing to take the next step after graduation. 

Ariana Rios Aguiar – Decision Science

Ariana Rios is a first-generation student from Venezuela who moved to California at 20 years old, fleeing political unrest and protests where students were being punished for demanding better opportunities. Faced with the challenges of adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and adjusting to a different culture, she saw education as the key to unlocking a better future. Inspired by her own journey, Ariana is passionate about showing others that no challenge is impossible to overcome. 

Ariana’s academic journey is marked by her commitment to growth. While pursuing her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Decision Sciences and a minor in Information Systems, Ariana has worked full-time to support herself and contribute to her family. As a participant in the SFSU Scholar’s Program, she challenged herself with graduate-level courses, pushing the boundaries of her knowledge and honing her skills. Balancing academic responsibilities with work has not only shaped her resilience but also fueled her determination to secure better opportunities in the future.  

Working at a bank and witnessing firsthand how Latino communities fall victim to digital scams has deeply fueled Ariana's passion for cybersecurity and data analytics. She recognizes the urgent need to provide education within these communities to prevent such vulnerabilities. Ariana views data not just as numbers but as a powerful tool for combating digital threats. She is particularly committed to using her skills to educate others on safeguarding sensitive information and creating safer digital spaces, especially those who lack access to essential cybersecurity knowledge. 

In addition, Ariana is dedicated to helping others. Through various on-campus jobs with departments like Career and Leadership Development, she has supported fellow students as they navigate their own academic and career journeys. She credits her peers and professors at SFSU for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in her development. The diverse and inclusive environment at SF State has shaped her into a leader with a vision to make a positive impact. 

Ariana believes that cultural exploration fosters empathy and growth, and she is committed to using her education to help others. Her journey is just beginning, and she is excited to make a difference, driven by the belief that anything is possible.

"¡Vamos, que sí se puede!”

Kanwarmehtab Singh Waraich – Finance 

Kanwarmehtab Singh Waraich is a distinguished SFSU graduate whose academic journey has been marked by curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. As an international student, he navigated the challenges of adapting to a new country while building a solid academic foundation through a double major in Finance and Decision Sciences. His proactive mindset led him to consistently seek opportunities to connect with professors and industry professionals, translating classroom theory into real-world insight.

While managing a full academic workload, Kanwar balanced a wide range of leadership and professional roles, demonstrating exceptional time management and a growth-oriented mindset. He served as the President of the Financial Analysis and Management Education (FAME) and as the President of the Decision Sciences & Analytics Association. Additionally, he held the roles of Vice President of the Lam Family College of Business Mentorship Program and was a Research Assistant, Resident Assistant, and Student Manager for the Gator-Wild program. In these roles, he championed peer development, led impactful events, and strengthened campus engagement.

Kanwar’s academic excellence is also reflected in his internships in loan servicing and commercial real estate, as well as his participation in the CREATE Fellows Program. He consistently applied his learning through high-level case competitions and investment pitch events.

With a passion for financial analysis and a strong interest in commercial real estate and private markets, Kanwar aims to build a career in financial services, investment management, or private equity. His journey reflects not only personal perseverance but also a deep commitment to community, growth, and leadership.

Huyen Thanh Nguyen – Hospitality and Tourism Management

Huyen Thanh Nguyen was born and raised in Vietnam and migrated alone to the U.S. at a young age in pursuit of better educational opportunities. As a first-generation student, she was inspired by her grandmother, who overcame poverty and illiteracy during the Indochina Wars. Huyen’s mindset, “It is a privilege to get an education,” has driven her to actively engage in her classes and embrace new knowledge. After transferring from City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to SFSU, she achieved academic excellence, maintaining a 3.95 GPA while working and completing two internships—at the Argonaut SF Hotel and at a tech start-up, HireBird—further honing her expertise in hospitality and marketing.

As the former Social Service Director and Vice President of Marketing in her business student fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, Huyen and fellow members organized impactful fundraisers and campaigns, including raising Breast Cancer Awareness, distributing hygiene kits to those in need in the Tenderloin, and writing meaningful letters to “Love for Our Elders,” fostering a culture of service. Additionally, Huyen enjoyed mentoring her peers in social media marketing and public speaking, and offering guidance on scholarship applications. Witnessing their growth and success has been one of her greatest joys.

Her commitment to philanthropy extends beyond her fraternity activities. She volunteered with the Oakland Unified School District to equip underserved high schoolers with financial literacy. Furthermore, Huyen’s work with organizations like the SF-Marin Food Bank and Project Open Hand has deepened her understanding of food insecurity and strengthened her passion for community empowerment.

Upon graduating with a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Business Administration, Huyen plans to continue her work in the hospitality industry, focusing on social impact initiatives. Ultimately, her lifelong dream is to start her own business, using it as a platform to address the food waste problem and provide opportunities for marginalized groups. Huyen envisions offering free cooking classes to help underprivileged youth develop valuable skills and build a brighter future.

Grace Thwin – International Business

As a first-generation college student, immigrant, and daughter of two hardworking essential workers, Grace Thwin is driven by a commitment to breaking barriers and empowering others to do the same. Inspired by the National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship from the U.S. Department of State, she took a leap of faith to pursue International Business, adding a double concentration in Accounting.

At SFSU, Grace has focused on developing her expertise in professionalism, the U.S. job market, CV writing, financial literacy, and leadership. She has held multiple leadership positions in Alpha Kappa Psi (AKP), including Director of Professional Development, New Member Educator, and President. She took on the President role when the chapter was on the verge of shutting down and inceased membership by 140%, restructuring the organization and raising thousands of dollars in funds. Through these roles, she has helped international students who seek opportunities in the U.S. overcome disadvantaged circumstances, secure employment, and expand their professional networks. 

Grace's commitment to cross-cultural understanding led her to study abroad at Chung-Ang University in South Korea, where she studied business communication across cultures and tutored Korean students in English. At SFSU, Grace actively supports Korean exchange students, helping them engage in business organizations and campus life. She also earned a TEFL certification and plans to use her international business degree to facilitate business across countries and cultures. 

Grace Thwin – Accounting

Grace Thwin is pursuing a double concentration in Accounting and International Business. As a first-generation college student, immigrant, and daughter of two hard-working custodians, Grace is driven by a commitment to breaking barriers and empowering others to do the same. Inspired by her first Accounting professor, Grace summoned the courage to major in Accounting despite a lack of community to guide her in the field. With a commitment to gain marketable skills and get the most out of her degree, she excelled in over ten accounting courses over three years.  

Grace's passion for accounting extends beyond the classroom. She joined Professor Theresa Hammond at Oakland public high schools to expose students to the accounting profession and provide financial literacy education. Her professional journey includes interning at Ernst & Young as an external auditor for insurance technology clients, where she secured a full-time job offer. She currently applies her skills at a local tax firm, preparing tax returns for high-net-worth clients. Before starting as an auditor at EY, she is pursuing a role at the YMCA, where she will facilitate workforce development and financial literacy training for SF high school students. 

Grace is the President of the SFSU Psi Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi, the world’s first and largest business fraternity. Despite post-COVID challenges, Grace led the chapter to a 140% increase in membership, restructured the organization, and helped raise thousands of dollars in funds. Through these roles, she has helped students with challenging backgrounds find mentors from the Big Four accounting firms and empowered them to land opportunities at accounting firms.  

Throughout her college career, Grace has worked 20-40 hours per week to cover her tuition while completing over 150 units to ensure CPA eligibility. She plans to earn her CPA license in 2025. Grace remains dedicated to using her accounting expertise to uplift others, foster financial literacy, and contribute to the profession with integrity and purpose.

Jamie Lynn Wong – Information Systems

For Jamie Lynn Wong, her academic life has always been filled with self-doubt, insecurity, and a sense of inferiority. She believed she was destined to fail in life, that she was not smart enough, and that success wasn’t meant for her. As a woman in a male-dominated field, her insecurities were heightened. Even after passing a difficult exam, her inner voice would tell her that she would most likely fail the next one.  

There are two directions where this mindset could lead Jamie: either giving up or working hard, and she followed the latter. Jamie dedicated her time and hard work to proving herself wrong. During one of her hardest semesters, she was balancing her part-time job, student association, and some of the most challenging major classes. Jamie succeeded in every aspect of her student life and never neglected her work or her club.

Jamie was a part of the revival of the Information Management Systems Association (IMSA), a now-successful student association, by working as its marketing designer. In this role, she created graphic designs to promote events, leading to a more active and successful club. Jamie is proud to work with a bright, amazing, and passionate team to tell students what information systems truly encompass. 

“When you are your own worst enemy, always fight back, work hard, and succeed,” Jamie says. She initially believed she would fail, yet today she is the Information Systems Department Undergraduate Honoree, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration, Information Systems concentration and 3.93 GPA. In the computer science and information sciences fields, only about 21% of professionals are women, and Jame is happy to be a part of the growing wave of change. She plans to work at a tech company one day and be a part of the big changes and developments technology is making. For Jamie, being her own worst enemy turned out to also be her biggest growth opportunity.