Nashville-area alumni recognized for leadership, community impact

Nashville-area alumni recognized for leadership, community impact

Office of Public Relations & Communications | 01/31/2025

The Lipscomb community was well represented as several alumni were recently recognized for their leadership and impact in Nashville.

Nashville Emerging Leaders

Four Lipscomb alumni were selected for the Nashville Emerging Leaders Class of 2025. They are among 30 of the top professionals from public, private and entrepreneurial sectors representing industries including education, health care, nonprofit and communications among others.

Representing the Lipscomb community as members of the 2025 NEL cohort along with their organizations are:

• Nichole Alsina-Davari ('18), Barrio Education for Liberation
• Allison F. Borger ('16), Workday
• Karla Vazquez ('12), Youth Encouragement Fund
• Makeda B. Watson ('15), Metro Nashville Public Schools

NEL Class of 2025 members were recognized at a dinner on Jan. 30.

NBJ 40-Under-40

The Nashville Business Journal recently announced its 40-Under-40 2025 class. This annual award recognizes young professionals who are shaping Nashville business and their communities for the better. This year's class represents the next generation of trailblazers-top business leaders under the age of 40 who are driving innovation and achieving remarkable results in their industries and communities.

Lipscomb alumni named to the 2025 list:

• Kayla Mumphrey-Oquendo ('18), director of school-based initiatives, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
• John Williams ('07), associate vice chancellor for government relations, Tennessee Board of Regents

Mumphrey-Oquendo and Williams will be recognized at a special reception in Nashville on March 25.