Michael Briggs (Marketing) has joined TechTronics Inc. as an event marketing specialist for the Ryobi lines at Home Depot.

Connor Leonarczyk (Entrepreneurship) has launched his own business, Midnight Delights Cookies, delivering fresh, homemade cookies to FGCU residence halls and off-campus housing. "Since graduating in December 2020, I have moved into a commercial kitchen and continue spreading happiness through cookies by partnering with various sororities and clubs at FGCU for fundraising events. And on any given weekend, you can find our delicious cookies at local green market events like University Village."

Laurel De Luca (Journalism) has joined Soukup Strategic Solutions in Naples as fundraising, marketing and communications coordinator. In her new role, she will specialize in branding, social media and public relations. During her time at FGCU, De Luca served as a staff writer for Eagle News. Soukup Strategic Solutions has expanded with plans to serve more nonprofits nationwide.

Shannon Williamson (Communication) recently earned her professional public relations accreditation (APR) from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). As media specialist at LCEC, a not-for-profit electric cooperative in Southwest Florida, Williamson is responsible for leading events, managing social media, supporting projects, media relations, strategic campaigns and contributing to newsletters.  Since joining FPRA in 2020, she has served as board secretary for two years and as event chair for the chapter’s annual Local Image event, where she won the 2023 Rising Star Award.  

Joshua Ballin (Integrated Studies) has promoted senior sales executive at Prudential Financial and will be relocating to Tampa.

Gabriela Rivas (Communication) has been promoted to account manager at Wilson Creative Group, a full-service advertising and marketing agency in Naples. Rivas joined the company in June 2021 after earning a master’s degree in media and communication studies from Florida State University, where she served as a graduate teaching assistant in FSU’s College of Communication, taught a public speaking course and provided writing workshops and mentorship for first-year college students. At FGCU, she worked as a continuous improvement initiative intern for the Office of the Ombuds.

Connor Firmender (Interdisciplinary Entrepreneur Studies) was honored as a young leader in Gulfshore Business’ 40 Under 40 awards. Individuals are chosen for their professional achievements, volunteerism and contributions to the region’s economic, charitable and civic well-being. He is the co-founder and CEO of Fieldr, a web-based software company delivering career opportunities to students and connecting their talent to employers.

Jordan Davis (Resort & Hospitality Management) has received a master of science in management from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign’s business school. She is the sustainability manager for Loyola University Chicago Dining Services.

Blake Sylvester, (Civil Engineering), has accepted the position of restoration engineer at Walker Consultants in Tampa.

Austin Brooks, (Finance), joined SWFL Community Foundation as an accounting associate. His responsibilities will include grants and contributions processing. He lives in Bonita Springs.

Jamie Howes, (Master’s, Accounting and Taxation), was promoted to senior accountant at Hughes, Snell & Co., P.A. She joined the firm in 2016 through a tax internship.

Taylor Price, (Communication), was hired by TLC Marketing & Creative Services as a project coordinator. She is responsible for the company’s media relations, newsletters, events and special projects.

Melanie Schmees, (Finance), was appointed director of business & economic research for The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. She will support local business development efforts through economic development initiatives, business retention and expansion, and economic research and analysis.

Marlene Tenorio, (Marketing), has joined Studio+ as a business operations coordinator. She will be assisting in its business operations area.