Two Drew University students named Rising Stars by the NJ Business and Industry Association

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Two Drew University students named Rising Stars by the NJ Business and Industry Association

Chekwube Okunowo C’24 and Kareena Salvi C’23 recognized for their passion, dedication

September 2022 – Two Drew University students have won Rising Star Awards from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBA).

Chekwube Okunowo C’24 and Kareena Salvi C’23 are two of five college students selected by NJBIA for their “professional path, demonstrated passion for academic success and commitment to volunteering in their community during their undergraduate careers” by NJBIA.

The students were in person at the 8th Annual New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum in Atlantic City earlier this month.

“This award is very special to me because it shows me that my work and contributions in the web community, the US community and my Nigerian community are being seen and recognized,” said Okunowo, an international relations major and economics double minor in law, justice and society.

Political Science major and Spanish, Dance and Law, Justice and Society “This recognition shows the strong passion I grew up with and stands as an example to not give up on your dreams and aspirations for the future. Triple. “Receiving this award has helped me look back at the true inner spark that ignited as I pursued my passion to support underrepresented voices.”

Both students reflected on how the web has prepared them for their future, not surprisingly, as they both seek to become leaders and change makers.

Okunowo plans to pursue foreign service after earning a law degree or master’s degree in foreign service and gaining experience working with NGOs and human rights groups. She was approached by the United Nations as a launching pad during Drew’s New York semester.

“The United Nations program is one of those opportunities that will equip me with the transferable skills and knowledge necessary to realize my goals,” she said. “I learned a lot about the UN and the foreign service world from Carlos Jordan. [associate professor of international relations and director of the New York Semester on the United Nations] and guest speakers including diplomats.

She added, “Drew—through departments, organizations, professors, and communities—as an institution has offered many opportunities that have helped me grow and learn. Through this opportunity with NJBIA, I hope to find a network of amazing leaders who will further help me on the path to achieving my personal, academic and professional goals.

Salvi plans to pursue a master’s and PhD in political science with a focus on racial politics in America.After that, she hopes to work for an NGO or civil/human rights group similar to the Sikh Coalition.

“My experience at Drew has helped me reach my goals through programs like the UN Semester and the Barcelona Short Track,” she says.

“Also serving as Student Government President and serving on the Racial Justice and Diversity and Inclusion Committees—all of these experiences have helped push me into the spaces and networks that have helped lead me to my dreams. Drew’s experience has given me the opportunity to finally make a decision about my future and create the path I want to express to Karena, to be and to see.” And he gave me places.