Students
Students
Meet Outstanding Members of the Class of 2025
Author Audrey Soemarno '27 is a Media & Communication major and works as a student assistant at Â鶹¹ÙÍø, contributing to Â鶹¹ÙÍø News.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to turn a new page from their journey at Â鶹¹ÙÍø & Wales University, we take a moment to shine a light on some of the remarkable individuals who have left a lasting mark on our campus. From academic leadership to community involvement, these students embody the spirit and drive that define Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s graduating class. We celebrate the accomplishments and stories of these outstanding seniors. Every one of these students is an example of the Wildcat Way and what it means to make the most of every opportunity.
Sija Headrick '25
Sija Headrick '25 arrived at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Charlotte from a small town in Alabama in hopes of pursuing a major in Baking & Pastry Arts but soon discovered her true calling was in Food and Beverage Industry Management with a minor in Sommelier Management.
“I came into college unsure about my major and questioning whether I had made the right choice in moving so far from home,” she reflected. That uncertainty was transformed into clarity as she leaned into new experiences, discovered a passion for fine wines and guest service and took advantage of every opportunity to grow.
Through perseverance, mentorship and reflection Sija not only forged her academic path but found a greater purpose in helping others while being a part of something bigger. “What truly guided me was a mindset of intentionality,” she shared.“I have always believed that success is not just about achieving goals, but about how one shows up for others and grows through each experience.”
That mindset, paired with a deep commitment to her community, propelled her to take on leadership roles across campus from the Student Government Association to the Charlotte Racial Justice Consortium while maintaining strong academic performance and earning the prestigious Trustee Service Award.
“Success takes sweat equity,” she stated, referencing a meaningful conversation she had with Charlotte Campus President Mathieu. “I have poured that into every part of my college journey.” From leading in and the to expanding her industry knowledge in the Bartender’s Guild and , Sija gained confidence and communication skills that she can apply in her professional career.
After graduation she plans to begin a manager-in-training role at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., continuing her mission to create meaningful experiences through hospitality. Long-term, she hopes to return to higher education as a professor, giving back to students the way so many mentors gave to her. “My journey at Â鶹¹ÙÍø reflects growth, resilience and purpose,” she said. “This recognition is not just a personal milestone; it is a reflection of the shared experiences, lessons and relationships I’ve been fortunate to be a part of.”
Cyrell A. Faraon '25
Through his Â鶹¹ÙÍø journey, Cyrell Faraon has made a mark in the world of advertising. As a student in the Interdisciplinary Studies program, he has focused on marketing, advertising and graphic design. Cy’s academic journey has been shaped by his desire to merge strategic thinking with creative expression.
Being from New Jersey, Cy was drawn to Â鶹¹ÙÍø for the university’s strong creative programs and location in Providence, a city that felt both fresh and familiar. “I started as a fashion merchandising major, and while I liked the creativity of it, I realized I was more drawn to marketing and advertising,” he shared.
Cy has been deeply involved on campus, especially through his role in the Â鶹¹ÙÍø ADTEAM where he played a major part in the team’s recent success. “This year, we placed first in our district and will compete at the national level in Salt Lake City,” he explained. His experience with the team helped him grow in areas like advertising and marketing, ultimately leading to national recognition by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), which named him a 2025 Most Promising Multicultural Student.
“ADTEAM helped me get the attention of recruiters and really prepared me to work in a professional creative team,” Cy said. He also credited professors like Oscar Chilabato and Gail McCarthy for mentoring him throughout the process, saying, “They helped me refine my portfolio and build confidence in my ideas and presentation skills.”
As the first person in his family to graduate from college, Cy’s accomplishments are personal. “It means everything,” he said. “I want to show others in my community that they can do it, too.” Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in creative advertising, ideally in New York City — though he’s open to international opportunities that combine his interests in fashion and advertising.
“Being multicultural myself, it’s really important for me to work in diverse, inclusive spaces where creativity thrives,” he noted. Reflecting on his time with the ADTEAM, Cy found his experience challenging but deeply rewarding. “It’s the closest thing to working in a real agency that you can get while still in college,” he said.
He encourages students to get involved, especially those who want to gain real-world experience and collaborate with talented peers. His time at Â鶹¹ÙÍø has not only prepared him academically and professionally but has also solidified his passion for meaningful, strategic creative work. “I’ve grown so much here,” he reflected. “Now I know what I’m capable of — and I’m ready to go after it.”
Sienna Rivera '25
Sienna Rivera, who majors in Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Charlotte, is turning passion into purpose. Inspired by her older brother who studied the same major, she found her calling in the business side of sports. “I didn’t know what I wanted to go to school for,” she admitted. “But when I found out you could go to school for sports, event management and everything in such a unique industry, I was like, I want to do that.”
From growing up in a sports-loving household to discovering the vast career paths she can take within her industry, Sienna quickly realized she belonged to the SEEM program. Since her first year she went in headfirst, mentoring incoming students in Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Summer Bridge Program and later working with Sports Biz Careers, a program led by her professor, where Â鶹¹ÙÍø students enjoyed behind-the-scenes experiences such as tours of organizations, including NASCAR.
Sienna is president of the Sports Marketing Club and she helped revive the group post-COVID by leading meetings, organizing trips like their recent conference in Washington, D.C., and ensuring their presence at campus-wide events. “Our main goal this year was to put Sports Marketing’s name back out there and show what we’re trying to bring to the campus.”
Sienna credits much of her success to the unwavering support of Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s faculty. “I love my professors, and they’re so supportive,” she said, naming Professor Jeff Longo and Professor Sean Baldwin as key mentors who encouraged her to take on leadership roles and gain real-world experiences.
Her motivation comes not just from a love of sports, but from the community she’s built along the way. “I knew I wanted to get involved with anything I could to create connections,” she said. “Later in life I hope to fulfill my dreams within the sports industry.”
Whether she’s leading meetings, attending networking events or mentoring others, she continues to seek out volunteer and internship opportunities in hopes of one day working in social media or marketing for a professional sports team. Sienna is not only preparing herself for a thriving future but also leaving a lasting impact on her campus community.
Marnie Scholten '25
Marnie Scholten, a Media and Communication student, shared her unique path to Â鶹¹ÙÍø and her journey through student engagement. Once on campus, she found a home in Student Engagement after a professor suggested she apply. “I was from a very, very rural area … I didn’t have a lot of experience with computers or software,” she shared, adding that working in the Resource Room helped her catch up on essential skills.
Over the years she had taken on increasingly important responsibilities, from managing social media her freshman year to leading major projects such as Homecoming and Family Weekend designs. “It’s very clean, it’s very sleek; it aligns with the way that I like to make things,” she said of her work. Her commitment to the department’s promotional work came from both passion and opportunity. “I sort of just fell into it, if that makes sense,” she said, reflecting on how her media skills naturally aligned with Student Engagement’s goals.
Beyond her job, Marnie also made an impact through club leadership and a passion for teaching. As president of the Media Production Club, a former ballet and art teacher, Marnie emphasized how much she enjoys helping others grow. “I like teaching new things,” she said. “It’s always been really fun to sort of see people get the hang of things and be proud of themselves.” Her love for video production continues to shape her future aspirations. She hopes to become a camera operator for the BBC, a dream rooted in the many BBC shows she watched growing up.
When asked what advice she would give other students looking to get on campus jobs, she said, “Don’t be afraid to reach out, especially if you are a sophomore. They’re always looking for students they can keep for a few years.”
“The people here remember me for taking photos at their club events,” she reflected. Whether through design, leadership or kindness, Marnie’s contributions will surely be remembered by the Â鶹¹ÙÍø community.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to step into the next chapter of their lives, students like Sija, Cy, Sienna and Marnie remind us of the purpose and passion that defines a Â鶹¹ÙÍø Wildcat. Their unique journeys, shaped by curiosity and a deep sense of community, reflect boundless potential. These remarkable graduates not only achieved personal success but also uplifted others along the way, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future students. Here's to the Class of 2025 and its embodiment of the Wildcat Way.
