JMC Career Moves and Milestones
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Yvette Efevbera (IR '09) will receive the 2026 DC Spartans Innovator Award at the DC Spartans’ Green & White Gala on Oct. 3. The Innovator Award is given annually to an MSU alum who has distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishment early in their career.
Efevbera is a global health and gender equality leader whose work has helped inform more than $100 million in investments around the world. Efevbera is the founder and CEO of SHE Thinks Group LLC and an adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Over nearly two decades, Dr. Efevbera has worked across philanthropy, academia, nonprofits and global partnerships, including leadership and advisory roles with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Harvard University and Girls First Fund. Her work has focused on global health, gender equality, adolescent girls’ health and rights, partnerships, organizational strategy and systems change. Read more about Efevbera’s work via DC Spartans.
Lindsay (Meehan) Andrews (IR '03) was promoted to Director of Member Engagement of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry in August. In this role, she helps plan and execute dozens of member-driven events attracting thousands of attendees for the chamber throughout the year, develops sponsorship packages and drives revenue and ensures that PA Chamber members are getting the most of their membership through advocacy, engagement and other unique experiences throughout the year.
Bridgette Bauer (SRP '22), Director of Public Affairs at Bellwether Public Relations, was awarded the 10 Over the Next Ten Award by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes emerging leaders based on their professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and meaningful commitment to community involvement.
Grace Ann Bourne (IR & PTCD '97) has served as the Executive Director of Business Advisers of Cleveland since 2022. The non-profit organization is focused on mentoring small business owners and early-state entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio.
Garrett Jones (PTCD '17) recently began the position of Assistant Professor at University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education.
Linus Kaechele (CCP '24) recently started a new position as a Research and Evaluation Associate with Everett Evaluation.
Harrison Leffel-Jones (CCP '16), Vice President of Small Business & Innovation of Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), was awarded the 10 Over the Next Ten Award by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes emerging leaders based on their professional accomplishments, leadership potential and meaningful commitment to community involvement.
Joelle (Simon) Letts (SRP '11) is the Executive Director of Grant Development at Davenport University. Joelle lead the team in receiving the school’s largest grant ($10M) in university history.
Nick Micinski (IR & PTCD '08) recently published a new book, Aiding Autocrats: Migration Management, Governance, and Repression in Africa, through Cambridge University Press. Micinski is currently an Assistant Professor at American University.
Laith Mihyar (IR & CCP '22) has been working with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as a Departmental Analyst in the Bureau of Professional Licensing since graduating from MSU College of Law in 2025 and passing the Michigan Bar Exam. In this role, Laith drafts disciplinary documents, negotiate with attorneys and recommend administrative sanctions for Michigan’s licensed healthcare professionals.
Hannah Smith (SRP '18), an attorney with Wright Beamer, was celebrated as a Rising Star within Business Litigation in the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers list. Rising Stars recognizes attorneys earlier in their careers who meet Super Lawyers’ selection criteria.
Kaycie Smith (PTCD '26) is earning her Master’s in Public Policy and is currently working in the Michigan House of Representatives.
Erika (Swanson) Sponsler (SR '96) was elected to represent District 6 as part of the board of the Michigan Council for the Social Studies. MCSS supports teachers and social studies curriculum and professional development in Michigan. Sponsler also currently serves as Jackson County representative as part of Michigan Social Studies Leaders Association.
Dondré Young (SRP '14), manager of federal partnerships for the Council on Foundations, was recognized in AND's “Flint & Genesee’s 2026 40 Under 40” list.
Share your own alumni update for our October issue via Qualtrics.
