Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
Thursday, April 9
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center
Traditions Hall
Join us for a fun-filled event including food and libations, an interactive panel discussion and an alumni networking reception.
Meet our 2026 Award Recipients!
Maya Brown, Sociology and Africana Studies ’15
is an educator, political consultant and lobbyist. She founded MB Strategies LLC, a political and public affairs consulting firm, leading multimillion-dollar communications and advocacy campaigns and driving statewide initiatives to increase civic engagement. Brown was named among Florida Politics’ “150 Most Influential People in Florida Politics” in 2022 and INFLUENCE Magazine’s “30 Under 30” in 2020.
Raechel Canipe, Psychology ’13
is the founder and CEO of Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. A venture capitalist, she is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of leaders and creating pathways into entrepreneurship. Canipe also serves as chief operating officer for RevStar, a digital transformation agency shipping practical AI solutions, and is a former chair of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay.
Dr. Nicole Dinescu-Munoz, Biomedical Sciences ’13 and MS Medical Sciences ’15
is a physician and medical director at Tampa General Medical Group, where she leads clinical care and strategic initiatives. A community health leader, she has lectured extensively, presented her research internationally and advocated for improving access to care and health education. Dinescu is double board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics and is a recipient of multiple national and institutional awards.
Zita Fletcher, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences ’13
is an award-winning author; military historian; Forbes contributor covering drones, aerospace and defense; and journalist for Military Times and Defense News. The first female editor of two national magazines, Fletcher has written more than 10 books and more than 100 articles on military history, earning honors from the Military Writers Society of America, the National Federation of Press Women and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
LCDR Paul Johannes, Business Economics ’16
is a submarine warfare officer in the U.S. Navy. As engineer officer aboard the USS Columbia, a Los Angeles Class nuclear-powered submarine, Johannes leads a department of 75 highly trained officers and sailors in the safe operation and maintenance of a naval nuclear propulsion plant. He has led watch teams through two extended deployments to the USCENTCOM and USINDOPACOM areas of responsibility.
Dr. Ahmed-Zayn Mohamed, Political Science and Biomedical Science ’16 and MD ’22
was the first MD/JD dual-degree candidate at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Stetson University College of Law. He is an interventional radiology resident and intellectual property lawyer whose passion is innovation in health care and advancing how we care for patients and their families. Mohamed also enjoys serving in clinical and mentorship capacities and teaching the next generation of scholars.
Help more Bulls achieve greatness like these outstanding young alumni!
Bring your gently used business attire to the awards ceremony to donate to Suit-A-Bull — a free, donation-based professional clothing resource for USF students that ensures they are dressed for success when attending career fairs, interviews and workplace events.
Program Highlights and Eligibility Criteria
Award Objective
The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards program recognizes up to 10 alumni aged 35 or younger who have demonstrated emerging and unique innovation, creativity, and career success. Selections are based on professional success; however, a demonstrated commitment to USF and opportunity for future involvement may also be considered.
Established in 2004, this prestigious award celebrates the accomplishments of USF's youngest alumni. The awards event, which includes an entertaining and informative recipients' panel discussion, provides an enrichment opportunity for students and an engaging networking opportunity for students, alumni and friends.
Eligibility
- Only living alumni who've completed at least one class at USF and who have not reached the age of 36 by Jan. 1 of the award presentation year are eligible.
- Members of the Awards Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), as well as members of the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors and their immediate family members, are not eligible to be selected or receive the award during their period of service.
- Individuals who are campaigning for elected political office are not eligible for the award if the election takes place within 12 months of the Committee's meeting.
- Individuals who accept the award commit to attend the awards event, barring an unforeseeable and extraordinary circumstance.
- USF employees may be considered provided there is a clear indication of unique and stellar success in the alum’s position.
Event Timeline
October
Nominations opened
November 15
Nominations closed
January
Award recipients notified
April 9
Outstanding Young Alumni Awards Ceremony
2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
The 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Awards was an amazing celebration of six exceptional Bulls, including an insightful panel discussion and a networking reception to connect with fellow alumni.
See the full list of past award recipients
Watch the 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Awards Recap
Thank you to our sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Phil and Jean Amuso