Six talented Kent State alumni were among the changemarkers recognized in Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 20 in Their 20s. These leaders excel in their careers, impact their community and carry their Golden Flash pride wherever they go.
Congratulations to Aysia Kemp, ’20, Olivia Morrison, ’20, Jake Myers, ’19, Brad Rinella, ’18, Allison Sayre, ’21 and Kiernan Weese, ’19, MBA ’21.
Aysia Kemp, ’20
Senior Coordinator, People and Culture
Cleveland Cavaliers
Aysia Kemp was drawn to Kent State for its top-notch exploratory program. “Through the exploratory program, I discovered my interest in business when taking the business introductory class and I learned about human resources,” Aysia says. “Once I discovered this career, I knew it was for me! It is the perfect blend between relationship-building, empowerment, support and strategy.”
As the senior coordinator, people and culture for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Aysia is responsible for managing company-wide recognition events, onboarding new team members, guiding benefits administration for 2,000+ employees and introducing wellness initiatives.
“If I was ever asked about my dream job, I would always respond with a position that encompasses my passions of human resources and sports,” Aysia says.
When she is not working, she is making an impact in her community. As chair of the BELIEVE Team Member Resource Group she supports Black and African American team members and allies through professional development and community programming. She also mentors students through CollegeNow Greater Cleveland, serves in her local church ministry at the Word Church, volunteers at youth sports clinics and is actively involved in coaching varsity girls’ basketball at her high school alma mater Villa Angela-St. Joseph.
Aysia continues to be connected with Kent State and University College as a mentor for emerging leaders and participated as a voice for in-person, remote, print and video testimonials about the program. She also remains active with the Greater Cleveland Alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated participating in several community service programs that focus on uplifting women and their families. Another Kent State pride point is that Aysia was the recipient of the Kent State Alumni Association Outstanding New Professional Award.
“I continue to stay connected because Kent State truly holds a special place in my heart,” said Aysia. “I stepped onto the campus as an 18-year-old who was unsure of what the future would hold and am now a human resources professional that continues to grow and flourish within my career and life. I am grateful to be showcasing the knowledge and values that I learned during my time at Kent State through my profession and throughout my life.”
Olivia Morrison, ’20
Associate Designer
Vocon
Olivia has always strived to go above and beyond at Kent State and now in her career as an associate designer at Vocon, a leading architecture and interior design firm based in Cleveland. As an associate designer, she collaborates with architects, engineers, contractors and other consultants to meet client goals.
“I love being involved in every stage of the process, from concept through construction, and seeing a vision come to life,” Olivia says. “What’s especially meaningful to me is when the project can be delivered through the lens of holistic sustainability and positive impact.”
Olivia is dedicated to advancing her professional goals and earned the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certification, allowing her to take on more complex projects and expand her influence at the firm. She was recently promoted from designer to associate designer.
Committed to environmental and social impact, Olivia has played a key role in Vocon’s sustainability efforts by tracking project specifications for the AIA Materials Pledge and curating firmwide educational series content. She is passionate about giving back to the community and helps organize the company’s philanthropy initiatives. She also volunteers for the Cleveland Animal Protective League and Greater Cleveland food bank.
Along with her academic endeavors as an Honors College student studying interior design Olivia worked for Student Accessibility Services and as a faculty assistant while at Kent State. She was also a member of the Interior Design Student Collaborative (IDSC).
One of her most memorable moments from her college career was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. “These experiences pushed me to get comfortable being uncomfortable, learning how to adapt, communicate and think about design from a global perspective. It was incredibly energizing to explore new places and ideas under the guidance of such talented and passionate instructors.”
Jake Myers, ’19
Project Manager
Gilbane Building Co.
Jake Myers came to Kent State for its acclaimed architecture program. “I wanted to draw and design custom homes,” Jake says. Studying architecture was a stepping stone to discovering what he ultimately wanted to do - construction management.
“I decided to switch majors because I realized I liked to be more hands on with the construction process and physically be able to see the work put in place every day,” Jake said. Pairing the construction management major with a minor in business management was the perfect way for Jake to reach his career goals.
Jake is a project manager at Gilbane Building Co., a large real estate and construction management firm where he works closely with architects, engineers and owners to ensure the appropriate design is followed. Some of his most rewarding projects include the construction of Wyandot Memorial Hospital, restaurants at Cedar Point and a residential apartment building, RAYE in the Van Aken District.
When he is not working, Jake enjoys staying involved in the community as a mentor for the ACE (architecture, construction and engineering) program in Shaker Heights and provides insight about the profession to high school students where the students get hands-on experience competing in an RFP against other schools in the Cleveland area.
Being involved in professional organizations has always been important to Jake. He made the most out of his time at Kent State and was a part of the Construction Management Student Organization where he gained valuable networking opportunities.
“Kent helped provide a runway for me to excel in my career,” Jake says. “The professors within the construction management school helped teach me what I know today and have been a resource for myself.”
Brad Rinella, ’18
Associate Attorney
McDonald Hopkins
Brad Rinella’s job as a commercial finance associate attorney at McDonald Hopkins keeps him on his feet. “Every single day is different,” Brad says. “Each deal brings its own nuances and challenges that always keeps things interesting.”
Brad represents borrowers and lenders in a variety of transactions including asset based credit facilities and syndicated loan transactions. “My primary responsibilities are drafting and negotiating loan documents and coordinating diligence delivery and review.”
After graduating cum laude from Kent State with a double major in finance and accounting, Brad worked as a technology risk consultant at Ernst & Young. Shortly after, he started law school at Cleveland State University where he graduated magna cum laude.
“Law school was always on my mind from the beginning and after interning at Eaton and Steris during my sophomore and junior year respectively, I knew I was ready for my next challenge,” Brad says.
Passionate about giving back to the Cleveland community, Brad is on the board of trustees for the Neighborhood Centers Association and a mentor for College Now, a non-profit organization that helps students succeed in higher education .
Being involved was also a big part of his college career. Brad was a member of the accounting association and the student managed invest fund, now known as Golden Flash Asset Management.
“If I could share one piece of advice with current students, it would be to get involved with an organization. The networking opportunities with future employers, the connections you make with your classmates and the relationships you build with your advisors/professors are invaluable.”
Allison Sayre, ’21
Chazin and Company
Senior Accountant
Allison Sayre is grateful for her exceptional career advisors at Kent State who led her to the accounting major. She landed an internship with Enterprise Rent a Car as an accounting intern that she found through Kent State’s career fair; that’s when she knew accounting was a good fit. Highly motivated as a college student, she also majored in finance. “I knew I wanted to do something in business but accounting and finance presented the most opportunity and was what interested me the most.”
After graduating, Allison worked as a staff audit accountant at Maloney + Novotny. Driven to learn, her strong work ethic led her to a promotion to senior audit accountant two years later. She recently started a new position as a senior accountant at Chazin and Company, a bookkeeping company serving nonprofits across the country.
Allison is committed to helping others through her leadership and involvement with Engage! Cleveland Leadership Council and the Celiac and Allergy Friendly Food Initiative. She also was the lead for Maloney + Novotny’s Young Professionals Group and organized volunteer events in the Cleveland community.
During her time at Kent State, Allison recognized the importance of staying involved as a student and was part of the Accounting Association and Women in Business club.
Like Olivia Morrison, another valuable experience for Allison was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. “My most memorable moment at Kent State was living in Florence and taking classes there. I really got to experience some life-changing events!”
Allison is a proud Kent State graduate and enjoys meeting other Kent State graduates. “Kent State has a wide alumni community in the Northeast Ohio region. Meeting other people from Kent has given me a nice way to build connections.”
Kiernan Weese, ’19, MBA ’21
Architectural Project Manager - Level II
CPL Architecture, Engineering and Planning
One of Kiernan’s favorite hobbies as a kid was building things and, of course, the fun part - breaking what he built. “My mom used to say she knew I would be an architect even before I did, because I was constantly taking things apart just to figure out how they worked - and usually forgetting to put them back together, which drove her nuts,” Kiernan says. “I was always curious about how things were made and how they fit together, which naturally evolved into an interest in buildings and design.”
It was in middle school when he discovered architecture was the perfect career path and throughout high school learned about Kent State’s renowned architecture program. “I was drawn to Kent State because it offered the best balance of community and opportunity. The campus had that small-town feel where everyone seemed connected. It felt like its own community within a larger one,” Kiernan said. “Compared to other architecture schools in Ohio, it felt more personal and grounded, and it had an incredible reputation.”
Kiernan quickly climbed the ladder at CPL. He started off as an intern and is now a Level II architectural project manager of the firm. He works closely with clients through the design process.
“Part of my day-to-day work involves managing projects from early planning through construction – coordinating multidisciplinary teams, keeping schedules and budgets on track and ensuring the design reflects our clients’ needs,” Kiernan says. “Clear communication and organization are the backbone of my role, and I focus on creating a process where clients feel informed, supported and confident.”
Outside of his career, volunteering is a top priority, and he enjoys giving back to the architecture community. He is part of the AIA Cleveland Board and is co-director of the Young Architects and Associate (YAAM) Members Committee. He helps organize the mentorship program, networking events and professional development opportunities for emerging architects. What’s more, Kiernan also volunteers for the March of Dimes and is committed to sustainability and energy reduction, previously participating in the Cleveland 2030 District, a movement that supports sustainability and energy reduction goals for local buildings and campuses. Kiernan also participates in Cogence (Owners, Architects, Engineers and Contractors) Alliance and was accepted into their Emerging Leaders program.
He also shares his knowledge and expertise to students in Kent State’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design by serving as a guest juror for studio reviews and subbing as a studio professor for the architecture program.
Kiernan credits Kent State’s stellar architecture program for helping him succeed in his role.
“Kent State gave me a foundation that went far beyond design skills. The program taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly and approach problems from multiple angles – all things I rely on every day,” Kiernan says. “The collaborative culture mirrored the real world, where architects, engineers, contractors and clients all work together toward a common goal.”