Seven Grads, One Shared Goal: Make a Difference
DU’s newest alumni reflect on how they’ll use their degrees—and voices—to shape the future.
From filmmakers and journalists to social workers and entrepreneurs, the University of Denver’s 2025 graduates are set to leave their mark on the world.
We spoke with seven soon-to-be alumni about what they hope to contribute to their personal and professional communities after they move on from DU.
Sophia Holt
BA in Film Studies and Production
“One thing that's always been important to me is representation and telling stories that matter; continuing to push the notion that representation matters, and not just which stories are being told, but who's telling the story. As a writer myself, as a filmmaker, as a director, I want to make sure that I carry that throughout all my work, whether that be narrative or commercial or documentary—or whatever field I end up in.”
Kiena Campbell
BS in Environmental Science
“Since I was in high school, I've been interested in environmental tort law and suing polluting companies. I'm passionate about the PFAs [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances] issue. They’re ‘forever chemicals’ and they're everywhere—they're even in the water. I'm interested in enacting legislation to stop that.”
Ashton Duffield
MS in Applied Quantitative Finance
“I think helping entrepreneurs succeed is really rewarding, and it’s what I want to do for now. I’m not able to talk to clients directly yet because I'm not licensed, but hearing stories from entrepreneurs through my team just makes you realize how big a deal it is to them for their business. Maybe I’ll start a business one day, but for now, it’s very rewarding."
Yara Balouk
MA in International Disaster Psychology
“I want to create safe spaces for people to be themselves. I think authenticity is key. We all have a truth. It doesn't have to be the same, and it doesn't have to be different. Even identical twins don't have the same fingerprint. I want to encourage people to be their authentic selves and understand that while the world can feel small, it's also huge, and there's space for everyone. I want to empower people to take their space and be their authentic selves and believe that they'll find other like-minded people. I think there's someone out there for everybody.”
Alisha Pravasi
BS and MS in Computer Science
“I want to continue as a mentor for students at DU. I'm a part of the Equity in STEM program, which brings in freshmen from different marginalized backgrounds and helps them navigate the STEM world. I have three freshmen mentees right now, and I hope to stay in touch with them after graduating. I want to continue the positive vibes and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion wherever I go, because that's what I'm all about.”
Owen Swallow
MA in International Intercultural Communication
“I would like the opportunity to keep communities—the community I’m a part of, or a wider community—informed. That's why I started pursuing this career track in the first place.”
Laura Love
MA in Social Work
“I lost my son to suicide when he was 14. A lot of my work has been driven by trying to help find solutions in the youth mental health space and being a support to other families going through this. Whatever I do, I will continue to champion youth mental health programs and be an advocate for other kids going through a similar journey as Sam and their families. In what way? I don't know. I think the beauty is in not knowing.”
