From working to remove unexploded bombs in war-torn countries such as her native Laos to advocating before U.S. Congress, it is Sera Koulabdara’s (BSBA ’07) business to talk about war — and peace. Learn how family, culture and an interest in international business charted the career path for the CEO of Legacies of War.

Fisher celebrated its 2025 Alumni Awards honorees during an evening of emotion-filled speeches of gratitude, hard work and success. Six alumni and one organization were recognized for outstanding leadership in their industries, service to their communities and dedication to Business Buckeyes.

Meet the 2025 Fisher Alumni Award recipients. Learn what inspires these exemplary leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their professions and communities and continuing the college’s legacy of alumni excellence.

JPMorganChase has invested in Fisher countless ways, from hiring interns and graduates to supporting projects and programs. Learn how this vital and longstanding partnership has benefitted both the college and the company.

James J. Kavanaugh (MBA ’92) has never stopped being curious — or successful. Learn how IBM’s CFO turned his passion and appetite for learning into a highly prestigious career.

Climbing the corporate ladder has never been a solitary exercise for Nicole Balkenbusch (BSBA ’07). Find out what motivates her to lift others as she’s advanced in her career at Amazon.

Neethi Johnson (MBA ’19) has long been motivated to serve — whether delivering meals, leading nonprofit boards or working with her peers on statewide initiatives. Find out who inspired her desire to give back.

Meet Marna Ricker (BSBA '91), Global Vice Chair of Tax at EY and proud Business Buckeye, who has a worldview of business and a strong desire to pay forward to the next generation of global leaders.

Nicole Mazullo (BSBA ’21) can add Survivor 49 to her resume. Meet the financial crimes consultant and former Honors Cohort student who had hoped that her wit and business savvy would take her all the way to the final Tribal Council on the hit reality show.

Dr. Henry Xiang’s medical research has made a profound impact on pediatric care and inspired a new generation of scientists. Learn what — and who — motivates this renowned scholar, devoted mentor and visionary leader.

When John C. Waggoner Jr. (BSBA '70) learned that his beloved fraternity was shut down, he spent 25 years rebuilding it from the ground up, transforming it into such a leadership powerhouse that they renamed the house in his honor.

Roberto Abramson (MBA '77) has spent more than 50 years building Ohio State's presence in Brazil, helping recruit the next generation of international students from 4,900 miles away. Learn more about Roberto and why he was named the recipient of Ohio State's 2025 Ralph Davenport Mershon Award.

Grit, family and Ohio State helped Chris Garner (BSBA ’99) complete his life’s ambitions, including more than 10 years in the SEC as a college football official.

Entrepreneur Daniel Chi-Hang Leung (BSBA '98, MBA '04) hosts game watches in the middle of the night and has raised funds for sick children — all while building Ohio State's presence across Asia.

When it comes to betting on himself and his career, Nicolas Meader (BSBA ’23) is a clear winner. At just 23, the young investor has grown a personal portfolio worth millions of dollars and joined the founding team of a venture capital firm. See why some call him an industry disruptor.

A $5 million gift from Jeff Prestel is launching a dynamic sales academy at Fisher, equipping business students at Ohio State with real-world skills, credentials and confidence to lead in today’s competitive sales marketplace. Learn more about Jeff and why he chose to pay forward.

When Fisher alumni bank on Business Buckeyes, the return on their investment is great. Two years ago, 16 members of the college’s Alumni Board formed a committee to connect and engage with student organizations. Their gifts of time and experience are just another powerful way our alumni are giving back in ways students truly appreciate.

Every time Jimmy Franklin ignores his “fear voice,” something good happens. Overcoming that hesitation and doubt has led to professional roles managing major brands at Unilever and Suntory Global Spirits, landing on Out Magazine’s Out100 list, coordinating a successful brand partnership with GLAAD and meeting celebrities, and producing an album of original songs.

Building on Ohio State’s 85-year history of scientific leadership research, the Fisher Leadership Initiative hosted more than 200 professionals for a unique opportunity to assess their personal leadership styles and hear from storytellers, peers and behavior experts at the inaugural Conference on Principled Leadership.

Rachel Friedman, founder and CEO of TENFOLD and TENSPACE, former Alumni Award winner, and keynote speaker for Fisher’s Pre-Commencement ceremony, says the sky’s the limit when you live with purpose, passion and principles.

Michael Gade (BSBA ’74, MBA ’75) knows why gas and convenience stores like Sheetz seem to be popping up on nearly every street corner. A senior advisor in the convenience retail industry and Fisher’s 2025 Pace Setters Executive Award recipient, Gade has spent his career understanding consumer behavior.

Alumna Sally Wallace Heckman comes from a trailblazing family whose impact has been felt from Newark to Ohio State’s main campus. As a fourth-generation banking leader, she’s continuing her family’s legacy of providing financial stability and educational opportunities, helping shape the futures of countless central Ohio residents.

Neil Hegde has gone from free throws to finance, taking his lifelong love of basketball and turning it into a professional career. Discover how he’s made his hoop dreams a reality.

Lucas Tai’s (BSBA ’23) academic and professional careers have been an intersection of his many interests: government service, the automotive industry, sustainability, emerging technologies, economics and public policy. Recently selected as Ohio State’s first-ever Schwarzman Scholar, Tai is excited for the global fellowship ― and its potential to help him revitalize the Midwest.

A clinician at heart, Jess Pfister (MBA ’19) loves creating exceptional experiences for patients at the Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care New Albany. As an advocate for family, patients and staff, she finds ways to speak for those who don’t have a voice. Find out how this servant leader has leaned into the uncomfortable to not only stay patient-centered, but to advance her career.