Meet the Cargill thrive student advisory board

February 10, 2022

Maroon "we are driven" banner hanging on a campus streetlight.

The Cargill thrive Student Advisory Board is a pilot program for a small cohort of students from the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and the Carlson School of Management (CSOM). Each student will receive a one-time $5,000 scholarship, participate in experiential professional development opportunities, and meet bi-weekly during the Spring 2022 semester to support the development of the Cargill University thrive program at the U of M, which launches in Fall 2022.

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Major: Computer Science
College: CSE
Year: Junior

I am currently a computer science teaching assistant, and I plan on graduating with a bachelor's degree in computer science. I grew up in the scorching desert known as Arizona where it was normal to see the temperature hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summers. I moved to Minnesota in 2014, and actually prefer Minnesota’s cold winters, where just last week the temperature was -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carol Morales

Major: Food Science
College: CFANS
Year: Junior

I'm excited to work with other BIPOC students and Cargill to develop a program that encourages the retention and uplifts future students of color to pursue careers in STEM. I believe building a support network within the areas of STEM provides BIPOC students with a sense of representation, encouraging the continual increase of participants in the field.

Elias Gessesse

Major: Management Information Systems (MIS) and Finance
College: CSOM
Year: Junior

Growing up, I've always had a passion for technology and the impact it can have on businesses in the future, and when selecting a major/career path, MIS was the perfect fit. I hope to get into consulting post-grad and help improve business processes through technology for fortune 500 companies across the world!

Jenny Tran

Major: Finance
Minor: MIS
College: CSOM
Year: Junior

I am a proud Vietnamese-American and a first-generation student who has big dreams of traveling the world. My passion and purpose stem from my parents' financial hardships coming to America. I am pursuing a finance degree to help people plan whether it's short-term needs or long-term goals with their money and to live a comfortable life. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to be a representative on the Cargill Thrive program!

Jimena Jimenez

Major: Mechanical Engineering
College: CSE
Year: Sophomore

I hope to intertwine my passion for engineering and protecting the natural world to find sustainable solutions to leave the planet on the best possible trajectory.

Minho Jeon

Majors: MIS and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Minor: Food Science
College: CSOM and CFANS
Year: Junior

I am Minho Jeon, currently a junior double majoring in management information systems and sustainable agriculture and food systems. I'm a huge foodie so I love trying new restaurants. exploring new cafes and cooking! In my free time, I'm usually looking at stocks, watching anime, or swimming.

Sam Nguyen

Major: Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering
College: CSE
Year: Junior

I'm currently a junior majoring in bioproducts and biosystems engineering. I am very passionate about the environment and sustainability, and hopes to find innovative solutions to environmental problems in the future. In my free time, I like to go thrifting, listen to music and bake.

Shalom Weatherspoon

Major: Accounting & Finance
College: CSOM
Year: Sophomore

I grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and graduated from DeLaSalle High School. In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, coaching, playing chess, and traveling. In the future I hope to pursue a career in real estate.

Shana Wanjohi

Major: Marketing
College: CSOM
Year: Sophomore

I’m a second year student at the UMN Twin Cities. I’m on track to study marketing at the Carlson School of Management. I was born and raised in Minnesota my whole life. During my free time, I love to make beats. Follow my Sound Cloud or Tiktok if you want: it’s wan guru.

About the Cargill University thrive program

Launching in Fall 2022, the Cargill University thrive program aims to ensure more equitable access for women and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students pursuing careers in STEM, business and agriculture. The program aims to help students convert their education into meaningful careers through mentoring, professional and leadership development programming, and career coaching.

Sophomore and junior undergraduate students will complete an application process, and once selected will participate in programming as part of a thrive fellows cohort. As a fellow, each student will receive a $5,000 per year scholarship, a guaranteed interview for internship opportunities at Cargill, provide exclusive mentoring opportunities both on and off campus with Cargill professionals, and give opportunities to participate in other enrichment activities related to leadership, diversity, and professional development.