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Student Ambassadors

Regnier Institute Student Ambassadors are current undergraduate or graduate students with a mission to promote the Regnier Institute to students and the Kansas City community.

They support and advocate for the Institute’s activities and programs, mentor and advise on entrepreneurial efforts, and foster connections among student and community entrepreneurs. As the “face” of the Regnier Institute, ambassadors enhance the entrepreneurial culture on campus and beyond through their dedication and collaboration, contributing significantly to the Institute’s mission.

Student Ambassador Application

Although we don’t have any Student Ambassador openings at the moment, you are welcome to submit your resume and cover letter for future consideration when positions become available.

Apply to be a student ambassador

Current Student Ambassadors

Caleb Elliott - Business Administration with Emphasis in Finance

I’m a junior at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with an emphasis in Banking and Financial Services at the Bloch School of Management. I'm passionate about financial literacy, wealth-building, and using business as a tool to create lasting impact. As the former President of UMKC’s DECA Chapter and a current Bloch Student Ambassador, I’ve cultivated leadership through student organizations, internships, and community engagement. Most recently, I served as a Wealth Management Intern at Compass Retirement Solutions, where I supported financial advisors by preparing client case materials, gathering and organizing client data, documenting key insights from seminars and social events, and helping optimize the firm’s CRM system. This experience deepened my understanding of client service, financial planning, and operational efficiency in a professional advisory setting. My broader experience includes bookkeeping at Trio Banquet Center, mentoring youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, and representing UMKC’s Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship. I’ve been recognized as a DECA State Champion, Launchpad Scholar, and Bronston Financial Literacy Essay Winner.

Advice to students

I believe that cultivating strong communication skills is essential for standing out in today’s fast-paced world. In an age where many rely on social media and texting, mastering the art of in-person communication is a valuable and rare asset. My advice to fellow students is to embrace this opportunity: hone your communication skills and let your unique voice shine. By doing so, you not only set yourself apart but also open doors to countless possibilities.

Emma Wood - Accounting & Business Administration with Emphasis in Finance

I am a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the Bloch School of Management, University of Missouri - Kansas City. I serve as the treasurer for Beta Alpha Psi, an honor student organization. In the spring, I will be studying abroad in Spain. Entrepreneurship is important to me because it promotes creativity and resilience; driving change through critical thinking, overcoming challenges, and the creation of valuable solutions.

Advice to students

My advice to students would be to get out of your comfort zone. It can teach you a lot about yourself – showing you what do or do not enjoy. Embracing new experiences in college can help you thrive and build valuable connections!

Andrew Lair - Business Administration with Emphasis in Finance

I am a dedicated senior at UMKC’s Bloch School of Management, pursuing a degree in Business Finance with plans to earn a Master of Accounting to meet CPA requirements. I bring a strong background in accounting through my internship at Helzberg Diamonds and hands-on involvement in private equity consulting projects through the Bloch Consulting Lab. Driven to expand my financial expertise, I am committed to contributing to Kansas City’s business community by applying a strategic and analytical approach to financial challenges. I’m also actively engaged in Launchpad activities, and entrepreneurship holds personal significance for me, having grown up watching my family build businesses from the ground up with passion, motivation, and inner drive.

Advice to students

My advice to other students is to stay curious, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and persist through challenges—perseverance is key to success. Always take the time to reflect on your goals and adjust your approach when needed.

Alejandro Hernandez - Political Science and Business Administration with emphasis in Finance

My name is Alejandro, and I am an ambassador for the Regnier Institute! I am a Junior, getting two degrees in Political Science and Business Administration with a Finance emphasis. Along with the Regnier Institute, I am involved in Enactus, Greek Life, and I also work as a lifeguard and building supervisor at the Swinney Rec Center. Entrepreneurship is important to me because it is a symbol of ambition, self reliance, and risk!

Advice to students

My advice to other students would be to take risks when you’re in college and to get involved. Your experience at the University is what you make of it, and if you don’t put anything into that experience then you are going to get very little out of it. This place offers more than just classes; it is a place that offers lifelong connections both within and outside of the classroom that will help you grow into the person that you are destined to be.

Brecken Douglass - Business Administration with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

I am a sophomore at UMKC’s Bloch School of Management, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with the long-term goal of owning and operating my own contracting firm in the greater Kansas City area. Entrepreneurship is especially meaningful to me because I was raised in a single-parent household, where I was always encouraged to pursue greatness and give my best effort in everything I do.

Advice to students

To quote USA hockey coach Herb Brooks, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” Always take a chance to be grow, always push yourself for greatness. You will never know what will happen unless you take that step forward.

Yoona Alsaeed – Architecture

I am a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. As I begin my journey in the field, I am excited to explore the intersections of creativity, design, and problem-solving that architecture offers. My experiences so far have helped me adapt to the workload of studio and coursework, and I look forward to growing as both a student and a future professional.

Advice to students

My advice to fellow students is to embrace the challenges of adjusting to new environments and responsibilities. Transitioning into college can feel overwhelming at first, but staying open-minded and willing to learn makes the experience both rewarding and manageable. Remember that persistence and balance are key—not only in academics, but also in life.

“Working as a student ambassador has allowed me to gain valuable experience and connections while working in the entrepreneurial community.”

Chad Feather, VP of Client Success at Daupler