UCM Alumni Foundation’s Next Generation Council Announces 2025 ‘10 Under 40’ Honorees

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Alumni Foundation has announced the 2025 class of its “10 Under 40” alumni recognition program.

Now in its second year, “10 Under 40” celebrates the achievements of UCM’s most recent graduates, representing just a fraction of the success stories from young alumni.

“The ‘10 Under 40’ program allows us to shine a spotlight on our outstanding young alumni who are already making significant strides in their careers and communities,” said Tiffany Cochran, ’05, ’23, senior director of events and alumni engagement for the UCM Alumni Foundation. “We are excited to recognize another group of Mules and Jennies who are making MuleNation proud through professional achievements, continued education, volunteer work and contributions to their industries. They are showing current students what is possible after graduating from UCM.” 

Recognition criteria include being 39 years old or younger and making a significant impact within their company, industry or field of study. Civic, community and/or cultural achievements are also key influencers in the selection process. These young alumni are innovating in their fields, inspiring their communities and leading by example as the next generation of UCM alumni leaders.

 

Below is the 2025 official list of “10 Under 40” honorees. To read extended bios for each alum, visit ucmfoundation.org/awards/10-under-40-honorees.

Zach Davidson, ’20, is a tight end for the Buffalo Bills whose athletic journey began at UCM, where he made history as a record-setting punter and dynamic tight end for Mules Football. He majored in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration. The Minnesota Vikings drafted Davidson, and he later joined the Bills. 

Taylor Hawes-Guldenpfennig, ’18, is a high school social studies teacher and department chair for Lee’s Summit, Missouri, R-7 Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a Social Studies major and History minor. Hawes-Guldenpfennig also leads professional development on AI in education and spearheads districtwide equity and inquiry-focused initiatives. 

 

Terry Keith, ’13, is the founder of DoubleTap KC, a virtual reality arcade and pub in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise. Keith gives back to his alma mater by collaborating on marketing projects with classes, mentoring students and hiring UCM grads to support his growing brand. 

 

Miranda Martino, ’16, is a school psychologist with North Kansas City Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed by a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Northern Colorado. Martino has served in leadership positions for the Missouri Association of School Psychologists and in several volunteer roles for Sigma Kappa Sorority, most recently on the sorority’s National DEIA Committee. 

 

Christina Parle, ’14, is the founder of CP Education & Consulting LLC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science and received the George Charno Outstanding Senior Award. With experience at Avila University, University of Kansas, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity and Western Carolina University, her work focuses on unlearning, conflict resolution and language’s role in fostering inclusive communities. 

 

Matthew Pedersen, ’11, is an assistant professor of Costume Design and Technology at Southern Utah University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Theatre. Pedersen is also a freelance costume designer and wardrobe stylist for companies including ESPN, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Central City Opera and Netflix. 

 

Nikhil Kumar Pulipeta, ’22, is a senior applications engineer at Skyworks Solutions Inc. He earned his master’s degree in Computer Science. He has advanced automotive infotainment systems for brands like Ford, Toyota and Tesla, while leading innovation in chip validation and radio technologies. Pulipeta also speaks at international AI summits, mentors young professionals and serves on global technical committees. 

 

Abhi Shimpi, ’10, is vice president of software engineering for Fidelity Investments. He earned his master’s degree in Information Technology and has established himself as a technology executive, leading enterprise-scale initiatives across Fortune 500 companies. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and serves as a board adviser, contributing strategic guidance to high-growth technology organizations. 

Peyton Taylor, ’20, is a coaching analyst and the first-ever data scientist for the Phoenix Mercury, a WNBA team. While earning her master’s degree in Computer Science as a TRIO McNair Scholar, she played for Jennies Basketball. Taylor founded the BRKDWN with Peyton, a mentorship platform that helps young athletes through personalized game-film analysis. She also volunteers as a high school girls’ basketball coach. 

 

Bailey Weiker, ’21, ‘25, is a senior strategic human resource partner at UCM. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, with minors in Legal Studies and Psychology, followed by an MBA in Organizational Leadership. Weiker’s professional roles have included championing talent management initiatives and training campuswide users on HR systems. 

The 10 honorees were selected by the Next Generation Council, a group of young alumni professionals who act in a volunteer advisory capacity for the UCM Alumni Foundation. The council advises on matters of concern to young alumni, provides feedback on university initiatives, helps build a network of recent graduates and recommends venues for alumni gatherings. They meet via video call once per semester over their lunch hour.

 

New and recent graduates are encouraged to join the Next Generation Council. Participation can also be a stepping stone to a leadership position in one of more than 10 MuleNation alumni chapters across the country. Learn more at ucmfoundation.org/next-gen.

 

Nominations for “10 Under 40” are accepted for any UCM graduate who meets the recognition criteria. Nominations remain on file for consideration for four years. To learn more or nominate a young alum, visit ucmfoundation.org/10-under-40.