Commencement Weekend in Minneapolis

Shayla Drake
SHRM-CP, CWDP

Shayla Drake, SHRM-CP, CWDP, is a Workforce Strategy Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), where she works with employers, educators, workforce professionals, economic developers, and community organizations to develop workforce solutions that strengthen Minnesota’s economy. Serving Northeast Minnesota and contributing to statewide initiatives, Shayla helps employers navigate workforce challenges through strategic planning, talent development, labor market intelligence, and collaborative partnerships.

Before entering workforce development, Shayla began her career in healthcare as a Licensed Practical Nurse. After an unexpected medical crisis and a period of rehabilitation and recovery led her to pivot careers, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her professional path while finding a new way to pursue her passion for helping others.

That journey led Shayla to Western Governors University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in human resource management. She transitioned into human resources before ultimately finding her calling in workforce development, where she now helps employers and communities build stronger unified talent ecosystem while creating meaningful career pathways for workers and job seekers.

Throughout her career, Shayla has helped lead regional and statewide workforce initiatives, employer collaboratives, industry summits, and cross-sector partnerships. Her experience spanning healthcare, human resources, and workforce strategy gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing today’s workers and employers, as well as the ability to translate complex labor market information into actionable workforce strategies.

A proud WGU alum, Shayla understands firsthand the determination it takes to pursue an education while navigating unexpected life changes. Her journey from nurse to WGU graduate to workforce strategist reflects her belief that a career path does not have to be linear to be meaningful, and that new opportunities can emerge from even the most difficult transitions.

Kaytlyn Mae Sagert
B.S. Mathematics Education 

Kaytlyn Sagert earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education (Secondary) from Western Governors University. A first-generation college graduate, Kaytlyn pursued mathematics education with a passion for helping students build confidence in math and creating an environment where every student feels capable of learning and succeeding.

While earning her degree, Kaytlyn balanced the demands of college by preparing for a career in education. Following graduation, she will begin her career as an Algebra II teacher, putting her passion for mathematics and student success into practice.

Outside of the classroom, Kaytlyn enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and relaxing with her four cats.

Khalid Barre
M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Khalid Barre is a first-generation Somali American from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. He completed his master’s degree at just 21 years old while working two jobs.

Khalid’s journey was anything but conventional. Without a traditional campus or a typical college experience, he built his education around work and other responsibilities, often studying during the quiet hours when most people were asleep. His experience taught him the importance of taking ownership of his future, creating his own path, and remaining open to possibilities he may not have imagined for himself.

Inspired by the faith, determination, and hope his family carried with them to the United States, Khalid has channeled his cybersecurity expertise into developing a community-based, privacy-focused application built around a simple conviction: everyone deserves greater control over their digital life.

Khalid believes some of life’s greatest opportunities can be found beyond the expected path. His journey reflects the resilience, sacrifice, and courage required to move forward without waiting for permission and to create opportunities where they may not already exist.

Carmen Briggs
B.S. Human Resource Management

Student Speaker Carmen Briggs resides in Southeast Minnesota with her husband of 23 years, Jon. Inspired in part by watching their children, Abagail (22) and Spencer (21), pursue their own college journeys at UW–La Crosse and Winona State University, Carmen decided it was time to continue her own education. She earned her B.S. in Human Resource Management from Western Governors University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in management and leadership.

Carmen serves as HR Manager at Benchmark, a global contract manufacturer, and brings more than two decades of experience in human resources and management. Her career has spanned education, healthcare, retail, government, and manufacturing, reflecting a longstanding commitment to people-centered leadership and organizational development.

Zain Malik
B.S. Information Technology

Graduate Speaker Zain Malik, from Chicago, Illinois, is a lifelong learner, entrepreneur, and technology enthusiast with a passion for solving problems and creating meaningful impact. His interests span business, innovation, and emerging technologies, and he enjoys exploring new ideas and finding practical ways to bring them to life.

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Zain has embraced challenges as opportunities to grow. His experiences have shaped his belief in the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning, as well as his desire to encourage others to pursue meaningful goals with confidence and purpose.

Known for his curiosity, determination, and analytical mindset, Zain approaches his work and personal pursuits with a commitment to making a positive impact. He believes success is built through consistency, a willingness to adapt, and the courage to keep moving forward when challenges arise.

Outside of work and school, Zain enjoys traveling the world and spending time with family and friends.

Egnolia Dias Candido
B.S. Psychology

Egnolia Dias Candido grew up in a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil, before moving to the United States at age 11. A mother of two, active community volunteer, church worship minister, and avid singer, Egnolia has long been passionate about serving and uplifting others.

That commitment inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Governors University, where she gained knowledge and skills to better support and advocate for immigrant communities navigating the transition to life in a new country. While balancing her education with work, family, and community responsibilities, Egnolia came to view her degree not only as a personal achievement, but as a tool to help empower others.

Outside of her professional, academic, and community work, Egnolia enjoys singing, experimenting with new recipes, traveling, and experiencing cultures around the world. She resides in Bethel, Connecticut, with her husband, Flamm, and their children, Sarah and Jonathan.