Allison Massari
Resilience TEDx Speaker, Burn Survivor, Entrepreneur, Celebrated Artist

Voted one of the top ten best motivational speakers in North America for the past three consecutive years by Meetings and Conventions Magazine, Allison Massari’s quintessential story of courage and perseverance resonates with audiences long after an event has finished Hailed as “life-changing” “riveting” “authentic” “bold” and “deeply moving” Allison instills the essential tools of self-mastery, and teaches how to quickly access grace and resilience in the face of challenges. Through her unified work as an international keynote speaker, executive coach, and acclaimed visual artist, Allison provides an exceptional blend of business acuity, creative perspective, and genuine care - profoundly affecting audiences worldwide.  

Allison Massari has been recognized with esteemed speaking engagements including a main platform keynote at 2013’s Million Dollar Round Table conference (audience of 8,600 from 75 countries), and a TedX event in Spain. She has been featured on ABC News, NBC, and FOX and stars in the award-winning international documentary, Resolve (2015), hosted by the Head of Special Forces for the US Military in Afghanistan, where she teaches solutions to overcome adversity and PTSD. Her diverse client list includes: GE Healthcare IT, LPL Financial, Eli Lilly and Co., HIMSS/CHIME, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Allscripts, and Siemens Healthcare. In 2011, she was voted “#1 Rising Star” by the National Speakers Association based upon her stunning, authentic, and emotional presentations.

Allison found remarkable success, happiness, and an undeniable “fire’ within after overcoming two horrific car accidents that nearly took her life. In one, she was hit at 60 mph, burned alive, conscious the entire time, and sustained severe burns on over 50% of her body. She spent over 400 days in hospitals, doctors offices, and physical therapy centers, and learned to navigate her way to true healing, eventually creating an extraordinary life beyond anything she had dreamed possible. Amazingly, Allison views her experiences as a tremendous gift, one that gave her tools and understanding to share with 

Edgar Arellano
B.S. Nursing

First-generation Mexican American, Edgar Arellano, worked alongside his family in the orange fields and often served as interpreter during medical appointments for his parents and grandparents. Through those medical experiences, Edgar’s lifelong passion for healthcare and advocacy for underserved communities began.

Over the past 15 years, Edgar has built a career as a registered nurse across hospice, general pediatrics, pediatric intensive care, and vascular access. Along the way, he has also embraced mentorship and education by volunteering as an ESL teacher for adults and guiding underrepresented students who aspire to careers in healthcare. 

“Western Governors University’s allowed me to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing while balancing the demands of full-time practice and service, and I am honored to represent my community and peers as a commencement speaker.”

Elizabeth Clarke
B.A. Educational Studies - Special and Elementary Education

Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Elizabeth Clarke earned her Proficiency in English diploma from Cambridge University at the age of 13. At 15, she began teaching English to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. After graduating from college, she started her career in Elementary Special Education.

Following the 2016 recession in Greece, Elizabeth immigrated to the United States where she was disappointed to learn learned that her teaching license was invalid. In 2023, she returned to school and will be celebrating her degree in Elementary and Special Education in Chicago. She is now in her second year of teaching at Kentwood Public Schools as an ASD Teacher.

Elizabeth is also a proud mother of twin boys, a daughter, a son, and four fur babies.

Skyler Wynne
B.S. Business Management

Skyler Wynne is a proud graduate of Western Governors University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She spent many years working as a business analyst turned project manager, where she discovered her love for problem solving, creating connections, and cheering others on as they realize just how capable they are. Recently, she decided to take the leap and finish her degree—an accomplishment she admits took more coffee, late nights, and stubborn determination than she ever expected.

Her journey is one built on perseverance and resilience. From becoming a teen mom to walking the stage as a college graduate, Skyler knows firsthand what it means to juggle family, work, and school all at once. Through every season of life, she has held onto the belief that persistence (and a good sense of humor) can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future. 

Today, Skyler lives in Aurora, Illinois, with her wonderfully chaotic family of six. When she’s not wrangling her kids, she can be found writing, volunteering, or hunting down a latte from a local coffee shop. She hopes her journey reminds others that even when the path is messy, difficult, or full of detours, it is never too late to rewrite your story—and laugh a little along the way.

Assanatou Sulemana
M.S. Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction

Assanatou Sulemana was born in West Africa and is a first-generation graduate in her family. She is a woman of faith, a wife, mother, and is deeply committed to growth and purpose. Assantou will be celebrating her M.S. in Computer Science – Human-Computer Interaction degree. Earning her degree while balancing the demands of motherhood and life has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of Assantou’s life.

“Looking ahead, I plan to continue my path in psychology and research, with the goal of bridging technology, human behavior, and community well-being. My greatest hope is that my story inspires others, especially women, mothers, and those who may doubt themselves, to believe that they, too, can rise above challenges, embrace their identity, and create futures filled with possibility.” 

Brian Haverkate
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction

Brian Haverkate, from Livonia, Michigan, graduates with a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. He earned his undergraduate degree in Choral Music Education from Florida State University and has spent the past 24 years teaching K–12 music in Florida and Michigan, with a special passion for middle school choir. One of his proudest achievements was directing a high school a cappella group that advanced to the finals of the International Championship of High School A Cappella in New York City—an experience straight out of the Pitch Perfect movies. 

Outside the classroom, Brian sings with TBD A Cappella, a professional group in Metro Detroit, plays beer league hockey, and spends time with his golden retriever, Larkin (named after Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin). He is deeply grateful to his wife, Michelle, and his parents for their unwavering support. Brian looks forward to applying the skills gained through his graduate studies in his teaching. He also offers a heartfelt shout-out to his fellow graduates for their hard work and determination in reaching this milestone. 

Joy L. Bryant
M.S. Human Resource Management

Joy L. Bryant is a proud military spouse and dedicated professional with extensive experience in administration, education, and program management across both government and academic sectors. Currently serving at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, she has supported unit operations, personnel, and financial management with excellence, while also engaging in leadership roles within her community. Joy is a proud graduate of Western Governors University, holding a Master of Human Resource Management degree. Her commitment to service, education, and community reflects her passion for making a lasting impact wherever she serves.

In addition to her professional and academic achievements, Joy is deeply involved in volunteerism and community engagement. She serves as secretary/treasurer for her local union, contributes to her alma mater’s alumni association, and actively participates in praise and worship ministry as well as children’s programs. A gifted vocalist, she has shared her talents in both church and community events, and today she is honored to celebrate this milestone by singing the National Anthem for her graduating class.