Jamie Valvano
Inspirational Speaker, Advocate, and Cancer Survivor

Jamie Valvano is an ordinary person that has been transformed by extraordinary circumstances. She witnessed the amazing victory when her beloved father, legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, realized his life-long dream of winning the National Championship in 1983. Years later, however, her family was devastated when Jim was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jamie was in the audience during his famous ESPY speech in 1993 when he stated, “We are establishing The V Foundation for Cancer Research. It may not save my life, it may save my children’s lives, it may save someone you love.”

After graduating from North Carolina State University, Jamie worked for The V Foundation for Cancer Research in its formative years and helped to establish the organization that has now awarded over $330 million to cancer facilities

Brittany Kizzee

Proud Houston, Texan, Brittany Kizze, embodies the spirit of “go big or go home.” Fueled by her love for nurturing young minds, Brittany is earning her Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies with a specialization in elementary education. 

Despite facing financial hardships and health challenges during her studies, Brittany remained resilient. She skillfully juggled her responsibilities by running a full-time catering business, “Kizzes’s Kitchen,” to support her family while she chased her aspirations. 

As a stay-at-home mom to three lively children and a supportive husband, Brittany balances her family life with her entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, she established a nonprofit organization called Girls in God and wrote a journal titled 'Power in Your Weakness,' showcasing her commitment to uplifting others.

Meagan S Wright-Burnett

Meagan S. Wright-Burnett resides in Dayton, Tennessee and is proudly earning a Master of Health Administration with Western Governors University. She pursued this degree to grow as a leader in healthcare and to set an example of perseverance and dedication for her family. 

When Meagan began her journey at WGU, she was newly divorced, reentering the workforce after 5.5 years as a stay-at-home mom, and her son had just started kindergarten. Meagan worked full-time during weekend night shifts as a CT and X-ray Technologist at Parkridge Medical Center, dedicating her weekdays to raising her son. 

During her time in the program, she battled her mental and physical health, and still advanced in her career and personal life—remarrying and blending a family. She now works weekend day shifts specializing in MRI at Parkridge East Medical Center and remains committed to delivering safe, compassionate, patient-centered care. 

Outside of work, Meagan enjoys crocheting, playing video games, and spending time with her sister, husband, two sons, and cat.

Brandi Ash

Born and raised in Louisa, Kentucky, Brandi Ash struggled with being an adult learner but never gave up. It took her five different colleges over the course of 10 years to finally discover the university that worked for her. After graduating from WGU with her B.S. Business Administration, Brandi immediately started her M.A. Elementary Education to work toward her dream of having a career in an elementary classroom. 

Brandi credits WGU with helping her find her path and is deeply motivated by her mother and late-father who didn’t have the opportunity to complete their education. Becoming a first-generation college graduate is a goal she proudly shares with them.

Outside of school and work, Brandi enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years and three children. Much of their family time is spent on different ballfields, where her children are active in multiple sports and her husband coaches. Brandi also enjoys volunteering in her community and relaxing with her favorite TV show, The Office.

Clarence Miller

Clarence Miller, who has earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University, draws on his lived experience in the foster care system to advocate for growth through change. He believes that embracing change through self-motivation can empower even the most disadvantaged to find direction, purpose, and success. With a passion for mentorship and technology, Clarence is focused on blending the two to create opportunities that drive equity and transformation. He resides in Louisville, Kentucky where he leads audio/visual systems strategy and implementation for Churchill Downs Incorporated. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, boating, and giving back to the community.

Nicole Rae Kastning

Nicole Kastning currently resides in Appleton, Wisconsin where she works as an Adaptive Music Teacher at the Syble Hopp School, a school for students with special needs. She chose to attend WGU because it afforded her the opportunity to pursue her M.S. in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology while getting married to her husband, Josh, renovating their house, and working in a career she loves. The ability to take classes on her schedule and pace made finally earning her master's degree possible. She is incredibly grateful to the wonderful course instructors she worked with at WGU to help guide her through her educational journey. With her degree in hand, Nicole intends to pursue a career as an instructional designer. In her free time, she enjoys teaching private lessons, leading worship at her church and performing in the community. Nicole and her husband share their home with their daughter and very spoiled dog.

Bridger Silvester

Bridger Silvester lives with his wife Tara, their dog Reggie, and their newborn daughter in Utah. While attending an in-person local university, Bridger struggled to balance school with his busy life. Discovering WGU’s fully virtual program was a game-changer, allowing him to pursue his degree with flexibility. Drawn to the timeless stability of finance, Bridger chose to earn his Bachelor of Science in Finance to pursue a career path that ensures job security for his family. 

Bridger now works at Elite Resource Team, a cutting-edge virtual family office where specialists collaborate across financial, legal, business, and tax strategies to provide seamless client solutions. A Certified Scrum Master, Bridger is also working toward his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. In his free time, he enjoys singing and playing music about Jesus, riding his motorcycle with Tara, and mastering instruments like drums, guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, didgeridoo, and general percussion.