Commencement Weekend in New York

Divine Oshideko

Divine Oshideko is an Enterprise Product Delivery Coach, Transformation Leader, and host of Trybe Talk, a leadership and transformation platform focused on connecting good ideas with good people to drive meaningful impact. With extensive experience leading agile transformations and coaching teams across industries, he has contributed to major initiatives and policy development within multiple Fortune 100 organizations. Divine is passionate about fostering environments where innovation thrives and individuals feel empowered to grow.

Originally from Nigeria, Divine’s journey to the United States is rooted in resilience, courage, and continuous growth. After navigating work environments that lacked psychological safety, he chose to redefine his path through learning, leadership, and purpose. Recently, he earned his Master of Science in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University, a milestone that marks a full-circle moment in his personal and professional transformation. Through Trybe Talk and his work, Divine inspires others to lead with compassion, create safe and empowering spaces, and use their journey as a platform to uplift those around them.

Regina Myers

Regina Myers is a nurse with nearly 16 years of experience serving her community. She began her nursing career after earning an associate’s degree in nursing at age 33 and later returned to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. 

She plans to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner, building on her experience in patient care and her commitment to improving lives of those in need.

Regina is an alumnus of the Silver Foxes, where she serves as corresponding secretary. A mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she hopes to leave a lasting impact on her family and community through her work and service.

Monica Vargas

Monica Vargas is a first-generation graduate earning a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. She serves as a sixth-grade math teacher at Jenks Middle School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where she has taught for six years.

Monica pursued leadership after experiencing both the impact of supportive administrators and the challenges of disconnect within educational systems. She is committed to bridging gaps between students, teachers and leadership, and to addressing policies that create barriers to success.

During her undergraduate studies, Monica experienced the loss of her mother and faced her own battle with cancer. She remained committed to her education, drawing on those experiences to shape her approach to teaching and leadership.

After graduation, Monica plans to pursue a leadership role within her district and will continue serving the Pawtucket community. She is focused on supporting students and contributing to a more equitable and connected education system.

Shawnette Jones

Shawnette Jones is a dynamic leader with more than a decade of experience in operations and management. She serves as the Social Media Governance and Compliance Lead at Vanguard, where she navigates complex regulatory environments. She also serves as the National Operations Officer for Sigma Chi Psi Sorority, Inc., overseeing the organization's operational framework and advancing its mission of sisterhood.

An entrepreneur, Shawnette is the founder and CEO of Stay Fabulous Consulting, where she advises small businesses on strategy and alignment, and leads Stay Fab Travel, a venture focused on curated luxury travel experiences. She is also the founder of Under Her Brim, a platform that supports survivors of domestic violence and fosters dialogue around women’s issues. In addition, she serves on the boards of two organizations, supporting local and community initiatives.

Shawnette earned a Bachelor of Science in business management from Western Governors University. A Pennsylvania resident, she is a proud mother and grandmother who enjoys travel, golf, and Philadelphia sports, Go Birds! She believes leadership and lifelong learning go hand in hand and is committed to empowering others at every stage of life. 

Catherine Gilman

Catherine Gilman serves as Branch Director and Trainer for the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County, where she supports youth development by helping children build essential life and social-emotional skills and mentoring staff. She is committed to empowering young people and developing future leaders in youth development. 

Catherine earned a master's degree in educational technology and instructional design from Western Governors University and also holds a bachelor's degree from the university. She studied vocal performance at Pacific Lutheran University, where her lifelong passion for music began.

 She is honored to perform the national anthem at this year's commencement ceremony and thanks her family for their unwavering love and support, especially her husband, whose encouragement made this achievement possible.

Haniyah Bey

Haniyah Bey is a multidisciplinary artist from New Jersey with a focus on music, visual art, fashion, dance, and songwriting. She is also the owner of Arabella Adornments, where she designs and handcrafts crochet pieces.

Haniyah served as alumni trustee representative on her alma mater’s board of trustees and was recognized as one of the “Class of 2025 30 Under 40 Black Leaders of South Jersey” by Front Runner New Jersey. She is pursuing a career in video game design and is committed to creating better representation for minorities, including Muslim women.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in IT management from Western Governors University, graduating on an accelerated timeline after completing high school at 15 and community college at 18. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat, Twyla.