Graduate student invited as honoree at Forbes’ Under 30 Summit
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August 28, 2014 : By Alex Kocman/ Liberty University News Service
Liberty University current graduate student Tori Utley (’12) will be honored by Forbes as one of 1,000 rising “game changers” at its first-ever Under 30 Summit slated for Oct. 19-22 in Philadelphia.
Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list highlights ambitious young professionals from 15 different fields who show promise in their vocations. The list has introduced the formerly unknown founders of Spotify, Instagram, and Tumblr, along with a number of well-known actors, musicians, and business heavyweights.
Utley, 21, of Rochester, Minnesota, currently studies online in Liberty University’s M.B.A. program while working with the globally renowned Mayo Clinic. She completed her B.S. in Psychology at Liberty in 2012 at age 19.
“I cannot be more honored to represent my companies, Liberty University, and Christ,” she said.
At the Mayo Clinic, Utley manages stewardship reports and other recognition activities for benefactors whose donations exceed $1 million.
Utley has also worked with Mission21 and MLT Group. At Mission21, which fights to end child sex trafficking, Utley helped create and market an iPhone app to help users monitor their mood patterns. She is on pace to complete her M.B.A. in Project Management in December. She also maintains her passion to help individuals as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Minnesota.
“My experience at Liberty University has been instrumental in driving my career at Mayo Clinic and the other companies I work for,” Utley said. “My professors at Liberty University have pushed me out of my comfort zone with assignments and have gotten me well-accustomed to asking questions, learning to research, and learning how to think critically.”
Forbes hopes that by gathering these top minds into one room this fall, they will have a chance to “change the world,” said Forbes writer Randall Lane.
“With the top young entrepreneurs, doers and game changers in every major field coming together to figure out how to advance their companies, causes — and themselves — further and faster, that’s not as lofty as it sounds.”
Utley believes the gathering will also have eternal significance.
“I hope to make partnerships and friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said. “I believe the Lord brings people together for specific purposes, and I fully understand this is a God-ordained opportunity. My story will attest to my high regard for Liberty University, and most importantly, my passion for Christ and my commitment to loving, serving, and helping people in any way I can.”
Once she completes her graduate degree, Utley hopes to expand her reach into the areas of technology and public policy, continuing her work with the Mayo Clinic. She also hopes to further pursue project management to help fight against human trafficking through her involvement with Mission21.
“I have always felt confident in my education. An education at Liberty University has equipped me with a strong academic background and the urge to be a lifelong learner,” Utley said.