Mentorship that builds futures

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When Mong Vo ’26 first stepped onto the University of Georgia campus as a freshman, she was filled with curiosity and just a little uncertainty. With no immediate family members working in the corporate world, she wondered how to navigate the journey toward her dream career. Should she pursue research opportunities? Should she join a student organization? What were the steps she could take to get her where she wanted to go?

That’s when she discovered the UGA Mentor Program, which is designed to connect students with alumni and professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement and real-world perspective. Mong hoped it would help her understand the corporate world and give her direction. What she didn’t know then was that it would also lead her to a mentor who would change the trajectory of her career.

A mentor’s motivation to give back

Hayden Scarbrough (BSEE ’18), a proud UGA alumnus and lifelong Georgia Bulldogs fan, had already been involved with the UGA Mentor Program for several years when he met Mong. For him, mentoring was about more than just giving advice — it was about giving back to the university community that shaped him.

“I saw how mentoring was such an instrumental part of corporate culture,” Hayden explained. “I wanted to make sure I had my Dawgs’ backs as they transitioned into their careers.”

Hayden has been able to provide guidance and mentorship to Bulldog students through the UGA Mentor Program.

Opportunity awaits

Hayden helped Mong sort through the choices ahead — research versus corporate work and the many paths within computer science — offering perspective and encouragement.

With his guidance, Mong landed an internship at AT&T, one of UGA’s top 25 employers for 2024, which was a major milestone in her professional journey. During her internship, Hayden continued to mentor her, offering advice as she delivered presentations to executives, collaborated with teams, and navigated the corporate environment.

By the end of the program, Mong had earned a coveted full-time job offer with AT&T, giving her the security of knowing she would graduate with a career already in place.

“I’m so grateful,” Mong said. “The job market, especially for computer science degrees, has been really competitive. Having that offer gave me peace of mind for my last year of school.”

Mong, Hayden and team present their project with AT&T during Mong’s internship.

Lessons in networking

Beyond the internship and job offer, Mong says the most important lesson she learned from Hayden was the value of networking.

“Networking is the job,” Hayden told her. At first, Mong thought of networking as something useful but secondary. Through Hayden’s guidance, she came to understand that building relationships was central to success — not just for landing a job, but for finding opportunities within a company and connecting with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

During her internship, Mong put that advice into practice, meeting colleagues across teams and even helping connect fellow interns to opportunities. “I love that feeling of being able to help other people through my network,” she said.

Hayden echoed the importance of networking, noting that it has been the most impactful advice he has received in his own career.

“Networking is what allows you to climb the ladder others have built for you,” he explained.

“Mong went from not knowing what she wanted to do to owning it,” Hayden said proudly of his mentee. “She took charge, excelled in her internship, and earned a full-time position. That’s not easy to do.”

“Once you find that one mentor you really click with, it can change the trajectory of your academic and career journey,” Mong said of her mentor.

Their story is a testament to how the UGA Mentor Program provides guidance, confidence and connections to students. For alumni, it offers the chance to give back and witness firsthand the impact of investing time in future Bulldogs.

Hayden encourages other alumni to get involved, reminding them that mentorship doesn’t require an executive title or hours of weekly commitment. “There’s always time to give back,” he said. “Any stage of your career can be beneficial for students. All perspectives are welcome.”

As Mong prepares to graduate with a full-time job secured, and Hayden continues to mentor future Bulldogs, their journey shows that mentorship is more than advice — it’s a bridge to opportunity, growth and lasting success.

Join the UGA Mentor Program today to make an impact on the next generation of Bulldog leaders and attend the Spring Career & Internship Fair to find the next step in your professional journey.

 

Join the UGA Mentor Program 

 

Attend the Spring Career & Internship Fair

 

The (holiday) magic of mentorship

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Regan Holroyd (BBA ’99) has carved a career path for herself. As chief operating officer of The Lumistella Company, she has helped grow a beloved global brand while staying deeply involved with the University of Georgia community that helped shape her journey.  

What started out as a simple online job application in 2012, turned into a career-defining opportunity whose mission hit close to home — literally.  

Regan’s daughter had an Elf on the Shelf, and that personal connection sparked her interest in the company behind the magic. That spark turned into a dream job and more than a decade later, Regan is helping lead the very company that created this well-known brand that brings joy to millions of families around the world.  

The Lumistella Company is a family-owned business committed to elevating holiday celebrations and enriching family moments. Their portfolio of brands, collectively known as the Santaverse, includes the iconic Elf on the Shelf. Their reach spans 25 different countries across five continents. 

As COO, Regan oversees the company’s administrative operations. As a member of the Executive Board, she has oversight for people operations, finance and accounting, philanthropy, facilities (the physical office footprint infrastructure) and administrative services — essentially, all of the internal operations that help run the business beyond the creative, sales and supply chain functions. 

Although she credits many people for helping her to grow during her career, her current manager, who hired her back in 2012 and is now the company’s president and chief legal officer, has been the biggest mentor and champion for her throughout the years. 

“Over the years, I’ve had numerous mentors, and they come in different forms,” Regan said. “Having that resource makes a huge difference, so I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to explore this.” 

That desire to give back led her to joining the UGA Mentor Program, where she wanted to invest in someone, just as others had done for her. 

Regan matched with Kay Kergosien ’27, a Leonard Leadership Scholar studying finance and business management, during Kay’s first semester at UGA. Their bond has only continued to grow since then. 

Regan Holroyd and Kay Kergosien pose together at The Lumistella Company office.

“I value her authenticity, honestly, and especially her positivity,” Kay said. “I think that it was cool to see just how excited someone was to pour into me.” 

But the mentorship isn’t just a one-way street. Regan finds herself just as inspired by Kay. 

“She’s very inquisitive,” Regan said. “And we’ll talk about what’s going on in my world, which is super interesting because it actually has the opposite effect, where, in many ways, she’s also developing me as a human.”  

“I think that’s why we continue to talk,” she continues. “Because we just left it like, ‘Hey, I’m here for you. Anytime you reach out, I will hop on with you, whatever you need.’” 

Kay recently visited Regan at The Lumistella Company and had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the corporate world as she looks ahead to a long-term career in corporate philanthropy and social responsibility.  

“The culture that I experienced at The Lumistella Company is something that, once you’re exposed to and you know that it exists in the corporate world, it’s definitely something that I’m not going to be able to let go of as I look for a job in the future,” Kay said. 

Not only was it the company culture that interested Kay, but it was the way that Regan carried herself and led her team. 

“I would hope to be the type of leader she is,” Kay said. “I mean, you can tell how she empowers the people around her. You can tell how much respect people have for her, her personal relationship skills, but also her ability to get the job done.” 

For Regan, part of that strong leadership comes from her love for her team. 

“I feel so fortunate to work with this amazing group of people,” Regan said. “I feel like the team is just so incredibly smart and entrepreneurial that they elevate me and inspire me to continue on my own journey of growth.” 

Her advice to current Bulldog students and future alumni entering the workforce: “Enjoy the journey and let the path take you where it takes you.” 

Regan’s story is proof that a UGA degree is just the beginning. Her commitment to mentorship and leadership ensures that the next generation of Bulldogs is in good hands.  

One connection can spark a lifelong impact. Whether you’re looking to guide a student or grow with a mentor by your side, the UGA Mentor Program is where meaningful mentorships begin. 

Become a Mentor Today

Regan Holroyd and Kay Kergosien pose with Elf on the Shelf toy at The Lumistella Company office.

Phaedra Parks’ legacy as a UGA School of Law alum

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Parks’ willingness to work hard, push the envelope and be uncomfortable propelled her to where she is today. 

Phaedra Parks (JD ’98) comes from a proud, four-generation Bulldog family — her grandmother, both of her parents, herself, and her family’s fourth generation, who graduated just a few years ago. Growing up in Athens, her parents were deeply connected to the University of Georgia community, exposing her to everything from National Pan-Hellenic Council step shows to football games. This connection to UGA played a significant role in shaping her decision to attend the UGA School of Law.  

“The relationship between my family and Georgia is one of lifelong learners. Being four generations deep has made us love the university and gave us a connection to academic excellence,” said Parks. “It’s part of our heritage at this point, and we want to keep the tradition going, because we love Georgia and it’s in our blood.” 

Phaedra Parks and her sons at Stanford Stadium.

Phaedra Parks and her sons at Stanford Stadium.

In 1995, Phaedra began her studies at the School of Law. As a first-generation law student, Parks worked hard to navigate her new environment and built strong, lasting relationships during her time in law school. 

“It was an experience that groomed me for greatness,” said Parks. “Sometimes, being groomed for greatness comes with difficulties and moments of discomfort. However, if you can play the long game, success will follow.” 

She recalls the support of Gregory Roseboro (AB ’84, JD ’87), former assistant dean and current adjunct professor at the UGA School of Law. His guidance made her journey possible and provided valuable insight she might not have received as a first-generation attorney. Most recently, Phaedra has provided support for law students and initiatives in honor of Roseboro’s impact. 

Photo of Phaedra parks and Gregory Roseboro, former assistant dean and current adjunct professor at the UGA School of Law.

Photo of Phaedra Parks and Gregory Roseboro, former assistant dean and current adjunct professor at the UGA School of Law.

She also remembers having direct access to Justice Robert Benham (JD ’70), former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, whose mentorship was a unique opportunity that may not have been available at another law school. 

“As an alum, if anyone calls me and makes it known to me that they are a UGA graduate, I will take the call,” said Parks. “That’s the beauty of coming out of Georgia — the relationships you build. Being able to say you are a graduate opens door and create undeniable bonds.” 

Phaedra is passionate about giving back and staying connected to UGA. As the immediate past president of UGA’s Law School Alumni Association, she has dedicated nearly 18 years of service and is currently the longest serving member on the Law School Alumni Council. 

During her presidency, Phaedra worked to address challenges that resonated with her personally. She established the Safe Place Scholarship to address student homelessness and housing disparities. Additionally, she created the Phaedra C. Parks Scholarship to provide financial support to law students in need. The inaugural Phaedra C. Parks Scholarship recipient, Amber Greenaway (JD ’20), is now an adjunct professor of law at UGA. 

“When you are trying to learn, the last thing you need to be concerned about is affording your education,” said Parks. “You can be a brilliant student, but if you have the added pressure of not being able to afford to be there then you can’t be laser-focused on learning, which may lead you to not being as successful as your colleagues who don’t have that distraction.” 

Photo of Phaedra Parks and Justice Robert Benham, former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Photo of Phaedra Parks and Justice Robert Benham, former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Phaedra has built an impressive career and is known as a multifaceted personality. In 2000, she founded The Parks Group, an Atlanta-based law firm specializing in intellectual property and entertainment law, where she currently serves as the managing partner. Over the years, she has represented high-profile clients and gained widespread recognition through her appearances on major platforms, including Fox News, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and most recently, season 33 of Dancing with the Stars. Parks is also the author of the bestselling Secrets of the Southern Belle: How to Be Nice, Work Hard, Look Pretty, Have Fun, and Never Have an Off Moment. 

Despite her success, Phaedra remains deeply committed to paying it forward and supporting the next generation. She continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of current students by giving to scholarship funds, providing mentorship and hosting annual events. Her journey shows that success is about more than personal achievement — it’s about making a difference and giving back.

Start your legacy

John and Suzanne Lastinger give UGA students their daily bread

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By: Charles McNair

Each trip they make from their home in Valdosta to the University of Georgia campus, John Lastinger (BA ’84) and his wife, Suzanne, see hundreds of students. Some of those promising young people have hot meals thanks to the Lastingers. In 2024, the couple worked with UGA to establish the John and Suzanne Lastinger Family Scholarship Fund to subsidize meal plans for students. 

“The idea was to fund a scholarship that gives three square meals a day to Bulldogs in need,” John said. “Suzanne and I are simple folks from south Georgia, and that plan really resonated with us. We felt like we could make a difference.”   

Showing their love

The Lastingers’ scholarship is a material expression of their abiding love for UGA, a bond long in the making. 

John Lastinger makes a play against Texas in 1980.

John led the Dawgs to a major upset against the Texas Longhorns in the 1980 Cotton Bowl game.

In the early 1980s, John started at quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs under Coach Vince Dooley. He led the team to a Southeastern Conference championship in 1982 and an appearance in the 1983 Sugar Bowl against Penn State. Famously, John also scored the winning touchdown against a heavily favored Texas Longhorns team in the 1984 Cotton Bowl, one of the biggest upsets in Bulldog history.  

John and Suzanne’s daughter, Lindsay Sterry, carried on the family tradition, earning her BA in 2015 in Exercise & Sports Science. All that Bulldog love was in the room when the Lastingers met in 2024 with representatives from UGA. 

“We sat down and reviewed an impressive list of ways we could give back to Georgia,” John said. “It was almost like a menu – academic scholarships and post-graduate scholarships and so much more.” 

The Lastingers had been donors to the Terry College of Business, UGA sports programs, and the Redcoat Marching Band. Now, though, they saw a long-term opportunity to help that deeply spoke to them. John has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Valdosta for three decades. A goal of that organization is outreach to feed Valdostans in need. John’s sensitivity to hunger issues, along with his and Suzanne’s whole-hearted love for UGA, led to the new scholarship in their names. 

 “It’s just hard for me to imagine life without Athens and UGA,” John said. “It’s way more than just the football – it’s the university, the people I’ve met, the continuing relationships from college. 

“Suzanne and I consider that our giving helps students who will someday love UGA just as much as we do. That feels like the right thing to do.” 

A UGA career path

John and Suzanne grew up in Valdosta, where both their families go back generations. They met at a friend’s wedding party in 1986 and married in 1989. Soon, they were parents to Lindsay and Jake, their son. Suzanne majored in interior design at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., graduating in 1989 … “but I feel like I went to UGA, I’ve spent so much time there with John,” she laughed. 

John, Suzanne and their family cheer for the Dawgs.

John, Suzanne and their family cheer for the Dawgs.

John left football behind after graduation. (“Too many knee surgeries,” he explained.) In December 1984, he started at WGXA TV as a sportscaster in Macon. 

“I got a 2 p.m.-to-midnight reporting shift,” he said. “My Macon friends worked 8 to 5, so I never saw them. I knew pretty quickly I did not want to do this with my life.” 

 After a few unsettled years, John met a man on the golf course – he loves golf, and boasts a handicap of 6 – who worked with Robinson-Humphrey, a southeast regional brokerage firm. That round turned into a job in 1992 … and a career.  

Start giving back early

John has now worked 34 years as a financial advisor. Today, he is with Stifel, a St. Louis-based financial services giant with 135 years of service and 400-plus offices in the United States. The stability and UGA network connections have given John and Suzanne the means, and the perspective, to support the school they love. 

“My advice for anyone who loves UGA,” John said, “is to start giving early. Even when you think you can’t, you can start the process.” 

 He continues, “I know so many people like me who have the deepest love for UGA – and it’s for the people and what the school stands for, not just the buildings or the football stadium.  

 “If you feel that same way, you don’t have to wait. There’s a way to contribute, even if you feel you aren’t yet in perfect financial position. You’ll look back one day and say, Gosh, I could have given more along the way.” 

Support UGA Students

Good days ahead — alumni couple supports UGA’s future

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By: Halleigh Woods 

While many view college as the best time of their lives, the Beachams believe the good days are far from over. For Matt (BBA ’09, MACC ’11) and Adrianne (BBA ’10, MACC ’11) Beacham, the University of Georgia and the Terry College of Business have always been more than just a school. The college has served as a launchpad for their careers, a strong network of support, a lasting community and the place where they began building their life together.  

The couple credits Terry with not only laying the foundation for their relationship and careers but also inspiring them to stay engaged and give back. Today, they regularly speak to classes, mentor students and seek out opportunities to hire fellow Bulldogs. Matt has served as chair of the Terry Young Alumni Board, and Adrianne makes an annual visit to Professor Tina Carpenter’s Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination class, where she presents a “Top Ten” list of career lessons alongside her company’s president. 

“It is understandable to think you need to be further along in your career before you start giving back, but there are so many ways to stay engaged,” Matt says. “There are so many meaningful opportunities for young alumni to stay connected and make an impact. Whether that’s through giving financially, mentoring, speaking to students or getting involved with a local alumni chapter.”  

Matt and Adrianne attend the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta.

Matt and Adrianne attend the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta.

The couple agrees that one of the simplest ways young alumni can start contributing is through recurring giving, like the Ten for Terry campaign “It is such an easy way to make a meaningful impact,” Adrianne says. “Ten dollars a month might not seem like much, but when we all participate, it adds up to real support for students and programs.” 

That spirit of collective impact reflects the Beachams’ broader passion for creating pathways for future students. “Donor dollars help build buildings, fund scholarships and provide access to programs that Terry otherwise could not offer,” Matt shares. “We want students to have even better opportunities than we had.” 

Adrianne experienced the power of those opportunities and the UGA alumni network firsthand when she landed an internship at Coca-Cola Enterprises following her undergraduate graduation. There, she met the CFO, Bill Douglas, who encouraged her to pursue a career in public accounting, going so far as to connect her with EY, where she spent the next five years.  

Matt also shared that every career opportunity he has pursued has included a UGA connection in some way. He began his career in public accounting as well, working at Frazier and Deeter in Atlanta, subsequently exploring entrepreneurial ventures in retail, accounting and the beverage industry. 

Eventually, both Matt and Adrianne were ready for a change, and the Classic City called them home again. 

Matt and Adrianne Beacham attend the UMass vs. UGA game in November 2024.

Matt and Adrianne Beacham attend the UMass vs. UGA game in November 2024.

“We were at the G-Day game when we ran into some of our former professors,” Adrianne recalls. “Margaret Christ and Tina Carpenter told me about a job opening at Stadion Money Management, where I’ve had the opportunity to work in various roles over the last nine years. Once again, that opportunity came directly through our alumni network.” 

Today, Matt is focused on growing his new beverage venture as co-founder of GoodDays Classic Cocktails, a ready-to-drink canned cocktail brand made with real spirits and fruit juice.  

Since getting the business started in early 2023, he’s been hands-on in every part of the business, from formula creation to distribution, and continues to lean on mentors like Bill Douglas, a connection they trace back to Adrianne’s Coca-Cola Enterprises internship. 

After benefiting from UGA’s strong network throughout every stage of their careers, giving back to the university that helped launch it all felt like a natural next step. Today, the Beachams are focused on paying it forward, giving back with their time, talent and treasure, helping current students tap into the same support and connections that shaped their own journeys. 

Matt’s advice to fellow alumni, whether just starting out or well established in your career: “Get involved, build relationships and grow your network, because you never know what resources or connections might be helpful as you progress in life.” 

The Beachams are proof that the UGA experience does not end at graduation. From Athens to Atlanta and back again, they are making good days happen for themselves and others, one Bulldog connection at a time. 

Begin your giving journey with UGA

Alumna mentor guides students to shared success

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An interview with Intel CTO Greg Lavender (BS ’83)

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This story was originally published on the Franklin College website on Nov. 20, 2024.

While on campus in November, UGA School of Computing students had the opportunity to network with distinguished alumnus Greg Lavender (BS ’83). Lavender’s Dr. Jeffrey W. Smith Undergraduate Scholarship recipient Hannah Le conducted a one-on-one interview with Lavender.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time at the University of Georgia?
A: Oh, that’s a good question! I actually never went to a single football game while I was at UGA. I was always in the computer labs — very geeky, you know? My favorite memory would be a pretty funny one. I had this huge final exam in a computer science class, and it was during the winter semester. It was freezing cold, and I was studying late, wrapped up in my electric blanket, just sleeping away.

Then my phone rang — this buzzing sound that annoyed me, so I ignored it at first. Finally, I woke up and answered it. It was one of my friends calling to ask if I was going to make it to the exam. I looked at my watch, and it was already 8:15 a.m.! The exam had started at 8:00, and I had overslept by three hours! I panicked, threw some water on my face, got dressed, and rushed to campus. I couldn’t find a parking spot, so I parked in the faculty lot and ran into the exam room. I told the proctor I had a flat tire — he believed me — and then I took the exam. I finished in 35 minutes, scored a perfect 100, and passed the course. It was a moment of pure panic followed by relief. I still look back at it as one of my favorite memories because it was such an intense experience, and I never overslept for an exam again!

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
A: I think I’m most proud of my time as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. I supervised a lot of students over the years, and many of them have gone on to do amazing things in the tech industry. Some of them are now making more money than I ever will! But the real pride comes from seeing them succeed. I always say that while I’m proud of my own accomplishments, I’m even prouder of the accomplishments of my students.

Q: What advice would you give to current students?
A: My advice is simple: Don’t be afraid to take risks, but make sure they are calculated risks. A lot of people play it safe, but if you’re passionate about something, you have to commit to it fully — even if that means sacrificing other things for a while. Focus on becoming an expert in one area that truly excites you. In computer science, you get the chance to dive deep into certain technologies or fields. Who knows, maybe that focus will put you at the forefront of the next big thing. Just don’t waste time on easy problems — take on the hard ones. Those are the ones that push you to grow.

Q: You mentioned taking a big risk in your career. Can you elaborate?
A: Sure! One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a well-paying job to go back to school for my Ph.D. I had a great career going, and I was well-established, but I felt like I needed more advanced knowledge. I wanted to be the person who didn’t have to say much, but when I did speak, it was something important. People with Ph.D.s were the ones being respected in academic and professional circles, so I decided to go back to school. It wasn’t easy — I had three years of work experience under my belt, but I finished my master’s in just a year and then my Ph.D. after that. And I haven’t looked back since.

Q: You’ve been in the tech industry for a long time. How did you end up in Silicon Valley?
A: I never really planned it, but it happened. After I finished my Ph.D., I ended up in Silicon Valley because I sold the company I had started. That move felt like going to the “new Rome” — the center of innovation at the time, just like ancient Rome was for culture and knowledge. Silicon Valley was (and still is) a place where you have a front-row seat to the cutting edge of technology, and I wanted to be part of that. It was a wealth of opportunity, and being there opened doors I never imagined.

Q: You’re clearly passionate about technology and innovation. How do you keep yourself grounded and manage stress?
A: I’ve always been someone who needs an outlet to clear my head. Back when I was at UGA, I’d go hiking or just walk by the river. I wasn’t into football or the typical college stuff — I was always in the labs. But getting out in nature helped me reset and focus. Now, I travel a lot for work, and I still try to do the same thing. Whether I’m in Tokyo or Singapore, I take time to explore the local culture and clear my mind. It’s important to step away from work and recharge.

I get to meet interesting people from around the world. Plus, it helps me think creatively by experiencing new perspectives.

Q: You’ve lived in many places around the world. What’s your favorite travel destination?
A: Athens, Greece, holds a special place in my heart. I’m on the board of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, and for the past 30 years, I’ve been combining my love for technology and archaeology. I bring tech tools like drones and 3D mapping to archaeological sites to help preserve them. Greece is an amazing place to visit — great food, history, and culture. I’ve traveled to many Greek islands and explored places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Delos. I’m actually planning a trip next year to Turkey and Greece for an ancient history tour that includes stops in Troy and Ephesus.

Q: You mentioned that you were born in Panama and lived in Germany as a child. How has this international upbringing influenced your career?
A: I grew up in a military family, which meant I had the chance to live in different parts of the world. I was born in Panama, and we lived in West Germany for five years, so I was exposed to different cultures from a young age. That international experience has shaped how I view the world. It’s one of the reasons I love meeting new people from different countries and cultures. It gives you a broader perspective on life and work. Plus, I speak Spanish and German, which has helped me build connections globally.

Q: What’s the next big project you’re working on?
A: Right now, I’m managing a lot of the AI and generative AI work at Intel. We’re developing new chips and systems, and we’re also working on factory automation. I oversee a large team — around 15,000 people — so my time is spent managing research labs, where we have 700 people working on everything from semiconductor physics to software, AI, and graphics. I’m excited about the potential of generative AI, so I’m closely involved in shaping how we apply that technology to new areas.

Q: You’ve had a successful career in both academia and industry. What advice do you have for students aspiring to enter the tech field?
A: My advice is simple: stay curious and never stop learning. The tech industry evolves so quickly, and you need to be willing to take on new challenges and learn new things all the time. And remember, no matter how far you go in your career, always give back. Whether it’s mentoring students or helping others in the industry, the value of sharing knowledge and giving back to the community is immeasurable.

Q: You’ve stayed connected to the University of Georgia. Why did you create the Dr. Jeffrey W. Smith Undergraduate Scholarship?
A: Dr. Smith was my favorite professor at UGA. He inspired me a lot during my time there. He’s now retired, but I wanted to honor him by creating a scholarship in his name. It was a way to give back and show appreciation for the impact he had on my life. The funny thing is, I didn’t even realize how much of an impact I had on his life until I reconnected with his daughter years later. It was a full-circle moment, and I’m proud that I could do something to honor his legacy.

Q: What keeps you excited about your work today?
A: I’m still excited by the opportunity to solve difficult problems and push the boundaries of technology. Whether it’s working on AI, leading large teams, or creating new systems, I love being at the forefront of innovation. I’m also passionate about applying technology in areas like archaeology, which is one of my hobbies. I’ve been programming for fun — whether it’s automating my home or working on cool tech projects — and I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.

Bridal designer strengthens UGA historic clothing collection

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Cassandra Cannon: The Pajama Game

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This story, written by Heather Skyler, was originally published on UGA Today on May 23, 2024.

When Cassandra Cannon was a new mother, she and her friend, Anne Read Lattimore, decided to start a pajama company.

Both women were spending a lot of time at home with their babies, and they wanted something to wear that was more comfortable but also a little nicer looking than the oversized T-shirts and boxer shorts they often wore around the house.

“All of the pajamas we saw were either the traditional, button down, boxy menswear style or lingerie inspired. We wanted something more comfortable and put together,” says Cannon (BS ’08).

Inspiration hit one day when the two women noticed their infants’ clothes were incredibly soft. “We saw that our babies wore mostly Pima cotton, and we realized it is the softest thing ever and we should make pajamas out of this for adults,” says Cannon.

Two years later, after extensive research, Lake Pajamas launched in 2014. The founders’ idea was to make very soft pajamas with a classic American style and a nautical look. Today, the company is thriving, with its headquarters in Savannah and storefronts in Atlanta and Charleston, South Carolina.

Born and raised in Savannah, Cannon attended the University of Georgia where she majored in biology and psychology, with a tentative plan to go to medical school.

But then she had second thoughts.

Back in Savannah she tried a few other options: an anesthesia assistant graduate program and a year of art classes at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Then she did clerical work for her parents’ industrial contracting business.

In her mid-20s, she decided to apply for medical school and was accepted at Mercer University.

At the same time, she began talking to Anne Read about starting a business. Being a new parent made her realize med school wasn’t the best option now. So, she took a leap of faith in her entrepreneurial skills and started a business with Lattimore.

“We had a product, and we knew our audience, and we were making it for them.” — Cassandra Cannon (BS ’08), co-founder of Lake Pajamas

In the beginning, Cannon and Lattimore didn’t really know how to make clothing. “It’s crazy looking back how we made it all happen. We searched online for suppliers, drawing the designs on paper. We were scrappy that way,” says Cannon.

Cannon provides the creative vision for Lake Pajamas, and Lattimore handles the business side, though during the first four years they each did a little bit of everything, working together from home with their kids running around them. Now they have an office in Savannah with close to 70 employees.

One key to the company’s success is being savvy on social media. “Instagram was fairly new when we started, and it allowed us to connect to an audience inexpensively,” Cannon says. Lake Pajamas has worked with a few influencers, and the company’s pajamas have been seen on celebrities including Jennifer Garner and Jenna Bush Hager.

Lake Pajamas has expanded its clothing line to include dresses, pajamas, men’s robes, and clothes for kids. Cannon, who is married to UGA alumnus Pierce Cannon (BSFCS ’06), now has four kids under 10, and she said they wear the pajamas as do some of their friends.

Cannon says filling a specific niche was also a big part of the company’s success. “We had a product, and we knew our audience, and we were making it for them. It grew organically by word of mouth in a way we didn’t expect.”

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