Isabella Nkemeh

Student Speaker, December 2024

Isabella Nkemeh, from Chicago, is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics. She will give the student address at the 3 p.m. ceremony.

During her time at UK, Nkemeh has worked as a student event coordinator for Office of University Events, served as an officer for LeadHer Women Executives and is currently working as a brand consultant for Bandido Taqueria restaurant in Lexington.

Facing academic struggles, a chronic health condition and the pressures of breaking family traditions, Nkemeh says she chose to “bet on herself.” By switching majors, studying abroad in South Korea and finding a new path, she encourages her fellow graduates to embrace uncertainty, persevere and stay “hungry for hope.”

“My time at UK has given me incredible opportunities, including networking opportunities, studying abroad and exploring parts of the country I’d never visited before,” she said. “I’m excited to see where life takes me next and what new opportunities and destinations lie ahead.”

Commencement is especially meaningful for Nkemeh, who, like so many of the 2024 UK graduates, did not get to have a high school graduation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My hope is that [my fellow graduates] feel inspired to take everything they’ve learned at UK and confidently forge their own paths.”

After graduating, Nkemeh plans to enter the workforce and continue to travel.