Emerging leaders celebrated at the 2025 Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Awards
By Keren Rivas '04, staff
President Connie Book with the 2025 Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Award recipients Morgan Stonebridge ’17, Lauren Brzowski ’19, Dr. Erica Braschi Jordán ’18, Peter Walpole ’15, Yasmine Arrington Brooks ’15, Miles Williams ’15, Vaughn Vreeland ’15, Simone Jackson ’16 and JJ Niemann ’17
Elon University celebrated ten remarkable young alumni whose bold leadership, service and creative impact embody the university’s mission and inspire the next generation.
In a celebration of bold ideas, transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to community, Elon University honored 10 standout alumni at the 2025 Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Awards. Held May 3 in the Snow Family Grand Atrium, the ceremony brought together students, faculty, family and friends to recognize graduates of the past decade who are making a significant difference in the world.
President Connie Ledoux Book praised the honorees for embodying Elon’s mission to prepare graduates for lives of purpose. “You all are actualizing the hope we have for an education to go out into the world to do great things,” she said, calling their stories a reminder of the power of learning, mentorship and human connection. “You’ve inspired us tonight — and we needed it.”
Among the honorees were educators, entrepreneurs, performers, scholars and creatives whose journeys reflect the values that define the Elon experience.
Yasmine Arrington Brooks ’15 – Founder & Executive Director, ScholarCHIPS | Washington, D.C.
Yasmine Arrington Brooks ’15
Yasmine Arrington Brooks is a powerful voice for equity, education and second chances. As the founder of ScholarCHIPS, she has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and mentorship support to college-bound students with incarcerated parents — a mission born of her own lived experience. Her work has earned her national recognition, including being named a CNN Hero, a Soros Justice Fellow and a featured guest on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”
At Elon, Arrington Brooks was a Periclean Scholar, Gospel Choir member, alternative break leader and active student voice for justice and faith. After graduation, she pivoted from a corporate communications career to earn a Master of Divinity from Howard University and an executive certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown.
In her remarks, she emphasized that her journey wasn’t a solo act. “I am not a one-woman show — it takes a village,” she said, crediting Elon professors, mentors and friends who helped her feel at home. She also encouraged others to seek truth, embrace difference, and continue building inclusive community: “The world still needs us — and we still need each other.”
Lauren Brzowski ’19 – Team USA Bobsledder | Park City, Utah
Lauren Brzowski ’19
Lauren Brzowski’s path from collegiate track star to Olympic hopeful in bobsled is anything but conventional — and that’s what makes her story so compelling. After earning a master’s degree in marketing from Loughborough University in the UK, Brzowski was recruited to Team USA Bobsled during the pandemic. Since then, she’s become a national champion and trailblazer in the monobob discipline, with her sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Her athletic journey, marked by resilience, took a dramatic turn after a harrowing crash on the world’s fastest track in Whistler, Canada. But instead of stepping away, she got back in the sled, and won her first gold medal just one week later. “The one thing about being a Phoenix is that you know how to rise from the ashes,” she said.
Brzowski credits Elon with giving her the confidence to embrace challenges, even as a student with a learning difference. “I just knew I wanted to be in a room with people who were better than me,” she said. “That’s what Elon gave me — and that’s what helped me grow.”
Brooke “Alexx” Greenberg ’17 – Singer-Songwriter and Recording Artist | Nashville, Tennessee
Brooke “Alexx” Greenberg ’17 (in absentia)
Brooke Greenberg, known professionally as Brooke Alexx, is turning heads and topping playlists with her distinct sound and deeply personal lyrics. With more than 28 million Spotify streams and hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, Brooke is a rising pop star whose work resonates with millions. Her music — featured on Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu — fuses humor, honesty and vulnerability, tackling everything from family dynamics to Asian American identity.
At Elon, Greenberg studied music production, performed with a cappella group Sweet Signatures and developed her songwriting voice through recitals, studio recordings and mentorship from faculty who helped shape her artistry. She credits Elon with giving her the space to grow as a musician and storyteller. “Songs I wrote on guitar came to life for the first time in a full band setting,” she said.
Though on tour and unable to attend in person, Brooke expressed gratitude for the community that continues to support her, from professors to fellow alumni who remain close collaborators. “I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible network,” she said.
Simone Jackson ’16 – Global Senior Brand Manager, Spotify | New York, New York
Simone Jackson ’16
A sprinter turned strategist, Simone Jackson has carved out a high-impact career in the advertising world, working on campaigns for Nike, Beyoncé, Coca-Cola and more. As global brand manager at Spotify, she leads the platform’s acclaimed Wrapped campaign, helping millions of users celebrate their personal connections to music.
A two-time CAA champion on Elon’s track team, Jackson brought that same grit and drive to the classroom, building lasting mentorships and discovering her passion for brand storytelling. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30, she now mentors the next generation through industry programs that champion inclusion in media and marketing.
“Running track taught me that you have to show up, run your race and support your team,” Jackson said. “That’s how I approach my work today — with integrity, purpose and community.” In her remarks, she honored her parents, fiancé, professors and peers, crediting Elon with helping her “rise above the ashes” when she tore her ACL — a pivotal moment that sparked a deeper pursuit of truth, clarity and meaning.
Dr. Erica Braschi Jordán ’18 – Radiation Oncology Resident, University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida
Dr. Erica Braschi Jordán ’18
From the tennis courts of Elon to the frontlines of cancer treatment, Dr. Erica Braschi Jordán has built a life of impact, compassion and perseverance. A standout student-athlete who founded Elon’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and graduated summa cum laude, Jordán went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Florida and now serves as a radiation oncology resident.
Her work spans clinical care, research and medical mission trips — all anchored in a deep desire to serve others. In her remarks, Jordán reflected on her journey from Puerto Rico to Elon, honoring the coaches, faculty, advisers and family members who encouraged her dream of becoming a physician. “There were people who believed in me even before I did,” she said.
She also spoke of faith as the cornerstone of her purpose, sharing how she found her worth not just in academics or athletics, but in service. “Now I get to work with cancer patients, and while it’s hard work, it’s sacred work,” she said. “I’m just getting started — and I’m bringing Elon with me every step of the way.”
JJ Niemann ’17 – Broadway Actor and Content Creator | New York, New York
JJ Niemann ’17
JJ Niemann is making his mark on the biggest stages in musical theater — from his Broadway debut in “The Book of Mormon” to leading roles in “Back to the Future” and “Hamilton.” But behind the glitz of the spotlight is a performer defined by heart, humor and hustle. At Elon, Niemann honed his craft in the rigorous music theatre program, often assisting faculty and coordinating auditions, earning a reputation for excellence, drive and team spirit.
He’s also built an impressive digital following, using social media to demystify Broadway and empower aspiring performers. With over 1.5 million followers, his voice is redefining how the next generation connects with the arts.
In his remarks, Niemann reflected on how Elon gave him not only a top-tier education but also a sense of belonging. “It was a place that embraced my authentic self when I needed it most,” he said. He also paid tribute to his late father, who proudly opened the award notification on JJ’s behalf and helped plan the family’s return to campus for the celebration. “This place holds so many happy memories for us,” he said. “I’ll never be able to repay him for all the sacrifices he made so I could pursue this dream — but I’ll carry his love with me in every performance.”
Morgan Stonebridge ’17 – Director of Product & Ad Supply Partnerships, NBCUniversal | Stamford, Connecticut
Morgan Stonebridge ’17
Morgan Stonebridge’s Elon story is one of fearless involvement and unwavering ambition. As a student, she served as a captain of the dance team, choreographed for multiple student productions, joined Tri Delta and held leadership roles with the Student Alumni Ambassadors. Her impact was so visible that she attended a Top 10 Under 10 ceremony as a student hoping to connect with alumni. A decade later, she took the stage as an honoree.
Stonebridge began her career at BuzzFeed, rising quickly to director of advertising operations before transitioning to NBCUniversal, where she now leads product strategy for ad supply partnerships. In addition to her corporate role, she teaches competitive dance, fosters animals (including 13 dogs and a corn snake named Phoenix), and serves as president of the Stamford Alumni Chapter.
In her remarks, she emphasized how Elon nurtured her belief that leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about showing up with character, passion and care. “Elon doesn’t just educate students — it invests in people,” she said. “Your Elon experience doesn’t end after graduation. It just evolves.”
Vaughn Vreeland ’15 – Supervising Producer and Senior Video Journalist, New York Times Cooking | New York, New York
Vaughn Vreeland ’15
From giving campus tours as a first-year student to producing videos for one of the world’s most renowned newsrooms, Vaughn Vreeland has used storytelling as a way to connect people through food, culture and joy. After discovering his passion for broadcasting at Elon — including his work with eTalk and the Office of University Communications — Vreeland launched his media career at BuzzFeed’s Tasty before joining New York Times Cooking, where he now serves as a supervising producer.
Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for media in 2023, Vreeland’s path included teaching in Thailand, studying abroad in France and falling in love with the power of food to build relationships. “Whether I didn’t think I deserved Elon or not, showing off this beautiful campus gave me a new sense of self-worth,” he said. “I realized I wasn’t just trying to convince others — I was trying to convince myself. And in that process, I fell in love with this place all over again.”
He closed his remarks with heartfelt thanks to his family, partner, friends and the Elon mentors who believed in him. “Elon taught me to never take the connections we make here for granted,” he said. “They’ve taken me farther than I ever imagined.”
Peter Walpole ’15 –Digital Strategist and Adjunct Professor, City College of New York | New York, New York
Peter Walpole ’15
Peter Walpole has always been a creative force with a sharp wit and a deep belief in education as a pathway to opportunity. As a student, he combined rigorous research with pop culture flair, once titling his study of late-night comedy “TV Smarty in Khakis.” After graduating, he built a decade-long career in public relations while maintaining a close connection to Elon, mentoring students, supporting fellow alumni and staying active in the New York alumni chapter.
Now a communications strategist and educator, Walpole credits Elon for giving him the confidence to pursue bold ideas and unconventional paths. In his speech, he reflected on the faculty, friends and mentors who championed his growth — from the professor who encouraged his undergraduate research to the staff who hired him (and later fired and re-hired him) at The Oak House. “Ten years later, I still want to be part of this community,” he said. “That says something about Elon — and about what it means to belong.”
Miles Williams ’15 – Elementary School Principal, Bricolage Academy | New Orleans, Louisiana
Miles Williams ’15
A former Elon football captain turned school principal, Miles Williams is now shaping lives as the only Black male elementary school principal in New Orleans. At Bricolage Academy, he leads with heart, equity and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential — values he attributes to his human service studies degree and his Elon mentors.
Williams earned his master’s in social work from the University of Chicago, graduating with highest honors and delivering the student commencement speech. Since returning to Louisiana, he’s launched student programs, led academic growth and founded a youth intramural league in partnership with the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s also a leading mental health advocate through his widely followed “Mental Health Mondays” social media series.
In his deeply personal remarks, Williams reflected on the relationships that continue to sustain him. “If relationships were currency, I’d be a billionaire,” he said, acknowledging the many family members, friends and Elon faculty who helped him become the educator and leader he is today. “Elon taught me that love, growth and joy aren’t just words — they’re how we show up for others.”
