Riley Randolph, Grant Manager with Soukup Strategic Solutions, was recently selected to participate in Florida Gulf Coast University’s 2021 Leadership Academy. The program provides leadership training and gives participants a deeper understanding of the fast-growing campus. Randolph was one of only 15 Southwest Florida business professional applicants to be selected for the program. She will graduate from the program this fall.
“FGCU has given me so much and has such a strong hold on my heart,” said Randolph. “The volunteering requirement of graduation lead me to discover my love for nonprofits which has brought me to my current position at Soukup Strategic Solutions. I see this opportunity as a way I can give back by staying involved on campus.”
FGCU’s 2021 Leadership Academy is a six-month program for local business professionals to better their leadership skills and understanding. Deans and alumni representing each university program share industry trends and offer information and other practical tools that program graduates can apply to their own business or profession.
During her time at FGCU, Riley was named Ms. FGCU and was a finalist for the Eagle Scholar Athlete of The Year in 2019. Riley was a player for the FGCU Eagles Softball team and was voted Pitcher and Player of the Year in 2015- 2016. She was also honored with other university and conference sports awards. She sat on the ASUN Conference’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee for two years. Riley’s extensive accolades and involvement with the university led her collegiate softball coach to the easy decision of recommending her application to be accepted.
“Being one of the finest leaders we have ever witnessed in our FGCU Athletics tenure, Riley is certainly a tremendous fit for the Leadership Academy,” said Ken Kavanagh, FGCU Athletic Director. “Her combination of intellect, drive, and compassion blend together to generate an individual to whom her peers gravitate to for both inspiration and direction.”
A few months into the program, Riley is fully grasping the scale of this opportunity. New to a managerial role at Soukup Strategic Solutions, she is learning how successful professionals lead in order to develop her own leadership style. The program has already increased her confidence, furthered her leadership skills, and provided her with useful strategies to combat the struggles businesses have faced during the COVID-19 Pandemic.