Strongsville Resident Named to Miami of Ohio Young Alumnus List

STRONGSVILLE, OH - The Miami University Alumni Association (MUAA) recently named Kara Isabella of Strongsville to its 2016 "18 Of the Last 9" class, which highlights 18 young alumni from Miami University's past nine graduating classes.

The annual program is based on the popular "30 under 30" model, and recognizes 18 Miami alumni who have graduated in the past nine years. This year's inductees were selected from more than 100 nominees, with accomplishments in fields ranging from medicine and geography to business innovation and foreign affairs.

Isabella, a 2012 Miami graduate with bachelor's degrees in graphic design and history of art and architecture, is a New York City-based designer who works with the NYC Department of Small Business Services as a Neighborhood 360 Fellow. Isabella recently graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a master's in design for social innovation. Isabella created Backyard Lots for her thesis, a program that transforms vacant lots into safe and convenient recreational outlets for the youth of Slavic Village in Cleveland. She has also worked in the marketing departments for Ann Taylor and American Greetings, as well as for UNICEF.

"It's a pleasure to honor these exceptional young alumni and the contributions they are making in the world," said Ray Mock, executive director of the Miami University Alumni Association. "We are excited and eager to see them return to campus and for them to have the opportunity to inspire future generations of Miami graduates."

Photo from Miami of Ohio

Row 1 (L to R) Katie Henry, Sena Quist, Taylor Robinson, Emily Hennell, Alyssa Hopun. Row 2: Shelby Wegryn, Marni Goldberg, Kristen Stoehr, Tom Whalen. Row 3: Kara Isabella, Mia DeNardi, Nikki Martinkovic. Row 4: Matt Dopkiss, Bill Pendergast.